In Focus

Hamburg, Germany’s second largest metropolis and biggest port city is continuing to make a name for itself as a major cruise ship destination. In November 2013 Hamburg welcomed its 500,000th cruise passenger for the year, reaching this mark two years ahead of schedule. The city is also planning for the first time in 2015 to hold its bi-annual cruise ship festival, the Hamburg Cruise Days, and Europe’s pre-eminent trade show for the cruise industry, the Seatrade, at the same time. The city that has long had a reputation as Germany’s “Gateway to the World,” is on its way to become the gateway to the world of cruising, too, as these two top-notch events join forces to form a one-of-a-kind cruise week.

If knowledge is power then who better to learn from than the country that has been named the best European conference destination in 2013, hosting 2.97 million events, with a staggering 362 million participants the year before? Germany is the finest business location in Europe and is second only to the United States on a global scale.

The World’s Best Business City 2010, the World’s Best Bike City 2010, Europe’s Best City For Foodies 2012, INDEX: Award 2013, ranked first in the ‘Most Livable Cities’ guide and voted the best country in the world for commercial success potential in 2013. These are just a few of the prestigious titles and awards that Copenhagen has received in the last few years. Add European Green Capital 2014 to the list, and Copenhagen, already exhibiting pioneering sustainable solutions, is one high-achieving capital.

Citadel Inn Hotel is located within a fort that was built by the Austrian government in 1850-1856 for the purpose of defending eastern approaches to the Lviv Citadel. The hotel revives the majestic traditions of royal hospitality and authentic imperial luxury.

Serving as a living reminder of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Citadel Inn is a hotel for both business and leisure. If Lviv can be described as a diamond of European soul, then Citadel Inn is its most brilliant edge, a place for those who are attracted to the spirit of excellence.

What do you call this city – Kyiv or Kiev? It doesn’t really matter, and frankly both ways are fine. The city itself is an ancient mix of cultures, with both strong traditions and a modern view on today’s world. Just a quick look at the riverside in Kyiv will paint the picture for you. Along the landscaped slopes appear the golden domes of ancient churches, huge monumental statues and modern business centres made of glass and steel. Here, everyone can find something of interest, whether it’s Slavic spiritual heritage, an evening with the Virsky national dance ensemble or a classy restaurant with breathtaking views over the mighty Dnieper.

For 20 years, FUCHS Event + Incentive has successfully been working in the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) business in Dresden, Saxony, Berlin, Thuringia and Prague. Meetings and incentives in special locations boost motivation, loyalty and ambition, and FUCHS is always on the look for new trends and innovative products. Fuchs offers unique concepts for business and gala events, including exclusive sightseeing tours with historical or regional highlights, city discoveries that combine cultural visits with fun, gala-dinner and conference organisation, special outdoor adventures and team building .

Making the grade

British companies carry out more foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in Germany than in any other European country – and by far. Between 2008 and 2013, the latest reporting period, 402 FDI projects were carried out by UK-based firms in the country, fDI Markets data shows. This compares with 293 projects in France and 270 in Ireland. BP, British Telecom, Vodafone, GlaxoSmithKline, British Airways, EasyJet as well as a diverse range of British software companies have all invested in Germany in recent years.

Founded in 1997, Amsterdam-based architecture and interior design firm Concrete won the Dutch Architect of the Year Award in 2012. Concrete spent its fledgling years creating a range of stylish and interesting commercial interiors in the Netherlands. Over the past few years, however, Concrete has broadened its horizons, taking its Supperclub concept worldwide and expanding its citizenM concept, a hip hotel brand offering low prices and high design values.