Trends
New Trends in Wine Consumption
For the first time in history the US have become the world biggest wine market. France, as the result of the drop in consumption, lost its first place, but remains the world's third largest wine producer behind Italy and Spain. The world wine business is estimated to be worth around USD 73 billion.
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Cash against Residence Permits
A number of European countries having difficulties in achieving balanced budgets are using every available means to find new incomes. They are therefore searching for new "good" taxpayers. They aim primarly at wealthy foreigners who live in politically unstable countries. And the latest trend is to offer to non-European residence permits in return for a certain amount of cash.
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The Place to Be
Real estate is still a mark of social status. For wealthy people all over the world buying a property abroad often satisfies a double objective. First shelter some of their money offshore and second live in prestigious buildings located in the most beautiful cities. No doubt that owning a luxury property remains the leading symbol of wealth.
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Expats Preferred Destinations
The HSBC's Expat Explorer Survey analysed the responses of 7,000 expats to rank their new homes according to criteria including economics , experience and raising children. When considering all three categories China comes top with high scores in economics and experience. Expats in China report high salaries and quite surprisingly better quality of life than in their home countries.
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New Modes of Consumption
European consumers have since 2009 cut spending in response to the crisis. And they have changed their spending habits as well. A report produced by Cetelem (France) has very carefully analysed this new way of consuming.
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Indian Outbound Tourism
Despite the economic slowdown the number of outbound tourists is rising year after year. India is now considered as one of the top outbound tourism markets in the world. According to " Tourism Australia" the number of Indians travelling overseas should rise from around 15 Million today to 50 Million by 2020.
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Diet and Social Status
Indians are vegetarians. This is what most people have in mind when considering a trip to India. It is true that the country has been home to vegetarians for centuries and that many Hindus and most Buddhist do not eat meat. United Nations statistics estimate that about 40% of Indians do not eat meat.
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In Delhi, Real Estate Gets Dearer
When the paint‐chipped, breaking down bungalow at 38 Amrita Shergil Marg in New Delhi went up for public auction, the real estate world took notice. Delhiites considered it a bargain. The bid that won was eventually placed at $29 million, a low price considering that nearby properties are selling at anywhere between $40 million to $70 million.
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In India, Luxury Comes to Settle in the Malls
Luxury, it seems, has finally arrived in India. Prada is reportedly in talks to enter the country with its line of shoes, accessories, and apparel. Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana, Stella McCartney, and Christian Louboutin are all gearing up to open stores. And Louis Vuitton, already at its ten-‐year anniversary, is looking to expand.
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