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Day: 26 December 2023

World’s most popular destinations for a city break in 2023 revealed

by: Niki Borisova
26/12/2023

The Top 100 City Destinations Index for 2023 has placed the French capital of Paris at the top of its rankings of the world’s most popular city break destinations, adding extra kudos to a city that has reigned supreme among international travellers for decades.  

Euromonitor International’s Top 100 City Destinations Index, which is produced in collaboration with data company Lighthouse, meticulously evaluates cities worldwide for their tourism rates, sustainability efforts, economic performance, and health and safety.

And it is against an ever-evolving landscape of global travel, where destinations rise and fall in popularity almost overnight, that long-time favourite Paris has retained its prestigious status as the world’s most popular city for a holiday.

The fact that the iconic French capital continues to prove so attractive is a reflection of its timeless appeal and ability to remodel itself to suit different visitors.  

But it wasn’t the only European city to do well in the rankings. Europe dominates the Top 10, with seven other cities on the continent making the cut.  

The allure of Madrid, Amsterdam, Berlin, Rome, Barcelona and London collectively showcases Europe’s cultural richness and capacity to draw a whole range of global travellers seeking diverse experiences. 

The story is the same just outside of the Top 10, with Munich, Milan, Dublin, Vienna and Lisbon all doing well.  

The rest of the gaps are filled by Dubai, which took a strong second position on the list, Tokyo in fourth, New York in eighth, Singapore in 11th, Seoul in 14th, Osaka in 16th, Hong Kong in 17th and Los Angeles in 19th place.  

Europe’s success, according to Euromonitor, stems from rapid urbanization and extensive technology integration. Evolving travel trends prompt cities to adapt, prioritising features like high-speed internet, flexible reservations and remote workspaces.  

To see the full list for yourself, click here. 

 

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Photo source: Adolfo Félix, Unsplash

What the Monaco Economic Board got up to in Malaysia

by: Stephanie Horsman
26/12/2023

When Prince Albert II of Monaco headed to the Southeast Asian nation of Malaysia back in November, his retinue was accompanied by senior members of the Monaco Economic Board, who were travelling to the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur for an international version of the Monaco Economic Forum. 

Malaysia is the fifth biggest economy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in terms of per capita GDP, with massive growth in 2022 of 8.7% and money pouring in from foreign investors to the tune of €15.65 billion that same year.  

The Monaco Economic Board (MEB) were undoubtedly already aware of the potential that could result from forming a stronger bond and relationship with the beautiful country of 33 million when a cohort of its members decided to tag along with an official visit being made to Malaysia by Prince Albert just before COP28 began in late November.  

While the Prince was busy conducting meetings of his own and attending grand events, from the opening of a new Monaco Consulate in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur to a formal dinner at the Royal Palace, the MEB headed off to a special business forum that linked the Monegasque representatives up with a hundred local entrepreneurs and business leaders. 

MEB Chairman Michael Dotta, who headed up the association’s delegation, used the opportunity to mix and mingle, as well as present a solid overview of the Monegasque economy to those in attendance. 

See more: Prince Albert visits endangered species centres as he winds up first official visit to Malaysia

According to a statement released by the MEB following the visit, property development guru Dotta “talked about the real estate sector based on figures from IMSEE, highlighted the Mareterra project and ended with an overview of tourism activities and the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer in particulier”.  

“Numerous contacts were made during the relaxed cocktail that followed, where discussions on what makes the Principality attractive could continue, a subject that was clearly of interest to the Malaysian business leaders present,” continues the statement.  

The main takeaway from the visit was that Monaco and Malaysia share many common sectors that could easily “cross-pollinate”, including yachting, shipping, energy, pharmaceuticals, tourism and innovation. 

Click here for further information about the visit.

Read related: 

Photos: Prince Albert II in Malaysia on a diplomatic and environmental mission 

 

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Photo source: MEB

Best window decorations for Prince Rainier III Centenary awarded

by: Cassandra Tanti
26/12/2023

A competition initiated by the Commemoration Committee chaired by Princess Stéphanie for the best store window decorations in honour of the late Prince have been decided.

The Union of Merchants and Artisans of Monaco took part in the celebrations of the centenary of the birth of Prince Rainier III by participating in the shop window decoration competition.

To reward the traders who created the most remarkable windows, Minister of State Pierre Dartout received at his residence the three winners of the competition. They were awarded prizes offered by the Société des Bains de Mer (SBM).

The first prize, a lunch or dinner at the Pavyllon Monte-Carlo, was awarded to the Pharmacie du Rocher; the 2nd prize, a lunch or dinner at the Café de Paris, was awarded to Parasettu, a souvenir shop located in Monaco-Ville; and the 3rd prize, a lunch or dinner at Maona, was awarded to the Salon Espace Beauté on Boulevard des Moulins.

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Photo: Pierre Dartout, Minister of State of the Principality, with Corine Bertani, representing the National Council, Marjorie Crovetto-Harroch, representing the Mairie de Monaco and the winners of the window decoration competition. Credit: Frédéric Nebinger, Government Communication Department

EU considers relaxing the rules on the hunting of wolves 

by: Elsa Carpenter
26/12/2023
europe wolf

Lawmakers at the European Commission are said to be considering downgrading the conservation status of wolves in the bloc from “strictly protected” to “protected”.

Despite public opinion across Europe being clearly in favour of European or Eurasian grey wolf conservation – 68% of countryside dwellers support protections as well as 65% of farmers – the European Commission (EC) is reportedly considering changing the status of native wolves from the higher “strictly protected” level to “protected”. 

The killing of wolves in Europe is currently illegal, bar some strict exceptions, such as immediate threat to life, but the downgrading of their status could change that.

The official number of wolves living in the wild in Europe is unknown, but experts put the various population figures in the realms to 17,000 to 20,000 individuals. There are nine “transboundary” populations on records, but six of these are still considered vulnerable, and animal protection groups such as Rewilding Europe say their survival could be compromised if legal hunts or culls resumed.  

“The concentration of wolf packs in some European regions has become a real danger for livestock and potentially also for humans,” says EC President Ursula von der Leyen, whose horse was reportedly killed by a wolf in 2022. “I urge local and national authorities to take action where necessary.” 

Any changes to protection status would come under the Berne Convention, and would require agreement from EU states. The 1992 decision to give European grey wolves the highest level of legal protections has been accredited with their revival on the continent.  

 

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Photo source: Hans Veth, Unsplash