Results for: Europe

Hilton has officially launched its premium economy brand, Spark by Hilton, in Europe with the signing of Spark by Hilton London Romford. This 125-room property, set to open in the coming weeks, marks Hilton’s entry into the premium economy segment in the region. The signing follows the successful debut of the first Spark by Hilton in 2023, making it the fastest announcement-to-market brand in the company’s history. With over 30 hotels now in operation and more than 175 in development, Spark by Hilton is rapidly expanding its global footprint.

airBaltic, Latvia’s national airline, has identified Pisa, Thessaloniki, and Brussels as its passengers’ most popular travel destinations from Riga in June. The airline has observed an increasing preference for a diverse range of destinations, as travelers seek a balance of cultural, leisure, and business opportunities. Other popular routes include Naples, Keflavik, Pristina, and Billund. To cater to the growing demand, airBaltic operates multiple flights per week to these destinations, including up to two daily flights to Brussels. Passengers can choose between Economy Class and Business Class, with Business Class offering an enhanced full-service experience including priority check-in, a private cabin seat, gourmet meals, and more.

A historic European train route connecting Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia has been reopened, offering travelers a scenic and affordable travel option. The route, which was originally built 150 years ago, has been closed for over 30 years. Its reopening provides travelers with a convenient and sustainable way to experience the beauty and charm of these countries.

Tourists planning to travel to or within Europe this summer should be prepared for significant disruptions due to a wave of strikes affecting various sectors of the transport industry. These strikes are a reminder of the interdependencies within the travel industry and the substantial impact that even a small number of striking workers can have on holiday plans. Travelers are advised to stay informed and consider flexible travel arrangements where possible.

Despite commitments to lower emissions, Europe’s top banks provided $24.2 billion to fossil fuel companies in 2023. The Banking on Climate Chaos report found that European banks contributed just over a quarter of the global fossil fuel financing last year, with Barclays, Santander, and Deutsche Bank among the biggest lenders. European banks appear to be particularly blind to the risks associated with the expansion of LNG, financing new facilities that will lock us into fossil gas for decades to come.

Europe is currently experiencing a surge in strike actions by workers demanding better pay and working conditions. From airport staff to train drivers, various sectors are affected, resulting in potential travel disruptions. It is crucial for travelers to stay informed and check with their respective airlines or train operators before their journey to minimize inconvenience.

China has prolonged the visa-free travel arrangement for citizens of 11 European countries and Malaysia until the end of 2025. This extension is intended to stimulate both business and leisure visits to China and support high-quality personnel exchanges. Despite lifting pandemic restrictions, international travel to China has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. The resumption of visa-free access is seen as a critical step towards revitalizing the travel sector. China is also enhancing its tourism appeal through improved infrastructure and partnerships to promote its cultural and historical attractions.

French President Emmanuel Macron will deliver a speech on Thursday, outlining his vision for a more assertive Europe in the face of Russia’s war in Ukraine, security concerns, and economic challenges. The speech, ahead of pivotal European Parliament elections in June, will focus on strategic and geopolitical issues, including defense, the economy, environmental protection, and safeguarding democracy.

Equinor, the Norwegian oil and gas producer, has announced higher-than-expected profits for the first quarter of 2023, attributed to increased production in Norway and robust operational performance. The company’s adjusted earnings before tax fell to $7.53 billion from $11.92 billion a year earlier due to lower gas prices, but surpassed analyst estimates of $7.2 billion. CEO Anders Opedal highlighted the strong production on the Norwegian continental shelf and the solid growth from the international portfolio. Notably, Equinor became Europe’s largest supplier of natural gas in 2022, taking over from Russia’s Gazprom. With steady production levels of 2.16 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in Q1, the company maintains its forecast for flat oil and gas output in 2023 compared to 2022. In its annual review, Equinor projected a combined oil and gas production increase of approximately 5% by 2026, followed by a gradual decline towards 2030.

Attendees can enjoy a summer of music and culture without the hefty price tag by opting for festivals in Europe. Benicàssim in Spain, Primavera Sound in Barcelona, Bout du Monde in France, Nuit Sonores in Lyon, and Rock en Seine in Paris offer an array of experiences at significantly lower costs compared to UK festivals.