Travel Guides

The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau has announced that eight member golf courses of the destination, "Pocono Mountains: Discover Golf's Great Destination Secret" have been named to GolfStyles Philadelphia magazine's “100 Must-Play Courses of Greater Philadelphia” for 2008.

As effects of global warming take their toll on the climate, Peter Ducker from the Hotel Carbon Index Company recently turned up the heat further by entering the Dragons’ Den. Taking part in a Dragons’ Den style pitch at the recent ITM Conference, Ducker was given just 3 minutes to impress the judges in order to win.

In recent years, Barcelona has established itself as one of Europe´s most popular tourist destinations, and it is not difficult to understand why. With its balmy all-year climate, its avant-garde architecture, its burgeoning gastronomy, its fabulous beaches, proximity to the Costa Brava & ski-slopes as well as its eclectic mix of shops, Catalunya´s capital can be justly proud of what it has to offer visitors.

Leading ferry company Stena Line has launched a fantastic summer fare giving families even more reason to enjoy an affordable break to Ireland! Two adults can take the car and set sail on the Stena Superferry from only £80* and what’s more kids can travel for free.

Cancelled elections, military government, insecurity, terrorism and radical Islam have all proved less than effective marketing initiatives by ‘Destination Algeria’. As such, from the early 90s Africa’s second largest country effectively disappeared from the map, drowned beneath the sands of the Sahara and then veiled by an increasingly thick fog of geographical ignorance.

Europe’s premier city destinations generated 540 million Euros from tourism in 2006, a year on year increase of 19.2 million Euros, according to European Cities Marketing (‘ECM’).

The Hungarian National Tourist Office is organising a networking workshop titled ‘Hungary for Business’ in June to showcase Hungary’s unique facilities and attractions to conference and incentive organisers in the UK.

With so much bad news dominating we have cast about to see whether there are any sectors left unscathed - and it does seem that the luxury travel sector is quietly enjoying quite a buoyant time - could it be that the economic factors are creating a polarised market?

To capitalise on the current buoyant ferry travel market, Irish Ferries has launched its best-ever offers with substantial savings for couples and families travelling by car to Ireland during the period 18 May – 30 September.

These days it is almost impossible to pick up a newspaper or turn on the TV without being faced with stories about the state of the UK economy. So, as our thoughts turn towards the holiday season, we are all looking to get the best value from our summer break. With the strength of the Euro making the continent a much more expensive option this year, leading Asia specialist, Travel Indochina, has some great news for holidaymakers.

A new travel site - theloveland.net - offering tourist information, cultural programs and packages has been launched with the aim of encouraging travellers to visit Brazil for the São Paulo Gay Pride Parade.

On 21st May 2008 more Britons than ever before are likely to be travelling to Moscow for the first all-English final in the history of the Champions League. Manchester United and Chelsea fans will be scrambling for flights and hotel rooms so they can see the match played out against the backdrop of the world's most expensive city.

Jersey is split into 14 different states, or districts - one of which is Grouville; which in 2007 won the RHS Britain in Bloom prize for a small town.

People have begun flocking to the shoreline in Newfoundland and Labrador on the hunt for icebergs! From the northern tip of Labrador to the eastern shores of the Avalon Peninsula, is the famous coastline known as Iceberg Alley, and the sea that pounds and caresses the shore brings these magnificent mountains of ice almost to our doorstep.

Eurostar and the National Gallery have unveiled the world’s first interactive digital art gallery for international travellers, to be enjoyed by millions of people who pass through the high-speed rail gateway between the UK and mainland Europe.

Leading ferry company Stena Line is offering families an affordable way to travel across the Irish Sea with a two night hotel break in Tipperary from only £250 including travel, accommodation and breakfast.

The Whitsundays continues to be one of Australia’s most enticing destinations for business and leisure. With its’ tropical climate, easy access, variety of activities, world class resort and conference facilities, catering for groups of 10 to 1000, the opportunities are endless to create a unique and memorable experience for any business event.

With the strong euro pushing up the cost of holidaying in Europe, Stateside is the place for Brits to jet-off to this summer season, where the weak dollar makes for bargains galore! If that’s one reason to visit Las Vegas right now, here are a few more.

From June 7, 2008, an area encompassing 13 per cent of Iceland´s landmass, and encapsulating unparalleled geographical diversity will become the largest protected wilderness in Europe. Volcanoes, lava flows, vast glaciers, powerful waterfalls, canyons and calderas, sand flats, rivers, lakes and lush vegetation are just some of the natural wonders contained within Vatnajökull National Park’s 13,000 sq kms.

Where can you get everything that is on everyone’s agenda at the moment in one place? If hiking and outdoor activities, family holidays including kids entertainment, value for money and free public transport plus clean air and an intact environment mean anything to you, head for the Allgäu region in Southern Bavaria.

Tourist numbers to Ukraine are up, and the trend for 2008 is showing healthy growth. First quarter figures for Panorama Tours, specialist in travel to Ukraine, show a four fold increase in tourists using the services of the company compared to the same period in 2007.

As we approach May with its double header of public holidays at the beginning and end of the month it seems that most holidaymakers would prefer to have our bank holidays more evenly spread throughout the year. This was one of the findings of a survey about spring holidays among more than five hundred British travellers conducted by TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel community.

If you thought tourism to Iraq was dead, a collateral victim in a war long supposed to have been won, think again. On 1st May 2008, five years to the day since George W Bush’s ‘Mission Accomplished’ speech, Bradt Travel Guides will publish Iraq Then and Now: a guide to the country and its people. Co-author Geoff Hann knows tourism in the north of Iraq is still very much alive, he regularly leads tours there - twice in the past year.

The best places to stay and visit in England were announced at a glittering ceremony in Liverpool last night.

Coined the ‘garden of Denmark’, the island of Funen and its archipelago of southern islands Combines some of Denmark’s most stunning scenery of lush rolling pasture lands, steep cliff tops and wide sandy beaches with a fascinating array of historic sights and great family attractions.

Some holidaymakers will be gambling with their finances this summer by failing to take out travel insurance when they jet off to foreign shores. A survey* revealed up to ten per cent of people will head off on holiday without insurance. Those who do take out cover are bewildered by the array of products on the market.

Nearly three quarters of Brits know that burglars are now stealing personal documents yet only a third of us keep papers such as passports, driving licences and birth certificates safely under lock and key.

With more and more people choosing to holiday in exotic locations it's predicted the incidence of travellers' diarrhoea could rise this summer. A survey forecasting travel trends for 2008 named Tunisia, Egypt, Thailand and India as the top four emerging holiday hotspots, however all the countries are also black spots for poor hygiene.

Starting on 20 April, UNWTO Secretary-General Francesco Frangialli will visit Mauritania, Côte d'Ivoire and Kenya, underscoring the Organization’s support of their tourism potential. These countries are now back on track to relaunch their tourism offer and start receiving international visitors under improved conditions.

Yet another report of the sad end to a happy holiday as we hear the sordid details of our suitcases being sold at auction to those planning on profiting from our misfortune with a quick sale on eBay. Regulars at Greasby’s auction rooms in Tooting, South London are already eagerly anticipating the arrival of the T5 windfall to their good fortune. Keen buyers willing to take days off work to “see what we can get” are purchasing our possessions without our knowledge or consent.

