PADZZLE by Anna Domingo

  Wrapping Up 2024 with Gratitude and Excitement for the Year Ahead As the holiday season draws near and we prepare to step into 2025, we want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journeys we’ve had this year. At PADZZLE 2024 has been nothing short of extraordinary, and it's all thanks to you—our trusted clients. This year, we had the privilege of working on remarkable projects across the globe. From the bustling energy of New York City to the serene landscapes of The Caribbean , the innovative pulse of Los Angeles , the timeless allure of Egypt , and the dynamic future of Riyadh , each project has been a testament to collaboration, innovation, and vision. Here’s what made 2024 truly special: Innovation in Design – We’ve tackled ambitious projects that redefined placemaking with cutting-edge ideas and forward-thinking approaches. New Visions for Placemaking and Entertainment – Together, we’ve created spaces and experiences that inspire joy, community, and connection. ...

  Just recently, I spent a few days in Lloret de Mar—a beautiful Mediterranean destination my family has frequented for decades. Every visit brings a duality of emotions. I return refreshed, basking in the crystal-clear waters and enjoying new spots like the stunning Castell cocktail bar. But I leave upset, frustrated by the town’s stubborn adherence to an obsolete tourism model. Lloret de Mar continues to cling to mass tourism, and it’s a model that no longer makes sense. The numbers back this up. Lloret de Mar offers around 30,000 rooms , a staggering figure for such a small city. To put this into perspective, Barcelona has about 39,000 rooms , and New York, a global behemoth, has around 123,000 rooms, minus 16,000 used for non-hospitality purposes like immigration housing. Why does this matter? Because while Lloret de Mar remains anchored to an outdated concept , it misses opportunities for more sustainable and profitable models. The pre-pandemic tourism data shows little to n...