A major new astrotourism destination is set to open near Saudi Arabia’s AlUla region, adding to growing global interest in space tourism and stargazing experiences. The upcoming AlUla Manara project will combine scientific research facilities with public viewing spaces in one of the region’s designated Dark Sky Parks.

Interest in space-based tourism has surged in recent years, driven by rare astronomical events, stronger-than-usual northern lights activity, and renewed global focus on lunar exploration programmes such as Artemis II. With upcoming celestial events including a solar eclipse expected over parts of Greenland, Iceland and Spain this August, and another widely anticipated “eclipse of the century” projected for 2027, demand for dedicated stargazing destinations continues to grow.

AlUla Manara will be located around 70 kilometres north of AlUla city, an area already known for its archaeological significance, including the UNESCO World Heritage site Hegra. The new development is positioned as both a visitor attraction and a scientific observatory, reinforcing the region’s expanding cultural and scientific profile.

The facility will feature advanced astronomical equipment, including a primary telescope with a four-metre diameter and two additional telescopes measuring two metres each. Once completed, it is expected to rank among the largest observatories in the world. The wider site plan also includes accommodation facilities and a dedicated stargazing lodge, allowing visitors to stay overnight in the desert environment.

The name “Manara,” derived from Arabic, translates to “lighthouse,” reflecting the project’s ambition to serve as a guiding point for scientific discovery and public engagement with space.

Designed by Heatherwick Studio, the architecture draws inspiration from spiralling cosmic formations such as galaxies and planetary rings. The design also reflects mathematical patterns found in nature on Earth, including those seen in plants, shells and fossils. The building will house exhibition spaces, a planetarium, dining facilities, and a rooftop observation deck intended for direct sky viewing.

Studio representatives said the project aims to reshape the traditional concept of observatories, which are often seen as remote and inaccessible. Instead, AlUla Manara is designed to create an immersive environment that brings scientific exploration closer to the public.

While AlUla International Airport currently has no direct flights from Europe, the region is accessible via domestic connections from Riyadh and Jeddah, as well as regional hubs including Doha and Dubai.

A vast new hotel complex on Poland’s Baltic Sea coast is set to open next week, but despite its scale and ambition, not all of it will be ready for guests when the doors officially open.

Located in the small resort village of Pobierowo, which has a population of just around 1,000 people, the new five-star property is being described as the largest hotel on the Baltic coast. The development spans 180,000 square metres, rises 13 floors, and contains 1,240 rooms, making it one of the biggest hospitality projects in the region.

The hotel is part of the Gołębiewski chain and sits roughly 30 minutes from the popular German holiday island of Usedom. Room prices start at around €350 per night, while premium suites can reach up to €900, placing it firmly in the luxury segment of the tourism market.

However, the opening comes with a significant limitation. Only about 500 of the 1,240 rooms are fully completed and ready for guests. The remaining rooms, each measuring approximately 50 square metres, are still under construction or awaiting final finishing touches. Many include balconies, though not all offer sea views.

Despite the incomplete sections, demand has been strong. Marketing director Marta Masłowska said more than 2,000 bookings were made within the first 24 hours of reservations opening, signalling high interest in the resort ahead of its debut season.

The hotel’s location places it just 150 metres from the sandy Baltic coastline, offering direct beach access for guests. A major highlight is its expansive pool complex, featuring a 104-metre-long and 60-metre-wide swimming area situated directly in front of the building.

In addition, the property includes a wide range of leisure facilities such as indoor swimming pools, whirlpools, a children’s water zone, sauna areas, water slides, and a salt grotto. Further attractions are planned, including a cinema, bowling alley, supermarket, climbing walls, volleyball courts, a nightclub, and entertainment spaces for children. It remains unclear whether all amenities will be fully operational at launch.

Live piano music in the lobby is expected to add to the luxury atmosphere, with regular entertainment planned for guests throughout the season.

The project was envisioned by the late Polish entrepreneur Tadeusz Gołębiewski, who began his career as a waffle baker before founding the Tago biscuit company in 1972 and later expanding into the hotel industry, building a nationwide hospitality empire.

While the hotel is expected to transform tourism in Pobierowo, questions remain over how quickly the remaining sections will be completed and whether the full vision of the mega-resort will be delivered on schedule.

A new long-distance rail service set to launch this summer will connect central and eastern Europe in one continuous route, offering passengers one of the continent’s longest direct train journeys, with fares starting from as little as €10.

Prague-based operator Leo Express will begin the inter-European service on 25 June, creating a 1,300-kilometre connection linking Poland, Czechia and Germany with a direct extension towards the Ukrainian border. The service will operate once daily in each direction.

The route begins in Przemyśl in southeastern Poland, close to the Ukrainian border, and travels through Kraków, Ostrava and Prague before continuing into Germany via Dresden, Leipzig and Erfurt. It will then proceed to Frankfurt am Main and terminate at Frankfurt Airport, forming a key east-west transport corridor across multiple European regions.

Leo Express chief executive Peter Köhler said the service is designed to strengthen cross-border connectivity and improve mobility between eastern and western parts of the continent. He described the initiative as a step toward breaking down long-standing transport divides across Europe while improving access to Ukraine through established rail infrastructure.

The westbound journey departs Przemyśl at 1:31 p.m., with arrival at Frankfurt Airport scheduled for 7:53 a.m. the following morning. The return service leaves Frankfurt Airport at 8:27 a.m., reaching Przemyśl at 2:23 a.m. the next day.

According to the company, the timetable has been structured to allow passengers to connect easily with both regional and international travel networks. The early morning arrival in Frankfurt is intended to support onward flights across Europe and long-haul destinations, while the return schedule offers direct links to key cities including Prague and Kraków later in the day.

Köhler said the route will also improve links between major urban centres such as Prague, Dresden, Leipzig, Erfurt and Frankfurt, creating a continuous transport chain across central Europe. He added that the service is expected to appeal to both business and leisure travellers seeking more affordable and sustainable alternatives to air travel.

Onboard services will include Wi-Fi connectivity, power outlets at seats, air conditioning and onboard refreshments. The operator says the aim is to provide a consistent level of comfort across the entire journey despite its extended duration.

With tickets priced competitively, including introductory fares starting at €10 on selected routes, the new service is expected to increase competition in Europe’s long-distance travel market while offering passengers a more direct and cost-effective way to move between key cities across the region.