Tropical islands Berlin
RejsRejsRejs » Press releases » Europe's Largest Tropical Vacation World Welcomes Hawaii April 8 & Airfare Drops at Popular Summer Vacation Destinations: Latest Travel & Vacation News
Albania The Canary Islands Egypt France Greece Italy Croatia Press releases Sponsored post Turkey Germany

Europe's Largest Tropical Vacation World Welcomes Hawaii April 8 & Airfare Drops at Popular Summer Vacation Destinations: Latest Travel & Vacation News

News news typewriter travel
Here is the latest news and press releases about holidays, travel and tourism in Denmark and abroad
Tropical islands Berlin

Press releases

The press releases come from a number of selected tourism partners, and some of them are paid partnerships.

Sponsored post, recalme, graphics, disclaimer

Europe's largest tropical holiday world welcomes Hawaii on April 8

Aloha! From April, the 27.000 Danes who visit annually will Europe's largest tropical world at Berlin, could experience a completely new part of the otherwise well-known and famous dome that makes up the German water park Tropical Islands.

The Tropical Islands Resort will open its new hotel on April 8 on the east side of the tropical hall. Called OHANA, the new hotel will expand the existing offering with high-quality accommodation and an additional entertainment area.

OHANA means “family” in Hawaiian. This name signals connectivity and hospitality, and also complements the resort's existing offerings.

The extension, with direct access to the Tropical Hall, adds 150 modern rooms to the resort, offering up to 500 additional overnight accommodations in total, further strengthening Tropical Island's status as one of Germany's largest accommodations.

The rooms are up to 36 square meters and are lovingly designed with Polynesian-Hawaiian style details. Whether for families or couples, the rooms offer the perfect retreat for any guest without compromising on comfort. In the luxury version, there are even king-size beds and bathrooms with double bathtubs and individual sound and lighting systems.

“We look forward to welcoming the first guests to our little Hawaiian paradise soon,” says Tropical Islands General Manager Chris Jung.

OHANA Town is an entertainment area of ​​over 800 square meters on the ground floor, and is accessible to all Tropical Island visitors, regardless of whether they live in OHANA or not.

There are six bowling alleys, a karaoke box, board games, shuffleboard, billiards and darts – there is something for every taste and mood. A cozy dinner at the OHANA Town restaurant and exclusive OHANA cocktails in the associated bar complete the offer.

"We are convinced that OHANA will not only meet the needs of our overnight guests, but also attract day visitors from the region," says Jung.

OHANA is the result of the first collaboration between Tropical Islands and the Volumetric Building Company (VBC), which used its efficient modular construction for this project. Through the innovative production of the premises and the reduction of transport volume, the environmental impacts were minimized.

With the investment of 30 million euros, Tropical Islands Resort fulfills its promise to promote development and increase its attractiveness as a holiday destination.

Tropical Islands Resort invites all Danes to bring a little piece of Hawaii to their doorstep.

Aloha and Welina!

  • momondo press photo
  • momondo press photo
  • momondo press photo, Germany

Airfare is falling at popular summer holiday destinations: Here it is 10 budget-friendly destinations

Last year, the prices of the summer holiday flight tickets rose significantly, and right now see flight prices generally appear to be at the same level as last year.

Even so, this year there is money to save for Danish families who want to travel in the schools summer vacation. That's what the travel search engine says Momondo, who have found 10 destinations where prices are currently lower than last year. 

For many Danish families, the school summer holidays are equal to travel, but even though these weeks are in the high season and often entail high flight prices, the Danes do not have to dig quite as deep into their pockets to get away as they did last year. 

"In general, we find that the price level for this year's summer holidays has stabilized compared to last year. But in fact there are several popular destinations where the prices of plane tickets are currently significantly lower this summer, which is good news for Danish families with children who like to travel," says Per Christiansen, travel expert at Momondo

"Our data shows that, for example, you can get to the port city of Genoa in Italy an average of DKK 1.790 cheaper than last year, while you can save an average of DKK 615 on tickets to the scenic metropolis Marseille i France,” continues Per Christiansen.

Momondo has just launched theirs Summer Deals, where you can find fantastic prices for the Danes' most popular items destinations and also lists 10 destinations where there are currently special savings to be found during the summer holiday period. 

The newsletter is sent out several times a month. See our data policy here.

