As we step into the promising 2024 New Year, the hospitality scene in Europe is set to sparkle with the unveiling of luxury hotels, each promising a unique blend of luxury and sophistication.

From historical palazzos to modern marvels, these new European luxury hotels are poised to redefine the art of hospitality. Let’s take a sneak peek into the highly anticipated hotel openings in Europe for 2024.

The Newman, London, England (Winter 2024)

London’s Fitzrovia welcomes the debut of Kinsfolk & Co.’s first hotel, The Newman. Crafted by industry veterans from Corbin and King, Firmdale Hotels, and The Goring, The Newman boasts Art Deco-infused interiors by the renowned Lind + Almond. A fusion of timeless elegance and contemporary flair sets the stage for an unparalleled hospitality experience.

Romègas Hotel, Valletta, Malta (Winter 2024)

Malta’s historic capital, Valletta, witnesses the grandeur of Romègas Hotel—a luxury boutique nestled within a 500-year-old palazzo. With terrazzo floors, traditional Maltese balconies, and a signature restaurant by acclaimed chef Marvin Gauci, Romègas promises an immersive journey into Malta’s rich cultural heritage.

Arev St. Tropez, St. Tropez, France (March 2024)

On the outskirts of St. Tropez emerges Arev, a boutique hotel exuding charm with red or blue toile-adorned rooms, a pool surrounded by striped cabanas, and an al fresco restaurant featuring a roaming champagne trolley. A spa offering Tropezian herb-infused treatments adds a touch of indulgence to this idyllic retreat.

Casa Monti, Rome, Italy (Spring 2024)

Casa Monti, nestled in Rome’s artistic Rione Monti, unfolds as a 36-room haven designed by Laura Gonzalez. This elegant yet bohemian escape captivates with bold maximalist florals, cream interiors, and contemporary art—a testament to the fusion of creativity and sophistication.

The Emory, London (April 2024)

Maybourne, renowned for Claridge’s and The Connaught, introduces The Emory in Knightsbridge. Designed by the late Richard Rogers and Ivan Harbour, with interiors curated by world-class designers, The Emory promises a modern retreat. Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s ABC Kitchen crowns the rooftop, elevating the culinary experience.

Dunas de Formentera, Formentera, Spain (May 2024)

Simplicity meets elegance at Dunas de Formentera, a Marugal creation gracing the shores of Mijorn Beach. Antonio Obrador’s interiors evoke tranquility, providing a backdrop for a blissful Balearic escape—a testament to the art of minimalistic luxury.

One&Only Kéa Island, Greece (Spring 2024)

Built into 160 cliffside acres, One&Only Kéa Island beckons travelers to experience Cycladic splendor. With open-air spaces, private pool-equipped villas, and a beach club, this resort invites guests to savor Grecian sunsets and embrace island living.

Hotel du Couvent, Nice, France (June 2024)

Perseus Group, creators of Le Pigalle in Paris, embarks on a transformative journey with Hotel du Couvent. This 17th-century covenant turned luxury hotel in Nice boasts Roman baths, a lap pool, an herbalist shop, and a quintessential French café—a harmonious blend of history and contemporary allure.

Hotel Balzac, Paris, France (June 2024)

Olivier Bertrand and family unveil Hotel Balzac, a reinvention of the former establishment, offering muted 1930s-inspired decor, a Japanese spa, and Pierre Gagnaire’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant. A haven of timeless elegance, this hotel promises an unparalleled Parisian experience.

Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, Hof bei Salzburg, Austria (Mid-to-Late 2024)

Rosewood breathes new life into the 15th-century Hotel Schloss Fuschl, situated on Lake Fuschl’s banks. Boasting chalets, a spa, and a pool overlooking the water, this Austrian gem promises an enchanting escape, marrying history with contemporary luxury.

Rosewood Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands (Late 2024)

Overlooking the iconic Prinsengracht, Rosewood Amsterdam graces the former Palace of Justice. With three restaurants, a spa, an indoor pool, and lush internal courtyards, this late 2024 addition invites guests to indulge in the epitome of Dutch luxury.