For families looking for a short break with endless places to explore and entertain the kids this May, the Isle of Wight has it all. There are Llama treks, a Teddy Bears picnic, a fancy-dress Bug Hunt, a once-a-year opportunity to explore a National Trust property, plus the Big Green Picnic, a fun day out exploring the Isle of Wight Council's vision of becoming the first Eco Island.

TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel community, today announced it now features 15 million reviews and opinions, up from 10 million in June 2007. TripAdvisor-branded sites reached more than 25 million unique monthly visitors* in the past year.

TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel community, has announced its top 10 family-friendly bargain accommodations in Europe, according to traveller ratings for family-friendliness. Eight of the properties featured are in mainland Spain, the Balearics or Canary Islands. Prices average £70 per night.

As one of the oldest cities in Denmark and home to probably the greatest creator of children’s stories, Hans Christian Andersen, Odense blends over 1000 years of fascinating history, steeped in medieval beginnings and fairytale fantasy, with lively modern cultural attractions to make it a vibrant and interesting option for a weekend break.

Mexico Tourism Board and Expedia, Inc., the world's leading online travel company, have announced an online media partnership to promote in-bound tourism to Mexico.

Out of the plethora of diverse festivals celebrated throughout Korea, the Ministry of Culture & Tourism has short-listed some of the very best festivals that are held annually. The choices are based on a number of factors that include their popularity, the unique experiences available for participants and overall programmes.

Aarhus is Denmark’s second largest city and located on the East Jutland coast. Known for its great care of preserving Denmark’s past as well as being a modern and vibrant university city, Aarhus is both old and young at heart, with a unique range of attractions for a long weekend.

It takes many months to really get to know Australia, yet with daily flights from London to Sydney via Singapore and Bangkok it's also quite possible to taste Australia's delights in just 10 days. Once you're there put more money back in to your pocket by staying at a YHA Hostel, where beds in multi-share rooms cost from just £6 per night, and double ensuite private rooms cost just £30 per person per night.

To outsiders, China projects a publically ambivalent approach towards wildlife, seemingly treating it as just another natural resource to be harvested and fed to its expanding economy. The demands of traditional Chinese medicine are rightly blamed for the ongoing demise of several endangered species, and the old anecdote about anything with four legs bar a table ending up on restaurant menus further compounds an apparently mercenary attitude towards the natural world.

New tourism figures released today by the Israel Government Tourist Office in London reveal that more and more tourists are choosing to visit the Israel as the number of international visitors continues to grow in 2008.

As the holiday season well and truly gets under way, make sure you don’t travel anywhere without the three ultimate travelling companions which guarantee peace of mind, total comfort and safety where ever you’re going. The three must have innovative products are MozzyOff, the 100% natural Mosquito and Midge Repellent, Cavius, the innovative and new 4-in-1 personal protection alarm and The JetRest Luxury Travel Pillow.

Seventeen of the world’s best photographers have arrived in Tasmania for a nine-day project, capturing images that will showcase Tasmania internationally.

Travel agents are feeling the pressure as consumers go online for holiday advice, according to one online expert. Paul Nadin, founder of Reviewcentre.com said holiday-goers want to hear from other travellers about their experiences rather than being sold by a glossy brochure and sales patter.

Mainstream cruise line reviews only cover one section of the cruise market say leading niche cruise specialists Blue Water Holidays. To broaden the picture, Blue Water Holidays has launched user reviews of river cruises, adventure cruises and small ship cruises to cover specialist operators such as Hurtigruten and the river cruise lines.

On April 18, the new film “In Bruges” hits the UK cinema screens. Filmed on location in the most well preserved medieval city in Belgium, it is a welcoming destination for travellers from all over the world. But for hit men Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendon Gleeson), it could be their final destination.

The amazing thing about the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields in South Africa is that even people without the faintest interest in military history, are surprised and amazed at how moving and enjoyable a Battlefield experience can be with the right guide, in the right setting.

According to figures released by the Union Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Maharashtra is now the second most popular destination in India for international visitors after Delhi. In 2007, the state of Maharashtra in Western India attracted 14.5 per cent of the approximately 850,000 international tourists to India, while Delhi welcomed 17.30 per cent.

InternationalRail.com today announced the addition of the Japan Rail Pass section to its international rail pass and tickets offerings, including Europe, Australia, North America and New Zealand. InternationalRail.com is offering the most complete selection of Japan Rail Passes available on the Internet to British travellers.

Even if you didn’t own any of the 37 million pieces of baggage which went missing in air transit last year, you’ll be delighted to discover that the agony and anxiety of lost luggage can become a thing of the past if you secure your bags and cases with the new TRACE ME luggage tracker system when you travel this year.

If you want to know about the history of beer, how servants lived in the 18th century or how delicate pottery is manufactured, then spend some time in Staffordshire, where there really is something for everyone. While cheap flights from regional airports lure more people to far-flung cities, it’s easy to forget that there are some unbeatable locations just a short drive from home.

Austria and Switzerland, hosts of EURO2008, have developed a joint sustainability concept to minimise the environmental impact of this major sporting event. Austria has invested millions in green infrastructure for the event - and the rewards are already obvious. The brand new stadium in Klagenfurt, for example, has just been awarded the 'Green Ball' for cutting-edge sustainability.

Letsgo2 – the tailor made holiday specialist - is making pre-planning a break much easier by creating the first interactive map for New York. Anyone taking a break to cities such as New York knows that to maximise their time there they need to book a hotel close to the tourist attractions, museums or shops that most interest them.

A Leeds-based man and wife and their Sydney-based son have launched a brand new one stop service aimed at encouraging UK workers to move Down Under.

Tantalise your taste buds, satisfy senses and pop your cork at the second Bon Appétit and Las Vegas Uncork’d extravaganza - Vegas Uncork’d: A Bon Appétit Epicurean Experience, taking place 8-11 May 2008. With more than 25 events planned at Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Lake Las Vegas, and Wynn Las Vegas, this delicious, star-studded weekend is sure to be a mouth watering experience.

Leading responsible tourism website, responsibletravel.com celebrates its seventh birthday this month (6 April). Here, the company's co-founder, Justin Francis reflects on the website's launch in April 2001 and looks towards the ethical food industry for tips for taking the responsible travel movement forward.

The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau today announces that the area's golf courses are open, or preparing to open, for the 2008 season. Weather permitting, golfers can enjoy the Pocono Mountains: Discover Golf’s Great Destination Secret courses, which range from challenging tracks that test the lowest handicappers to beginner-friendly courses and everything in between.

Hot off the TV news comes a report that Ireland’s north-west coast – and particularly Bundoran beach in Donegal – is the new rival to Bondi for surfers. According to those ‘in the know’, there are many world-class reef and beach breaks within five kilometres of Bundoran and waves in excess of 15 metres high have been experienced and ridden at Mullaghmore Head in the last few weeks.

Because of the increased interest in European cruising, Cruise Critic® (cruisecritic.co.uk), the world’s leading online resource for consumer-oriented cruise reviews and news, conducted a survey about cruising in Europe. More than 1,400 travellers from around the world completed the survey. Forty-two percent of survey respondents are planning to take a European cruise within the next three years.

St Pancras International yesterday made public the findings of its first Ipsos MORI independent customer survey. The key findings of the survey are far better than even staff at St Pancras International had been expecting.

