Latest News
United Kingdom:
24.03.2025 Bedfordshire, England – New Universal Theme Park
A new Universal theme park near Bedford – the first in Europe – was announced to much fanfare. Expected to open in 2031, construction is to begin at the 476-acre (1.9-sq-km) site, where attractions are likely to feature James Bond, Paddington and The Lord of the Rings. The proposed plans include an entertainment resort complex with a world-class theme park with several themed lands featuring immersive storytelling, thrilling rides, innovative attractions and exciting entertainment. Initial resort plans also feature a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex.
France:
15.04.2025 Disneyland Paris – €2 billion investment
The 1,010-room Disney Sequoia Lodge at Disneyland Paris is to be revamped next year as part of a €2 billion transformation of the European theme park. As part of the €2 billion investment plan, the park is to be reinvented with a fresh creative vision. At the end of its expansion journey – which includes the opening of Adventure Way, Adventure Bay, and World of Frozen in 2026, and later an immersive world themed to The Lion King – Disneyland Paris will Have reimagined more than 90% of the park’s offerings since its debut in 2002 and roughly doubled its footprint to truly become a can’t-miss experience.
United Arab Emirates:
24.03.2025 Abu Dhabi – 10,000 Drone Light Show
Abu Dhabi is set to launch a pioneering initiative that will integrate cutting-edge drone technology into large-scale immersive storytelling. Synchronised drone performances will create artistic narratives across multiple iconic locations, weaving together the emirate’s rich heritage and dynamic future. It will introduce the world’s most advanced fleet of 10,000 light-show drones, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the region, harnessing innovative technologies, finding new and immersive ways to share their vision and culture with the world. These visual spectacles reinforce Abu Dhabi’s leading position in entertainment innovation, delivering experiential and memorable moments for all.
Sweden:
01.03.2025 Stockholm Archipelago Accolade
The Stockholm Archipelago has been featured in TIME Magazine’s prestigious list of the “Greatest Places of 2025”. This recognition highlights the exceptional appeal of Sweden’s island paradise, known for its pristine nature, sustainable tourism offerings, and cultural richness.
Finland and Sweden:
11.02.2025 New rail connection between Finland and Sweden
A direct train connection between Finland and Sweden could become a reality by late 2025. Following the successful electrification of the Laurila–Tornio–Haparanda railway line, only the implementation of passenger traffic remains. The goal is to establish a continuous rail connection from Helsinki to Stockholm and further into Europe.
Norway:
11.02.2025 Trondheim – PoMo Trondheim’s new hub for contemporary art
Trondheim is welcoming a new art museum, PoMo, which will showcase modern and contemporary art in a beautifully restored historic building. On February 15, 2025, the museum will open its doors to art lovers and curious visitors alike, promising an inspiring experience on an international level.
Sweden:
11.02.2025 European Capitals of Culture for 2029
Kiruna, located in Swedish Lapland, is designated as one of the European Capitals of Culture for 2029. This accolade highlights the city’s rich cultural tapestry, stunning Arctic landscapes, and innovative spirit.
Situated above the Arctic Circle, Kiruna offers a blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage. The city’s ongoing transformation, including the relocation of its centre due to mining activities, adds a fascinating dimension to its story. Kiruna’s programme will explore resilience, creativity, and the interplay of indigenous and modern influences.
England & Wales:
20.11.2024 London – A New Belmond Train in the United Kingdom
Introducing the Britannic Explorer, a modern tribute to Britain’s touring heritage combining the charm of rail travel with contemporary British culture. Enjoy luxurious indulgent Suites with private facilities, fine dining by renowned chef Simon Rogan, and the unique Observation Car and Bar. Offering a distinctly British journey with curated on and off board experiences, including exclusive estate visits, scenic countryside, wild swimming, yoga, private art tours, and seasonal dining. This beautifully designed train invites travellers to rediscover the UK in true style. 3 and 6 night trips available.
England:
20.10.2024 Woodstock – Blenheim Palace unveils exclusive experiences for 2025
- A series of once-in-a-lifetime views and visitor experiences will be available for a limited time due to the launch of a most ambitious restoration project.