DestinationPercentage saving based on average flight prices in the period 29 June - 11 August 2024 compared to the same period in 2023
Genoa, Italy-39%
Hurghada, Egypt-27%
Munich, Germany-20%
Marseille, France-19%
Naples, Italy-12%
Bari, Italy-11%
Antalya, Turkey-10%
Zakynthos, Greece-9%
Tirana, Albania-7%
Dubrovnik, Croatia-7%

If you dream of traveling further afield during the summer holidays, there are also great savings to be found on flights to several Asian destinations. To Beijing you can save as much as 30% on plane tickets and 27% to Shanghai at the moment, while tickets are 22% cheaper to Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia compared to last year. For the holiday favourite Phuket i Thailand, you can currently save 10% on the flight ticket. 

Data is based on flight searches made on momondo.dk in the period 01.01.2024 – 03.03.2024 for departure from any Danish airport between 29.06.2024 and 11.08.2024 compared to the same search and travel period in 2023. Prices are average and percentages are approximate.

Read more about how to book cheap flights on Momondo here.

  • Landmar Hotels
  • Landmar Hotels
  • Landmar Hotels

Romantic pampering at a Tenerife hotel

The hotel Landmar Playa La Arena on Tenerife is ideal for a romantic getaway. Here, the hotel's Platinum Club guests get extra pampering during their stay, incl. infinity pool and special gastronomic experiences. Couples can also take a cocktail course or private boat trip. In addition, one of the world's best stargazing areas is only 30 km from the hotel.

If you are looking for a romantic holiday under sunny skies, the hotel Landmar Playa La Arena, located in the southern part of Tenerife, is a good choice.

Here there are several special experiences for couples who dream of quality time, pampering and new memories.

Get exclusive offers on the Landmar hotels in our Facebook group

Infinity pool, exquisite gastronomy and cocktail course
As a guest at Landmar Playa La Arena, you can book one of the hotel's Platinum rooms, which gives access to the hotel's special Platinum Club, which ensures extra pampering during the stay. For example, you get access to an exclusive area with an infinity pool, as well as special culinary experiences and cocktails at selected restaurants, as well as an included minibar. At the same time, there are special events with cocktails and live music under the stars.

In addition to access to exclusive Platinum areas, guests can frolic in four additional pools, tennis and petanque courts, and a shooting range where you can shoot with a bow and arrow.

There is also the opportunity to get close to each other for flamenco dancing and to join a cocktail course, so that you can take the holiday atmosphere home with you in the kitchen afterwards.

You must be over 16 to gain access to the Platinum Club.

Stargazing in a UNESCO area
As the icing on the cake, you can also get a very special nature experience with you in your backpack. Only 30 km from Landmar Playa La Arena you can visit Teide National Park, which in 2014 became the first UNESCO-designated "Starlight destination" due to the optimal stargazing conditions. You can even book a guided walking tour with a guide who continuously talks about the different constellations. You can also visit the Teide Observatory, where you can see the stars even closer through a telescope.

Whale watching and magnificent nature
If you want to explore the destination by sea, Landmar Playa La Arena also organizes boat trips where you sail between the rocks at Los Gigantes. It is even possible to book a private boat trip, so you have the whole experience to yourself. Here you can e.g. experience the large and breathtaking volcanic rocks at Teno Rural Park. You may also be lucky enough to spot some of the many whales that live in the area at Los Gigantes. Large populations of pilot whales, sperm whales and fin whales live here.

Read more about Landmar Playa La Arena here

About Landmar Hotels
The Landmar Hotels hotel group includes the two four-star hotels Landmar Costa los Gigantes and Landmar Playa La Arena on Tenerife's west coast. 

Landmar Costa los Gigantes has the ideal setting for a family holiday with, among other things, water park and child-friendly activities, while Landmar Playa La Arena caters more to adult couples or friends, who can benefit from the site's Platinum Club with exclusive service and access to special adult areas. From both hotels, there are also plenty of opportunities for excursions and experiences on the island.

Get exclusive offers on the Landmar hotels in our Facebook group

Harz - Germany - Christmas market

The magical mountain landscapes of the Harz in the heart of Germany

The Harz offers many active experiences all year round and excites travelers of all age groups.

On more than 8000 km of hiking trails, outdoor lovers can experience the fantastically beautiful and wild nature with dense dark forests, deep valleys, wild rivers and blooming mountain meadows.

Particularly popular is the 100 km long hiking route Harzer-Hexen-Stieg, which belongs to the 'Top Trails of Germany'. The route is also certified as 'Qualitätsweg Wanderbares Deutschland'. Here you will, among other things, get around the area by the well-known mountain Bloksbjerg.

Hundred-year-old culture up close
The Harz is like a picture book full of history. Castles and castles testify to a magnificent past, and when you stand in front of the old walls around the Kaiserpfalz in Goslar, the impressive castle Schloß Wernigerode or the fabled castle Burg Falkenstein, you are suddenly very close to history.