Eight months after the smoking ban was introduced in England two-thirds (66%) of the 5,500 people surveyed in an online poll said they did not know what the smoking policy was onboard cruise ships – with operators adding to the confusion by often not specifying what they term as ‘designated areas’.

While England were losing to France in Paris last night, the Brazilian national team were treating the Emirates Arsenal stadium to a preview of what football fans can expect at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with a 1-0 win over old rivals Sweden. Preparation for the World Cup is already well under way.

A ‘grown-up’ offer from Irish Ferries comes with the introduction of a ‘free friend place’ worth £36 on a return journey. For all motorists booking a crossing between 29 March and 9 April - for travel between 6 April and 22 May – a second person in the car travels free. To qualify for the ‘free friend place’, bookings must be made at least seven days before travel.

The ‘Rob-in Hood’ to the Barmy Army, there is no doubt left hand pace bowler Sidebottom is the English hero of the test series in New Zealand so far. With 16 wickets in hand, the 30 year old could break the series record of 19 wickets in the final test beginning this Saturday 22nd in Napier, Hawkes Bay.

The Cyprus Tourism Organisation has announced the launch of its new nationwide advertising campaign as well as partnering with Cypriot Wimbledon semi-finalist and rising tennis star, Marcos Baghdatis to promote tourism to his homeland.

Eastbourne was in the company of a world famous travel writer last night as Bill Bryson spent the night at The Cherry Tree Guesthouse after completing his walk across The South Downs Way.

The city break market has come to the forefront as one of the travel industry’s fastest growing sectors. Over 100 new routes to European city destinations will depart from Heathrow in summer 2008 with 4.9 million Brits having mini city breaks planned for this year.

With its iconic hotels and resorts, world-class shopping, arts and entertainment and 47-mile long beachfront, legendary Palm Beach County, Florida, offers savvy holiday makers the chance to enjoy an authentic Palm Beach experience for less during the county’s annual Value Season.

The French Riviera may not be the first place that springs to mind when planning a dive holiday but think again. Diamond Diving, located on the glamorous Cote D’Azur, is attracting divers of all abilities with its clear, warm waters and abundance of sea life.

These days there is a growing concern over green topics like ecology, protection of the environment and sustainability. Holiday makers wishing to keep their Eco-friendly lifestyle going, even when abroad, can in Copenhagen be sure they will always find what they are looking for.

Bordeaux specialists, Gourmet Touring, have unveiled their ‘Vignobles’ wine touring itinerary. Targeted predominantly at people who know what wines they like, but aren’t sure why, ‘Vignobles’ unravels many of the mysteries of Bordeaux wine.

Native Escapes, specialist tour operator to Southern Africa, has launched a campaign calling for ethical tourism on the popular social networking site Facebook. The campaign, titled ‘Travel with a Conscience’ calls for holiday makers to consider the effect of their visit on the local environment and community, and invites would-be ethical tourists to sign up and become a friend of Native Escapes.

When asked to reveal their best travel tips, over 1,500 keen Destinations Show travellers offered ideas from practical packing advice to quirky cures for itchy insect bites and scams to watch out for at different destinations.

Pleasure Beach, Blackpool received some very special guests today, when two of the Fylde coasts most prominent MP's paid a visit to Britain's favourite tourist attraction. Gordon Marsden, MP for Blackpool South, and Joan Humble, MP for Blackpool North and Fleetwood, visited Pleasure Beach as part of their British Tourism Week Programme.

From experiencing a human spaceflight, encountering rare species of monkeys, to going wild in the forest, Leicestershire is a place like no other for keeping young minds engaged during the school holidays.

Eurostar, the high-speed passenger train service linking the UK with mainland Europe, will introduce for the summer extra new services between St Pancras International/Ashford International and Disneyland Resort Paris, starting on Thursday 18 July 2008.

Author and journalist Samantha Kimambo has released her long awaited memoirs that tell the tale of her unbelievably gripping roller-coaster ride through Africa, meeting Maasai tribes and changing her life.

Walkingworld, the popular online walking guide, has passed the 4,000 mark for walks in Britain, with another 150 plus in France and Spain.

A survey of 1,118 parents whose children are taking a gap year in 2008 has revealed some surprising statistics. The survey, commissioned by ACE European Group Limited, the specialist gap year insurers, revealed that the majority of parents worry more about their children travelling at night in London than on their gap years abroad.

The Danish region of South Jutland is the gateway for visitors arriving from Harwich to Esbjerg by sea and has much to offer with miles of white sandy beaches and pretty little towns near the shore; where shops, accommodation and local cuisine is all close by. It also offers a range of family attractions that illustrate Denmark’s earliest history and others that entertain and explain its high tech future.

The fertile fields of Kansas and Oklahoma continue to emerge as one of the most exciting wine-producing regions in the country.

Boasting stunning landscape and a plethora of diving locations off its 1,700km of coastline, Oman is a haven for the diving and watersports enthusiast. View the stunning rugged landscape of Oman’s northern coast from the clear waters of the Gulf, or admire from afar the beauty of the lush green landscape of the Dhofar region at the southern tip of the country.

Stylish travel connoisseur Lisa Corcoran is launching Travel Notebook, an online directory containing up to date news, tips and information on the chicest places to stay, eat and shop around the world.

VisitScotland has created another stunning edition of the popular walking guide to help visitors plan a walking holiday in Scotland. Walking is a key activity for visitors to Scotland with walkers forming an important source of income for the Scottish tourism industry. 37% of UK visitors to Scotland indicated that they enjoyed some walking as part of a holiday to Scotland.

An article describing a father and son walk along the Viking Way in Lincolnshire has just been awarded a major travel accolade in New York City. Bruce Northam has clinched the prestigious grand prize for his article 'Bonding in Britain', which focused on a father and son walk along the Viking Way in the picturesque countryside of Lincolnshire.

Expedia, the world's leading online travel company, has announced its entry into India with the launch of Expedia.co.in - the newest addition to Expedia’s global portfolio and the seventeenth Expedia branded site.

Many people have a favourite spot, a quiet place or a local unknown where they take themselves to switch off, relax, read or enjoy their favorite view; often from the warmth and security of a welcoming venue.

“It’s always around this time of year that I think back to my cooking trip to Brazil and all the recipes that I learnt there”, says Merrilees Parker, chef and TV presenter.

What is the greenest form of travel and the most eco-friendly way to go on a short-haul holiday? We know it’s not travel by air or car so perhaps going by train is best? Not so - coach travel is more environmentally friendly than all three.

“Most people don’t know where we are” say Cayman Islanders, and they think that’s just “perfect”. That is the message from the latest advertising campaign to be launched this month by the Department of Tourism for the three diminutive islands that make up the Cayman Islands.

The UK based African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA) and the South Africa based Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) have announced a strategic marketing alliance to widen the promotion of tourism to Southern Africa.

If you’re planning a journey Down Under for 2008, here’s your guide to all that’s hot and happening in Australia for Spring.

Green Rooms is the first in an ethical travel series entitled New Leaf, published by AA Publishing and on sale from 31st March, 2008. The book provides an independent insight into over 100 eco-friendly and ethical places to stay around the world, from solar-powered yurt camps to inner-city eco-chic hotels.

Known for its scenic beauty, North Cornwall combines varied and breathtaking scenery with the myths and legends of Merlin and King Arthur, medieval castles, great houses and gardens, plus golden beaches, year-round attractions and plentiful opportunities for walking, cycling and other sporting and leisure pursuits.