As these European gems prepare to unlock their doors in 2024, travelers can anticipate unparalleled experiences, seamlessly blending cultural richness with modern luxury—a testament to the enduring allure of the continent’s hospitality landscape.

Discover Heidelberg’s Europäischer Hof Hotel, a gem on Europe historic route, blending tradition and luxury in Germany’s academic heart.

The inaugural German destination to gain recognition on the esteemed Council of Europe’s route is the renowned Europäischer Hof Hotel in Heidelberg. This hotel stands as a testament to Heidelberg’s rich academic legacy, a city celebrated for its longstanding educational excellence. Guests at the Europäischer Hof are treated to an exceptional experience, marked by meticulous attention to detail, refined taste, and elegant style, all of which epitomize the hotel’s significance in both German and European culture. Looking ahead, the esteemed tourist path might soon embrace additional establishments in Berlin, Hamburg, Albstadt, Baden-Baden, and other regions of Germany, expanding to include more cafés, restaurants, and hotels under the “Golden Cafés” category.

“I am thrilled to share this news in my end-of-year report as the Council of Europe’s Ambassador, overseeing the ‘Historic Cafés Route (HCR)’ in Romania and its expansion across Europe and globally. Our plan is to inaugurate the German segment of the HCR starting from Heidelberg’s enchanting and historic European Court. My visit to Heidelberg sparked engaging conversations and solidified my belief in the Hotel Europäischer Hof’s significance as a pioneering site for the HCR in Germany, embodying the essence of Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, and the broader German nation. As an alumnus of the Heidelberg School of Hotel Management, my time in Heidelberg was formative and inspiring. In summary, my Heidelberg experience resonates with the well-known phrase, ‘I lost my heart in Heidelberg’. I extend my gratitude to my mentors at the Heidelberg School of Hotel Management and to my peers in the global alumni network, who are now leading figures in international tourism, for imparting their Heidelberg-learned wisdom,” Arnold Klingeis, Council of Europe’s Ambassador for the “Historic Cafés Route,” commented.

“Europaeischer Hof in Heidelberg, a beacon of rich personal and communal history and cultural interactions, mirrors our city’s spirit in numerous ways. Proud to be a part of the Historic Cafés Route, we strive to merge tradition with contemporary trends, celebrating the fusion of culture and hospitality with warmth and dedication,” expressed Dr. Caroline von Kretschmann, General Manager of Europaeischer Hof Heidelberg.

“It’s heartening to see Arnold Klingeis, a distinguished hotel management graduate from Heidelberg, apply his expertise in a trailblazing role at the Council of Europe, the oldest European international organization established in 1949. Klingeis’s ability to forge strong connections in Heidelberg in 2023 with Dr. Caroline von Kretschmann (Hotel Der Europäische Hof) and Mrs. Claudia Kischka (Hip Hotel / Restaurant “Zum güldenen Schaf”) is a testament to his deep connection to this charming, traditional, yet internationally appealing city,” stated Erik Pratsch, a former senior technical instructor and master chef.

The Hotel de l’Europe, founded by Joseph Schrieder in 1865, was initially established in Heidelberg’s center on a site previously occupied by the St. Anna-Kirchhof paupers’ cemetery, closed in 1845. Over time, the hotel changed ownership multiple times and underwent continuous modernization. By the early 20th century, it was among the era’s most advanced hotels, boasting its own steam power plant for electricity. In 1906, Fritz Gabler acquired the hotel, significantly expanding it with private bathrooms and central steam heating for each room, and adding a lodge with garages. A new wing with additional rooms, suites, and a conference room was constructed between 1928 and 1929, and the nearby Viktoria Hotel was also incorporated.

Today, the Europäische Hof is a privately-owned, five-star establishment. It employs about 170 staff members who cater to the needs of guests in its 118 rooms and suites. Over the years, the hotel has welcomed numerous celebrities from various fields. Approximately two-thirds of its clientele are international guests. The hotel is also a partner of the Heidelberg Spring Festival. In 2000, the hotel opened its “PANORAMA SPA” wellness and fitness area, featuring a vast swimming pool and a rooftop terrace. The 200-square-meter penthouse suite was completed on July 28, 2006. In 2014, the hotel expanded to include four fully furnished long-stay apartments.