The many museums also tell about history, craftsmanship and technology.

If you take a train ride on the traditional Harzer Schmalspurbahnen, history and technology come alive. The impressive steam train runs through the romantic Selketal valley and the Southern Harzen Mountains and on through the Harzen National Park up to the Brocken, which at 1.141 m is the highest mountain in the area. It is a train experience like 100 years ago.

And there is more to discover. In the middle of the Harz, you will find no less than three UNESCO World Heritage sites out of a total of 44 World Heritage sites in Germany.

To on foot or with the wind at your back – exploring a mining region that is unique in the entire world
The underground and above-ground UNESCO World Heritage Sites Bergwerk Rammelsberg, Goslar's Old Town and Oberharzer Wasserwirtschaft cover an area of ​​200 square kilometers. Here you will find some of the largest and oldest mining regions in Europe.

In the Middle Ages, the area flourished with fantastic buildings and magnificent architecture; everything from simple miners' houses to castles like the Kaiserpfalz. Kilometer-long underground mine tunnels and the largest pre-industrial energy confederation system in the world – the Oberharzer Wasserwirtschaft – characterize the landscape to this day.

Several exciting routes lead to the historic mining ponds, along water ditches and to the old mining facilities in the middle of the impressive nature. 

Fascinating medieval times meet exciting art in Quedlinburg 
The beautiful town of Quedlinburg in the north-eastern Harz is over 1000 years old.

With its 2000 half-timbered houses, buildings from the Romantic period and magnificent villas in the Gründerzeit and Jugendstil, the city takes visitors back to ancient times. But Quedlinburg's culture and history are alive as never before – a city in the tension between past and future, which also inspires the many artisans in the city.

In addition, the Quedlinburg Music Summer festival attracts music enthusiasts and artists from near and far to the UNESCO World Heritage city every year.

Read more on it official tourist website for the Harz and in our theme of the Harz.

Landmar Hotels: Active holidays on Tenerife

If you dream of an active holiday under sunny skies, is Landmar Hotels a good starting point. Here you have easy access to volcano hiking, kayaking and snorkelling - and at the hotels you can practice yoga or play, among other things. tennis, volleyball and water polo.

While the colder temperatures are making their appearance in Denmark, there is still the possibility of a sunny autumn holiday under warmer skies. This applies, among other things, to on Tenerife, where there is also plenty of opportunity to be active and use your body on holiday.

On the southern part of the island are the hotels Landmar Costa Los Gigantes and Landmar Playa La Arena. Both hotels are a good starting point for excursions on land and at sea.

Get exclusive offers on the Landmar hotels in our Facebook group

Among the most popular hikes on Tenerife is the hike up the Teide volcano, which had its last eruption in 1909. From the foot of the volcano, you take a cable car up to La Rambleta, which is 2350 meters above sea level, before continuing up to 3718 meters above sea level. From here you can enjoy the breathtaking view before the trip goes down again. The hike is a total of 2,7 km.

There is also plenty of opportunity to experience Tenerife from the water's side and go on a sea kayak trip, where you can sail along the high cliffs of Los Gigantes and explore the volcanic landscape and isolated bays. You can also admire life under the sea surface with a snorkelling trip - for example during the kayak trip.

Ball games, yoga and tennis at Landmar Costa Los Gigantes
Landmar Costa Los Gigantes is an obvious choice for active families. Here the whole family can play a game of tennis or compete against each other in mini golf. The hotel regularly organizes spinning, pilates, yoga and dance – and the gym's view over the water only makes the training even better. There is also a football pitch and a smaller basketball court. For the youngest in the family, there is also an obstacle course and a water park, while there are also activities and entertainment in the hotel's children's club.

Petanque, shooting range and water polo at Landmar Playa La Arena
Landmar Playa La Arena is an ideal choice for couples. Some of the special activities that characterize Landmar Playa La Arena are petanque and a shooting range where you can shoot with a bow and arrow. The hotel also has a tennis court, mini golf and spinning. By the pool, there are ongoing activities such as water polo, volleyball and gymnastics. There is also a fitness center here

Both hotels are happy to help arrange active excursions on the island.

Landmar Costa Los Gigantes

Landmar Playa La Arena

About Landmar Hotels
The Landmar Hotels hotel group includes the two four-star hotels Landmar Costa los Gigantes and Landmar Playa La Arena on Tenerife's west coast. 

Landmar Costa los Gigantes has the ideal setting for a family holiday with, among other things, water park and child-friendly activities, while Landmar Playa La Arena caters more to adult couples or friends, who can benefit from the site's Platinum Club with exclusive service and access to special adult areas. From both hotels, there are also plenty of opportunities for excursions and experiences on the island.

