This week, Eye on Travel broadcasts from the Natchez Grand Hotel in Natchez, Mississippi. Peter will have global updates on the latest travel news, including reports on some countries suddenly opening to travel — and others suddenly closing. Joining Peter is Simon Calder, Senior Travel Editor for The Independent, who talks about what NOT to give this Christmas. And some victories in animal rights around the world, and how that affects travelers — with a report from Jason Baker, Senior Vice President of International Campaigns at PETA — and what is no longer happening at the pyramids in Egypt. We’ll learn some of the untold history of this city on the banks of the Mississippi. And then the Mayor of Natchez, Dan Gibson, stops by with his own irresistible offer — the city’s remote worker incentive being offered to folks who want to move to Natchez. There’s all this and more as Eye on Travel broadcasts from the Natchez Grand Hotel in Natchez, Mississippi.
Tune in to PeterGreenberg.com from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. ET for the latest Eye on Travel on Saturday, December 5, 2020
Have a travel question? Then ask Peter. E-mail him at peter@petergreenberg.com, or tweet your questions to @petersgreenberg (include #AskPeter).
Simon Calder, Senior Travel Editor for The Independent, opens the program by discussing travel gift vouchers (Simon says don’t do it). Plus, he’ll discuss the cost of airfare going through the roof. And what happens if a company goes under and it has your money? Simon then gives travelers hope for the future and reveals his favorite budget airline – it may surprise you. Finally, he talks about the future of premium economy and what he has discovered behind-the-scenes of the kitchens at hotels and cruises.
Dan Gibson, Mayor of Natchez, is not only the newly elected mayor but also a newer resident of Natchez itself. He talks about what brought him there and the uniqueness of the city’s people. He speaks about immersing himself in the local community, why visitors fall in love with it and how Natchez stands with people leaving and then coming back home. Mayor Gibson speaks about the extended mask mandate, the new businesses opening up and the remote worker incentive being offered to bring people back into the Deep South and the challenges it is facing.
Jason Baker, Senior Vice President of International Campaigns at PETA Asia, speaks about the investigation of the behind-the-scenes treatment of camels and horses in Giza, Egypt. He also speaks about implementing solutions that would still benefit the tourism industry. When you make locations more tourist-friendly, you develop more jobs and this is the positive change that is being strived for that would help animals. Then, Jason and Peter discuss “animal sanctuaries” as well as the significance of the tourist dollar around the world because voting with our wallets is crucial. Jason shares a story of how he followed former Vice President Al Gore around the country in a rabbit costume to convince him to not test on four million animals. Additionally, he dives into the dark reality behind roadside zoos and offers information on being an educated traveler and consumer in a world where everything appears green-washed.
Tate Taylor, Filmmaker, Producer, Writer & Founder of Crooked Letter Pictures, speaks about the architectural uniqueness of the town’s preservation. It’s a big backlot, or “movie camp.” He discusses filming in Natchez and making it look like Paris and Vietnam. You read that right! Tate also speaks about creating horror movies in Mississippi and giving back to the local communities with movie industry dollars as well as what’s next on his list of projects.
Maria Bowser, President of the Natchez Historic Society, explains what surprises people the most about this little, liberal corner of Mississippi. She chats about preservation, maintaining the architectural style of the city and keeping history alive. She says that the society tells historically correct and historically important stories about Natchez. Then, she takes us to her favorite local spots and hangouts, and there’s always a party.
Mimi Miller, Executive Director at the Historic Natchez Foundation, discusses the cultural shock of moving from the East Coast to Natchez in former President Richard Nixon’s election era of the 1970s and what caused her to fall in love with the town. She argues that Natchez has a great tolerance for eccentricities. Mimi then shares an unknown story of a local suffragette and the most surprising history behind the preservation of the town. It’s due in great part to the women of the city.
Jan Griffey, General Manager at the Natchez Democrat, joins the program to represent the more than 150-year-old publication that mirrors and informs the community of Southern Mississippi. She discusses the opening initiative that was put together by the town after the pandemic began that has got the town back into business safely. She says that there was a hot air balloon festival where everyone was social-distancing and wore masks. Although some people politicize masks, Natchez remains a responsible place, where you’ll see people wearing masks all around town. Then, Jan shares her local favorites for lunch.
Ashley Allen Sr., Executive Chef at Church Hill Variety, formerly the chef at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, explains why he decided to make the change and why he chose Natchez. He compares the sourcing between the island and the Natchez region and shares the differences in seafood. Chef Allen talks about authentic Southern flavor and how he’s incorporating some Caribbean and other international flavors into the local cuisine.