The hotel’s culinary offerings include the historic “Die Kurfürstenstube” restaurant, established in 1866, the “Sommerrestaurant” for summer dining, and the year-round “Europa Bar”.

Venice is to ban loudspeakers in a bid to ease the impact of mass tourism on the Italian city.

The new rules will come into effect from June, according to a statement.

The use of loudspeakers has been banned as they can “generate confusion and disturbances”, it added.

Over-tourism is widely recognised as an urgent issue for the canal city, one of the most visited places in Europe.

Elisabetta Pesce, said the latest policies will be improving the management of groups organised in the historic centre.

The city is just 7.6 sq km (2.7 sq miles) in size. But it hosted almost 13 million tourists in 2019, according to the Italian national statistics institute.

Numbers of visitors may exceed pre-pandemic levels in the coming years.

More and more residents in Venice are choosing to leave, fearing that tourists could overwhelm the historic island city.

According to the most recent update from one of them, Ocio, the number of beds for tourists has risen to more than 50,000. It is exceeding those available to locals.

In July, experts from UNESCO said the city should be added to a list of World Heritage Sites in danger.

This is because, the impact of climate change and mass tourism threaten to cause irreversible changes to it.

The UN cultural body’s experts blamed the Italian authorities for a “lack of strategic vision” to solve the problems faced by one of Italy’s most picturesque cities.

Ultimately, UNESCO did not add Venice to the list.

Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano said UNESCO had recognised attempts to address the island’s problems via an anti-flooding system and by the approval of the entry fee for tourists.

In 2021, large cruise ships could not enter the historic centre of Venice via the Giudecca canal after a ship crashed into a harbour.

Critics had also argued that the ships were causing pollution and eroding the foundations of the city, which suffers from regular flooding.

How have other hotspots dealt with over-tourism?

Venice is not unique among Italian and European hotspots in trying to address problems related to tourism.

In nearby Florence, authorities have banned new Airbnbs and short-term holiday lets in its historic city centre.

In 2019, the Italian capital Rome introduced fines aimed at tourists.

It is for barring men from being shirtless in public, banning so-called “love padlocks” from being attached to bridges and cracking down on messy foods around famous tourist attractions like the Trevi Fountain.

The picturesque fishing village of Portofino, on the Italian Riviera, has brought in no-waiting zones in photogenic spots, with Instagram-happy tourists facing fines of up to €275 (£238) if they linger too long for that perfect selfie.

Away from Italy, Athens in Greece capped visitor numbers at the iconic Acropolis to 20,000 a day, to try to reduce damage to the ancient temple complex.

And in the Austrian Alps, the town of Hallstatt – said to have inspired the setting of Disney film Frozen – has built wooden barriers to block views in popular spots for a lakeside snap, on top of capping the number of tourist buses and cars entering the area.

The city of canals, flooded with gondolas that glide like swans, is getting ready to defend itself. 

The lives of locals are held to be in danger because of the ensuing commotion of people that crashes on the city like a deluge. This is why the Italian city is all headstrong with plans to restrict the size of tour groups.

Mass tourism has proven to be dangerous for Venice, as the locals are annoyed and in jitters because of hustle-bustle perpetrated by tourists. 

Starting at the very onset of June 2024, only 25 people will be allowed to visit Venice. It is estimated that the capacity of a tourist bus is about half that of a number 25. 

Venice has also planned to ban the use of loudspeakers that generate disturbances. 

St. Mark’s Square and the towering crowd at Rialto Bridge, two well-known tourist destinations, have been facing difficulties managing the crowd due to mass tourism. 

A total of thirty million tourists have been reported to visit Venice annually. 

Venice went on to be listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987. However, UNESCO has come to the realization that tourism might be a major issue for the lagoon city. 