Get exclusive offers on Landmar Hotels in our Facebook group

  • Landmar Hotels
  • Landmar Hotels
  • Landmar Hotels
  • Landmar Hotels

Tenerife hotel focuses on families with children

The Landmar Costa Los Gigantes hotel on sunny Tenerife has set its sights on attracting families with children. Here is a large selection of family-friendly activities that all ages can take part in; both in the hotel area and on the island.

39,4% of Danish families with children demand nature and outdoor activities on holiday, while 36,3% choose destinations on the basis of food experiences, recent research shows.

When Danish families with children travel abroad, nature and outdoor activities, gastronomy and a location close to the beach are among the factors that weigh the most in choosing a travel destination. This is according to a recent study by the tourism analysis platform Travellyze.*

And that is exactly what the Landmar Costa Los Gigantes hotel in the southern part of the holiday island of Tenerife has put at the top of the agenda.

- Here there is room for everyone and always something to do. For example, in the hotel's water park, on the playground and the mini golf course - as well as the obstacle course that challenges the fear of heights for both adults and children. For parents, there is the option of pampering in the hotel's 1800 square meter spa, where you can relax in both the jacuzzi, thermal baths and Hammam. It is also open for children during selected periods if the whole family wants to enjoy the experience together, says Alberto Jerez, Hotel Manager at Landmar Hotels.

- Landmar Costa Los Gigantes offers the perfect combination of activities for families, and has both entertainment for children and teenagers as well as parents and couples.

Families who enjoy culinary indulgence can look forward to visiting the hotel's two restaurants. In La Palmera, there is an à la carte menu with, among other things, grill specialities, while the chefs at Teide Restaurant prepare food from all over the world. You can also drop by the restaurant La Taberna de Pepe at the neighboring hotel Landmar Playa La Arena, which serves an á la carte menu with Spanish and Canarian delicacies.

At the same time, the special Landi Village hotel rooms are designed especially for families with children, with child-sized furniture and snacks for children. You are also guaranteed a visit from the hotel's playful and friendly mascot Landi when you book this type of room.

During the holidays, there is also the opportunity to take part in educational children's activities together with Landi, where children can learn about e.g. nature, food and climate change. And if you want to build sandcastles and swim in them havet, the beach is only 5 minutes away.

Hiking and kayaking for all ages

Tenerife is full of beautiful nature that makes for hiking - also for children. At the Path of the Senses in Anaga Rural Park you will find short walking routes that are easy to navigate even with a pram. Here you can follow three different routes of between 340 and 1300 metres, along the way you will find signs that invite you to activate your sense of sight, smell, touch and hearing in the scenic surroundings.

Water dogs can also explore the coast off Landmar Costa Los Gigantes, for example in a kayak.

You can rent kayaks with room for two - so even younger children can join - and, for example, sail past the area's volcanic rocks, which are 300-600 meters high. In most places, the water is not very deep either, which makes it obvious to combine the kayak trip with a round of snorkelling.

Other activities in the immediate area include whale watching, stargazing in the UNESCO area and diving.

Read more about Landmar Costa Los Gigantes here: www.landmarhotels.com/en/landmar-costa-los-gigantes.html

*The survey was carried out in January 2023 and includes 500 representatively selected respondents in Denmark.

About Landmar Hotels

The Landmar Hotels hotel group includes the two four-star hotels Landmar Costa los Gigantes and Landmar Playa La Arena on Tenerife's west coast. 

Landmar Costa los Gigantes has the ideal setting for a family holiday with, among other things, water park and child-friendly activities, while Landmar Playa La Arena caters more to adult couples or friends, who can benefit from the site's Platinum Club with exclusive service and access to special adult areas. From both hotels, there are also plenty of opportunities for excursions and experiences on the island.

bali, this will be u, u, indonesia, travel to asia, travel to bali, travel offers, package travel to bali

Prices of plane tickets in the summer holidays: How to save money, despite the fact that prices are rising

The prices of plane tickets in the summer holiday 2023 have increased by around 25 percent compared to the same period in 2022. And it is especially the Danes' summer favorites that are affected.

It reveals new figures from the travel search engine Momondo, who here give you the best tips for saving money on your summer holiday at a time when prices are rising.

If you were among the many Danes who had to cancel their summer holiday plans in 2022 due to the strike in the travel industry, and if you are planning to take revenge in the summer holiday 2023, then the latest figures from the travel search engine momondo may put a small damper on your travel dreams at first.

