PADZZLE by Anna Domingo

  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 Because while Lloret de Mar remains anchored to an outdated concept , it misses opportunities for more sustainable and profitable models.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...

A few days ago, I was mesmerized by vintage pictures of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) featured in an article by Los Angeles Magazine . The article, written by Jean-Christophe Dick, LAX Airport Historian and President of the Flight Path Museum, showcased the architectural visions proposed in the mid-1950s. These historical renderings evoked a sense of nostalgia and admiration for the foresightedness of the architects who viewed airports as not just transit points but as spaces that could offer memorable experiences beyond travel. This took me back to a pivotal moment in my life as a young traveler at the age of 19.  I found myself stranded at Madrid's airport, waiting for six hours with absolutely nothing to do. It was 1990, and I remember feeling frustrated by the lack of amenities or entertainment options. It struck me then that airports had the potential to be so much more than just places you hurriedly pass through. Fast forward to today, and the landscape of airports ...

My latest article on the power of placemaking has landed a spot in this month's edition of  Retail & Leisure International . 📖 In today's landscape, creating meaningful spaces isn't just about aesthetics; it's about striking a harmonious balance between ROI and nurturing community engagement. I've dived into how businesses and developers can achieve this blend and why it's a crucial consideration for sustainable growth and enriched collective experiences. Join the conversation: What's your experience integrating placemaking into your business strategy? Have you witnessed the transformation it brings? I’d love to hear your insights.

  🌆 Embrace the Power of Placemaking and Roundabouts 🚗 As urban development continues to shape the future of our cities, two concepts stand out: placemaking and roundabouts. Let's explore how these elements contribute to vibrant communities and efficient traffic management. 🏙️ Placemaking: Creating Spaces that Thrive Placemaking goes beyond constructing buildings; it's about creating spaces that foster community, connection, and well-being. By integrating public art, green spaces, and pedestrian-friendly design, placemaking enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. It's a powerful tool for shaping the identity and character of our cities. 🚦 Roundabouts: Efficiency and Safety in Motion Roundabouts are not just traffic circles; they are modern, efficient solutions for managing traffic flow. Compared to traditional intersections, roundabouts reduce congestion, minimize travel delays, and enhance safety by eliminating head-on and high-speed side-impact ...

Luxury Hotel Technology Trends We are thrilled to announce our participation as speakers at the upcoming conference on luxury hotel technology trends. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of technology and its impact on the luxury hotel experience. Allow us to introduce ourselves: Dr. Lisa Cain and I will be sharing our insights and expertise on this exciting topic.

Fue un honor poder participar en el  #ShoppingCentersMetaSummit2023    en Guatemala el mes pasado. Esta primera edición de altísimo nivel en ponencias y organización es seguro la primera de muchas más ediciones en el futuro. Desde #Padzzle aportamos nuestro granito de arena para hablar de lo que sabemos: #PLACEMAKING y en este caso focalizado a #retailexperiences. El  panel moderado por Jorge Lizan, CEO de  Retail Lizan Advisors y con las invitadas , Kelly Kroger, CEO de C&A en México y Anna Domingo de PADZZLE conversó sobre nuevos conceptos, innovación y #placemaking. Deseamos regresar con propuestas de #placemaking y valor para #Guatemala.

Really interesting article from our founder interviewing Ken Shannon, Vp of Architecture, Design & Construction at Playa Hotels & Resorts. @Padzzle we would like to hear more about design, rethinking spaces and dynamics for a better #placemaking options. Reach out to our team at the following link if you are interested to contribute.

As a board member of ILHA USA is an honor to participate as speaker at #Inspireconference2022 #ILHA  This conference is an opportunity to change knowledge, innovation and expand your point of view.

Music, from all forms of arts is for most of us the most important. Music allows us traveling to sensations, emotions, and feelings.    Today, I can select one of my multiple curated playlists and determine what mood or sense of being I’d like to feel.   Last June flying back home listening to music, I selected a playlist which helped me to focus and concentration. I wanted to be relaxed and focus to write after spending 24h in Nashville.   Nashville, what a great destination! I love the city vibe and its genuine authenticity. No wonder it is branded as Nashville music city.     June 2021 and the airport was busy with domestic leisure tourism. However, I observed some business travelers as myself.   Nashville achieved pre-pandemic  16.1M  visitors with $179 average daily spend and 91% rate return.   2021 offered a favorable recovery for Nashville vs other destinations, perhaps for its rooted domestic traveler.   Nashville orchestrat...

  Full magazine here

I am honored to be featured alongside such incredible female leaders. Thank you  #womenleaders Un gran honor estar nominada conjuntamente con este grupo de mujeres increíbles listadas en la primera edición de mujeres españolas en el exterior. Muchas gracias!  #mujeresycia   #liderazgofemenino

 Many years ago, I traveled to Jamaica and enjoyed a wonderful, amazing experience with friends.   It hit me in an extremely sensorial way and the only material memory I brought home was a scented candle. Every time I smelled the candle, I traveled to Jamaica.    Each destination has its own sounds, smells, taste, temperature and landscape.    Tourism capitalizes on images, taste, recently aromas, but never sounds. It is striking to me think on all of our senses without sound. NYC for example has its very defined sounds , so does London and every destination I visited.    Recently, I read an  article  on T+L about how lawmakers in France passed a regulation  to protect the "sensory heritage" of the French countryside, including its sounds and smells. Most, the protection was needed from “urban weekend transplants” complaining on rural noises.    I agree with the French authorities protecting their sounds. Bien Sur!!! ...

Nothing will be the same. Nothing. Nada. I believe our current times, July 2020, are the scariest for the attraction and themed entertainment industry ever faced globally.  Personally, I describe the entertainment and attractions industry as “ticketed experiences” -- a phraseology I started using 15 years ago.  The promise: buy a ticket in exchange for an experience that will reward you with (potentially a lifetime of) memories of happiness and joy. What a pleasure (joy) to market and communicate this proposition during my professional lifetime to millions of visitors from all over the world at attractions all over the world! However, prior to COVID-19, the marketing proposition for the attractions and themed entertainment industry was attempting to evolve as the industry was in real-time adapting to a significantly more demanding customer -- a proposition many destinations were trying to fulfill in different ways. Prior to COVID-19: ·  ...