On International Women’s Day (Saturday 8th March 2008), Wanderlust magazine, the bible for independently minded travellers, is launching its homage to intrepid females in the form of its new ‘Girls Guide to Travel’ and a hunt for the ‘Greatest Globe Trotting Girls of all time’.

Despite its mountainous terrain the Austrian Tirol is one of Europe’s most wheel-chair-friendly destinations and has set up a new website detailing activities and accommodation that cater specifically for the less able - Easyaccess.tirol.at.

Tindo, the world’s first solar-powered electric bus, carried its first commuters earlier this February 2008 in Adelaide, South Australia. Tindo, the Kaurna Aboriginal word for ‘sun’, is recharged using solar energy generated by a unique solar photovoltaic system installed on the roof of the new Adelaide Central Bus Station.

Ontario Tourism and its partners, Tourism Toronto and Ottawa Tourism are pleased to announce the launch of their biggest ever UK campaign running throughout the month of March.

Amidst recent reports about the possible culling of elephants in South Africa's Kruger National Park, comes a success story from KwaZulu-Natal’s Tembe Elephant Park where elephant contraception is being tested with success.

The Zulu Kingdom is known for many things - its rich culture, fantastic beaches, game reserves, mountains and its seemingly endless list of activities on offer. But not many people know about the amazing gourmet getaways and incredible restaurants on offer - not to mention the incredibly high standard of service - in many cases at unbelievable prices. Prepare to drool!

Rocky Mountain Cuisine is relatively new in the UK, but is now enticing visitors to Alberta’s mountain resorts and cosmopolitan cities. Travel Alberta has announced the pioneer of Rocky Mountain Cuisine, Executive chef Alistair Barnes of Rocky Mountain Resorts is visiting London to promote his new book Simple Treasures and will be in the capital between 8th – 11th March 2008.

Eurostar, the high-speed train operator that links the UK to the Continent, today launched a series of expansion works at Paris Gare du Nord which will improve the station’s Eurostar check-in area - delivering faster and easier access to the departure lounge for Eurostar travellers.

In 2008, DFDS Seaways UK continues to focus efforts on increasing business booked online, and there is even greater focus on the affiliate channel through a range of high profile incentives and promotions throughout the year ahead.

Tourism Australia has today announced the roll out of a new brand Business Events Australia, to underpin future marketing efforts to position Australia as a world-class business events destination, at the Asia-Pacific Incentive and Meetings Expo (AIME) 2008 in Melbourne.

Celebrate the end of lent by allowing yourselves some indulgent treats, and what better way than with isango!’s menu of enticing travel experiences inspired by the 7 deadly sins.

There really couldn’t be a more beautiful setting for your honeymoon or romantic escape than Discovery at Marigot Bay – a wonderfully chic spa hotel enjoying a fantastic location on what was described as “the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean” by novelist James A. Michener.

Travel agents are backing Australia to be the biggest winner out of all long haul destinations for 2008 according to research carried out by The Network – the leading field marketing company in the travel industry.

Cancun is a made-to-order resort, built specifically for tourism on the shores of the Caribbean Sea at the North Eastern tip of Mexico’s scenic Yucatan Peninsula.

The friendly welcome of Scottish people and its stunning scenery were listed as the highlights of a holiday in Scotland in new research commissioned by national tourism body VisitScotland.

Maharashtra is famous for Bollywood, art and culture, awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage sites, cave complexes, and breathtaking landscape. However, the area now also offers plenty to tempt thrill-seekers, and is aiming to become the new destination in India for adrenaline junkies.

The Guild of Travel Management Companies has released final figures for 2007 that show that it’s members made nearly 14 million bookings in the year, an all-time record.

Fans of Eastbourne beaches are being given the chance to ‘Adopt-a-Pebble’ after large numbers of frightened and disorientated pebbles have been washed up in the stormy New Year weather.

The Airlie Beach community has rallied around the passengers winched by the helicopter from the deck of the schooner Romance shipwrecked off Hook Island early yesterday. The treacherous circumstances of the evacuation meant that many of the group of international Backpackers arrived back to the mainland without passports, phones, credit cards or money.

Whether it’s watching trendy young things at play in the hidden late night eateries of the cities, or learning to cook Jordanian style in a dedicated kitchen outside Petra, Jordan has something to offer the gastro-tourist looking for something different.

The Stena HSS fast ferry sailing from Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire is back this Valentines Day and to celebrate its return, Stena Line will be offering a complimentary chocolate gift to all female passengers travelling on this special day.

A new online travel information and social networking portal officially launches this week with the aim of becoming the largest database of destinations, venues and events specifically designed for the gay and lesbian community.

Imagine witnessing the spectacular movement of glaciers or a whale breaching at sunset, or venturing into the forest searching for grizzlies or riding horse-back through the waterfalls and rivers of Yukon countryside.

Sustainable travel charity The Travel Foundation, in conjunction with the Ski Club of Great Britain, Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and Ski Andorra have carried out detailed assessments of how ski resort operations can be adapted to reduce their impact on the environment.

TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel community, has compiled it’s top 10 places in Europe to propose, according to TripAdvisor travellers and editors.

The Western Lake District is providing all the ingredients for the ultimate boys’ weekend this March, with motors, menus and manly exploits in abundance.

Known as Australia’s Galapagos, Kangaroo Island is increasingly seen as an integral part of every first time visitor’s itinerary to Australia due to its exceptional wildlife and fine regional dining.

The Malta Tourism Authority has announced a highly successful 2007 with UK visitor figures reaching 487,000, the highest number of tourists visited since 1994 and an increase of 12.9% from 2006 where visitors totalled 431,339. At the same time, BA has announced new routes into Malta and Air Malta and easyJet have increased their capacity.

Uruguayan paleontologists are celebrating their own “Year of the Rat” in style, having recently unearthed the fossilized skull of a pre-historic giant rat. This fearsome beast, the latest amazing dino-discovery in Latin America, is thought to have grown to the size of a bull and weighed in at a mind-boggling 1000kg.

Nestled between Burgundy and the Swiss border, Franche-Comté is known as the French region with the most forest making it an ideal destination for environmentally conscious travellers. With only one easy train change at Lille Europe station, visitors can try out the region’s green offerings just hours after leaving the UK.

Get lost – deliberately – in over 40 million square feet of retail heaven. Las Vegas is the best place on the planet to pamper that shopping urge. And with a favorable exchange rate and a mild climate, the best time to visit is right now.

The Cyprus Tourism Organisation has published a new wedding and honeymoon guide to help couples plan their big day on Cyprus, the Island of Love. “Weddings & Honeymoons on the island of Aphrodite” is packed with useful tips from wedding regulations to church contact details and venue ideas.

Resorthoppa, the leading holiday transfer company, has announced a major expansion of its Australian service with the launch of new services at five international airports.

Film lovers are in for a treat as a special screening of 'Captain Abu Raed' from director Amin Matalqa with The Fabulous Picture Show is being held at the Everyman Cinema Club in Hampstead on Monday 18th February 2008.

Intrepid UK traveller Colin Nicholson is exploring Canada from coast to coast in search of the ultimate winter fun! Riding the Canadian rails with Via Rail, Colin will be making stops at major Canadian winter festivals and experiencing some serious powder on Canadian ski hills.

