The second semi-final of Eurovision 2013 took place last night in Malmo. Ten winners move forward to this weekend’s Grand Final that will reveal Europe’s best performer and song of the year. This year’s contest is loaded with more talent than any previous contest in memory, but a lot more by way of political and artistic expressiveness too.

One of the world’s most magnificent hotels, Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands played host to Sir Richard Branson for a meetup of his Carbon War Room.
200 meters above ground at the Sands SkyPark. The media was invited to a press conference with Branson and other executives this week.

This Saturday the Festival of Europe begins in Brussels and Luxembourg and to commemorate the fest the European Parliament and other EU institutions will be open to the public. For those interested in witnessing how the Parliament works, this is a unique opportunity for a hands-on experience.

Thousands of people gathered today in front of the Royal Palace in Amsterdam to welcome the country’s new king, Willem-Alexander.

French hotel conglomerate Accor has had bad economic news for some time now, and 2013 first quarter results are blamed for the Europe hotel giant having fired CEO Denis Hennequin. According to news from Accor, the board voted to terminate Hennequin effective yesterday.

The European Travel Commission has just named Mr Manuel Butler, Director General of Tourspain (Spain), as President of the ETC.

Arthur Frommer has decided at age 83 that his world famous travel books should not be slated for obsolescence. The travel publishing legend will re-acquire the brand sold by Wiley & Sons to Google last year. The Frommer’s Guides appear to be alive and well in their founder’s hands again.

Cyprus must win because when you close your eyes, if you don’t get goose bumps, you don’t have a soul. Cyprus must win.

In a move to tap travelers from India, The Zanzibar Collection has appointed Renuka Natu as their Representative in India. News from the Travel Biz Monitor tells of Natu’s product and destinations expertise via the Kuoni and the Swiss Tourism Board. India execs may need take a look at a luxury Island getaway not so often mentioned, or EU execs for that matter. Look.

Air France-KLM is to have new leadership according to news from the company. Current CEO Jean-Cyril Spinetta, along with Vice Chairman Leo van Wijk step down as of July 1st of this year. , we had a twofold objective,” the pair declared in a joint statement.