Feature

Moscow hotels remain the world's most expensive for business travellers for the sixth consecutive year running, ahead of New York, Geneva, Paris and Zurich, in a recent survey of 2010 rates. The average Moscow room rate paid last year actually slipped 3 percent to £258.67 ($415).

2 new hotel properties opened in Kazan including a Courtyard by the Marriott Group and Park Inn by the Rezidor Hotel Group. Kazan is the capital of the Russian Republic of Tatarstan, and  it will be the host of the 2013 Universiade Games (the largest sports event after the Olympics). The city is seen as one of Russia's upcoming destinations for both business and leisure travel, due to its proximity to Moscow (only 700 KM East of the capital), stunning architecture and location on the Volga river.

Swissotel Hotels & Resorts signed a management agreement with Ukraine-based development company Interpoint Development for its second hotel in the country. Swissotel Odessa is scheduled to open in spring 2013, in the port of Odessa, southern Ukraine. Another Swissotel in Kiev is due to open in 2012.