"Kick 'em while they are down..."

News just keeps getting worse for British Airways customers that had hoped to travel with "The worlds leading airline" over the festive season...

Firstly was to find out that the threatened strike action IS going ahead..

Then they find out that if they booked their flights since news broke of the possible strike action, then their insurance does not cover them for a full refund...

And now, just to top things up, we hear that people booking late festive flights (which are those that have been let down by their preferred carrier) are being charged above premium rates for their flights...

Today's Guardian states that "Air fares over the festive and new year period continued to rise today, as passengers whose holiday plans are threatened by BA's Christmas strike booked with alternative carriers...

A direct, economy class return flight from London to New York leaving on the first day of the proposed 12-day strike and returning after Christmas was fetching as much as £1,527 this morning, while an Air France return Edinburgh-Paris flight over the new year reached £372 on price comparison site Travelsupermarket.com...

Long-term rival Virgin Atlantic said its call centre had been "inundated" with enquires from concerned BA passengers since the strike was announced on Tuesday and that only "a handful" of seats were left on popular shared routes...

"Our call centre has been inundated with calls from worried travellers," said a spokeswoman...

The airline announced yesterday that it would operate larger aircraft on some routes during the BA strike period, including Newark, Boston, Washington DC and Delhi.

EasyJet today reported an increase in enquiries and bookings but said it still had availability on most of the 96 routes it shares with BA. The no-frills airline, which is offering BA Executive Club gold card holders free speedy boarding, is not laying on additional services at this stage but will consider this once BA's services are confirmed...

Virgin Trains will run an additional 25 services on the London to Glasgow via Preston route over the holiday period to help affected passengers...

Eurostar said it had seen an increase in enquiries rather than bookings for the period of the strike and said it had good availability on its high-speed rail services...

"We have several thousand seats available both to Paris and Brussels," a spokesman said. "We're finding that people are holding tight to see what happens with British Airways..."

But its not all doom and gloom as "BA will hold fresh talks with union leaders "without preconditions" at 3pm today, in a bid to avert the industrial action, which could disrupt the festive travel plans of up to a million passengers.

A Unite spokesman said: "We are glad that BA management has seen sense and we hope we can now move from confrontation to negotiation and get the dispute resolved.""

So, fingers crossed then..

Follow this story at http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2009/dec/16/flights-british-airways-strike

Barticus.

"Feel good factor..."

Once again we look at the positives of going on a vacation, and therefore how they should be available to all people...

Following research conducted on their customers, specialist travel insurance provider, PJ Hayman, reveals that 61% of consumers with pre-existing medical conditions feel that going on holiday affects their health positively...

These findings were revealed as part of a study of almost 800 UK consumers which looked at the benefits of holidays for people who suffer from a range of conditions including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure...

Of those who went on holiday, 45% said they felt less stressed and therefore healthier and 41% went on holiday for rest and relaxation which they believe helped their condition. Holidays also had attitudinal benefits as 24% felt more able to deal with their condition and 27% said it allowed them to re-evaluate their situation and concentrate on being positive.

As part of the survey, P J Hayman reviewed the benefits offered to those with a variety of conditions. Cancer patients (78%) were most likely to believe holidays had affected them positively with over half (56%) saying it made them feel less stressed and healthier and 53% said it gave giving them chance to re-evaluate their situation and concentrate on being positive...

Consumers with pre-existing medical conditions went on holiday at least once a year (98%) and gained a variety of general well-being benefits. Indeed, 67% said it gave them the opportunity to spend time with family and friends which made them feel good and 45% saw it as an opportunity to relax and not think about their condition. Many people (41%) also saw this as an opportunity to fulfil an ambition to see a location they had always wanted to see...

People with cancer (66%) saw holidays as an opportunity to relax and not think about their condition while those who suffered a stroke saw holidays as a real opportunity to spend time with family and friends (67%)...

So once again (as if we needed more proof) it has been proved exactly how beneficial these breaks are, and are left wondering how long we must wait for the respective Governments to add vacations to the treatment of many health related problems...

Follow this story at http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/34660-More-than-half-of-consumers-see-medical-benefits-from-holidays

Barticus.

'I'm late, I'm late for a very important date!'

I believe that most people have a favourite when talking about tea and coffee. Mine for certain is tea, that comes in many different varieties, especially traditional Arabic mint tea with one teaspoon of sugar mixed thoroughly to give a slight sweetness accompanied with the freshness of the floating mint leaves.

Lonely Planet has published a guide on the wonderful diversity of  destinations that tea maybe highly enjoyed. London took the number one spot due to the popular Ritz experience with the guide stating, "Afternoon tea at the Ritz is a splendid affair: silver pots and fine China chink at 4pm sharp under the vaunted glass and chandeliers of the Palm Court." Other destinations in the top ten were Japan, USA, Sahara Desert and Peru.

To read the full story and experience the variety of tea ceremonies just click below,

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/6789839/Ritz-Hotel-and-Trans-Siberian-railway-head-tea-tourism-guide.html

G.T.I.

"Hope you realise what you are doing..."

Strike! I understand the problems that many of the British Airways staff have been facing over the last few months, but is this really the answer...

British Airways has been loosing money hand over fist, and all that has helped to keep them going is their image (and a dodgy looking partnership with Iberian) and a strike over the Christmas period looks set to spoil even this...

Phil Davies from Travelmole writes "British Airways faces “massive disruption” over the busy festive travel period after cabin crew voted to take strike action...

Disruption is due to begin on December 22 and run until January 2...

Cabin crew voted by nine to one in favour of the strike action, with more than an 80%turnout...

The airline, responding to the result of THE ballot by members of the Unite union, said: “A 12-day strike would be completely unjustified and a huge over-reaction to the modest changes we have announced for cabin crew which are intended to help us recover from record financial losses...”

BA added: “Unite’s cynical decision betrays a total lack of concern for our customers, our business and other employees within British Airways...”

The airline said it was “extremely disappointed” that Unite is planning massive disruption for hundreds of thousands of passengers over the Christmas/New Year holiday period..."

Is this yet another step towards the self destruction of one of the worlds leading airlines?

Follow this breaking news at http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1139978.php?mpnlog=1

Barticus.

"So, some prety babies then..."

News has broken that UNWTO and CNN International have joined forces and that they are moving ahead with their strategic partnership signed last month between the Organization and the CNN Tourism, Advertising Solutions and Knowledge (TASK). The partnership sees UNWTO and TASK collaborate on industry events to ensure the best breed of knowledge and latest data is imparted to sector professionals. UNWTO and the TASK Group will share content, join forces on industry newsletters and cross promote services across each other’s respective platforms...

This should help to get tourism related issues out to a much wider audience, and allow for better understanding and therefore education of the subjects involved...

UNWTO Secretary-General ad interim Taleb Rifai underscored the importance of the strategic partnership between UNWTO and CNN International as “a significant step towards highlighting the economic, cultural, social, environmental and political potentials of travel and tourism. The travel and tourism industry continues to grow, employing hundreds of millions of people, contributing to the socio-economic development of the world’s poorest countries. Yet, its future depends on the realisation of its potential and its integration into the global economic and political agenda. This partnership provides the opportunity to maximize tourism’s benefits in a highly competitive market through the support of CNN Task Group’s destination marketing as an additional support element...”

