Top 4 Reasons to Visit Les Deux Alpes for Your Ski Break

BY  Sibashree Apr 28, 2025

This time, I was on a 2-day Paris travel and was working on how the best hotels in Paris have been supporting the thriving tourism scene in the city. I did my case study on the hotels near Opera Paris France, to get the entire picture.  I also had the opportunity to meet the leaders of Citadines Apart'hotel Opéra Paris, which The Ascott Limited operates. They shared their insights and observations with me. Paris had a footfall of 11.2 million during the Summer Olympics of 2024. The success story with great numbers continued as Paris consolidated the Olympics’ success for the rest of the year.  This boost in the number of tourists has further facilitated growth in the hospitality sector. The French hospitality sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.34% from 2023 to 2028.  However, these two booming industries are also bearing the wrath of overtourism in the city.  So, there could not be a better time to delve deeper into how the best hotels in Paris have been supporting tourism so far. Also, we need to talk about how they respond to minimize the impact of overtourism with sustainable practices.  Best Hotels In Paris: Working And Growing With The Tourism Industry Of The City The best hotels in Paris are beyond tourist accommodations. With luxury in mind and an upscale shift, these hotels are influencing the spending patterns of tourists.  France was the most-visited country in the world in 2024, with an unbelievable footfall of around 100 million.  Now, a large number of these tourists look for accommodations in luxury hotels. With their hotel expenses and overall luxury spending increasing, the city gains revenue.  This approach aligns with what Nathalie Delattre, the French Minister of Tourism, stated in response to the anticipated tourism boom in France for 2024.  “We need to work to increase the average each visitor spends and get our visitors to stay longer.” The impact of hotels in Paris on tourist spending patterns extends beyond the standalone tourism and hospitality industry. It’s about the overall GDP and economy of the city.  But the “luxury experience” here is not to scare you if you are a tourist. It does not mean that you cannot visit Paris within a budget. It’s true that Paris, as a travel destination, is somewhat expensive, and accommodations are pricier than those in similar setups in other countries. However, the city offers a diverse range of hotel tariffs. A Shared Market Space Creating Discord Between The Hotel And Tourism Sectors? A shared market space!  This has been one of the biggest challenges for the top hotels in Paris, as they collaborate with the tourism industry to boost the city’s economy.  Now, services like AirBnb are offering more flexibility in booking and better pricing options. So, of course, there is the “price sensitivity” factor. Additionally, Airbnb is eager to seize opportunities, as it did during the Summer Olympics in Paris last time.   Airbnb was the official sponsor of the Paris Olympics, and it played a significant role in the 44% surge in short-term rental bookings in 2024 from the summer of 2023.  Also, Airbnb was direct when it approached the visitors of the Paris Olympics to avoid the “touristy side of Paris" and book short-term rentals on the “Paris-y side of Paris.” Moreover, Airbnb, through the “Airbnb500 Travel Grant,” offered discounts to tourists visiting Paris during the 2024 Summer Olympics.  Now, with discounted pricing and Parisians willing to give up their accommodation on rent through Airbnb, many hotels in Paris have suffered.  "The rate discounting that's happened, the occupancy levels, they're definitely being suppressed and compressed by the short-term rental market, without question.”Blake Reiter, Director of Research, Lighthouse Having said that, the best hotels in Paris have been able to keep their presence strong as they cater to the group of tourists seeking a high-end experience.  Additionally, city officials have introduced restrictions on short-term rentals to prevent Airbnb and similar businesses from causing significant harm to the hospitality industry.  Moreover, in November 2024, France approved an “Anti-Airbnb Bill” to control the increase in vacation rentals.  So, the threats of a shared market space have become less for the best hotels in Paris and other parts of France.  Overtourism In Paris: How The Best Hotels In Paris Respond To It? The best hotels in Paris had a slow start in summer 2024. However, with the Summer Olympics inching closer, occupancy rates in these hotels increased despite challenges from Airbnb and other short-term rental services.  During the summer Olympics, the hotel occupancy rate in this area reached 84%. Of course, there was revenue growth with a higher occupancy rate, discounts, and non-refundable rooms for tourists.  Still, the housing industry could not avoid an accommodation crunch, hygiene issues, safety threats, and other impacts of overtourism.  A sustainable collaboration between the best hotels in Paris and tourists is crucial. It will minimize the environmental impact and enhance the overall quality of life in the city.   For example, The Ascott Limited's sustainability program has helped me understand how the best hotels in Paris are doing it right. They are trying to minimize the impact of overtourism on the city’s environment and natural resources. Showing Commitment To Sustainability The Ascott Limited is sincere about taking care of the environment. Also, it has earned the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Committed status.  Moreover, Ascott Limited aims to achieve GSTC-Accredited Body certification for its global portfolio by 2028.  The sustainability program, known as “Ascott CARES,” is based on five fundamental pillars, and those are: Respect Alliance Community Environment  Supply Chain Also, Ms. Beh Siew Kim from Ascott has mentioned that sustainability has always been a key priority for the business. “The Ascott Limited aiming to have all their properties certified by GSTC-accredited Certification Bodies by 2028 where applicable* is a testament to how serious they are committed as an organization to environmental and social responsibility. We applaud Ascott’s leadership and vision in prioritizing sustainability, and I am confident that their efforts will set a benchmark for others in the sector to follow.”Randy Durband, CEO, The Global Sustainable Tourism Council With Ascott Limited as an example, the best hotels in Paris are also redefining the tourism landscape. They are also trying to fight overtourism by building a sustainable future. 