The prices for air travel in the summer period of 2023 have increased by 25 percent compared to the same period in 2022, and this is taking a toll on the Danes' summer favourites.

"We are now really seeing the effect of inflation and higher fuel prices, which are now also affecting flight prices. And there is no immediate prospect that prices will fall towards the summer holidays, which is the most popular travel period," says Per Christiansen, spokesperson for momondo, and continues:

"It's about keeping your tongue in your mouth and thinking strategically when planning the summer holidays. There is a lot of money to be saved if you think about timing, booking, length and destination. It can be difficult to see through for many, and therefore we would like to help make it clear for the Danes.”

See our guide to finding flights, hotels and car hire here

Danes' Spanish summer dreams under pressure

The Danes love Spain, which year after year tops the list of our favorite travel destinations.

Therefore, many will be sad to discover that flight prices for summer trips to favorites such as Malaga, Barcelona, ​​Mallorca and Alicante have increased by 32 percent, 38 percent, 22 percent and 20 percent, respectively, compared to summer 2022.

Read more about traveling in Spain

Flight tickets to Malaga and Alicante in the summer period 2023 currently cost an average of around DKK 2.100, while tickets to Mallorca and Barcelona have an average price of respectively around DKK 1.800 and 1.600.

momondo recommends: Book your summer holiday as early as possible. Yes, already now actually. You can save up to 51 percent on average on flights to Europe if you book six months in advance.

The same applies to international travel, where prices are around 47 percent lower when you book 161 days in advance. If it feels uncertain to commit to a trip in the future, remember that many airlines offer flexible cancellation and rebooking options. Use momondo's filter for flexible travel.

Find the cheapest tickets here
Hello Bella Italy
It is not only the Danes' love for Spain that must suffer from the rising prices. If you look towards the boot country further east, there have also been price increases since the summer of 2022.

Flight prices for summer trips to popular Italian destinations such as Tuscany and Sicily have increased by around 59 percent and around 34 percent compared to summer 2022.

You must now have more than DKK 2.500 out of your pocket to come to Tuscany and Sicily in the summer of 2023, which have become respectively around DKK 1.000 and DKK 600 more expensive since last summer.

momondo recommends: Consider flights to Naples, where, despite the Amalfi Coast's great popularity, prices have only increased by 14 percent since 2022 and are currently at an average price of DKK 1.807. Start your Italian summer in rustic Naples, known for its pizzas, and explore the Gulf of Naples among beautiful islands such as Capri, Ischia and Procida.

Fly to Nice and explore the French Riviera
On the other hand, there is good news for the Francophile Danes who dream of croissants and long sunny days. Prices for plane tickets to Nice in the summer of 2023 have only increased by around 7 percent since the summer of 2022.

Nice is in itself a popular holiday destination and definitely worth a visit, but in addition the city acts as a hub for the southern French coast, the Côte d'Azur, which is known in Danish as the French Riviera.

momondo recommends: Fly to Nice, the capital of the Riviera, and explore beautiful southern French cities such as Antibes, Vence and Cannes. The average price for plane tickets in the summer period has only increased from DKK 1.602 in 2022 to DKK 1.712 in 2023.

Large price increases on summer trips to Asia - look to the USA instead
When it comes to long-distance destinations, Asian travel destinations are big favorites with the Danes, and usually the summer flight prices to Asia are cheaper than in the winter, which is high season in those latitudes.

But trips to Asia are actually some of those that have increased the most compared to last year. Summer flight prices to Bangkok in Thailand have increased by around 49 percent since summer 2022 and currently cost an average of around DKK 4.200.

Prices to Tokyo in Japan have increased by around 70 percent and currently have an average price of more than DKK 8.000. You have to pay the same out of pocket for a trip to Denpensar in Bali, which has increased by around 25 percent.

momondo recommends: If you're dreaming of a summer adventure outside of Europe, there are still overseas destinations where prices have risen less or even fallen. For example, flight prices to New York in the summer of 2023 have actually fallen by around 3 percent since last summer and cost an average of DKK 2.476. Flight prices to Las Vegas in Nevada have also fallen by approximately 4 percent since summer 2022 (from DKK 5.324 to DKK 5.106), while Miami in Florida has only increased by about 7 percent (from DKK 4.093 to DKK 4.386).

