Kate Whitehead

Debate over a controversial proposal to curb the number of Mainland tourists was already tense with concerns that any cut would hurt the retail sector and put a dent in the economy. Now new figures show retailers have every reason to be concerned, especially those in the jewelry, watch and luxury goods market.

Transporting travellers from London to Venice in style, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is making this fabled journey taste even better than ever.

The North Koreans know how to put on a show and this year — the 60th anniversary of the end of hostilities in the Korean War — they’ve gone all out for the Mass Games.

Produce that is harvested when ripe and only travels a short distance will have higher nutritional value and the best flavour, so try to buy fruit and vegetables in season; consider frozen veg too

Festival is finally rebounding, with cheaper tickets, a focus on non-fiction and star names including Hanya Yanagihara, Adam Johnson, Hong Kong-based Frank Dikotter and Lionel Shriver

Siak drew from her own life and her family story for her debut novel, The Woman Who Breathed Two Worlds, after battle with illness left her at her ‘lowest point’