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 3, 2020

Have you ever wondered what destruction happens to a city or region post a nuclear radiation accident? Are you aware of the Chernobyl Plant and Pripyat city, the site of the nuclear accident situated in the erstwhile USSR? Did you know that there are countless documentaries and movies been made about the Chernobyl disaster? There are countless stories and myths, which abound about Chernobyl. While some say that it was just an accident at a nuclear plant, others point to a warring country being responsible for executing the same. The nuclear accident at Chernobyl happened in the erstwhile USSR era. This was roughly around the same time when the Cold War was raging between Communist USSR and the Western Capitalist world. The stories, myths, controversies have made Chernobyl somewhat of an urban legend. Chernobyl has become so famous that it has been featured in a Netflix series. It has also started attracting audiences and tourists from all over the world, who want to see one of the most significant remnants of our modern history. An Introduction to Pripyat, the city surrounding Chernobyl Visiting Pripyat today we could only imagine that it was a city of opportunity, where almost every resident had a prestigious job and a promising future. This city is located on the Pripyat River, 3 kilometers from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, has been prosperous and advanced since its foundation. Until April 26, 1986, when the explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant forced more than 300 thousand people to leave their homes due to the threat of radiation. This is how the exclusion zone appeared – an area of 2,600 square kilometers, free of people. Before the Chernobyl incident, Pripyat was one of the most economically developed and bustling cities of the USSR. The trade, commerce, and lifestyle of the people were as good as it could get under a Communist regime. Culturally, Pripyat embodied the best of the USSR. The Chernobyl accident was a major turning point in the fortunes of the city and its inhabitants. The Problems faced by Inhabitants of Pripyat after the Chernobyl Accident Many inhabitants were forced to shift to government camps and medical facilities. They were monitored for radiation and many also faced isolation and therapy. Even after the nuclear winter ended, traces of radiation were found in water, soil, etc. The government could not ever settle inhabitants in the city. Many were forced to migrate thousands of miles to different regions, often starting from scratch. The accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant changed hundreds of thousands of destinies, caused enormous economic damage, and a crushing blow to the nuclear industry. In the shortest possible time, the whole city was to be empty, people were not allowed to take anything except documents. Visiting Pripyat now, we can see how much pain it was for people to leave in a hurry all their property acquired over the years. As Pripyat was a bustling center of trade and commerce, you can still see so many markets, big complexes, theatres, and auditoriums. Many historians have stated that Pripyat was as rich and powerful as Moscow was. However, after the accident, there was just chaos and destruction as far as the eye could see. How Chernobyl looks like today? Here is what you can expect if you visit Chernobyl today Visiting Chernobyltoday is like returning to the distant Soviet Union. Here you can still see elements of communist propaganda, personal belongings scattered on the streets, and abandoned buildings. The hammer and sickle adorn the lanterns on the eve of the May holidays, which were not destined to take place. Toys are scattered across the schoolyard, abandoned by children in the confusion. The clock in the city shows 11:55 – the time of the power outage. Visiting Chernobyl safe is possible with the help of the professional guides, who know all the impressive but at the same time safe places of the abandoned city. Chernobyl visit is available in several options: One-day tour (Includes 27 top locations, lasts for 11 hours including comfortable bus. The price is from 35 euro per person) Two-day tour (Includes 57 top locations, lasts for 36 hours including top comfortable bus. The price is from 95 euro per person) Private tour (No restrictions on the number of locations, no limitation on hours – one, two, or even five days in Chernobyl) Present-day Chernobyl: What is happening? Whatever tour you choose Chernobyl visit will give you an opportunity to see how nature conquers human error. Pripyat turns into a forest. Houses begin to collapse, asphalt turns into moss, houses