We at GTI wish them all the best, and hope this really does bring about more awareness of the issues within this industry...

Follow this story at http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/34601-UNWTO-and-CNN-International-join-forces

Barticus.

"Beware Backfire!!!"

Whats going on with Dubai and their "Rich man/Poor man" act that has suddenly flooded the market with the most amazing holiday deals? Futher to yesterdays report on this, Martin Ferguson from TTG live has looked at the possible negative impacts of this method of "Panic Marketing..."

He writes "Travel agencies have been bombarded with special offers and discounts for holidays to Dubai – but fear customers will hold off until even better deals materialise...


Five-star hotels, including the recently opened Atlantis The Palm, have been contacting agents offering up to 50% off rates in a desperate attempt to sell inventory for 2010...

Luxury operator If Only contacted agents on Monday to tell them a seven-night stay at Atlantis, including Emirates flights, was £1,600 cheaper than the previous week...

Agents were unanimous that the price reductions were good but some found that customers were delaying making bookings, believing prices would fall further in the new year...

Janet Whittingham, retail development manager at St Andrews Travel in Bolton, said: “One of our regular Dubai clients admitted he had seen deals online and told us he was going to wait for the price to fall further before booking...

“They recognise what a good product Dubai is and want to obtain the best possible deal...”

Jo Gardiner, a Travel Counsellors agent based in Oxford and one of the agents who completed TTG’s Dubai survey, said she was facing a raft of cancellations by clients on low deposits because they believed they would get a better bargain later..."

Follow this scary story at http://www.ttglive.com/c/portal/layout?p_l_id=3208370&CMPI_SHARED_articleId=3432042&CMPI_SHARED_ImageArticleId=3432042&CMPI_SHARED_articleIdRelated=3432042&CMPI_SHARED_ToolsArticleId=3432042&CMPI_SHARED_CommentArticleId=3432042&articleTitle=Dubai%20discounts%20could%20backfire

Barticus.

"Marry me (I need a holiday)..."

This follows the news that Thomson and First Choice have predicted the top trends for 2010, and these include:

The rise of the all-inclusive
10 and 11 night holidays
Mid-haul is the new short-haul
More first time cruisers
Getting away from the football during the World Cup and
Getting Married Overseas which they say is "A big trend, already evident from bookings next summer, is couples getting married abroad. Thomson and First Choice have seen bookings rise by 35% in the last year as more and more couples look to get married on the beach, beside a traditional Greek Chapel or in a medieval Italian monastery...


Getting married overseas is a cheaper option than getting married at home, according to a recent survey by Mintel. The survey found that the average cost of a wedding in the UK was £20,000, while overseas it was just £6,500. This is because generally you will have less people to cater for, extras like photographers and flowers tend to be cheaper and the cost of venues tends to be less. On top of that you also have a much better chance of sunshine, if you book with Thomson and First Choice you’ll have a wedding co-ordinator to sort it all out for you, and after the wedding you are already on your honeymoon..."

For these and more predictions, please go to http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/34604-Thomson-and-First-Choice-predict-the-top-trends-for-2010

Barticus.

"Mozambique doubles up in five years..."

Its good to see that despite the growing economic problems around the world, people are still looking for new destinations for their family holiday, with news that Mozambique tourist income has more than doubled in just five years...

Maputo - Mozambique's tourism revenue more than doubled in the past five years, hitting 200 million dollars in 2009 for the first time ever, the country's tourism minister announced Wednesday...


Some 1.5 million people visited the southern African country in 2009, also more than double the 2004 figure, Minister Fernando Sumbana Jr was quoted by the weekly Canal de Mocambique newspaper on Wednesday as saying...

In 2004, the former Portuguese colony earned only 90 million dollars from tourism...

With its nearly 2,500 kilometres of Indian Ocean coastline, Mozambique was a premier tourist destination before the country's 16- year civil war, which killed around 1 million people and wrecked basic infrastructure by the time it ended in 1992...

For more on this exciting news, please go to http://www.eturbonews.com/13224/mozambique-tourist-income-more-doubles-five-years

Barticus.

"Must try harder..."

With so many customers being stranded all over the globe, people were hoping for more from ATOL...

An overhaul of the ATOL passenger protection scheme does not go far enough, according to consumer watchdog Which? Holiday...
A 'flight plus' element is to be suggested in an effort to close the passenger protection loophole when different travel components are booked together with a flight...

Responding to the revamp of the system announced by transport secretary Lord Adonis, the body’s head of research Rochelle Turner said: “The ATOL scheme in its current form provides great protection for anyone taking a package holiday or booking through an ATOL bonded agent...

“But a significant number of people book hotels from direct links on airline websites, or use online travel agents to book their own package, and could be left without the peace of mind that they are protected should something go wrong...

“While it’s great that the Government is taking steps to make the scheme relevant to today’s holidaymaker, we are concerned it doesn’t go far enough to ensure that all travellers are equally protected...

“The proposed ‘flight plus’ category needs clarification to prevent consumers being left open to loopholes which may leave them stranded should something go wrong...”

Flight plus’ measures have been proposed whereby ATOL protection would include all sales of a flight together with another significant element, such as hotel accommodation or car hire...

Which? Holiday said it is aware of a growing trend towards “reverse packaging”, where people are booking hotel accommodation and then booking their flights through a link on the hotel website...

This would not be covered under the proposed changes to the ATOL scheme, the body claims...

The proposals to reform the ATOL scheme are designed to reflect changes in the holiday market and make it easier for those booking holidays to understand whether their trip is covered or not, the Department for Transport said...

Read this full story at http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1139938.php?mpnlog=1&m_id=s~bvs~bm

Barticus.

"Wahoo!! Winter sun..."

Yet more good news for hard up Brits with the publication that hotel searches for Dubai have gone up a spectacular 590%...

British travellers are making the most of cut price hotel rooms in Dubai according to new figures from Hotels.com. Searches for hotels in Dubai have risen by 570% since Dubai World's announcement sparked a financial crisis in the Emirate, it is revealed...


In the first half of 2009, the average price of a five star hotel room in the city was £174 per night. However, for January 2010 a five star hotel room will cost on average just £144 a night, a drop of 17% and adding up to a saving of £210 for a week-long stay. A five-star weekend break in mid-January starts from as little as £74 per night...

Dubai has been experiencing falling rates for some time, as the global downturn, compounded by an over-supply of hotel rooms in the city, meant hotel rates dropped dramatically in the first three months of 2009...

Alison Couper, Director of Communications at Hotels.com, said: "Dubai is great value at the moment. There are some fantastic promotions from hoteliers in the city as they try to attract customers, meaning there has never been a better time for travellers to stay in some of the world's top properties for a great price. Now is the time to take the holiday you've always dreamed of..."

Follow this story at http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/34578-British-travellers-cash-in-as-Dubai-rates-plummet

Barticus.

'Sherlock Holmes - Tourism Boost'

The new Sherlock Holmes film (directed by Guy Ritchie) is approaching and due to the popularity of the famous British detective, themed breaks are being introduced for tourists to experience the United Kingdom in an old-fashioned manner. Tourists will be able to experience the locations used within the film such as St. Paul's Cathedral, Liverpool Docks, The Old Royal Naval College and solve mysteries of their own.