UK tourism consultants are in demand across the world for the wide range of expertise and experience they offer, covering almost every area of tourism and leisure development. Collectively they constitute an invaluable resource of specialist skills and best practice.

Hotelplan UK Limited, trading as Inghams Travel, has today announced the acquisition of Inntravel Limited. Inntravel is a niche tour operator specialising in walking, cycling and winter activity holidays.

Since Thomas Cook pioneered the first tourism short break back in 1841 when he packaged and sold a trip to Loughborough, Leicester and Leicestershire have continued to develop a strong reputation as an inspirational destination for visitors and tourists.

Despite a decline in Arab and Gulf visitors, 2007 marked a year of steady growth for Jordan's tourism sector, with revenues increasing by over 13%.

In what is believed to be the first experiment of its type in the UK, Leger Holidays, in conjunction with leading travel trade publication TTG, has used digital monitors to test passengers travelling on four modes of transport to find out which offers the most and least stress-free travel.

Strange as it may seem for an archipelago of sandy islands submerged in constant sunshine off the coast of Africa, Cape Verde – as its name suggests – is going green.

The Whitsundays is set to feature on the big screen with the release of blockbuster movie “Fool’s Gold” on 7th February. “Fool’s Gold” is set in the Caribbean and was originally planned to also be shot there. However, logistical concerns and the impending hurricane season forced filmmakers to change their plans.

New research commissioned by national tourist board VisitScotland has found that 66% of Londoners are bored by the way they spend their weekends, and yearn for a change of scene and outdoor thrills.

Research into the habits of online travel hunters conducted by travel guides and deals website, Travelconnect.co.uk, has revealed continued demand for weekly travel deals newsletters.

Hotels and restaurants from across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are featured in the new Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2008. 31 local businesses have been rated by this prestigious international travel guide for the quality of their cuisine.

Have fun discovering Birmingham with the new guide, ‘Explore Birmingham’, published by Marketing Birmingham. The 84 page, A5 size, full colour glossy is packed with ideas on places to visit, things to do and helpful tips on planning your stay.

Cities, slopes and spas – travellers looking for a varied winter break should head for Germany this season. The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) highlights the country’s potential for winter and early spring holidays with a difference, starting with a tube poster campaign at 600 sites all across London plus a giant poster up on Cromwell Road.

A record number of British holidaymakers will be taking to the high seas this year as Cruise holidays experience an unprecedented boom. Where will they be going and what will they be doing - exploring the China coast or Greek islands, possibly hopping onboard a luxury cruise ship that caters to their every whim?

The golden sands of the Wahiba in Oman have fascinated travellers throughout the ages. The vast expanse of Oman’s desert can now be a memorable and luxurious base for those seeking an unique desert adventure with the newly opened Desert Nights Camp, a destination situated at Camp Al Wasil.

Packed with useful advice, fabulous imagery and inspirational features on the best walks in the Austrian Alps, the brand new Walk Austria 2008 guide is now available free of charge from the Austrian National Tourist Office.

UK travellers are persistently undervaluing the importance of their passport, says leading online travel insurance specialist, Essentialtravel.co.uk which claims the value of a passport is far more than the £72 it costs to replace it.

Michaels Rhodes, e-commerce manager at Leger Holidays, has been invited to speak at the Travel Technology Show on 6th February and The Ancillary Revenue in Travel conference on 20th and 21st February 2008.

Africa specialist Okavango Tours & Safaris has been declared 2008 Travel Company of the Year by the Association of Independent Tours Operators during AITO’s annual press day on 15 January in London.

Online cruise community Cruise.co.uk has announced a member recruitment campaign aimed at reaffirming its position as the number one site for cruise reviews in the UK – the first initiative is a £250,000 promotion in association with leading travel book publisher Berlitz.

South West Tourism is pleased to announce that over 300 tourism ‘pioneer’ businesses in the South West have now joined the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) – more than any other English region.

Tour operator Page & Moy is flying up the league tables according to the latest Tour Operator Survey from Holiday Which? Page & Moy climbed a massive 31 places from last year to take 7th place in the 2007 survey.

Key West’s historic Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club, located on a private Atlantic Ocean beach, has completed a $43 million renovation that introduces a luxurious modern style while honouring the landmark property’s rich history.

The eurozone got bigger this week as two of the most popular destinations – Malta and Cyprus - joined Europe’s currency club. But, if history repeats itself, this could prove bad news for UK holidaymakers, according to Post Office Travel Services.

The British cruise market is experiencing an unprecedented boom – never before has there been such a huge variety of ships, themes, ports and price points. Cruising proved to be a huge growth area for the travel industry last year and the pace looks set to continue in 2008.

Travel website TrustedPlaces has today announced a partnership with TopTable that enables its users to book at 3,000 restaurants across Europe. TrustedPlaces is a local reviews community website, where users can discover restaurants, bars, hotels, cafes and more - all recommended by real people.

2008 will see the launch of two new TV adverts promoting North East England. Following the success of last year’s campaign, two brand new commercials have been filmed that will be broadcast for the first time on 7th January.

When Fabio Capello was appointed as the new England football manager his biography was published on many newspapers and his place of birth was simply referred to as a small village in the north east of Italy. This small village is actually Pieris, near the city of Gorizia and the region is Friuli Venezia Giulia, an area still undiscovered for many British tourists.

The Marina at Marigot Bay, on the west coast of St Lucia, was the scene of celebration and emotion on New Year’s Day when British navigator Tristan Gooley became the first European to have both flown and sailed single-handed across the Atlantic.

Visitors from all over the world come to Bordeaux to experience its fine wines, wonderful food, oodles of culture and rich history. The Bordelais in turn, love to share the treasures of the region with visitors by hosting events throughout the year to celebrate some of the most enjoyable and enticing attractions in Bordeaux.

Fujitsu Services and Eurostar, the high-speed international rail operator, announced today that Fujitsu has connected Eurostar’s online ticket system with seven UK train operators’ systems. Fujitsu’s work means that travellers from 68 towns and cities across the UK can now book through-fares to Continental Europe on eurostar.com.

Holidays to France, staying in mobile homes or fixed tents, are big business for millions of Brits - but how do we find the truth behind the positive words of the tour operators?

Bored of TV repeats and making small talk with the relatives, a record number of Brits have used the festive period to book a holiday - says leading online travel and leisure giant lastminute.com.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bath is well known as a romantic city with a winning combination of beautiful Georgian architecture, stunning scenery, luxurious accommodation and superb restaurants and has a well earned reputation as one of the World’s most romantic destinations.

MyRoadTripUSA.co.uk, an inspirational new interactive ‘road trip builder’ website – featuring an exclusive competition to win a £5,000 fly-drive holiday - will encourage all budding travellers to answer the ‘call of the open road’.

Lord John Lee of Trafford is to be the keynote speaker at UKinbound’s 2008 Convention taking place in Torquay in February. The trade association is delighted to have the peer and lifelong supporter of tourism on board to deliver the address to this year’s delegates.

As a region it is as famous for its breathtaking countryside as its warmth of welcome and now tourist officials in Yorkshire have issued images of what it believes are the UK’s most friendly male and female face.