Find the cheapest tickets here

More saving tips for summer vacation

  1. Have an early or late summer vacation
    If you travel just slightly out of season, with travel dates in June or September, you can save almost a third (around 30%) on the plane ticket compared to prices in July and August. And there are even more advantages to being flexible in summer holiday planning. For example, there are more hotel options out of season, just as it will be possible to find more offers. In addition, the temperatures in Southern Europe will be milder and the popular sights will not be as overrun with people.
  2. Skip the departure date at the weekend
    You can save around 15 percent on the plane ticket if you choose a flight departure on Thursday rather than Saturday, which is the most expensive day of the week to start your journey if you are going to Europe. For international journeys, the saving of approximately 6 percent applies.
  3. There is money to be saved on spending habits
    In these austerity times, more Danes have become aware of how to save money in everyday spending habits. And you can take that learning with you on the summer holiday. For example, set a budget so that you create awareness of the many small everyday expenses, which especially tend to pile up on holidays. In addition, familiarize yourself with the currencies of the various countries, as there is a lot of money to be saved on food, drink, hotel and experiences.

    About data
    Data is based on all searches for flights made on momondo.dk and associated sites in the period 01.10.2022 – 02.01.2023 for travel dates in the period 01.06. 2023 – 15.09. 2023 and compared to the same search dates in 2021/2022 for the same travel dates in 2022. Percentages are averages. All prices are average prices for return flights in economy class per person. Prices may vary and savings may not
    guaranteed.

Find the cheapest tickets here

Thailand, Phuket, Beach, Sea, rocks, boats, paradise, travel

Solo travel is increasing in popularity among Danes – these destinations are now trending

More and more Danes are open to the idea of ​​celebrating winter in warmer climes - and they like to do it alone.

Flight searches for solo travel have increased by around 40 percent since last year. And it is particularly overseas destinations such as Thailand, Bali, the Philippines and Dubai that attract solo travellers. This shows completely new figures the travel search engine Momondo.

Danes' searches for solo flight tickets this winter have increased by around 40 percent since last year, just as hotel searches for one person have increased by around 26 percent compared to the same period in 2021.

Overseas destinations are trending

In addition to the classic destinations for European cities such as London and Paris, it is in particular destinations further afield that solo travelers are looking for. Here, destinations such as Thailand, Bali, Dubai and the Philippines are among the favourites.

"If you look at the top list of the ten most popular destinations for solo travellers, more than half are located outside Europe. Thailand, Bali and the Philippines in particular are known for having a widespread backpacker culture with good opportunities to strike up a conversation with other people, including other solo travellers," says Per Christiansen and continues:

"And then the overseas destinations are also a sure winner if it's hours of sunshine you're looking for. If you dream of standing with your feet in the water and toasting the new year, then you have to go outside Europe.”

Solo travelers' top list for flight searches over Christmas and New Year 2022/2023

  1. Bangkok, Thailand
  2. London, United Kingdom
  3. Paris, France
  4. Malaga, Spain
  5. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  6. Phuket, thailand
  7. New York, USA
  8. Denpasar, Bali
  9. Istanbul, Turkey
  10. Manila, Philippines

Find the cheapest airline tickets here

Never happened before: the first Alpine World Cup downhill race of the season starts in one country and finishes in another

The ski season kicks off in October, and in the Aosta Valley it happens with a spectacularly designed downhill race, where the runners start in Switzerland and finish in Italy – after driving almost 1.000 meters down the slopes.

The Zermatt-Cervinia World Cup downhill race in Zermatt and Cervinia will be historic. When it starts on the last weekend of October and the first weekend of November for men and women respectively, it is the first time ever that a race starts in one country and ends in another.

The World Cup races are held on the Gran Becca (the big peak), located at an altitude of 3.800 meters on the Gobba di Rollin in Switzerland and it ends on the Laghi Cime Bianche ridge at the popular ski resort of Cervinia in Italy.

The race here at the Matterhorn will not only be the highest downhill race on the World Cup calendar, but also the first ever alpine World Cup race on a glacier.

Designed by legends

The course was designed by the Swiss downhill runner, Didier Defago, Olympic champion from 2010. Defago's compatriot, the no less legendary downhill champion Pirmin Zurbriggen, is also on the team as an advisor and ambassador for the event. It will not only be a great experience for the athletes. The course is designed in such a way that spectators from the finish area will be able to see almost 50 percent of the race, and the constant view of the Matterhorn just makes the event even more unique.

Symbolic event

There is a beautiful symbolism in the fact that one of the year's major sporting events in the Aosta Valley becomes a bilateral affair.

Aosta lies in a border country surrounded by Europe's highest peaks with Mont Blanc on the border with France on one side and the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa on the edge of Switzerland on the other.

At the same time, you find yourself in an interesting field of tension between Italian and French culture, which i.a. also affects the gastronomy of the area.