So for those who wish to experience traditional Britain, this sounds like a very, very good idea. To find out more just click below.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-1233855/Movie-map-helps-UK-tourists-plan-Sherlock-Holmes-themed-mystery-breaks.html

G.T.I.

"I'm still standing..."

Despite reports of success within companies such as TUI, tourism companies have, in general, had a very bad year. But the news out today (via a report from ITB) is that it was not as bad as expected, and they are therefore very optimistic for the coming year...

The findings of the ITB World Travel Trends Report are based on the assessments of 60 tourism experts from 30 countries, on a special IPK International trend analysis undertaken in leading source markets, and on core data supplied by the World Travel Monitor, recognised as the largest ongoing survey of global travel behaviour in some 60 source countries. The researchers found that among the most important European markets travel activity had declined strongest in the UK (minus 15 per cent), Russia (minus twelve per cent) and in Sweden (minus ten per cent). Germans undertook five per cent less trips abroad. Austria was the only nation to report gains, with travel activity up by two per cent over 2008...

The ITB World Travel Trends Report noted that this year the travel industry was particularly hard hit by the effects of consumer insecurity. According to the researchers there was a record number of last-minute bookings in 2009. Thus, compared with the same period in 2008, in the first eight months of this year the number of people booking their holiday one week before travelling rose by 18 per cent. By contrast, the number of reservations made in the period from one week to one month before the start of a trip fell by five per cent. Bookings made from one month to three months before travelling went down by 13 per cent, and for three months and more by twelve per cent...

Dr. Martin Buck, Director Competence Center Travel & Logistics, Messe Berlin: “For holiday destinations, airlines, hotels, tour operators and travel agencies, travellers are becoming an increasingly indeterminable factor. Together with demographic shifts, changing lifestyles and technological progress, the recession is changing travel behaviour. Holidaymakers are not showing their hand and last-minute bookings are at a record high. With the economic situation as it is there are huge challenges awaiting the travel industry.”

For this story in full, please go to http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/34533-European-travel-industry-cautiously-optimistic-in-the-wake-of-massive-losses

Barticus.

"New year, new experience..."

Want a change from the normal drinks and fireworks this new year? Well, the Telegraph today shows you how to get your own natural light show with a trip to Tromsø in Norway...

Mark Jones writes "What is the most magical way you can think of to celebrate New Year's Eve? This one, I bet, is pretty near, the top of the list: you are outdoors in the snowy Arctic Circle; you have a glass of champagne in your hand; and the sky is clear and filled with the multicoloured waves and fluorescent ribbons of the Northern Lights...

Certainly, the prospect of such an evening draws thousands of British visitors to Scandinavia each December. Their numbers were further swollen last year after the BBC showed a documentary with Joanna Lumley taking a picturesque journey across northern Norway in search of the lights...

Now for the bad news. The best time of year to see the Northern Lights isn't December – it's March, when the skies are clearer (and when Lumley travelled). Not that you'd know that from a quick Google excursion. "Enjoy an exotic Northern Lights Christmas in Norway," says one cruise company; "Northern lights guaranteed," says another family holiday outfit. And so on. Well, I suppose the lights are guaranteed. Solar winds will be doing their stuff in the upper ionosphere, because that's what they do. It's just that the cloud cover lower down may well stop the hopeful traveller from seeing them at work and the sublime visual effects they create. As my friend Knut in Tromsø says, "Aurora is a difficult lady…"

So, sure enough, I went on a New Year Northern Lights trip to Tromsø, and didn't see a thing. Did it matter? A bit. Did it stop me enjoying an Arctic Circle Hogmanay experience? Not at all. Tromsø is well inside the Arctic Circle, so the sun doesn't rise. But it's still a hugely exciting place to be, even if your sightseeing is rather impeded by the fact you may not see much. There are things you need to know before you venture there, however. So here's my survival guide. We'll take it as read that you have plenty of winter woolies and thermal undies..."

For more of Marks hints for how you can follow this journey, go to http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/norway/6759390/Tromso-New-Year-in-the-Arctic-Circle.html

Barticus.

"Australians seek Chinese cookout..."

It is interesting to note that Chinese mainland visitors are now a prime target for Australia and its tourism industry (as reported at eTurboNews today)...

Tourism Australia expects China to be the third-largest source of visitors to Australia within three years and is striving to attract more Chinese mainland visitors to meet that expectation...

The Chinese mainland is projected to become the fourth-largest source of international visitors to Australia by the end of this year and the third-largest within three years...


So far, the nation is ranked fifth after New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Japan, Richard Beere, executive general manager of the international (eastern hemisphere) division of Tourism Australia, told China Business Weekly. In view of the strong Chinese economy and growing two-way exchanges, Beere said that he is highly confident about the Chinese tourism market...

At the World Expo in Shanghai next year, Tourism Australia has planned promotional events to promote the down-under destination...

A total of 356,400 Chinese mainland residents visited Australia last year, which was flat compared with 2007, and 276,500 traveled to the country in the first nine months of this year, representing year-over-year growth of 1 percent. In September alone, visitors from the Chinese mainland totaled 22,900, an increase of 19 percent compared with the same month a year earlier...

This is good news for tourism in Australia, where the industry, and many others, are still recovering from the tragic fires earlier this year...

To read this report in full, go to http://www.eturbonews.com/13032/chinese-mainland-visitors-prime-target-australia

Barticus.

"Not good enough..."

News that Sandals has axed Ocho Rios resort from its portfolio claiming that it no longer fits the brand image...

Melanie Mingas reported for TTG that:

"Sandals is to drop the River Villaggio Golf Resort & Spa complex in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, from its luxury portfolio...

Sandals has operated the resort for 15 years, leasing the land from The Sagicor group, but Sandals Resorts International (SRI) has declined to renew the lease beyond May 31, 2010...

In a statement, SRI said: “It is felt that the marketplace for the product has changed significantly and as a result it no longer fits in the Sandals luxury product range...

“Reluctantly the decision was made to hand back the property, and the requisite notice was given to the owners. By agreement, Sandals will continue operations there until July 30, 2010...

“Every effort will be made to accommodate displaced team members within the chain whether in Jamaica or across the Caribbean.”

SRI has assured customers they will honour existing bookings until July 30 next year. Tourists visiting after this date will be accommodated in other Sandals resorts on the island...

Sandals would not comment on the details of the decision to drop the resort. However, discussions on some consumer travel forums suggested that Sagicor had “significantly increased” the lease price...

Set in 20 acres of land on Jamaica’s north coast, the complex was a popular Sandals destination. Built in 1959, the Sagicor group took over the land in 1999, refurbishing and modernising the property...

No operator has yet been named to take over the lease..."

Not good news in these hard economic times.

To see this story in full, go to http://www.ttglive.com/c/portal/layout?p_l_id=3208370&CMPI_SHARED_articleId=3423429&CMPI_SHARED_ImageArticleId=3423429&CMPI_SHARED_articleIdRelated=3423429&CMPI_SHARED_ToolsArticleId=3423429&CMPI_SHARED_CommentArticleId=3423429&articleTitle=Sandals%20axes%20Ocho%20Rios%20resort%20from%20portfolio

Barticus.

"Lost property..."

You have all heard the horror stories, or even experienced yourself the challenges involved when your luggage has been (cough) misplaced...

