InterContinental ICons aims to discover what makes some of our most-visited cities unique and why they continue to inspire visitors and residents. Responding to research demonstrating that the most popular sights in global cities are not always representative of the cities’ unique spirit, we invite you to take part in a global conversation debating what makes a city truly iconic. #intercontinentalicons
WORLDLY brings together the photojournalism of National Geographic and the international know-how and cultural wisdom of InterContinental in a series for experienced travelers who want to step outside their walls and explore iconic expressions of cultural identity.
Discover Mexico City
Go beyond the surface of this endlessly fascinating capital
Experience London
Venture off the well-trod path to unearth the unexpected
Look Deeper in New York
Expand your view of the Big Apple in surprising spaces
WHAT MAKES A CITY TRULY ICONIC?
Through an independent study, carried out in Dubai, Mexico City, London, New York, Paris, Shanghai and Sydney, we revealed that travellers often feel that they only scratch the surface of a city, with more than 70% feeling obliged to only see the most popular tourist sites, despite 80% expressing the desire to experience more of what the city has to offer and exploring like a well-informed local.
Social media analysis reveals that the Eiffel Tower in Paris is the most over-exposed tourist site in the world, representing 10% of all posts worldwide, with Buckingham Palace the most-tagged site in London (21%) and Central Park the most-tagged in New York City (20%).
We want to ensure our guests, and all worldly travellers, are able to discover the true essence of a destination. We invite you to take part in a global conversation debating what makes a city truly iconic. What do you see as the most symbolic sights, sounds, tastes, smells and feelings in these cities? The findings will inform the top five InterContinental ICons in Dubai, Mexico City, London, New York, Paris, Shanghai and Sydney, to enable travellers to create a more authentic itinerary on future visits.
NEW YORK
The salty air hitting your face while riding the Hudson River ferry or the sharp breeze on your face as a subway car passes? What makes New York, New York?
DUBAI
Is it the smell of burning bukhoor incense wafting through a Ramadan tent? The echo of the evening call to prayer at Jumeirah Mosque as the sun sets on the horizon? Or Emirati spices down the Spice Souk in Deira? What makes Dubai truly iconic?
LONDON
Why do we love London so? Is it freshly baked sourdough from an artisan baker in East London, or the call of a market trader on Portobello Road, out west?
MEET THE PANEL
These worldly and influential individuals are searching for what makes the cities they love truly iconic. Join the conversation #intercontinentalicons
Sarah Harris
Deputy Editor and Fashion Features Director, British Vogue
Brandon Bryant
New York-based Creative Director of Wall Street Paper and Venture Partner of Harlem Capital Partners
Dina Broadhurst
Sydney-based mixed media artist
Isaac Jero
Mexico City-based photographer
Haifa Beseisso
Dubai-based Palestinian-American TV presenter and activist
Jacob Santiago
New York-based photographer
William Tresidder
Sydney-based director, buyer and marketer
Manu Espinosa
Mexico City-based content creator, travel blogger and marathoner
Dean West
New York-based photographer