In the main town – the Roman-founded Valle d'Aosta – as well as in the area's other villages, during breaks from skiing you can visit shops with local delicacies and excellent restaurants, which provide the best of the two countries in terms of cuisine.

If you want to try your hand at skiing, there is plenty of opportunity for it at all levels. The ski resorts are generally slightly higher than most other European ski resorts, and this helps to provide increased snow security. You can read more about winter sports in Aosta and the various options at lovevda.it/en


find a good offer banner 2023
Aosta Valley Italy

Italy's smallest region celebrates its food traditions

In the Aosta Valley, people have invested in local produce and land for table long before it became trendy, and all year round you can find a sea of ​​food festivals. It is particularly interesting in the autumn, when the raw materials are brought home from the field.

The Aosta Valley is spectacularly situated in the middle of Europe's highest mountains with Mont Blanc on the border with France on one side and the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa on the edge of Switzerland on the other. 

In this field of tension between Italian and French culture, one also finds an interesting gastronomic influence from both sides. 

The smallest region in Italy has its very own delicacies that are protected and celebrated both locally and at EU level. 

This applies to the mountain potato and the cow's milk cheese Fontina which has been given the EU's protected designation of origin PDO. The cheese gets its rich and distinctive taste from the cows grazing at an altitude of up to 700 meters in the summer. 

Another protected delicacy is salted pork in the form of ham Vallée d'Aoste Jambon de Bosses, which is produced at an altitude of 1600 metres. 

In addition to specialty shops that sell local delicacies, there are several excellent restaurants in the city of Aosta, which provide the best of the three countries, and the Aosta Valley also has its share of really good wine producers.

Regional dishes and black bread

The local gastronomy is also celebrated on numerous occasions throughout the year, not least in the dark autumn months. 

At the beginning of October runs Marché au Fort of the stack in the charming medieval village of Bard at the foot of the historic fort. It is the most important and largest food and wine event dedicated to traditional products from the Aosta Valley, and at the Town Hall Square you can get local take-away dishes. 

In mid-October, you can experience the festival in a large number of villages The pan ner, which pays tribute to the region's "black bread".

Many villages in the Aosta Valley have at least one communal oven, where families used to take turns baking rye bread for their own consumption, usually once a year at the beginning of winter. 

It is a simple but tasty bread, made with lightly leavened wheat and rye - perfect for feeding families who are isolated for many months during the winter season. Sometimes chestnuts, cumin and dried fruit are added. 

At the end of October, the village of Châtillon is also transformed into the honey capital of the Aosta Valley. Here, honey is celebrated - and all the products that can be made from it.

You can read more about the individual festivals and the food culture of the Aosta Valley at lovevda.it.


Austria - Bad Gastein, view, mountains - travel

Are you ready for winter in Tyrol?

Then the first snow fell on Monday in Tyrol - and there are many who can't wait to get going.

To get a taste, Tirol Werbung therefore invites you to the BANFF Mountain Film Festival, which will be held in Copenhagen on October 11 and has two short films from and about Austria on the program.

In this newsletter you can also read more about new offers, new hotels and new infrastructure that will make your next skiing holiday in Tirol even better. And maybe you want a quieter winter holiday? - then you can read more about it here.

See the newsletter here


Ethiopian Airlines, plane, sky

Ethiopian Airlines is expanding and becoming the fastest modern route south to Africa

The Nordic region's fastest and most direct flight connection to Africa is operated by Ethiopian Airlines, a member of the Star Alliance, and without tedious time differences. Ethiopian Airlines route Oslo-Stockholm-Addis Ababa is a reliable route that has been flown during the entire pandemic, most often with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Ethiopian Airlines operates daily departures from June. Ethiopian Airlines is by far Africa's largest operator of Dreamliners and is now also moving up the rankings, as one of the companies with the most advanced Airbus A 350, on the longest routes. As other airlines postponed deliveries and reduced the fleet, Ethiopian Airlines itself received five new A350s during the pandemic.

"Demand from our customers has increased, so it is with great pleasure to be able to quickly expand the Oslo-Stockholm-Addis Ababa route to daily departures," says Area Manager for the Nordic countries, Wogayehu Terefe.

By converting 25 passenger planes to cargo early in the pandemic, Ethiopian Airlines could become one
key player in medical devices, such as 150 million vaccine doses to Africa. The cargo traffic gave the company a significant profit also in 2021, which made it possible to maintain important traffic for people and cargo.

Ethiopian Cargo's twelve pure cargo planes are still an important and profitable part of the group for the future just as it was through a difficult time. Now it will also be the second company in the world to order the brand new Boeing 777X in full version, in five copies with super long range.