This follows the news of the amazing figures that British airports loose a reported 2.5 million items of luggage a year...

More than 70,000 items will never be reunited with their owners, with Scots being the main luggage losers...

The 2009 figures, for the 20 biggest British airports, also reveal that the value of the never-returned luggage this year is more than £7 million...

InsureandGo, which compiled the figures, said it estimated that every day nearly 7,000 items of luggage put on or taken off planes are misplaced...

The company also said that 12 per cent of those who claim to have lost luggage between 2006 and 2008 believed it was stolen intentionally, while 54 per cent reckoned it was put on the wrong flight by mistake...

Also, 17 per cent believed that someone else had mistakenly picked up their bags.
As many as 13 per cent of Scottish air travellers suffered from lost or misplaced luggage in the 2006/08 period...

Those suffering least from baggage problems during this period were West Midland travellers, with only 2 per cent having luggage difficulties...

Follow this disturbing report at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/6743576/2.5-million-items-of-luggage-lost-of-British-airports-every-year.html

Barticus.

"Space. The final frontier..."

Mojave, California was the stage today for the latest offering from the Virgin empire with the first look at the Virgin Galactic spacecraft that promises future space travel for all...

The sleek, bullet-shaped spacecraft is about the size of a large business jet - with wide windows and seats for six well-heeled passengers to take a thrill ride into space...

It's billed as the world's first commercial spaceship, designed to be carried aloft by an exotic jet before firing its rocket engine to climb beyond the Earth's atmosphere...

In a Hollywood-style rollout, Virgin Galactic on Monday took the cloak off SpaceShipTwo, which had been under secret development for two years in the Mojave Desert...

The company plans to sell suborbital space rides for $200,000 a ticket, offering passengers 2 1/2-hour flights that include about five minutes of weightlessness...

Blaring music and a laser show heralded the rollout of SpaceShipTwo as it glided down a runway mated to its mothership and came to a stop before a throng of wannabe astronauts, dignitaries and VIPs who shivered in the desert cold for the splashy unveil...

To find out more, please go to http://www.examiner.com/a-2359904~Virgin_Galactic_unveils_commercial_spaceship.html?cid=rss-US

Barticus.

"A little bit of affordable luxury..."

Further to the news last week about how Dubai suddenly had money worries, we can see a new push for tourism in the resort with room rates slashed...

Hotels in Dubai are slashing rates in a bid to boost occupancy levels following news of the Dubai World debt default. Some five-star hotels are offering rooms for well below £100 a night, whilst rooms at four-star hotels can be snapped up for less than £30 per night...

Rooms in the luxury Taj Palace are going for £89 a night, the Concorde is on sale at £75 and a studio apartment at the five-star Grand Midwest is now just £49...

Booking site hotels.com is offering rooms to Jebel Ali Golf Resort for just £99 a night, whilst rates at the One and Only Royal Mirage have been cut by 40%, from £417 to £250. However the seven-star Burj al Arab is sticking to its luxury guns and doubles remain at £958 per night...

So, for information and to see if you can also get yourself a bargain, go to http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/dubai-hoteliers-slash-room-rates/

Barticus.

"In need of protection..."

With so many Brits being stranded around the world thanks to failing airlines, a Government backed committee has looked into what should be done for the future...

ATOL protection should be extended to cover all flights, not just package holidays, the Parliamentary Transport Committee urges...

The committee’s report on the future of aviation calls for the ATOL levy to be increased and extended to include all flights overseas and “not merely package holidays”...

The report says: “We remain concerned that air passengers are not adequately protected from airline collapse...

“As the number of people who book flights over the Internet increases, the number at risk also rises...”

The UK Government should also work with the insurance industry to make it clear to passengers that standard travel insurance does not normally include flights home when an airline collapses...

The committee also calls into question to need for a second runway at Stansted and suggests the Government “reconsider” whether it should be built at Gatwick instead. It supports the Government's decision to approve a third runway at Heathrow...

Read more at http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1139823.php?mpnlog=1&m_id=s~bvs~bm

Barticus.

"But isn't it all cabbage and vodka??.."

Looking for somewhere new to vacation? Away from the crowds? Full of culture? Well an answer could be Eastern Europe...

With some amazingly opulent buildings and views to die for, many areas of Eastern Europe are just starting to really open up for travellers...

Places such as Sanctuary on Jasna Gora in Czestochowa, Poland, where "the large baroque monastery of Jasna Góra dominates a hilltop in Częstochowa and is always bustling with pilgrims and worshippers. As pilgrims approach the monastery, the most striking sight is the 106-meter belltower, reconstructed in 1906. The focus of pilgrims to Jasna Góra is not the monastery, but the icon of Our Lady of Częstochowa, which is displayed in a altar in the Chapel of the Black Madonna..."

Or how about Krkonose National Park, in the Czech Republic where "the park has also been listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve site. Despite the small area, the Mountains are endowed with a rich flora. More than 1,250 species of vascular plants have been identified in the region. This amounts to almost half of the total original flora of the Czech Republic. The Mountains do not belong among the biggest European mountain ranges but in spite of that their natural scientific repute is in many aspects similar to that of the Alps or High Tatra..."

Some seriously beautifull places, so go and take a look at 10 of the best at http://www.tourism-review.com/article/1938-top-10-attractions-in-the-eastern-europe

Barticus.

"Cheap holidays..."

Holidays of a lifetime are going under the hammer for literally pennies in a new travel auction run by international water charity Just a Drop and The Sun newspaper. The Sun Big Charity Auction is offering more than £200,000 of holiday prizes for potentially less than the loose change in your pocket....

Holiday prizes up for grabs include trips to Brazil, Cuba, Disneyland Paris, Innsbruck, Las Vegas, Reykjavik, Austria and Turkey. So you could find yourself topping up your tan on Copacabana Beach this winter for the price of a bag of sweets...

It costs just 50p per bid to enter, and the auction runs till 23 December. All proceeds go to Just a Drop, a charity that aim to combat child mortality in developing countries caused by unsafe water. It builds wells and manages sanitation and health education programmes...

Fiona Jeffery, founder and chairman of Just a Drop, said: “Given the harsh economic climate we adopted ‘a gift in kind’ strategy and The Sun and Bidclever immediately both offered to give their support for free. Then travel & tourism companies from around the world rallied together to donate over 30 fabulous holiday prizes...”

Brilliant, just brilliant. Just a drop are another excellent charity (that we ran into at the WTM) and we hope this works for them...

Find out more at http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/just-a-drop-offers-trips-of-a-lifetime-for-pennies/

Barticus.

"London'sTop Trump..."

The flexibility of London's workers within the travel and tourism industry appears to be the defining factor in it's success during the past few months...

A report just out by TRI Hospitality Consulting shows this as a significant factor in the profit/loss indicators within hotels in particular...

Jonathan Langston, managing director, TRI Hospitality Consulting, stated: "Whilst the decline in occupancy levels seems to be stabilising across Europe, there is still significant downward pressure on average room rates, particularly in markets heavily reliant on leisure demand..."

As a result of diluted revenue levels across Europe, all of the markets surveyed experienced declines in profitability levels in the 10 months to October 2009. London was the only market in Europe where hoteliers were able to reduce payroll levels in the face of diminished revenues due to the flexibility of the British workforce. Five out of the ten markets surveyed experienced declines of approximately 35% or more in profit per available room (GOP PAR). Whilst the pace of decline in profitability moderated in October 2009, all markets surveyed experienced declines in profit per available room (GOP PAR)...