- Roof Top View – an all-new ticketed viewing platform experience
- Life Below Stairs – explore the hidden world of Blenheim Palace’s servants in 1890s in the historically significant original palace kitchens
- Family Treasures – exclusive tour of the private apartments provides insight into the lives of the dukes, duchesses, and guests who have passed through these halls.
Sweden:
10.10.2024 Kiruna – A magical destination in Northern Sweden
Elite Hotels of Sweden proudly announces the upcoming opening of its newest hotel, Elite Hotel Frost, set to open in the spring of 2025 in the centre of Kiruna. The hotel will pay tribute to the city’s cultural heritage and the stunning natural landscapes surrounding it. Guests will have the chance to enjoy a unique and unforgettable stay in an environment where luxury and comfort are seamlessly intertwined with the majestic nature of the area.
England:
10.07.2024 London – Buckingham Palace Season opens
From tomorrow, Buckingham Palace will open to visitors for the summer. Your group can visit the State Rooms, the Royal Mews and The King’s Gallery, all in one day. After visiting the Palace you may add-on the guided tour of the gardens, including the beautiful Herbaceous Border, the huge Waterloo Vase and the Rose Garden. Open until 29 September 2024
Norway:
10.07.2024 BA new route to Tromso
British Airways will begin its first ever service from London Heathrow to Tromsø, Norway, from December 01 2024, becoming the airline’s most northerly destination globally, famous for being one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. BA said “We’ve optimised the schedule for three and four night trips, which we know are perfect for a destination like this. Flights will run twice a week until March 27, 2025.
Kazakhstan:
09.07.2024 IHG Hotels & Resorts
The group has unveiled plans to introduce its inaugural Vignette Collection hotel in Almaty, Kazakhstan. This new addition, comprising 95 luxurious rooms, marks IHG’s second upscale venture in the region, complementing the existing InterContinental Almaty. A grand opening is expected in the first half of 2027. The Vignette Collection by IHG Hotels & Resorts curates exceptional hotels that offer unique experiences in memorable destinations. With 12 properties currently operational worldwide and an additional 23 planned, the brand emphasizes individuality and a commitment to sustainable travel.
Denmark:
09.07.2024 Copenhagen Green Initiative for Tourists
To get tourists to act more sustainably, Wonderful Copenhagen is launching a new initiative called CopenPay – transforming green actions into currency for cultural experiences. It is Copenhagen’s ambition to inspire visitors to make conscious green choices to bridge the gap between a desire to act sustainably and actual behaviour. CopenPay will reward actions such as cycling, participating in clean-up efforts, or volunteering at urban farms with access to a variety of enriching experiences and everyday wonders of Copenhagen. This includes complimentary guided museum tours, free kayak rentals, and even a free vegetarian lunch made from local crops.
Cyprus:
09.07.2024 Visa Free travel for US Visitors
Cyprus is in talks with an unnamed American airline to establish visa-free travel and direct flights between the US and the Mediterranean island nation. This move comes amidst Cyprus‘ efforts for its citizens visiting the United States. The discussions were revealed by Cypriot President Nicos Christodoulides at the Annual General Meeting of the Cyprus Hotels Association (PASYXE).
Denmark & Sweden:
13.05.2024 New train between Copenhagen and Stockholm
The Swedish company Snälltåget is offering a direct train connection between Copenhagen and Stockholm this summer. From next year, Go Volta will connect the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark with long-distance trains.
Denmark:
18.04.2024 New hotel in Central Copenhagen
New hotel Fairfield by Marriott Copenhagen Nordhavn will act as a blueprint for the Fairfield by Marriott design across Europe. OCCA Design Studio collaborated with Scandinavian-based Mette Fredskild Design and Henning Larsen Architects to amplify the design locally and fully capture the essence of Danish “hygge” for travellers seeking comfort and balance while visiting the city. The design of the hotel’s public spaces and 222 guestrooms, 20 of which offer sea views, draws upon a soothing palette of natural colours and materials, including green tones and wood, alongside a mix of soft organic and simple geometric forms to create a calming atmosphere for guests. Guestrooms feature comfortable beds, a shower, complimentary Wi-Fi and mobile desk spaces to suit both business and leisure travellers.