Addis Ababa is the hub of 127 destinations in 81 countries, making Ethiopian Airlines the fourth largest airline in the world in terms of number of destinations, more than many other well-known major carriers.

Ethiopian Airlines is also the fifth largest company in the world to have the new Airbus A350, which is 18 in the fleet with an average age of 3,1 years. They are designed for 30 passengers in business class and 313-325 in economy class. Furthermore, there are 27 Boeing 787 Dreamliner which is five years on average.

Ethiopian Airlines is one of the 20 largest airlines in the world and with 67 destinations in Africa, they continue to increase market share, under the slogan "The New Spirit of Africa". In recent years, Skytrax has twice named Ethiopian Airlines as Best Airline Staff Service and four times Best airline in Africa.

In 2017, they received Four Star Certification, while Ethiopian Airlines grew, with a 25% profit increase, seven years in a row. Of course, the pandemic has put Ethiopian Airlines under pressure, as it has done for everyone else. However, the usual hard cuts were not made.

Therefore, passenger traffic could also be maintained, which also made Ethiopian Airlines the best African airline 2021 according to the Business Travel Award. Traffic to Stockholm and Oslo has continued during the pandemic. Ethiopian Airlines' position as the largest African airline was also strengthened in 2021.

Through co-ownership and alliances with several airlines, most recently in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopian has consolidated its position as a pan-African with good connections to the company's large network to Asia and South and North America.

Of course, the success did not come from one day to the next, but the company has grown uninterrupted through its 75 flight years. Ethiopian Airlines is state-owned, but has always made independent commercial decisions based on growth and profit.

Ethiopian Airlines is the country's largest and most popular company to work for. A separate flight academy, trains pilots, cabin, aircraft technicians and ground staff. A conscious commitment to women has led to a leading position in relation to female pilots and aircraft technicians, the latter almost completely unique.

Within Scandinavia, Ethiopian Airlines also flies locally on the Stockholm-Oslo-Stockholm route, with an early morning departure to Oslo and a pleasant early evening departure back to Stockholm, which continues directly to Addis Ababa overnight. The Dreamliner normally used has the configuration 24 business class seats and 246 on economy class, with slightly more business class capacity in the larger 787-9 version.

Ethiopian Airlines is now also resuming deliveries of 25 ordered Boeing 737-8, which will complement mainly African traffic, where today uses Boeing 737-800, as well as one of the world's largest fleets of Bombardier Q-400, just over 30, which is special suitable for Africa's many hot and high airports and long distances.


Carinthia, mountains, Austria, bonfire, family, lake, nature, travel, press releases

Austria: Optimistic outlook for summer 2022

Expectations for the summer are high, and according to a new study from the Austrian Tourist Office in Vienna, three quarters of the respondents in Austria's most important markets plan to go on summer holidays - and Austria has a lot to offer. However, there is still uncertainty about inflation, the war in Ukraine and the pandemic.

“We are optimistic about the summer season. After two years of pandemic, there is a great need to travel. People long to get out into nature, and Austria has the right holiday opportunities, ” says Lisa Weddig, CEO of the Austrian Tourist Office in Vienna. This is according to the latest study, which has been carried out in Austria's four largest foreign markets - Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the Czech Republic. According to the survey, three quarters of respondents plan to travel in the summer of 2022, compared to 60% last year.

Even if vacation knows havet is the most popular form of holiday (40%), then recreational holidays (31%), nature holidays (25%), city holidays (22%) and holidays by lakes (21%) are also in high demand. And these are Austria's strengths. "Exercise in nature" is currently a big trend in many countries, and it is a good match for Austria.
When it comes to things that tourists are worried about at the moment, the Corona situation only comes in third place. In second place comes the political uncertainty (Ukraine war), while rising prices right now are the biggest concern.

“Price development is the most relevant factor in connection with holiday planning this year. Not necessarily in terms of whether to go on holiday, but in terms of the destination and time of travel, ” explains Lisa Weddig.

Holidays in Austria are relaxing, you are close to nature and it is authentic. Whether you are swimming in a lake or hiking in the Alps: A summer holiday in Austria offers the perfect experience for everyone - #realAustria

On austria.info/dk you can be inspired and find good holiday opportunities.

About the author

Collaborating partner

RejsRejsRejs collaborates with Danish travel agencies, tourism organizations and other players in the travel industry.

If you want to see more about our collaborations then click here.

Add comment

Comment here

The newsletter is sent out several times a month. See our data policy here.

inspiration

Travel deals

Facebook cover picture travel deals travel

Get the best travel tips here

The newsletter is sent out several times a month. See our data policy here.