Win a trip to South Australia in January 2008 to watch the Tour Down Under courtesy of the South Australian Tourism Commission. Tour Down Under, held annually in Adelaide, is a world class, Pro Tour cycling event, the only race outside Europe to have this ranking, where elite international athletes race throughout South Australia over a one week period (January 20th – 27th) in a bid to win the right to wear the Ochre Leaders jersey.

Hollywood hearththrob Ewan McGregor has been voted the Scottish celebrity women said they would have liked to receive a diamond from in their stockings this Christmas.

Cameron Diaz loves it. Catherine Zeta Jones and her husband Michael Douglas can’t get enough of it. Justin Timberlake uses it to relax. For many of the hottest superstars, golf is one of the best ways to shape up and stay fit. So where better to play the best courses in the world than Scotland - the Home of Golf?

“No room at the inn” is the message coming from Yorkshire tourism businesses who have taken advantage of online booking through Yorkshire’s Destination Management System (DMS).

With a clutch of exotically located films and major international sporting events, 2008 will be another great year to travel. ABTA and ABTA Magazine bring you the following predictions of where travellers will be inspired to go in 2008.

Tourism Australia’s newsletter contains information about what’s new, different or of interest Down Under this month. Here is the newsletter for December.

Inside Luxury Travel with Varun Sharma will premier in 95 countries – including the United Kingdom – from 8th January, 2008. To be shown on The Travel Channel here in the UK, this iconic travel series will seek to inform and inspire independent travellers who are seeking the ultimate travel experience.

Handy 'walking packs' brimming with hints and tips, a new 54 page outdoors guide, and a new dedicated website section are bringing Lincolnshire alive for walkers.

Want to try something different this New Year? Looking to experience something exciting and exhilarating? Need a new hobby? Then log on to WalesinStyle.com and visit the site’s ‘Things To Do in Wales’ section for inspiration.

At a glitzy gala ceremony in the Caribbean the World Travel Awards (WTA) turned the spotlight on some of the people and companies behind the year’s best travel products.

Kuoni Travel, Serena Hotels and Kenya Airways have announced that they will be running a joint in-store promotion at Harrods, launching on 28th December 2007, running for the month-long duration of the famous Harrods Winter Sale. Almost 100,000 people are expected to visit Harrods - and that’s just on the first day!

From 17-21 December hundreds of visitors to Brussels travelling from London by Eurostar can expect a special welcome at their arrival at Brussels Midi Station from Mrs Evelyne Huytebroeck, Brussels Minister for the Environment and Tourism, in the form of a Brussels Green Pack.

St. Lucia was celebrating last night after being voted as the ‘World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination’ in the 2007 World Travel Awards, the fifth time this accolade has been bestowed upon the island. St. Lucia has been cited as “the loveliest of all isles” and with the increase in the number of five star romantic properties, such as Discovery at Marigot Bay and Jade Mountain at Anse Chastanet, the appeal is greater than ever before.

The beautiful and majestic Zulu Kingdom in South Africa has a lot to offer adventure seekers and adrenaline junkies. With an unrivalled combination of bush, berg, battlefields, beaches and the buzz of multi-cultural cities – KwaZulu-Natal has got it all.

Members of the trade association UKinbound were honoured at the World Travel Awards at a glittering ceremony on the beautiful Caribbean islands of the Turks and Caicos earlier this week and once again London was voted the world’s leading destination.

Eurostar, the high-speed train operator that links the UK and the Continent, has been named as ‘World’s Leading Rail Service’ at the 2007 World Travel Awards, the travel industry’s equivalent of the ‘Oscars’.

Eastbourne’s Tourist Information Centre, a one stop shop for everything needed when it comes to travelling to, from, and around the seaside resort, adds another service to its belt by becoming the town’s official National Express agent.

Almost twenty years after the prestigious accolade catapulted it into the cultural limelight, Glasgow’s current vibrant arts scene demonstrates that the city’s creativity is a continuum.

Train Chartering introduces the Luxury Train Club, a fusion of luxury trains, member passengers and selected partners. The Luxury Train Club currently lists 15 trains on its website - luxurytrainclub.com. The Club makes it easy to research and book luxury trains, as well as providing information, new articles and unusual gifts to members.

Paella is, without doubt, one of the most international Spanish dishes, but to find the best you must head to the Region of Valencia, where it originates. There, you will not only find out that there are in fact hundreds of different kinds of paella and rice dishes, but also learn about the traditions and ritual of cooking paella as well as top tips for a perfect dish.

Soar to the heavens while experiencing the silent thrill of a parasail ride. Stroll through galleries and fine boutiques offering handmade art and craft items. Celebrate life’s accomplishments and take a rejuvenating break in the Florida Keys and Key West.

Don’t we just love our clichés … Beer in Germany was the topic of this year’s winner of the Germany Travel Writers’ Award Rick LeVert.

In 2007, a consultant undertaking work for tourism marketing organisation Bath Tourism Plus tried to research pre-conceived ideas and perceptions of Bath from people who had never visited the city – and found it was very difficult trying to find enough people for the study!

Leading online travel and leisure retailer lastminute.com’s double award-winning carbon offsetting scheme carbonwise celebrates its first anniversary today, offsetting an impressive 20,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions in its first 12 months.

Tourism Holdings Ltd (THL) – New Zealand’s premier tourism operator and the largest motorhome rental supplier – has taken the lead in meeting tough new exhaust emission standards set by VTNZ.

Don’t Bug Me! Patch is a brand new way to bust biting bugs. It harnesses the powerful effect of Vitamin B1 to repel biting insects that can’t stand the smell. Luckily for humans, the scent of Vitamin B1 is barely noticeable and not unpleasant. One patch gives up to 36 hours’ protection from mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, sand fleas and all manner of pesky, biting insects.

Females planning to take advantage of 2008 being a leap year can’t go far wrong if they seek their perfect proposal setting in the Southern Lake District, where dramatic fells and shimmering lakes provide all the romance required by those seeking to pop the question.

Culture Smart! are pocket sized guides, providing essential information on attitudes, beliefs, and behaviour in different countries, ensuring that you arrive at your destination aware of basic manners, common courtesies, and sensitive issues.

Enlighten, Entice and Encourage – so says the headline for the launch of “Discover Jewish Germany” organised by the German National Tourist Office in London in cooperation with the Jewish Museum Berlin, Berlin Tourism Marketing and Milk & Honey Tours Berlin.

Travel remains the fastest growing industry in the UK and is vital to many other countries’ economies. However, there is growing concern over the negative impact that our love of travelling is having on the environment.

Recent coverage of insurance costs has focused on travel agents and big brands charging consumers too much for travel insurance, but little has been said about online providers who appear to be ‘direct‘, but are, in effect, intermediaries for insurance underwriters.

Worldtravelguide.net, one of the web’s most comprehensive travel information sites, has announced the launch of its first ever photo competition. They are looking for breathtaking travel-related pictures that will bring the world to your computer screen.

Southern Africa Direct, an exciting new lifestyle and culture TV channel, has now gone live on Sky channel 283. The new TV channel is dedicated to providing lifestyle & culture, travel & tourism and commerce information from 25 countries in sub-equatorial Southern Africa, an incredibly beautiful and largely undiscovered region of the world.

As part of its new Tread Lightly campaign, Eurostar is now providing carbon-neutral journeys for all its passengers, at no extra cost to the traveller. In addition to its overall plans to reduce its emissions by 25% per passenger journey by 2012, where it is unable to eliminate emissions from a train journey, Eurostar is now offsetting them at its own expense.