Read more at http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/34481-London-defies-gloom-as-Europe-continues-to-decline

Barticus.

"Go explore ..."

So many travellers are forced to think about the ramifications of the most simplest of trips in a modern society that regularly uses such buzzwords as "sustainability" or "eco" as a method of questioning weather or not this trip is necessary in the first place...

So what to do? Fortunately a new report from Ethical Traveler helps to smooth the way by showing the 10 best developing places to go that are best protecting their natural environments, promoting responsible travel, and building a tourism industry which provides real benefits to local communities. ...

They say "Are you the kind of traveler who wants to have a great time AND feel good about where your travel budget is going?..."

"In drafting our report, we use scores of information sources - including publicly available data - to rate each country's genuine commitment to environmental protection, social welfare, and human rights," said Christy Hoover, co-author of the report. "Data sources include the United Nations Development Program, Human Rights Watch, Columbia University, Reporters Without Borders, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and many others. Private interviews with NGO leaders are part of the process, as well."

So, to help you sleep at night instead of worrying too much, visit http://www.eturbonews.com/13108/new-report-helps-travelers-plan-ethical-vacations for more information.

Barticus.

"So ferry, across the Mersy..."

In an age where travellers desire for the fastest, most efficient forms of transport, it is interesting to find out that travelling by ferry has managed not only to survive as a method of getting from one place to another, but has continued to grow...

This is a part of the travel sector that has seen many innovations and technological advancements over the years that has included hovercraft, jetfoils and submarines as competition...

With more than 40 million annual passenger journeys, the UK ferry industry is still very much a formidable force in the travel sector...

Despite the tough economic climate, figures for the first 10 months of the year show the number of passengers travelling to Western Europe by ferry decreased by just 3.7% compared to the same period last year, whereas the number of people choosing to fly to the same countries dropped by an estimated 9.8%...

The number of passengers carried to the Continent up until the end of October was 20.6 million with the number of cars carried changing very little over the same period to 4.8 million...

With predictions that more people will be holidaying closer to home in 2010, now is the time for both travel agents and tour operators to revisit ferry travel and take advantage of renewed interest in a form of transport that offers everything from luxury cabins and celebrity restaurants, to fast crossings and leisurely mini-cruises, all at prices that offer exceptional value provided in a hassle-free environment...

For more on this, go to http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1139811.php

Barticus.

"Who ate all the pies???"

With the soccer world cup racing towards us the biggest question being asked by fans around the world (apart from "will my country win?") is "what am I going to eat???

The answer is, apparently, bunnies!! No no, not the fluffy kind, but instead a South African staple made from bread and various forms of curry...

Today's Guardian says that "World Cup feast - South Africa's half-time snack
Forget pies and burgers, try a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry as a half-time treat. Kevin Rushby gets to grips with 'bunny chow' in Durban..."

Read more on this while waiting for the draw today at http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/interactive/2009/dec/02/southafrica-worldcup2010-food

Barticus.

'Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...'

Christmas is just around the corner and I have found an interesting guide to the ten underestimated ski resorts around. Although I am not a great fan of guides, what I do find productive about them is the fact that you, on occaision might find something unheard of which will want you to research further. So this particular guide has caught my eye and I would like to share it with you all.

This guide presents ten ski resorts that offer you an original and a traditional experience. For example, Gulmarg, Kashmir, India, Baqueira-Beret, Spain  or a more old-fashioned take on skiing in the Scottish Highlands.

So, if a skiing experience is on the list or just a bit of interesting information, follow the link below...

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/winter_sports/article6934707.ece?token=null&offset=24&page=3

G.T.I.

Bucking Trends..."

With many of us having been of the opinion that vacationing Brits have "given up" the Spanish Costa's for the dream of summer sun at more attractive and distant destinations, we have been forced to reconsider these destinations impacts on British outbound tourism thanks to a report out today...

This report notes that the most popular destination for Spanish holidays is still the Costa del Sol, with 75,580 enquiries received between January and November 2009; an increase of 45% since 2008. Despite a blighted reputation of late, Britons continue to choose Costa Del Sol as their preferred destination for relaxation and fun for all ages. In fact, the Costa del Sol received over 50% more enquiries than the Greek Islands and Tenerife combined. Regardless of the negative press surrounding the Spanish economy, apartment and villa rentals there are proving increasingly popular for Brits due to the low rental rates and the self catering capabilities...

Booking enquiries for inland properties this year have also increased, with the most popular destinations being the Granada Province, Las Alpujjaras area and inland Costa Del Sol.Away from the main tourist destinations is some amazing countryside dotted with traditional villages in keeping with the ‘real Spain’. The scenery is diverse, with the the lush green Andalucian countryside contrasting with the mountainous landscapes of the Sierra Nevada. People take time to explore on foot, horseback or bike and can often travel for miles without meeting another English speaking person...

Well done to all in the Spanish tourism industry that have proved that the period of decline that we were all shown to be in existence has, in effect, been addressed...

For more on this go to http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/34335--Costa-del-Sol-still-no1-holiday-destination-for-Brits

Barticus.

"For the love of Golf..."

Early last month we looked at the longest golf course in the world (in Australia), but now its time to look at the most dramatic...

Whilst stuck in South Africa waiting for the days of the football to come around, why not check out this spectacular golf course with its amazing, par three 19th hole...

Legend Golf and Safari Resort, in Limpopo Province in the far north of the country, boasts the extreme 19th hole, the longest and most dramatic par 3 in the world. Set on the 22,000 hectare Entabeni Safari Conservancy, it is not enough that each hole of the course has been designed by 18 different top golfers, including Padraig Harrington, Colin Montgomerie and Retief Goosen, for the decider (the 19th) is set on the towering Hanglip Mountain and is accessible only by helicopter...

After a thrilling flight over the conservancy, you land high up on the mountain. From there it is just a short stroll to the cliff edge, but a long way down – once you’ve composed yourself you take out your driver and take aim at the African green some 1,400ft below. Land the ball anywhere near the green and you’ve done well, manage a par 3 and you will be sharing first place on the leader board and buying all the drinks in the clubhouse (trust me). Get a hole-in-one and you will return a million dollars richer. Who said golf was boring?..

Crazy? Or just a game?

Follow this at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/africaandindianocean/southafrica/6699487/World-Cup-2010-the-best-things-to-do-in-South-Africa---The-Extreme-19th-golf.html

Barticus.

"Eduvacations..."

What is a social right to a vacation??

Charities such as the Family Holiday Association have helped us to look at the issues surrounding vacations as a social right, and now there is a new issue that should be discussed...

A new ‘Eduvacations’ campaign by leading family travel website Take The Family, backed by hundreds of parents, will help tackle the issue of ‘truancy’ by kids who are actually holidaying during term-time. Almost 65,000 pupils a day missed school in the 2008/09 academic year, according to the Department for Children, Schools and Families. After illness, family holidays taken in term-time were the second most common reason for absence...

