Greenpeace advocates for increased investment in European railways to boost direct train routes, encouraging people to choose trains over flights. Their analysis reveals a stark disparity between direct flight and train connections, with flights dominating, prompting concerns about environmental impact and encouraging a shift towards rail travel.
Austrian Airlines is enhancing its winter flight schedule for 2024/2025, expanding services between Vienna and Innsbruck and adding new direct routes from Innsbruck to Brussels, Copenhagen, Warsaw, and Amsterdam. The airline also plans charter flights to Stockholm and Billund during peak ski season.
The US military has heightened the alert level at several bases in Europe to its second-highest level, citing potential threats. While no specific threat has been mentioned, the move comes amidst heightened security concerns in Europe following recent terrorist attacks and upcoming major events.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s snap parliamentary elections, called in the hopes of rallying voters against the far-right surge, appear to have backfired. Recent polls suggest that Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) is poised to emerge as the largest party, leaving Macron’s centrist coalition in a distant third place. This potential outcome raises concerns about the future of France’s domestic and foreign policies, as the RN has expressed skepticism towards European integration and support for Russian President Vladimir Putin. The rise of the far-right in France, alongside similar trends in other European countries, highlights the need for centrist leaders to address voter concerns regarding immigration and economic anxieties.
Brazil’s new visa-free policy has triggered a significant surge in outbound tourism, particularly towards European destinations. The surge is fueled by strong consumer confidence, with Brazilians, especially younger generations, seeking cultural experiences and culinary delights in countries like France, Portugal, Italy, and Spain.
Saga River Cruises is offering discounts of up to £600 per person on selected all-inclusive cruises for a limited time. Explore iconic European rivers like the Rhine, Danube, Main, and Moselle with return flights, onboard experiences, and UK chauffeur service.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has acquired the ‘me and all hotels’ brand from Lindner Hotels AG, aiming to expand its presence in European markets. The acquisition follows a successful collaboration in 2022, which integrated Lindner Hotels & Resorts and ‘me and all hotels’ into the World of Hyatt loyalty program. ‘me and all hotels’ will operate as a standalone brand within Hyatt’s global lifestyle portfolio, which has seen significant growth in recent years.
Bulgaria, recognized as a top European tourist destination for 2024 by the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association (ECTAA), is attracting visitors with its diverse terrain, rich cultural heritage, and visa-free access for 95 countries. This Balkan nation offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, making it a fascinating destination for travelers seeking history, culture, and natural beauty.
Moldova has implemented a new visa-free entry policy for nationals of 63 countries, including Ukraine, the US, Romania, and Schengen Nations. This policy simplifies travel for holidaymakers, leisure travelers, business travelers, and corporate visitors, opening up the country’s rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant cities to a wider audience.
Greece’s decision to introduce a six-day work week, effective July 1st, stands in stark contrast to the trend towards shorter work weeks across Europe. The move comes as the country struggles to recover from years of economic hardship, while other nations like Germany and Spain are experimenting with four-day work weeks to improve work-life balance and address labor shortages.
