Dear Tauck Family of Friends,
I value “things” that are timeless, whether they are beliefs that shape how we approach life or everyday elements we don’t think about very often. A “view” is one of those elements that can be timeless. Growing up, my family had a cottage that faced directly west across Canandaigua Lake in the Finger Lakes. This orientation brought truly special sunsets almost every night. They never fail to stir us, even to this day. The view was the same hundreds of years ago and will be the same well into the future.
I thought of how timeless a view may be when in Rome recently with my family. Our Tauck Hotel, the Splendide, sits atop a hill and its public spaces were well designed to afford beautiful views across Rome. The above photo was our view with the dome of St Peter’s Basilica in the back left. This view has been savored by residents and visitors for hundreds of years. Covid did not change this view. And Covid did not change the timeless treasures and charms of Rome. The same energy was present, with groups of people smiling and laughing. Couples holding hands. Restaurants and city squares abuzz with conversation. Museums and art galleries filled with people, curious to learn. It was a wonderful mix of history and the present day.
Our world is resuming normal life and travel at a quickening pace, where we discover those charms, and feel the timeless elements of life all around us. They do truly stimulate our sense of sound, sight, taste and more. This is why travel is so valued by us all. We become energized by these experiences. We learn. We develop a thirst for greater knowledge. We laugh and bond with those we travel with, recognizing that the memories we build together are more valuable than any material possessions.
Tauck restarted in scale last August, and operated in 36 countries by year-end. This experience prepared us well for the breadth and depth of our planned operations this Spring. Already, year-to-date, we have had the pleasure of guiding more guests around our beautiful world than we carried all of last year. The reception from our local partners and friends globally has been heart-warming. They are so genuinely thankful and excited to be welcoming our guests back. We all feel their extra special care. And I’m pleased to share that guest satisfaction levels are in line with 2019, and May was better than April and June is better than May. There remains staffing challenges in spots, but…
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