Holiday & Travel

Qatar Airways celebrated the arrival of its 250^th aircraft, an Airbus A350-900 from Toulouse, France, the latest addition to the group’s growing fleet of passenger, Cargo and executive aircraft.

This impressive landmark comes just 22 years after the carrier began operations, and is testament to the incredible growth of an airline that has become world-leading in that time, winning a host of awards, including the ‘Skytrax World Airline of the Year’ accolade on no less than four occasions.

The new A350-900 joins the airline’s state-of-the-art fleet, where the average age of aircraft is less than five years old. As of March 20, Qatar Airways’ fleet is made up of 203 passenger aircraft, 25 Cargo and 22 Qatar Executive jets.

Commenting on the achievement, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “I am extremely proud that we have reached this historic landmark of having a fleet that now numbers 250 aircraft. The delivery of our newest Airbus A350-900 is a mark of the outstanding growth we have seen over the last two decades, and to our commitment to flying only the newest and most technologically advanced aircraft in the world.

“Qatar Airways is moving forward with the rapid expansion of our global route network, an enhanced on board product offering in all cabin classes and, most importantly, taking delivery of the world’s most technologically advanced aircraft because we want our customers to have an unforgettable experience when they fly with us. This is an important moment in our growth, and I look forward to seeing our fleet grow even more in the coming years.”

Qatar Airways is renowned for its state-of-the-art fleet. Last year, the airline became the world’s launch customer of the Airbus A350-1000, symbolising Qatar Airways’ determination to lead the way in the industry by pioneering and championing the latest technology and innovation. In 2014, the airline became the global launch customer of the Airbus A350-900, becoming the first airline in the world to operate every family of Airbus’ modern airliner portfolio.

In January 2015, Qatar Airways deployed its newly-received, world-first, Airbus A350 XWB aircraft on the Frankfurt route and in 2016, it became the first airline to fly the A350 family of aircraft to three continents.

A multiple-award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Business Class’ by the 2018 World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Business Class Seat’, ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge’.

Qatar Airways operates a modern fleet of 250 aircraft via its hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA) to more than 160 destinations worldwide.

The airline has launched an array of exciting new destinations recently, including Gothenburg, Sweden; Mombasa, Kenya and Da Nang, Vietnam. Qatar Airways will add a number of new destinations to its extensive route network later this year, including Lisbon, Portugal; Malta; Rabat, Morocco; Izmir, Turkey; Langkawi, Malaysia; Davao, Philippines; and Mogadishu, Somalia.

VisitEngland has launched a new Awards for Excellence format to reflect innovations across England’s tourism industry as it marks 30 years of the Awards.

The national tourism agency announced the new format during the Awards 30th celebrations held last night March 11 at London’s Banqueting House on Whitehall.

The annual VisitEngland Awards for Excellence celebrate quality, innovation and best practice across the country’s tourism industry. The refreshed format embraces the impact of digital technology, the growing demand for experienced-based travel and tailoring tourism products and services that cater for international visitors.

VisitEngland Chief Executive Sally Balcombe said: “The tourism landscape in England is continuously evolving with visitors using technology to personalise the products they choose and our Awards must keep up with the aspirations of tourists.

“The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence have been redesigned, refreshed and streamlined to better reflect today’s tourism landscape. They also adhere to the guiding principles of the awards, recognising and rewarding the outstanding quality and standards thriving at the heart of our industry.”

New categories introduced for 2019-20 include ‘Experience of the Year’, ‘International Tourism Award’ and ‘New Tourism Business Award’ as well as simplified application forms and a new application management platform.

The judging panels will be tailored to suit each category type whether assessing sustainability, accessibility or food, leading industry figures will take part in the judging to ensure rigorous assessments.

The revamped Awards align with the 18 regional competitions that take place across the country, ensuring local winners are automatically put forward for the national Awards.

VisitEngland will also support destinations that do not currently hold local competitions to launch Awards of their own, giving greater coverage across England.

Applicants for 2019-20 will first need to progress through a regional competition, the first two of which opened recently in the south west and Cumbria.

Tourism in England contributes £106 billion annually to the British economy, creating jobs and boosting economic growth.

More information will be available shortly via https://www.visitbritain.org/business-advice/enter-awards-excellence

From rock-climbing, urban kayaking, ziplining, scuba diving and canoeing the majestic Mississippi River, to braving great heights at the top of one of Chicago’s skyscrapers, there is something for every adventure seeker this spring/summer throughout the state of Illinois.  

KAYAK THE WINDY CITY…The Chicago River flows across the city, crossing the downtown Loop, and is famous for having its flow reversed in the late 1800's. The 156-mile-long river links the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. While you can always stroll along the beautiful Riverwalk, why not hop into a kayak and wind your way through the metropolis. Paddle your way along the river in a single or double kayak with the help of an expert guide from Kayak Chicago. This river outfitter offers guided tours, classes and rentals, as well as individual and group instruction.