G.A.P Adventures, owners of the expedition ship, the M/S Explorer, have released the following update on the situation in the Antarctic sea.

The Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) marked the 10th anniversary of the Crystal Palm Awards of Excellence by paying tribute to the industry organisations and representatives who have made a significant and positive contribution over the past year to the development of Caribbean Tourism in the United Kingdom.

G.A.P Adventures, owners of the expedition ship, the M/S Explorer, have confirmed that all 100 passengers and crew who were onboard the M/S Explorer when it hit ice in the Bransfield Strait off King George Island, Antarctica earlier today (05.24 GMT, Friday 23 November 2007) are safe and uninjured.

Renowned for catering to America’s elite for generations, the enclave of Palm Beach County may surprise families seeking a destination that is just as appealing to kids as it is to their parents.

With 47 miles of coastline, and the second largest freshwater lake in the country, Palm Beach County offers a plentitude of aquatic echo-friendly activities.

Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone and Sheila Dikshit, Chief Minister of Delhi, signed a city to city partnership agreement to further strengthen ties between London and Delhi.

With romantic destinations all the rage when it comes to tying the knot, why not consider getting married in Italy with all the trimmings? Rome, Venice or Florence are all on the cards if you book through Weddings Made In Italy.

Put on your dancing shoes… Clematis Street is growing and groovin’! Cleve Mash and Rodney Mayo, the South Florida restaurant and nightlife visionaries who are principals of Clematis Street Development LLC, today announced their plans to open Clematis Street Live, a multi-venue restaurant and entertainment complex in the 200 block of Clematis St. in Downtown West Palm Beach.

The South Australian Tourism Commission has introduced a gay and lesbian guide which includes information on festivals and events, dining, shopping and accommodation catering specifically for the gay and lesbian visitor. Other State attractions are also listed such as art and culture, nature and ecotourism.

North East England is poised to achieve global recognition after being nominated for two awards at the international tourism industry’s most prestigious event - the World Travel Awards.

UKinbound, the trade association for the UK’s export tourism businesses, congratulates Eurostar and Anthony Climpson of the New Forest District Council on their Responsible Tourism Awards, announced yesterday during World Travel Market at ExCel in London.

The island of Tenerife is a firm favourite with visitors from the UK and receives 45% of the total number of British tourists that holiday in the Canaries. So far in 2007 Tenerife has welcomed a total of 1.3 million visitors to the island and enjoys a staggering 80% repeat clientele with 31.4% of them staying in 5* hotels.

From the white snow-capped Cairngorm mountains to the crashing white waters of Corryvreckan whirlpool, there are so many winter white things to see and do in Scotland. Scotland boasts a wide variety of winter visitor attractions, from visiting a remote lighthouse to discovering Scotlands history at one of the many museums around the country.

There will be plenty more places to ‘go bush’ in New Zealand with the recent announcement that the country’s Department of Conservation (DOC) is creating 100 new camp sites on land it administers, as well as a new conservation park.

Leading ferry company Stena Line has clinched the title of Ferry Company of the Year at the Northern Ireland Travel News Awards for a record fifteenth time.

The 3rd of July 2008 officially marks the 400th founding of Quebec City, a milestone reached by few other North American cities.

A new luxury private island resort in the Seychelles is to be unveiled at WTM, the first of two properties to be managed by Jebel Ali International Hotels in the Indian Ocean.

The north Indian state of Haryana has set its sights on becoming one of the country’s most popular tourist regions. Stretching from the outskirts of Delhi to the borders of four other states including Punjab and Rajasthan, the Haryana border is just six kilometres from the Indira Ghandi International Airport, India’s busiest gateway.

India is gearing up to relaunch itself as a major cruise destination. Ports selected for upgraded cruise facilities include Mumbai, Mormugao (the port city of Goa); Cochin in Kerala, New Mangalore on the southwest coast and Chennai on the east coast.

Eurolines, the international coach operator today revealed the carbon costs of its services to Europe are up to 6 times lower than the same journey by plane.

Chandigarh – the hub city of North India – is launching a new scheme to give overseas visitors the chance to attend traditional Indian weddings.

Following a significant increase in bookings and a desire to roll-out the new brand across the company, Meteor meet and greet parking has revealed the first vehicle in its new minibus fleet at Gatwick airport.

India has introduced a medical visa aimed at assisting overseas visitors to travel to the country for cut-price hospital treatment. An initial visa is available for up to a year and can be used for up to three visits during the 12-month period.

From deluxe accommodation in Byron Bay to Vinotherapy in Victoria, here’s the low down on all that’s new, different or of interest Down Under this month.

If you’re thinking the challenge of Christmas shopping needs livening up then it’s time to think of something temptingly different – like shopping in Brussels at its huge festive market. Eurolines, the international coach operator has regular scheduled services direct from central London for ultra low prices, starting at only £33 return.

isango!, the online experience provider with more than 4,000 products in over 60 countries and by now the largest tours aggregator in Europe, has not only a swelling consumer base, but is now also partnering with a number of well known online travel portals in order to enable customers to ‘itinerize’ and build their dream holiday from scratch.

isango!, the online experience provider with more than 4,000 products in over 60 countries and by now the largest tours aggregator in Europe, has not only a swelling consumer base, but is now also partnering with recognized online travel service providers.

Brian Raven, Managing Director at Heathrow Express marks National Stress Awareness Day today by announcing that travelling to the airport by rail takes over one million cars off the road each year. Heathrow Express, the non-stop rail service between Heathrow airport and London Paddington, marks National Stress Awareness Day today by announcing that travelling to the airport by rail takes over one million cars off the road every year.

North Cyprus today is fast becoming one of the most coveted destinations for tourists, as is one of the very few places left in the Mediterranean untouched by mass tourism, whilst new developments, from North Cyprus' first 18-hole pro golf course, the Korineum Golf and Country Club to new luxury hotels offering a wealth of new holiday options, mean there is greater capacity, improved standards and plenty to inspire.

The Sub-Zero Antarctic Expedition is the first ever British-American two-man team to attempt to break the world record for the fastest unsupported team trek from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole.

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting times of your life, but it can also become one of the most stressful. Many couples are now taking the plunge abroad saving enormous costs, avoiding the political nightmares of who to invite and enjoying the sunshine.

For the first time the BBC is to devote an entire series to Spanish art. Putting the record straight, art historian and critic Andrew Graham-Dixon reveals the untold story of Spanish art – overshadowed until now by the story of Italian art. The Art Of Spain, three 60-minute programmes for BBC Four and set to broadcast in early 2008, will celebrate the astonishing influence of Spain on European art.

Jetsetters from around the globe trotted in to make their own special appearance at Singapore’s seasonal favourite, the IndoChine Festival’s gala night last Thursday evening. IndoChine Waterfront was turned into a tropical fiesta as royalty, celebrities, ambassadors, and socialites came together to party the night away alongside other high-profile international personalities.

Edinburgh has topped a prestigious poll of the UK’s best cities for the eighth year running, by being named ‘Favourite UK City’ in the Guardian Travel Awards. With it’s stunning architecture, stylish hotels, great restaurants and world class galleries, museums and festivals, Edinburgh topped the poll again this year with an impressive score of 90.4 per cent, based on the quality that visitors felt they received during their holiday.