grow into trees, wide avenues disappear. Visiting Pripyat, it will be interesting to see: Shelter "Sarcophagus". It covers the destroyed Unit 4 to protect the environment from continued exposure to radiation. The Exclusion Zone. Excursions along this area are conducted with visits to local "attractions", museums, and communication with self-settlers. Amusement Park. The official opening of the amusement park was planned for May 1, 1986. Red Forest. It has absorbed a huge dose of radioactive dust. Most of the trees died, and the survivors took on a rusty hue. The Bridge of Death. The townspeople came here to see the burning reactor, not knowing that the radiation level here was one of the highest in the city. Over the past decade, hundreds of thousands of tourists made a visit to Chernobyl and Pripyat. But, believe me, the emotions that you feel when you find yourself in this city cannot be compared with anything. The Final Word If you are someone who is fascinated by Cold War history or seeing the height of Communist Power in the USSR, you will love Chernobyl. Even though the city and the region lie in ruins, there is a quaint romance about the place. Describing how you would feel after visiting Chernobyl is something that even the best travel writers cannot do. Part of the reason is that Chernobyl and Pripyat remain one of those rare places on Earth, which can still give you goosebumps. You have a city, without inhabitants, you have markets without shoppers, and you have buildings without owners. Read Also: 10 Best Places To Visit In Europe Top Places To Visit In Italy On Your Next Travel Escapade

BY  Sibashree Jul 22, 2025

Winter is coming, and a transition always brings cold and uncertainty, whether it is in life or the weather. Are you not a winter person as well? What if I tell you that you can enjoy the genial warmth of summer for a few more days? While the rest of the world shivers in the cold of October, you and your family can enjoy traveling to the top six destinations in Europe, where you will find warmth in October. So, let’s find out where is hot in October in Europe. Where Is Hot In October In Europe? Top 6 Places In Europe To Visit From Rome to Madeira, the places to visit in Europe in October are as diverse as it can get! Here are our top six favorites. 1. Rome, Italy You may feel confused about the relevance of starting the list with a city when they were expecting beaches. October provides the most suitable time for tourists to visit the city of Rome. The crowds of people are lower down as it is the off-season. On the other hand, people do not have to face the scorching heat of summer. The 14- to 26-degree temperature during that time of year, throughout the day, provides the perfect climate for traveling around. The tourists should enjoy sightseeing during this time, as the conditions provide the ideal conditions for traveling. The ambience offers the most suitable conditions for walking through the ancient streets of Rome. This time of the year in Rome provides the perfect conditions to enjoy vino and carbonara while dining in the open air in a rooftop cafe. Tourists should visit the museums of Rome on the first Sunday of the month, as it provides free entry to the museums. 2. Where Is Hot In October In Europe? Dalmatian Coasts In Croatia The Dalmatian Islands of Croatia remain warm and comfortable during the times of the month that are considered some of the most beautiful places to visit. The area offers pebble beaches and charming port towns. Therefore, the ocean lovers enjoy the place during this time of the year. The town also offers a variety of seafood options. Therefore, seafood lovers should try the available seafood in the ocean. The place offers beautiful, rugged mountains alongside the coasts, which make it even more attractive. The place is full of islands that tourists can explore. Tourists get to see islands like Hvar, Korcula, and Brac. The tourists should explore the charming towns and beaches, which are the best suited for visiting in October. The temperature in the area ranges from 15 to 26 degrees, making the weather neither too hot nor too cold. Therefore, this makes it ideal for exploration.  The tourists can indulge in a plethora of activities, which include hiking, snorkeling, and swimming along the most beautiful Mediterranean coastline. Moreover, the coastline is lined with lush green forests, which are ideal for enjoying during the evening. 