Spain

Fira Gran Via: the address is well known in the travel ecosystem, particularly for the IBTM trade show which is held there every November. It will now also be the name of the first Meininger establishment in Barcelona and more broadly in Spain. On June 25th, the 162-room hotel – and over 500 beds…

We were anticipating the launch of autonomous taxis in Germany, as part of an agreement between Uber and Momenta. However, Madrid might just beat Munich to the punch in this race for robotaxis, a race that is struggling to find a winner in Europe. Uber and WeRide unveiled their ambition at the start of June: to trial autonomous vehicles "more…

Mandarin Oriental's recent news has already been significant, with the announced takeover of two legendary hotels in Egypt, the Old Cataract in Aswan and the Winter Palace in Luxor, and the opening of a resort in Majorca next June. This is now being enhanced by notable renovations. While the Asian luxury group had taken over last year…

This is a first since the opening of rail transport to competition in Spain. For the first time, high-speed traffic has declined on the Madrid-Barcelona route, according to the Spanish National Commission on Competition (CNMC). The decrease in the last quarter of 2025 is also significant, at 13%, totalling 3.3 million...

While its AVE, its high-speed trains built by Talgo, already run between Lyon and Barcelona and from Marseille to Madrid, Renfe has been trying in vain for years to get these same trains approved for departure from Paris. Faced with these difficulties, as well as the lack of prospects for real progress on…

There are places that you visit, and others that you remember. The Basque Country unquestionably falls into the latter category. A land of contrasts, the Basque Country combines vibrant cities, spectacular landscapes and a culture deeply rooted in everyday life. Here, every experience - a stroll through a historic centre, a pintxo tasted in the...

You might think that Germany is the European Union's biggest aviation market. Not so! It's Spain that holds the spotlight. According to the Aena group, the Spanish airport authority that manages all the country's airports, all the airport hubs closed 2025 with 321,587,316 passengers. This represents an increase of 3.9 1TP3Q...

Following on from the train accident in Santiago de Compostela in 2013, Spain has once again been hit by a train derailment that has so far claimed almost 40 lives and injured around 120. The tragedy occurred at 7.45pm on Sunday, this time in Andalusia, shortly after the departure of a high-speed train belonging to...

Albania Adorn Tirana - Handwritten Collection (beginning of the year) The Handwritten Collection, part of the Accor group, has set up in the heart of the Albanian capital, a stone's throw from the Selman Stermasi stadium and a five-minute walk from the lively Blloku district, with the boutique hotel Adorn Tirana. Comprising 25 rooms, including six suites, this establishment is the embodiment of the...

A minor revolution in Spain, where Pedro Sánchez's government has just announced the introduction in January 2026 of a national public transport season ticket costing €60 a month for those over 26 and €30 for those under that age. The pass will give subscribers unlimited travel on the whole of Spain's public transport network.

Spain, Portugal, France: this is the trifecta for MICE in 2026, according to forecasts unveiled on 3 December by FCM Travel. Organisers of major business events are particularly keen on Malaga, Marbella, Madrid and Barcelona. These destinations benefit from their potential in terms of infrastructure, their accessibility by air and their...

A few weeks ago, Renfe withdrew its Avlo low-cost high-speed train service from the Madrid-Barcelona route. The Spanish national rail company immediately replaced these departures with classic AVE high-speed trains, whose more expensive tickets offer greater flexibility and services, as well as...

In the world of corporate events, there is one region that has managed to turn its history into a differentiating asset: Euskadi. Far removed from conventional convention centres, the Spanish Basque Country is emerging as a benchmark destination for organisers looking for boutique experiences packed with authenticity and character. Its natural proximity to France...

Oscar Puente, Spain's Minister of Transport, has announced the forthcoming modernisation of the Madrid-Barcelona high-speed line, inaugurated in 2008. The aim of these future works is to increase the speed of the high-speed trains to 350km/h in order to reduce the journey time to 2 hours, compared with 2h30 to 2h50 according to the...

The long-awaited project for a direct rail link between Lisbon and Madrid took a major step forward on 30 October with the signing of an agreement involving the Portuguese and Spanish governments and the European Commission. The service will initially take 5 hours by conventional train between Lisbon and Madrid by 2030, a time that will be reduced...

Barcelona-El Prat airport is preparing to take a step forward in its intermodal development. The Catalan hub is awaiting the arrival of an express train. Designed by Alstom and operated by FGC Mobilitat, it is due to enter service in late 2026 or early 2027. The first of the ten electric trains was unveiled at the end of October. The President of the...

Central Europe is at the heart of the Ascott group's expansion on the continent. Already present in Vienna with four aparthotels under three of its brands - Citadines, lyf and Somerset - the world leader in long-stay hotels has just announced five new developments, strengthening its position as one of the city's leading hotel operators....

Located in the north of Spain, the Spanish Basque Country (Euskadi) has become a benchmark destination for organising business events. With its perfect balance between tradition and modernity, nature and urbanity, this region offers an ideal setting for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) tourism. Strategic accessibility Easy to reach from France, the...

Madrid is much more than a capital: it's a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that has managed to reinvent itself without ever losing its soul. Modern yet authentic, it combines dynamism, hospitality and a unique energy that makes every stay a memorable experience. In 2024, Madrid was voted the world's best destination for...

Already partnered with Rafael Nadal for the joint development of the Zel brand, the Meliá hotel group is welcoming another sports star to its team. From the yellow ball to the round ball, this choice recruit is none other than Lionel Messi. A legacy of his many years with Barça, the...