The eleven-year old son of Alan Godwin, managing director of specialist long haul natural history tour operator Reef and Rainforest Tours has been awarded the runner-up prize in the prestigious Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

The Leading Travel Companies of the World, a collection of quality international travel and tourism companies, has formed The Leading Travel Companies of the World Conservation Foundation. This not-for-profit organization has been established to fund much needed conservation, community and sustainable tourism projects around the world.

Motorbike touring in Scotland is given a helping hand by VisitScotland today with the launch of a new search facility on the visitscotland.com website.

The beautiful big cat is on the verge of extinction with latest estimates showing that the Tiger numbers in India have reached an all time low with less than 1,400 remaining in India.

Leading ferry operator Stena Line has launched plans to attract the international business traveler by offering business travellers a smarter way to travel to Holland with Stena Line’s Harwich to Hook of Holland ferry service.

Stena Line, Europe’s leading ferry company, is firmly in the driving seat with the announcement that the company will be the Official Ferry Partner of Rally Ireland which will be staged this November

The BBC Coast Series was awarded the 2007 Tourism Society Award at the 30th Annual Dinner on 18th October hosted by Lord Thurso MP in recognition of its contribution to tourism promotion.

North East England has been named as one of the must-see destinations for the coming year in the new edition of Lonely Planet Bluelist 2008. The region is one of only 30 places around the world to make it into the “Go-List” section – a chapter dedicated to highlighting the up-and-coming destinations in the influential guide.

San Francisco received the highest score of any city in the United States in Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Readers' Choice Awards. This is the 17th time San Francisco has topped the poll’s Top Cities – United States category since it debuted in 1990. It is the 16th consecutive year that San Francisco has scored the highest (Santa Fe won in 1992).

For some of the best diving in the Caribbean look no further than the idyllic island of Grenada and its sister islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Located in the Eastern Caribbean, the southernmost end of the Windward Islands and 180 miles north of Venezuela, this Isle of Spice benefits from a pleasant year-round climate, perfect for divers at any level.

Fast becoming an ‘Adventure Capital of the World’ the Sultanate of Oman is an exciting and breathtaking country with a diverse landscape including majestic luscious fjords, vast desert expanses, pristine reefs and dramatic rugged mountains - an outdoor enthusiasts perfect playground. Oman is recognised as one of the best undiscovered marine sanctuaries open to diving tourists.

Whether seeking the exclusivity of the stars or an affordable retreat, the Caribbean Island of Anguilla offers stunning beaches, fabulous food and laidback luxury providing the perfect getaway for winter travellers.

For river themed holiday ideas consider Australia's 'mighty' Murray River, 640kms of which travels through South Australia before dramatically exiting into the Southern Ocean.

More than half of all U.S. adults say they would be more likely to select an airline, rental car or hotel that uses more environmentally friendly products and processes, according to the results of the latest travelhorizons survey by the Travel Industry Association (TIA) and Ypartnership.

An international magazine dedicated to ‘Art, Photography and Ideas’ has chosen to theme an entire issue on Glasgow. Next Level magazine - which is based in London with international distribution - was founded seven years ago by photo artist, Sheyi Bankale, who wanted to “explore contemporary issues from a visual perspective”.

UKinbound, the trade association for UK export tourism businesses, welcomed the acknowledgement by Government that a fundamental reform of Air Passenger Duty (APD) is long overdue; however, hidden in the small print is the further objective to increase taxes on travel and this is certainly not welcome.

The World Travel Awards (WTA) celebrated the excellence of the European tourism industry, when they announced the winners of the Europe & Green Awards at a prestigious awards ceremony at the Newcastle Marriott Hotel Gosforth Park on Tuesday night. More than 50 trophies were given out.

Last year over 50,000 Britons traveled abroad for low cost medical treatment, with trips for cosmetic surgery and dentistry among the most popular. A rapidly growing number of UK residents are now combining a few weeks in the sun with surgery for popular procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, tummy-tucks and teeth whitening.

Cool Britannia? Creative Britannia more like, from the Beetles to Brit Pop, from David Hockney to Damian Hirst – we’ve always prided ourselves on being a creative nation – now the first report of its kind attempts to measure how creative we really are and can reveal Britain’s top 20 creative towns.

Wanderlust magazine has announced the winners of the 2007 Paul Morrison Guide Award, recognising the true unsung heroes of travel. The awards were presented by judge Bill Bryson at London’s Royal Geographical Society on the evening of 4th October 2007.

The Pocono Mountains – home to hundreds of holes of golf in the lush mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania – offer a wide array of stay-and-play packages and diverse playing options set against a brilliant autumn palette. Now more than ever, it’s time for the Pocono Mountains.

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the dilemmas of gift buying. Now, Smartbox from The Full Experience Company has announced an exciting new range of exclusive themed gift sets offering the perfect solution to those present nightmares.

Thailand remains a popular all year round tourist destination with high quality, value-for-money, products and services. CHIC is the word for Thailand again in 2007 - last year saw a surge in new boutique offerings to the lesser-known resorts such as Koh Yao, Trang, Koh Chang, Koh Racha and Khao Lak.

Glasgow is celebrated as a city obsessed with style. And, in addition to the exceptional wealth of cultural attractions and other leisure facilities, the excellence of the shopping offer is routinely cited as a primary reason for the city’s emergence as a leading short-break destination.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) London understands the importance of online communication and has taken giant virtual footsteps to increase the level of information available via the internet. The new look Travel Thailand website (launched October 2006) has been very well received and the tourist board is recording an average of 30,000 hits per month.

With tremendous towering mountains, luscious green landscapes and a distinct sense of adventure in the air, Fort William is a haven for those looking to experience the great outdoors at its very best.

Renowned as a brilliant blend, perhaps it is not surprising to hear that South Australia is a destination which links Daniel Radcliffe and Cliff Richard. South Australia’s most famous icon, Kangaroo Island, regarded as Australia’s Galapagos as well as being the country’s third largest island, was the location of the film “December Boys”, which is Daniel “Harry Potter” Radcliffe’s first movie role outside of the Potter films.

South West tourism businesses are already celebrating being ‘winners’ as they prepare for ‘Oscar’ night. The winners of the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in association with First Great Western and South West Water were announced today.

New food and wine tours, a new Flinders Ranges walking tour and a new luxury hilltop hotel for Kangaroo Island are just some of the latest news stories to emerge from South Australia this month.

Aarhus, the second largest city in Denmark and the capital of Jutland can really provide the sense of the old-fashioned Christmas that so many of us are longing to rediscover. Flight times to Denmark are less than two hours, making it ideal for a pre-Christmas weekend away. The city centre is very easy to explore on foot and it offers some of the best shopping experiences in Denmark.

KwaZulu-Natal, often referred to as "KZN", is a province of South Africa. The area offers visitors the best of natural wonders and modern facilities, culture and a rich history. All of this is set within a breathtaking landscape which encompasses both coastal and mountain scenery. If this has whetted your appetite, here are 10 more things you probably didn’t know about KwaZulu-Natal…

Robert ‘Freddy Krueger’ Englund who rose to fame as the razor-handed killer in the ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’ horror film series, is to shoot his own spine-chilling movie entirely on location in Calabria, Italy the Calabria Film Foundation announced this month.