The initiative would make the current entitlement to 10 days off during term time a legal right – it’s currently offered only at the individual head teacher’s discretion, and parents who fly against their school’s ruling risk incurring a fine of £100. Parents would have to demonstrate that the holiday will have significant educational aspects by submitting a form to show how the trip will tie in with their child’s current learning stage, whilst avoiding critical periods. They would also be required to encourage their children to keep a diary of their trip....

Take The Family’s new poll reveals that a whopping 92% of parents actively support the idea of holidays with some kind of learning aspect, while only 8% thought that children's learning should be limited to the classroom. Of those in favour of 'Eduvacations', roughly half believed that holidays are the ideal learning experience, while the other half believe that only some holidays should be educational, with others devoted to fun and relaxation...

We at GTI believes that the ability of all people to be able to take a vacation is a social right, and wish Take The Family well with getting this point across...

To follow this story and join the "social needs" debate, please follow http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/34432-Eduvacations:-Parents-demand-school-rules-change-for-holidays

Barticus.

"If you go down to the woods today...."

So, you and your family have saved up and treated yourself to a yacht (without the spending power of your average Russian oil magnate) so that you have the added incentive to spend your holidays together pursuing an activity you all love in perfect harmony, a growing craze that sets out to be that "one step better" than the caravan and camping holidays of yesteryear...

Lovely...

But be warned. The seas are NOT free. They are NOT yours to come and go as you please. They may, in fact, belong to someone else...

This story follows the growing problems in the seas of the world. From Somalia, to Iran (the actual focus of this story) the seas are not always the safe havens people believe them to be...

The good news is that our latest captives have been released by Iran, but this appears to be a passing victory as it seems only a matter of time before some naive sailor brings a similar situation to bear...

Follow the latest saga at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8389946.stm

Barticus.

"Merry Christmas..."

With the Christmas season upon us, people just want to be able to kick back, relax, visit friends and relatives and have a generally good time...

But not if the rail networks have anything to do with it...

Instead, they promise to bring chaos and disruption for the whole Christmas period, with cancellations and disruptions from 21 December and will continue until 3 January...

Passengers hoping to travel between South Wales and London will be hardest hit, with no trains running between Christmas Eve and 3 January...

Major engineering works around Southampton will see services run by First Great Western, Southern, South West Trains and CrossCountry affected. Network Rail, which runs Britain’s rail infrastructure, was fined a record £14m in 2007 for allowing engineering works to overrun, causing disruption to tens of thousands of passengers during the New Year period...

Network Rail said that while there were disruptions, fewer engineering works had been planned for the period than in previous years. “We will be running more trains this year than we did during the Christmas/New Year period in 2008/09,” said a spokesman. “In particular, the West Coast Main Line is practically free of disruption this Christmas...”

So, once again, have a happy Christmas..

Follow this at http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/thousands-face-travel-chaos-as-rail-lines-shut-down-for-christmas-1831559.html

Barticus.

"What depression??..."

With so many of the smaller travel agents and businesses within the tourism sector showing substantial sufferings during today's economic times, it is with some amount of interest that we see how Europe's largest travel agent, TUI is bucking the trend...

TUI Travel has recorded a 15% rise in annual profits – beating rival Thomas Cook which yesterday reported flat profit levels...

Europe’s largest tour operating group saw pre-tax profits rise to £366 million for the year to September 30, up from £319 the previous 12 months...

TUI said winter business continues to improve across all source markets while summer 2010 trading in the UK “remains encouraging” with average selling prices up by seven per cent year on year...

So what is the secret of it's success where so many others seem doomed to fail? The answer seems to be (as well as the growth in winter sales) the fact that people are still, despite the financial forecasts, taking their main family holidays, treating it (as we have shown with the works of Tourism Concern and The Family Holiday Association) as a social right...

Interesting...

For more on this please follow http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1139727.php

Barticus.

'The Loch Ness Monster - A Cuddly Creature'

When thinking of Scotland, what usually comes into my mind is the traditional sound of the bagpipe, the geographical features that Scotland has to offer and the historical myths that have been past on from generations. One of the most well-known, legendary myths is about the Loch Ness Monster - a sea horse that inhabits in the Scottish Highlands which is usually portrayed as a harmful creature, until recent years when the film industry has changed that perception.

The first film that was made about the Loch Ness in 1934 did not put Scotland in a positive light as stated by senior film lecturer, Dr. Martin Jones, "a stereotypical land of monster-fearing locals" since then the image of the Kelpie has been rebranded and Scotland has seen a boost in visitor numbers.

In 1996 and most recently in 2007 it has been seen that the Loch Ness monster has been transformed into a family friendly creature which has proven to be a global hit and is part of Scotland's tourism growth in an overall aspect. The role of film within tourism is a wonderful partnership when created in the right manner.

To follow this story click below...
 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/8382986.stm

G.T.I.


 

"Keepin' it green(ish)..."

Although we are aware that the only real method of sustainable transportation is to travel everywhere solely on foot, we are also aware that this is not ever going to be common place. So this story follows how those clever Dutch chaps at KLM have operated its first ever passenger flight powered by sustainable biokerosene...

Johan van de Gronden, director of WWF The Netherlands: “We want to protect our fragile natural environment against climate change. Clean technology is one way to reduce the impact that humanity has on our climate. The establishment of SkyEnergy is a groundbreaking initiative and KLM’s demonstration flight using biokerosene is a concrete and positive step on the way to a sustainable future...”

Mr. Hartman: “KLM has been involved in biokerosene research since 2007. With the establishment of SkyEnergy, we are accelerating development and hope to achieve a market breakthrough. We are moving forward with great resolve. But we cannot do it alone. We need the support of government, industry and broader society...”

KLM and Air France are jointly pursuing an ambitious Climate Action Plan. The fruits of this endeavour are exemplified by the fact that Air France KLM has been the sector leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability for five consecutive years...

Good luck to them all..

Read more at http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/34375-KLM-takes-strides-in-sustainable-air-transport

Barticus.

"And stay out...."

The European Commission has published it's twelfth update of the Community’s list of airlines banned in the European Union which comprises those of three additional countries following safety deficiencies highlighted by audits. With this update the ban imposed upon three airlines is lifted and one airline is allowed to resume operations under conditions given satisfactory improvements in safety...

With this update three carriers licensed in Ukraine have been removed from the list: Ukraine Cargo Airways and Volare have both lost their Air Operator Certificates; following the receipt of certain information from the Ukrainian authorities, the carrier Motor Sich is also removed from the list. A fourth carrier, Ukrainian Mediterranean Airlines is allowed to resume operations with one aircraft. This is the result of a successful visit lead by the European Aviation Safety Agency with the participation of two Member States in Ukraine to verify improvements achieved by the companies...

In the same vein, the significant progress made by the civil aviation authority of Angola and the air carrier TAAG Angola Airlines to resolve progressively any safety deficiencies are recognised. TAAG is therefore allowed to increase the number of aircraft it uses for its flights to Portugal...

The Community’s list has five individual carriers whose operations are fully banned in the European Union – Air Koryo from the Democratic People Republic of Korea, Air West from Sudan, Ariana Afghan Airlines from Afghanistan, Siem Reap Airways International from Cambodia and Silverback Cargo Freighters from Rwanda...

For more news of how this is aiming to control the airways in European skies, please follow http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/34381-Commission-updates-the-list-of-airlines-banned-from-the-European-airspace

Barticus.