Scandinavia:
18.04.2024 Travel times cut between Central Europe and Scandinavia
Soon Denmark and Germany will be connected by the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel, an 18 kilometre underwater tunnel, the longest combined rail and road tunnel in the world when it is completed in 2029. A €10 billion project, the tunnel crosses the Baltic Sea at a point known as the Fehmarn Belt, it will connect Rødbyhavn on the Danish island of Lolland and Puttgarden in northern Germany. Exciting news for travellers and rail enthusiasts!
Ireland:
18.04.2024 European Capital of Smart Tourism 2024
Dublin (Ireland) has proudly secured the title of the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2024. The European Capital of Smart Tourism recognises outstanding achievements by European cities as tourism destinations in four categories; sustainability, accessibility, digitalisation as well as cultural heritage and creativity. Beating 30 candidates who submitted their proposals to a European Jury, five other cities were shortlisted; Cork (Ireland), Bremerhaven (Germany), Genoa (Italy), Helsingborg (Sweden), and San Sebastián (Spain).
Europe:
27.11.23 European Capitals of Culture
The following will be showcasing their cities in 2024:
Norway – Bodo, known for its breath-taking natural landscape. The city serves as an important transport hub in northern Norway and as an entrance to the Lofoten Islands. The cultural programme starts on 3 February 2024 and includes over 200 events, including music, dance, theatre, art, gastronomy, literature and outdoor activities.
Estonia – Tartu is home to the University of Tartuensis, one of the oldest in Northern Europe, and a cultural centre with theatres, museums and galleries. All planned events and happenings are built around these four central themes: Earth, Humanity, Europe and Universe.
Austria – Bad Ischl hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year. Whether jazz, operetta, poetry, boogie & blues or Irish-Celtic folk – Bad Ischl is a centre for cultural events of all kinds. Local customs are also not neglected and are celebrated several times a year in an incomparable way.
Italy:
01.11.23 Venice: New Hotels
A new 144 room hotel in the Dorsoduro opens its doors, ideal for groups, a contemporary building with impressive glass façade alongside ancient canals and bridges, close to great restaurants, art galleries, the Gallerie dell’Accademia and Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
The new 43 room (including 13 Suites) Nolinski Venezia by EVOK, will be housed in Venice’s former stock exchange, a historic building close to stores such as Dolce & Gabbana, Saint Laurent, and Giorgio Armani. The hotel, just a 5 minute walk from Piazza san Marco, offers a Spa, Cocktail Bar and Restaurant.
The 32 room canal-front boutique hotel Violino D’Oro, considered one of the best new luxury hotels to open in 2023, is housed in a painstakingly restored palazzo not far from the Nolinski Venezia. You’ll find exquisite design – the signature Venetian seminato floors are handmade by a local artisanal family, and the hotel’s vegetarian-friendly restaurant, Il Piccolo, features “enchanted Richard Ginori ceramics and soft Rubelli cushions.” With just nine tables, you must book Il Piccolo ahead.
Murano island will have to wait a few years for the much anticipated 133 room Langham Venice Resort, first expected in 2023 it is now scheduled to start welcoming guests in 2026. To be constructed in a 16th-century casino and former glass factory, serious renovations are required.
Latvia:
18.11.2023 Riga has been named the cheapest destination in Europe for a trip to the Christmas markets for the fifth time in a row.
Iceland:
18.11.2023 Iceland volcano eruption warning forces residents in Grindavik to evacuate as state of emergency declared. Hagafell is considered a prime location for an eruption.
Ukraine:
07.11.2024 Ukraine will work with its immediate regional neighbours to kick-start efforts to restore its image as an attractive tourist destination, once its war with Russia, prompted by Russia’s invasion last year, draws to a close. Despite the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukraine is already actively promoting its tourism credentials and working at a local level to rebuild key tourism infrastructure.