The city has reduced the impact of tourism by limiting the number of cruise ships through the Giudecca Canal. 

Elisabetta Pesce, who is in charge of security relating to the city, reiterated that this step of limitation is an integral step. The objective is to enhance the group’s mobility throughout Venice’s historic centre and the islands of Burano, Murano, and Torcello. 

The Venetians have been very vocal about their uneven situation, and they went out to protest the situation as a result. This was done against the tourism industry, which the locals claim has diminished their quality of life. Furthermore, it has damaged the environment and, in addition, driven the residents away. There have been days where the population of 1,75,000 was diminished as an aftermath of the Second World War years, bringing it down to an approximate number of 49,000. But the colossal visits that the tourists inflicted overwhelmed this figure.

[Image Source: Executive Traveller]

Darren and Rachael, a couple from Essex, received a surprise engagement while at Birmingham New Street station just before Christmas. As onlookers, including Mr. and Mrs. Claus and other passengers, watched in astonishment, Darren proposed to Rachael on Santa’s sleigh!

Originally in town to visit the Frankfurt German Markets with friends, the couple had planned to make the special moment happen at the Christmas markets. However, when they encountered Santa’s sleigh at the station, Darren swiftly changed his plans, realizing it was the ideal setting for Rachael, who adores Christmas.

Rachael, employed in finance and hailing from Brentwood, Essex, and Darren, a ground worker also from Essex, are ecstatic about their engagement. While they initially intended to propose at the Christmas markets, the unexpected sighting of Santa’s sleigh made the moment even more magical.

Darren said: “Rachael just loves Christmas and this couldn’t have worked out any better. We were with our friends when I spotted Santa’s sleigh and we then realised the photographer was our friend’s wedding photographer, so it was easy to get her over there without any questions. Better still, we would have a photo to remember it by! I was extremely nervous knowing I was going to propose to such a beautiful girl but she’s absolutely the one for me”.

Rachael who said yes to the proposal said: “I was completely shocked yet over the moon! He did so well with the surprise and beautiful ring! I’m so happy for our future together and the celebrations yet to come. Darren really is the perfect guy for me.”

The couple is eagerly diving into wedding preparations and intends to exchange vows within the next three years. In the meantime, they’re cherishing their engagement celebrations with loved ones.

Craig Stenning, Network Rail station manager at Birmingham New Street station, said: “The meet and greet experience with Mr and Mrs Claus has been really popular at the station throughout December and we were delighted that Darren chose this as his backdrop for their special moment. On behalf of everyone at Network Rail and New Street station, I’d like to wish them a happy engagement and all the best for the future.”

Birmingham-based events and production company OPUS (Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces) managed the delightful Mr. and Mrs. Claus meet-and-greet experience at New Street station. This free event, available on weekends throughout December, allowed guests to take home a free polaroid picture as a cherished keepsake.

Melissa Richardson, formerly known as Melissa Kose, holds the position of Senior Emerging Talent Manager within the Strategic Resourcing team at British Airways. She has recently been honored with an MBE in The King’s New Year’s Honours List for 2024, in recognition of her exemplary contributions to Early Careers in Aviation. This prestigious award applauds her remarkable dedication to advancing British Airways’ acclaimed emerging talent programs, which furnish work experience and job opportunities for young individuals across the United Kingdom.

Mel, an alumna of Wrotham Secondary School in Sevenoaks, commenced her journey with the airline in 2012 as an apprentice. Since then, she has ceaselessly worked towards advancing and championing British Airways’ vision for emerging talent. Her responsibilities include engaging and motivating over 175,000 young people to contemplate a career in aviation, facilitating them in realizing their potential, and elevating the profile of the airline’s award-winning graduate, apprentice, business placement, and work experience initiatives. Collaborating closely with various teams within the airline, Mel has addressed skill gaps and implemented novel early career opportunities, such as specialized graduate and apprenticeship programs. She also spearheaded campaigns designed to inspire and attract future talent to the airline.