"Cook eyes growth!!..."

Following a poor year for global travel markets, Thomas Cook has reported flat annual pre-tax profits of £308.2 million for the year ending September...

Things to note in this are firstly that they are not, like so many of it's competitors, losing money, and secondly that they have seen encouraging signs in the last four weeks, with bookings up 14%...

Added to this is the development of their on-line strategies, with the strength of the Thomas Cook retail brand, can give access to inventory and a "true multi-channel capability", the strategy to develop an international online travel agent represents a "compelling customer proposition..."

“We have continued to invest in our dynamic packaging capabilities and products and we have, in parallel, improved our online capabilities across the group,” said group chief executive Manny Fontenla-Novoa...

“As well as ongoing content management, merchandising, programming and technology investment, we have also ensured that customers booking travel online have access to all the same services that are available in-store and receive a seamless customer experience across channels...”

For more about this news and strategy go to http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1139699.php

Barticus.

"Nassau crime wave hits cruises.."

Cruises have stopped going to the idyllic Caribbean city of Nassau following a spate of violent crimes against tourists...

The Telegraph reports that "A series of armed attacks on cruise ship passengers in Nassau has raised fears about the safety of visitors to the Bahamas...

Several Europeans were among a group of 18 tourists held up by two men wielding shotguns during a guided tour of an eco-park close to Nassau last weekend. Their local guide was tied up and a woman hit in the face with the butt of a gun as the robbers took money, cameras, mobile phones and passports from the passengers...

Last month, in another daylight incident, 11 cruise passengers were robbed at gunpoint as they stood at the top of the Queen's Staircase, the city's landmark attraction..."

The Bahamas is trying to combat an increase in violent crime – there have been a record 77 murders so far this year. In the past it was rare for tourists to be targeted...

"It is difficult to promote the islands as a place for people to consider for their holiday when these kinds of incidents occur," said Vernice Walkine, minister for tourism. "We are deeply concerned about a troubling series of events involving rogue elements of our society. We want to assure our cruise line partners that we will work closely with the police until they have rooted out these problems and restored these places and activities as safe for the enjoyment of our visitors."

With the Bahamas tourism industry worth an estimated $2.3 billion a year, these criminal elements need to be eradicated before serious harm is done to the businesses of those that depend on tourist arrivals...

For more on this, follow http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/cruise-news/6669176/Nassau-crime-wave-hits-cruises.html

Barticus.

"In need of a long, luxurious soak..."

With so many areas of tourism hit by the current economic doom and gloom, it is always good to be able to report areas that are courting success, regardless...

Australia's spa sector has announced this week the progress of their 600 spa's thanks to the report by Intelligent Spa's...

Intelligent Spas’ fifth Spa Benchmark Report on the Australian spa market presents an extensive collection of financial statistics including breakdowns of key performance indicators by day spas, hotel spas and resort spas. The new research found over 600 spas are operating in Australia and are expected to generate AUD500 million (approximately USD465 million) in revenue during 2009, representing a 17% increase compared to 2008...

“Overall, the Australian spa industry continued to grow during the global economic crisis however some key performance indicators per spa declined due to the crowded market. Spa owners and managers are currently challenged with increasing visits per spa and these updated statistics will help them identify how to operate more effectively in this competitive market going into 2010” stated Julie Garrow, Managing Director of 100% independent research company Intelligent Spas...

Good news in gloomy times indeed...

Follow this at http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/34357-600-spas-in-Australia-expected-to-generate-USD4-65m-in-revenue-during-2009

Barticus.

"Show me the future..."

The Tourism 2023 project report has been launched at the ABTA Travel Convention in Barcelona, and is now available online (at http://www.forumforthefuture.org/projects/tourism-2023) to help the UK outbound travel and tourism industry understand the challenges it faces and plan for a sustainable future...

They note that the project has identified three potential work streams on issues which require urgent industry collaboration: demonstrating that tourism delivers real socio-economic benefit to tourist destinations; making tourism a low-carbon, low-impact industry; and encouraging demand from customers for sustainable tourism...

But what of future trends? Vivid details bring the world of each scenario to life and are designed to provoke debate. Will mass tourism, swollen by the Chinese and Indian middle classes, cause huge overcrowding in popular destinations? Will soaring oil prices make air travel so expensive that families have to save for years to fly abroad? Will we see “Doomsday tourism”, with visitors rushing to see glaciers and coral reefs before they’re gone for good? Or will household “carbon quotas” see Britons go back to holidaying at home? We can only guess...

This story offers great insight to the future possibilities of the industry, so please go to http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1139627.php?news_cat=3 and the link above to learn more.

Barticus.

"It's good to be green..."

With people now starting to run scared from the ecological results of their family vacations, it is good to see guidance as to the options available within the "Green" marketplace...

In this article, Richard Hammond, travel editor of National Geographic's new "Green" supplement, recommends five eco-friendly trips for the new year...

From city breaks with rail and ride holidays in Amsterdam, to the idyllic countryside setting of tree houses in Italy, this article shows how it is possible for even the most green conscious of us to have a good holiday...

Read more at http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2009/nov/27/green-short-breaks-2010

Barticus.

"Despair and happiness, pleasure in pain..."

With the growth of "Dark" and "Thana" tourism types, we bring news that if you want, you are able to book tickets for a Titanic Memorial Cruise in 2012.....

British travel firm Miles Morgan Travel are taking reservations for this unique cruise that will commemorate the Titanic's tragic voyage in April 1912...

"Our voyage of a lifetime will sail from Southampton on 8th April 2012 the twelve night cruise on board the MS Balmoral and will follow the RMS Titanic's original itinerary, passing by Cherbourg on the French coast before calling into the Irish port of Cobh..."

"From here the ship will sail across the Atlantic, arriving at the Titanic site on April 14th/15th exactly 100 years on from this tragic voyage, where a memorial service will be held to pay tribute to the brave passengers and crew who perished on that fateful night..."

This just goes to show that it takes all sorts, as shown by our friends at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000453793153&ref=ts that explores this phenomenon...

For more on the Titanic cruise story, please follow http://www.titanicmemorialcruise.co.uk/

Barticus.

"It's ok guys, we are back....."

With all the doom and gloom being forecasted this week, it is good to hear news that the business travel market appears to be on the rebound...

According to those fabulous fellows at Travelmole, business travel is showing early signs of stabilisation against the backdrop of the worst global recession since the 1930s, as reported by Hogg Robinson Group today...

The group saw half year pre-tax profits almost halve to £3.3 million...

Revenue for the six months ending September 30 was down by nine per cent to £155.3 million over the same period a year earlier...

HRG said the frequency of travel on business by clients had reduced in the half year...

The period saw clients trading down, an increased level of online booking and greater use of technology, more use of advance bookings and restricted tickets, a re-negotiation of supplier deals and stronger travel policy compliance...

In a week where we have reported the financial problems being suffered by so many sectors within the travel and tourism industry, this is all really good news...

For more information on this, please go to http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1139684.php?mpnlog=1&m_id=s~bvs~bm

Barticus.

'Protect Us!'

Independent travellers who enjoy creating all aspects of their desired experience may continue doing so with an extra bonus – levels of protection for holidaymakers is to be available for all.