Finland:
15.11.2023 As part of a monumental project, the National Museum of Finland in Helsinki is undergoing its most extensive renovation in a century, marking a significant milestone in the museum’s history. The construction phase, which is due to start immediately, is expected to be completed by 2026.
Finland:
15.11.2023 Helsinki’s world-first computer-themed playground. Helsinki creates a unique play space where children can dive into the world of computers and coding while having a blast. Designed in collaboration with coding author Linda Liukas, this innovative playground is set to open in September 2024
Germany:
Frankfurt Airport, one of Europe’s busiest flight hubs, will soon be the first in Europe to offer facial recognition services as part of the check-in process for all outgoing air passengers. The official term for the digitalized procedure is ‘biometric check-in’. To access the service, passengers must first register in advance through the Star Alliance biometric app, or alternatively, at the check-in kiosk with their biometric-enabled passports.
Egypt:
04.09.2023 There are plans to construct a new passenger Terminal at Cairo International Airport. As part of the Egyptian government’s strategy to enhance airports and expand their capabilities, the objective is to bring in up to 30
million tourists to Egypt by 2028.
Estonia:
Tartu, Estonia’s historic university town, is awarded European Capital of Culture 2024. A range of events will showcase Estonia’s second-largest town, situated approximately 180 km south of Tallinn. The city has an attractive Bohemian vibe and has been at the forefront of Estonia’s scientific progress across centuries. Events will take place in the large central park ‘Toomemägi’ and visitors will love the quaint cafes and the river Emajõgi that passes through Tartu.
Croatia:
01 Jan 2023 – Croatia is now in the Schengen zone and has joined the Eurozone, adopting the Euro as its official currency.
Estonia:
Michelin Stars : Two restaurants have been awarded a prestigious Michelin Star for their outstanding cuisine.
NOA Chef’s Hall
in Tallinn is set within a striking modern building (where you’ll also find restaurant NOA). Guests are invited to start their evening with an aperitif served in a romantic lounge with a splendid view of Tallinn Bay and the Gulf of Finland.
The stylish yet relaxed 180° by Matthias Diether sits within a modern harbour development a couple of miles outside Tallinn city centre and is named after the 180° view from its U-shaped open kitchen.
Uzbekistan: 2023
Accor to open the first Ibis hotel in Tashkent following the planned opening of Mercure Tashkent in late 2022. being announced recently and scheduled for opening later this year. The six storey hotel with 150 rooms will be a short drive from the airport and in walking distance of the metro.
Croatia opens Peljesac Bridge, bypassing Bosnia to ease Dubrovnik access
26.07.22 Croatia officially opened the Peljesac Bridge, connecting two parts of the country’s Adriatic coast divided by Bosnian territory.
Pedestrians showed up early to walk the bridge before it was scheduled to be turned over to vehicular traffic later in the evening.
The 2.4-kilometer-long (1.5 mile) cable-stayed bridge was built at a cost of €526 million ($533 million), and its opening was billed “a historic moment” on HRT state television.
Norway: New National Museum in Oslo
The new National Museum is opening in Oslo in June 2022.
See collections from the National Gallery, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Norwegian Museum of Decorative Arts and Design, all under one roof!
Norway: Explore the heavy water
From summer 2022, you can join an exclusive tour in the new heavy water cellar visitor centre at Vemork Power Plant, where Norwegian saboteurs carried out one of the best-known sabotage operation of World War II, preventing the development of nuclear weapons.
Poland: British bloggers impressed by the attractions of Kraków and the Tatras
Poland: POLIN MUSEUM IN WARSAW
Museum of the History of Polish Jews is a new, ultramodern cultural museum on the map of Warsaw. It is situated at 6 Mordechaja Danielewicza Street, a former Jewish district and also later on the Warsaw Ghetto. The museum is dedicated to all those who are interested in Jewish heritage and is a symbol of the breakthrough in Polish-Jewish relations during 1000 years of history from Medieval times to now. The museum can be visited by 800 guests at a time. POLIN is an impressive modern museum which you really must see during your visit in Warsaw.