Demonstrating British Airways’ commitment to fostering future talent and ensuring equal opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds, Mel played a pivotal role in initiating the airline’s partnership with The Prince’s Trust earlier in the year. This collaboration resulted in the launch of the flagship “Get into Aviation with British Airways” program, supporting young people across London in securing a career in the industry through work experience or one of British Airways’ apprenticeship programs.

Mel additionally played a key role in the launch of Speedbird-Z, a dedicated student website offering e-learning modules. Accessed by over 17,000 students to date, this online platform enables individuals to pose questions to British Airways mentors and express their interest in applying for work experience placements across the airline.

Expressing her gratitude upon receiving the MBE, Melissa Richardson stated, “I am truly honored and extremely humbled to have been awarded an MBE for Services to Early Careers in Aviation. I am very fortunate that my job aligns with my passion, and I have had the privilege of shaping the lives of numerous students, uplifting aspirations, and collaborating with young people from diverse backgrounds over the last decade. I am eager to leverage the opportunities this award brings to continue supporting the next generation.”

In response to the recognition, Lisa Tremble, Chief People, Corporate Affairs, and Sustainability Officer, remarked, “I am delighted that Melissa has been acknowledged for her outstanding contributions to our business and wider society in Services to Early Careers in Aviation. Her enduring enthusiasm for inspiring today’s youth to consider a career in our thriving industry is contagious, and she serves as a true inspiration to us all.”

The ECTAA and GNTO proudly celebrate a year of unprecedented cooperation aimed at fostering sustainable tourism in Greece. Despite various challenges, these organizations have taken the lead in initiatives to elevate Greece as a premier destination while promoting environmental consciousness and sustainable practices in the industry.

Throughout 2023, significant milestones were achieved through the joint efforts of ECTAA and GNTO. Key among these accomplishments were two online roundtables themed “Greening the Greek Experience,” where industry leaders discussed current sustainable measures in Greek tourism.

In a show of commitment, ECTAA and GNTO organized a notable gathering of European travel advisors in Anavyssos. This event delved into pertinent issues such as distribution and the revision of EU legislation on travel packages. It also served as a platform to exchange insights, promote sustainable services, and stress the importance of connecting environmentally conscious suppliers with consumers.

A crucial aspect of this collaboration was the strong support provided to Greek SMEs, nurturing their growth and encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices. This assistance will further develop services prioritizing sustainability, positively impacting local communities and the environment.

Despite challenges posed by forest fires and floods, 2023 witnessed a remarkable resurgence in travel to Greece, nearly reaching pre-COVID levels in both volume and value. This resurgence showcased Greece’s resilience and commitment to providing exceptional experiences for European tourists.

Eric Drésin, speaking for ECTAA, emphasized Greece’s consistent popularity as ECTAA’s preferred destination for three consecutive years. He praised the Greek authorities, particularly GNTO, for their openness in utilizing European travel advisors’ skills and networks. Drésin hinted at future collaborations with new destinations while reaffirming ECTAA’s steadfast support for the Greek tourism industry through HATTA, its Greek member organization, and the broader ECTAA global network.

The collaborative efforts between ECTAA and GNTO not only revitalized the tourism sector but also highlighted the pivotal role of sustainability in Greek authorities’ tourism policy. Both organizations maintain an optimistic outlook, foreseeing sustained growth while stressing the importance of responsible tourism practices for the industry’s future.

airBaltic, the Latvian national airline, has unveiled a new feature allowing children and young adults aged 2 to 16 to register for the airBaltic Club loyalty program. This enhancement enables families to pool their points within a dedicated Friends & Family account, accommodating up to 8 individuals. By including youngsters, members can now amass points collectively, expediting the process of earning rewards such as redeemable flights and larger purchases.

Māris Rudens, Head of Loyalty and Partnerships at airBaltic, expressed enthusiasm for this initiative, stating, “We continuously seek innovative ways to enhance the appeal of the airBaltic Club loyalty program. The incorporation of children and young adults introduces exciting prospects for families to build and utilize points together within a shared Friends & Family account. We anticipate more passengers taking advantage of these new offerings from airBaltic Club in the near future.”