According to the European Commission, compensation, when company failure occurs, will be provided to those vacationers who organise their own flights, accommodation and other additional services such as car hire.

We have heard many cases where travellers have been abandoned at airports due to the sudden collapse of their chosen operator, and due to recent European airlines that have been unsuccessful it is a positive beginning for the travel industry. Let’s hope that it all goes according to plan.

To follow this story click below...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/6661514/Europe-seeks-to-extend-protection-for-holidaymakers.html

G.T.I.

"But I am CONCERNed...."

News reaching us today about our charity of choice "Tourism Concern" airing it's views with regards to the effects of the tourism industry in developing areas...

Tourism Concern claims tourism developments often exploit tribal people, force locals from their homes and damage the environment...

The campaigning charity’s latest report, Putting Tourism to Rights, calls on the UK government and tourism industry to tackle poverty by protecting the rights of local people...

Tricia Barnett, Tourism Concern director, said: ‘While tourism has great potential to create wealth and improve the lives of local communities, our report shows that it is often developed at the expense of human rights. This is particularly true for people who are poor and easy to exploit, often driving them deeper into poverty....’

These worries, along with many others, are the things that we need to address if we are to continue to develop towards a committed and sustainable future for the travel industry...

Please follow more at http://www.e-tid.com/News-Home/Tourism-charity-challenges-human-rights-abuses.aspx

Barticus.

"What do you mean you can't pay?..."

These are hard times for all within the tourism industry. Over recent weeks we have seen not only SMI's (small to medium businesses) going to the wall, but also the struggles of many of the bigger players such as British Airways. But now, when so many were starting to show how the worst of this economic slump is past, one of the biggest tourism servers is bringing fresh worries in turbulent times...

This follows the breaking news that Dubai World has (reportedly) asked for more time to make a loan payment, news that has sent shock waves not just through the tourism sector, but also through the financial sector as people try to work out "Whats going on" with what was considered to be financially safe "Uber" resort of Dubai...

Banks have also invested heavily in the area. According to the Emirates Bank Association, HSBC has $17bn invested in UAE, Standard Chartered has $7.8bn, Barclays has $3.6bn and has . RBS $2.2bn. Citigroup also has $1.9bn in the UAE whilst BNP Paribas $1.7bn and Lloyds has $1.6bn....

For more on this, follow http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/nov/26/dubai-first-domino-new-crash

Barticus.

"Death of a ledgend..."

Bad news from the Irish travel industry today as reports show that Budget Travel, Ireland’s biggest operator, is to cease trading today...

The closure will lead to the loss of 172 jobs and the closure of 17 travel agencies.

Almost 750 people are on holiday abroad with the operator.

Up to 380 people were due to fly out on holidays with Budget Travel between tomorrow and Sunday from Dublin and Cork...

But flights have been cancelled and people are being told they can get a refund from the Irish Commission for Aviation Regulation...

Budget Travel managing director Eileen O'Sullivan was quoted by Irish media as saying: “This has been a painful and distressing time for us all and we deeply regret that this situation has arisen...

“We will do everything we can to minimise the impact of this decision especially on those who are currently travelling with us...”

The company was established in May 1975 and had a 30% share of the market...

There are those that blame the recent problems within the Irish tourism sector on the additional aviation taxes, but this all comes down to the general effects of the ongoing global recession proving that despite the calls of many that the worst is over, for many the worst is still to come...

Follow more of this story at http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1139656.php

Barticus.

"Cut it out..."

This follows the news of the Eurocontrol and ACI Europe joint programme of reducing CO2 emission, and the growing support within the Airport sector of the tourism industry...

Eurocontrol and ACI Europe’s collaboration to increase operational efficiencies at European airports is already making progress with more than 30 airports so far engaged in the programme. Airport Collaborative Decision-Making (A-CDM), directly links airports into the Air Traffic Management network and gives users access to a range of operational data allowing them to make their operations more efficient. Successful implementation leads to significant reduction in CO2 emissions, which in turn helps airlines save fuel..

David McMillan, Director General of Eurocontrol said “The environmental balance has clearly tipped from awareness and acknowledgement to concrete actions resulting in a willingness to adopt substantive changes to operational procedures. A-CDM and other initiatives such as continuous descent approaches are good examples of what can be achieved when a number of stakeholders work together in partnership..."

This is good news for the ecologically aware, and we hope that this goes further, taking in the rest of the airports in Europe, thus setting a standard for the world to follow...

Follow more at http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/34311-Eurocontrol-and-ACI-Europe-joint-programme-of-reducing-CO2-emissions

Barticus.

"Just four more years..."

Air travel liquid ban to remain in place until 2013...

This is the breaking news today with regards to air travel. Air passengers must carry liquids and gels in containers no larger than 100ml under current restrictions, which were imposed in 2006 after the break-up of a plot to blow up transatlantic airliners travelling from Heathrow to North America...

The plans, which have not yet been rubber-stamped, will mean millions of air passengers face three to four more years of having liquids confiscated at airport security gates...

The draft regulation states that transfer passengers from non-EU countries will be allowed to carry liquids on to connecting flights from 2011, ending a restriction that has seen the impounding of duty-free goods. However, duty-free purchases must be packed in a sealed bag with a receipt showing where and when the goods were bought...

The commission says all airports should be able to screen suspect liquids in just over three years. It has altered plans to relax the rules in 2012 for airports handling more than 10 million passengers a year...

Smaller airports would have waited until 2014 but the proposal was deemed impractical and potentially confusing for passengers...

Follow this at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/6650479/Air-travel-liquid-ban-to-remain-in-place-until-2013.html

Barticus.

"Danger, danger. High Voltage..."

Travellers be warned...

This follows news that in Florence, Italy, it has been found that many trips that are being taken around this most beautiful of cities, as advertised on "Tripadvisor," are not, in fact, registered, and therefore do not have licences or insurances...

"Tripadvisor appears to have no qualms about promoting concerns that may be unlicensed and lack insurance. " Says the Telegraph...

Customers are picked up by these operators from hotels or street corners and pay the guide, often in cash. One company admitted that 90 per cent of its business comes through Tripadvisor...

Police acted against two questionable operators in September after complaints from licensed tour operators and drivers to Florence's Chamber of Commerce...

It was difficult to find Italian officers who could pose plausibly as foreign tourists, but they finally caught out Per's Bike Rides and Tuscan Wine Tours, confiscating their vehicles and fining them for trading illegally...

So let this be a warning for all, in particular Tripadvisor itself...

For more on this follow http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/6560309/Unlicensed-tours-thrive-on-the-internet.html

Barticus.

"Promotion, promotion, promotion..."

Economy in trouble, tourism not hitting the heights expected, what do you do? Make a film....

This is an obviously brilliant way to promote your country using a media method that is followed by so many all of the time...

Take a look at the "Lord of the rings" trilogy that showed the beautiful views on offer in New Zealand, or the animated film "The Lion King" showing the beauty of wildlife in Africa, or how about the classic film "Australia" that showed Australia to be, ah, ok so it does not always show you to be how you may have imagined...

But following the footsteps of this has led to sites being specially developed to promote this phenomenon, such as the United Kingdom's industries through it's tourism body, VisitBritain...

So, for a look at the British film industry, and to have a chance to experience the locations, go to http://www.visitbritain.us/campaigns/british-film/index.aspx

Barticus.