European railways are often portrayed as a deeply conservative industry, so far unaffected by the disruptive competition and subsequent consolidation seen in the aviation sector. With national providers apparently safe in domestic markets there seems to be little catalyst for change. But with technology developing rapidly and start-ups taking advantage of European Union liberalisation to launch new routes the old model may well be about to break down. Breaking Travel News editor Chris O’Toole reports from the Amadeus Rail Forum 2014.

Phil Blizzard here talks to Ghaith al Ghaith, chief executive, flydubai as they launch new services to India. Three new destinations were added to their network in the first week of June.

MSC Cruises have moved to increase their order of megaships from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri to two ships, with an option for third. At a cost of AUD $3.2 billion, this investment signifies a confidence that the cruise holiday industry will only continue to strengthen.

Football fans are flocking to Brazil for the World Cup, with new data today revealing that the number of hotel bookings over the World Cup period has nearly doubled compared to the same time last year. Where the teams choose to stay during the World Cup can be an indicator of potential success, with some accommodations focused on preparation and others simply offering the best of the Brazilian weather and beaches.

Established in 1719 during the Brazilian Gold Rush, Cuiabá still offers visitors a taste of traditional Brazil. But with a new stadium being prepared ahead of kick-off at the 2014 World Cup, football fans from around the world are likely to be impressed by this thriving city.

Belo Horizonte – or “Beautiful Horizon” – will be one of the host cities at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. A city renowned for its passion for the beautiful game and the intense rivalry between its two largest football teams, Atlético Mineiro and Cruzeiro, it has a number of sport tourism attractions.