To register an individual under 16 for the airBaltic Club program, the legal representative must be an existing member of airBaltic Club. They should log into their airBaltic profile, enter the email address of the minor, and complete the registration form.

The airBaltic Club functions as a loyalty program, enabling travelers to accumulate points during airBaltic flights and through services provided by affiliated travel partners.

The program features three membership tiers. Flying a minimum of 30 one-way flights with airBaltic in a year qualifies for the airBaltic Club Executive level, while achieving at least 60 one-way flights within a year earns airBaltic Club VIP status.

AirBaltic operates an extensive network with over 100 routes from Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius, and Tampere, facilitating connections to numerous destinations across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus region.

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays are eagerly anticipating their inaugural flights from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, scheduled to commence precisely three months from today. As the UK’s largest tour operator and the third-largest airline, they will kick off their operations with a flight to Tenerife, marking the commencement of services from the airport. To celebrate this milestone, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have promised exciting plans at the airport on their inaugural day.

The decision to launch award-winning flights and holidays from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, announced in May of this year, represents a significant step in their ongoing growth and success journey. The companies have already placed 20 sunny destinations on sale for Summer 24, with six exclusive to Jet2.com and Jet2holidays from Liverpool. The overwhelming response from customers and independent travel agents has prompted an expansion, with additional aircraft supporting a larger program for Summer 25.

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays CEO, Steve Heapy, expressed enthusiasm about the move, citing strong demand and positive feedback since the announcement. With just three months until the first flight, he anticipates opening a new chapter in their growth story and eagerly looks forward to welcoming customers.

For their inaugural summer operations from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays plan up to 54 weekly flights, including 12 to both the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands. This extensive program, representing 565,000 seats, includes exclusive routes to Gran Canaria, Menorca, Rhodes, Zante, Madeira, and Bourgas (Bulgaria). The strategic placement of a team of over 250 colleagues ensures a VIP customer service experience, aligning with their history of high-profile accolades.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport, having received commendations as the Best UK Airport, further complements the customer service focus of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays. The seamless and efficient passenger experience at the airport aligns with the companies’ commitment to delivering exceptional service.

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays’ Summer 24 Programme from Liverpool John Lennon Airport spans across Mainland Spain, the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, and Bulgaria, offering customers diverse options for their holiday destinations.

Ring in 2024 with a family-friendly bash at DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Westerwood Spa & Golf Resort, featuring a Scottish piper, gourmet delights, and live entertainment in the scenic backdrop of Campsie Fells.

As the clock ticks down to the much-anticipated New Year’s Eve, DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Westerwood Spa & Golf Resort emerges as the perfect destination for a memorable celebration with the entire family. Nestled conveniently between Glasgow and Stirling, this luxurious resort, spread across 120 acres of lush gardens, is set to host a spectacular year-end event filled with joy, laughter, and entertainment.

The festivities commence at 7 p.m. with a warm welcome featuring complimentary drinks at the resort. Against the stunning backdrop of the Campsie Fells, guests will indulge in a sumptuous dinner prepared by the award-winning Flemings. The live entertainment promises to keep spirits high throughout the evening, creating an atmosphere of merriment for guests of all ages. Notably, children aged four and below can join in the festivities free of charge, ensuring a family-centric celebration.

To secure a spot at this vibrant New Year’s Eve party, advanced reservations are essential, adding an element of exclusivity to the event. The resort’s commitment to providing a memorable experience is underscored by the meticulous planning and attention to detail evident in every aspect of the celebration.

As the clock strikes midnight, guests will welcome 2024 surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Westerwood estate. A traditional Scottish piper will add a touch of local charm to the proceedings, making this celebration uniquely Scottish.

In conclusion, DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Westerwood Spa & Golf Resort offers a distinctive and delightful way to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new. For those seeking a blend of luxury, entertainment, and family-friendly festivities, this New Year’s Eve celebration promises an unforgettable start to 2024.