CATEGORIES

The rail thing - Why airlines and train companies are partnering to increase options for travellers on short journeys

An intercity flight connection operated by train would have been almost unthinkable in the early 1990s, but in 2024 it will increasingly be the default experience at many European hub airports. European nations have been among the world's leaders in adopting high-speed rail for short-distance trips, along with Asian countries such as Japan and China.

Adventures in Albania - From paranoid dictatorship to dream travel destination, why the Balkan nation is ready for its moment in the sun

Over the past few years, tourism has shot up stratospherically; recent figures from the European Travel Commission show it's grown 86 per cent since 2019. Its GDP per capita has also been increasing, and last year stood at US$8,800, while the average monthly salary is now around 84,000 lek (£704). Foreign direct investment is also on the rise, with countries including Switzerland, Italy, and the Netherlands targeting sectors such as energy, mining, information and real estate to a value of around US$1.5 billion in 2022, according to UNCTAD's World Investment Report. Not bad for a country which used to depend on foreign food aid.

Sushi Kanesaka at 45 Park Lane, London

Watching Kanesaka work his magic is performance in itself

Scandic Spectrum, Copenhagen

An impressive corporate hotel just minutes from Copenhagen's centre

Kimpton Clocktower, Manchester

The perfect mix of gorgeous heritage design with cool, cosmopolitan attitude

Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London

A stunning success another calming experience in the capital

Eurostar Business Premier LONDON-PARIS

It remains the superior service for those travelling from London to Paris

Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300ER first class DOHA-HONG KONG

There is a lot to like, but my experience was far from perfect

4 HOURS IN...Vienna

You'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to the Austrian capital's museums, galleries and historic cafes

SWITCHING OFF IN...THE LOIRE VALLEY

Escape to the secluded forests of the Loire Valley for a digital detox

More is more in the Maldives

From sky dives to submersibles, we explore the most extravagant experiences available in the Maldives

Make yourself at home

Looking for extra space, flexibility and community spirit? The extended stay sector continues to broaden its offering to cater to all types of traveller

Take a back seat

As technology blurs the line between ground transport options, chauffeur providers double down on offering premium levels of service

SURVIVING SIN CITY

Driving Lamborghinis, pool parties with billionaires and a (very hungover) trip to the desert - just your typical 48 hours in Las Vegas

Cairo - If you have only a short time in Egypt's capital, here's where to visit

If you have only a short time in Egypt's capital, here's where to visit

Sugarlandia Spirit- We discover the roots of the rum trade in the Philippines and the magical lands beyond

We discover the roots of the rum trade in the Philippines and the magical lands beyond. Aside from the tropical climate, Negros Occidental's topography is also conducive to the cultivation of sugarcane. The active Mount Kanlaon volcano at the heart of the island - which recently hit headlines after erupting in early June - offers fertile, nutrient-packed soil, while large swathes of flat land allow for unbroken farming.

Athens Cradles A New Civilization- A decade ago, Greece was bankrupt. Today, it is building the US$8 billion smart city of tomorrow.

A decade ago, Greece was bankrupt. Today, it is building the US$8 billion smart city of tomorrow. The project aims to incorporate the highest sustainability credentials and cutting-edge smart technology. All buildings will be designed to prioritise natural ventilation and lighting, while being covered in vegetation to help with natural cooling, as well as solar panels to make the most of Athens' year-round supply of sunshine. Cutting-edge water, waste management and smart energy systems will also be employed to improve sustainability.

Cathay Pacific A350-900, business class LONDON-HONG KONG

BACKGROUND Cathay Pacific serves this route with the Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350. Both aircraft feature the Safran Cirrus seat in business class.

COMO Metropolitan Singapore

BACKGROUND Singaporean brand COMO Hotels and Resorts launched its first property in its home country in September 2023, integrating its lifestyle and wellness brands into the hotel space.

Voco Auckland City Centre

BACKGROUND New Zealand's first voco hotel opened its doors in May 2022.

Anantara Grand Krasnapolsky, Amsterdam

BACKGROUND Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas opened its first hotel in the Netherlands in 2022, though the property has been part of Minor Hotels group since 2000 - most recently as a 451-room NH Collection property.

Locke am Platz, Enge, Zurich

BACKGROUND Locke is a design-led serviced apartment brand from hospitality company edyn. It launched in 2016 and has properties in Cambridge, Dublin, Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Berlin and Munich (see businesstraveller.​com/tried-and-tested).

AEGEAN A320neo, business class ATHENS-LONDON HEATHROW

BACKGROUND Greece's national flag carrier celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The Star Alliance member has launched a fourth daily service to Heathrow along with new flights to Sarajevo and Vilnius.

Iberia confirmed as A321XLR launch customer

IBERIA WILL BE THE FIRST carrier worldwide to take delivery of the Airbus A321XLR (Xtra Long Range') later this year.

BRITISH AIRWAYS INTRODUCES DISCOUNTED THAMES CLIPPERS FARES TO LONDON CITY AIRPORT

BRITISH AIRWAYS HAS LAUNCHED a new partnership with the Thames Clippers service, offering customers discounted fares to London City Airport.

BRITISH AIRWAYS TO LAUNCH FLIGHTS TO IVALO AND TROMSØ

BRITISH AIRWAYS HAS ANNOUNCED new winter routes to Ivalo in Finland and Tromsø in Norway.

Your attention, please

After a string of recent turbulence fiascos, we chart the history of the inflight safety video to see if the latest crop is up to the task...

Escape to the country

Save on the airfare and splash out on these gorgeous UK retreats this summer

Does aircraft age matter?

Short answer: it depends

Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore

BACKGROUND This biophilic property opened in June 2023 and is the second Pan Pacific hotel in the city, the other being the Pan Pacific Singapore. The hotel is a member of the Green Collection within the GHA Discovery loyalty programme. It is BCA Green Mark Platinum-certified for its sustainability credentials.