3. Madeira, Portugal Madeira is an Island located off the coast of Africa, but it is part of Portugal. The place is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Therefore, the Island stands remote from the mainland of Portugal. Travelers should take a short ferry ride from Spain's Canary Islands. The Island features coastlines lined with palm trees and offers ideal waters for water sports and activities, including surfing. The volcanic islands stand tall on the ocean, which, therefore, provides some of the unique climatic conditions for grape harvesting.  October marks the grape harvesting season on Madeira; therefore, it is an ideal time to visit the islands. The Island also provides diverse eateries. Food lovers can visit various dining establishments on the island. The small Island offers two Michelin-star restaurants, as well, Il Gallo d'Oro and William Restaurant. Thus, the Island serves as a paradise for all food lovers. October brings various festivities to the Islands. The Island hosts the famous Madira Wine Festival. The locals trade wine during this festival.  You should visit the place during October and taste some of the most famous wines of the year. 4. Ibiza, Spain This October, travel to Ibiza in Spain. Ibiza offers the finest luxury accommodations for its visitors. Ibiza has established itself as a prominent luxury tourism destination.  The luxury accommodations on the Island constitute a whopping 84% of the Island’s entire GDP. The Island avoids over-tourism despite the sector’s immense contributions to the Island’s GDP. Therefore, this makes it ideal if you are willing to avoid crowds. Travelers who prefer to avoid crowds should visit Ibiza in October. The temperature of Ibiza ranges between 16 and 23 degrees. The temperature is ideal for exploring Ibiza, and you can take in the turquoise blue waters of the Island. People should spend time on the beaches. Staying at the luxury villas provides tourists with an incredible experience they can never have. For example, the luxury villas Ibiza Le Collectionist offer the guests the opportunity to spend time in a beautiful orchard with olive and almond trees. 5. Where Is Hot In October In Europe? Costa Del Sol, Spain The name Costa del Sol suggests “Coast of the sun”; therefore, the place receives sunlight throughout the year. Many tourists prefer the place, and it is incredibly loved by the people who are willing to make sure that they are in the place. The tourists find some of the best-quality restaurants, which helps people get the best food in the region. The lack of tourists after October allows people to enjoy peace more, as they can stay far away from the crowds. The temperature of the place ranges between 19 and 24 degrees during October. Therefore, the place serves as the perfect winter destination for you. You should visit Marbella. The town offers golden beaches, making it an ideal winter retreat. The Sierra Blanca mountains make the place even more beautiful. You should also visit Puerto banus, offering several coastal boutique resorts. The resorts give you an incredible experience of staying there. Adventure lovers should go hiking and participate in other activities. Cultural activities such as visiting the pueblos or the villages and meeting the locals allow the people to ensure cultural exploration. Moreover, walk through the pine forests, which will provide them with the most peaceful experience of their lives. 6. Kalkan, Türkiye Kalkan is not a recognized country; however, Türkiye is a transitional country between Europe and Asia. While 97% of Türkiye falls within Asia, the rest of it can be found in Europe. Kalken falls on the European side of Türkiye. Kalkan is located on the Mediterranean coast of Türkiye and is one of the most beautiful places to visit right before winter. The beaches of Kalkan offer stunning coastlines and turquoise waters. The tourists should experience a massage in the Hammams. Every travel enthusiast knows that Türkiye is a food heaven. Travelers should try the most incredible food the region has to offer. The street food especially provides a very exotic experience to the travellers. People who love adventure should visit the Kalkan beaches. The beaches of Kalken offer wonderful opportunities for adventure sports. The temperature of Kalkan ranges from 17 to 28 degrees Celsius. Where Is Hot In October In Europe, And Things To Keep In Mind While Travelling Most of the places on the mentioned list offer sunny and mild weather in October. However, people often experience odd thunderstorms in certain regions. Kalkan in Türkiye, for instance, has sudden thunderstorms at certain times of the year. The chances of receiving rain in Kalkan increase in the later part of October. Spain typically receives relatively little rain in October. However, tourists often face occasional sporadic rain. Therefore, while visiting the Costa del Sol, you should check for the rain in the region. Ibiza has little chance of rain in October.