Dear Team Paradise and Valued Partners,
As the final days of 2024 draw near, I’ve found myself reflecting on the incredible path we’ve walked together this year. In the spirit of my Norwegian roots, I’m reminded of the beauty of “Koselig” and “Hygge,” two words that I grew up hearing all too often and ones that are also my latest tattoos. That sense of warmth, comfort, and being present in the moment. A perspective that encourages us to connect with nature, spend time with others, create warmth on many levels, and to focus on the present and being present. It’s this mindset that has helped me appreciate the meaningful progress we’ve made together during such a challenging year.
A Year of Milestones and Moments
We’ve achieved so much worth celebrating this year. From launching new initiatives and forming impactful partnerships to exceeding client goals and strengthening our role as a “Partner for Good,” every step forward has been a testament to our shared determination and heart. Our enduring relationships with our team members and partners exemplify what’s possible when persistence, collaboration, and shared values come together.
But it wasn’t just the wins that defined 2024—it was how we faced the challenges. Shifting market conditions, natural disasters, and evolving client needs challenged us, and we rose to meet every moment by leaning into our principles. Much like the calm found in a cozy cabin during a winter storm, we stayed grounded, steady, and focused on what matters most.
Rooted in Purpose, Guided by Stewardship
At Paradise, being a “Partner for Good” isn’t just a nice idea—it’s our guiding principle. This year, we’ve deepened our impact by evolving our commitment to supporting female, black, Hispanic, veteran, or minority-owned small businesses as we dine, travel, and source third-party goods and services and quantifying our volunteer efforts in the community. In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we operationalized a remote command center, delivered over 900 pro-bono hours in September and October alone for our partners, and provided over $1,500 in gift cards for families in impacted communities. These efforts have not only driven business success but have also contributed to a greater positive impact within our team, industry, and beyond.
Hope and Optimism
No matter whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanza, or simply winter solstice, we celebrate the end of a year and the beginning of another with eternal hope and optimism. Recent studies in our industry support this idea that, aside from hope, we all search for community and collective experience. To that end, Skyscanner’s 2025 Travel Trends report reveals that “the search for community is reshaping travel behavior,” with 2025 expected to become the year of “truly shared travel experiences, highlighting the power of collective exploration and discovery.” Some of my best travel advisers are the young people in my life. I love getting travel tips from my nephew (22) and niece (19), seeing our world through their eyes and trying (ad nauseum) to understand their device-dependent and cash-aversion habits. I remain awe-inspired and mesmerized by the next wave of Generation Alpha.
Onward to 2025
As we look toward 2025, our path ahead is clear and full of promise. Our focus remains on delivering innovation, strengthening partnerships, and prioritizing well-being. We’re committed to nurturing a work environment where balance and wellness are as important as results. We’re also excited to grow our agency collaborations with Destinations International and Destinations International Foundation and build new alliances with best-in-class martech and data providers. In 2025, we’ll continue to champion innovation, open communication, and unwavering support for one another and the communities we all serve.
A Heartfelt Thanks
None of this would be possible without each of you—our incredible team and our valued partners. Your passion, perseverance, and belief in our shared purpose are what fuel our momentum. Your ideas spark progress, and your contributions shape our future. For that, I am deeply grateful.
As we enter the holiday season, I’ll remind each of you to embrace a spirit of “Koselig” and “Hygge”—find joy in the little things, slow down, and truly be present. You’ve earned it. Take time to rest, recharge, and cherish the moments that bring you peace and warmth.
Here’s to a 2025 filled with even more light and love. Together, we’ll keep spreading kindness and making the world a better place.
With heartfelt gratitude and warmest wishes for the new year,
Barbara
Angel Tree: Supporting Impacted Families in WNC and Tampa Bay
This holiday season, we’re supporting families who remain impacted in Western North Carolina and Tampa Bay. When you visit our Amazon Angel Tree Gift Registry and purchase a gift card, your generosity will help provide food and holiday gifts to families in Western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton and families staying at the Ronald McDonald House of Tampa Bay. In addition, Tony and I will personally match up to $1,000.00 for all gift cards purchased through December 31, 2024. All gift cards purchased will be sent to Paradise and then packaged and shipped with additional cards and goodies to the vetted organizations representing the impacted families in Western North Carolina and at the Ronald McDonald House Tampa Bay.