REACH NEW HEIGHTS ON THE GRAFTON SKY TOUR…This new unique aerial lift, known as the Grafton Sky Tour, will open at Aerie’s Resort & Winery along the Great River Road this spring, offering amazing views overlooking the Mississippi River. The Grafton Sky Tour, will be one of the few ‘chandola’ (chair and gondola) style designs in the United States.

GO HIKING AT THE GARDEN OF THE GODS…The adventure begins on the southern tip of Illinois at the Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest. Hike through dramatic rock formations and rugged bluffs, jump across crevasses and meander through woodland to get to the top in order to experience spectacular views of the forest and surrounding area. The forest has a system of 403 miles of equestrian/hiking trails for guests to find their feet in. For rock climbing, take a short trip to Draper’s Bluff. This private climbing park offers several fantastic climbs, including the ‘Ant Hill’ and the ‘Bloody Nose’ climb.

NAVIGATE THE MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI…For travellers navigating the Mississippi River, the Navarro Canoe Co. is a welcoming stop, home to beautiful, handcrafted canoes and a genuine Illinois hospitality in Rock Island, along the banks of the Mississippi River. From there, canoers can head down the Mississippi River to Alton, a town in-between the beautiful Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, against a backdrop of trees and limestone bluffs. Alton was recently featured as one of 50 most charming small towns in America by Travel Channel.com. Canoeing can be done throughout the state of Illinois, for more information see here.

ZIP LINE THROUGH THE TREES…Zip through the Shawnee National Forest at the state’s first entirely tree-based, eco-friendly canopy tour, located deep in 83 wooded acres. Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tours in Makanda has eight lines, with the longest stretching an incredible 1,100 feet. It’s an adrenaline-filled adventure and educational experience with a low environmental impact - there’s even a night tour. For a zip lining adventure closer to Chicago, check out Zip Chicago, located 80 miles southwest of the city in Marseilles. Whiz 85 feet above the ground at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, while taking in views of the river valley below. 

LIVE ON THE EDGE IN CHICAGO…360 Chicago is an attraction that will forever change the way visitors see Chicago. A one-of-a-kind experience, TILT is an enclosed, glass and steel moveable platform that holds up to eight visitors per cycle. Once safely situated inside, the platform slowly tilts outward to an adventurous angle, generating downward-facing views of Chicago – from one thousand feet above The Magnificent Mile. TILT gives thrill-seekers an exciting and safe way to take in unsurpassable views of the city, from a never-before-seen angle.

PLAY MERMAID IN MERMET SPRINGS…Mermet Springs is a top spot in the state for fresh-water scuba diving. Belknap is an abandoned quarry lake with a full-service dive site and scuba training facility, featuring submerged training platforms, easy entry docs, dives from 15 - to 120 feet in depth and several sunken treasures to explore. It’s a first-rate diving experience for all ability levels, in a picturesque wooded setting surrounded by cliffs. Mermet Springs offers a comprehensive dive schedule throughout Spring/Summer 2019 with highlights including the Mermet Springs Open Water Classroom on 13-14 April and a Mermet Open Water Check Out Dives on 20-21 July 2019.

GO BIKING ON ROUTE 66…The Illinois Route 66 Trail offers 369 miles of quiet rural roads and city streets, and even some off-road adventure. Start in Chicago where the Mother Road begins and travel south soaking up classic Americana along the way, ending at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in Collinsville.

EXPLORE THE WILD MIDWEST…In Wildlife Prairie Park, near Hanna City, guests can experience the Illinois Prairie as it once was. Explorers can experience more than 2,000 acres of natural habitat by train, or hike winding trails that overlook prairie and wetlands dotted with 150 animals native to Illinois, from elk and otters to wolves. The park has 14 miles of walking trails, 20 miles of mountain bike trails, and five fishing lakes to be uncovered.

CHASE WATERFALLS AT STARVED ROCK STATE PARK…Seasonal waterfalls, awe-inspiring bluffs and rugged canyons dominate the epic landscape at Starved Rock State Park. Rich with history and beauty, Starved Rock’s hiking trails meander through towering trees and beautiful vistas along the Illinois River. Outdoor activities include hiking, canoeing, paddle boat cruises, cross-country skiing (seasonal), trolley rides, fishing and picnicking. Take a splash in one of the many waterfalls in the area. The best times to dip into the waterfalls are in the spring when the days get longer and the snow and ice melt from the winter.

WHERE TO STAY? Starved Rock State Park: To be in the centre of the adventure, stay in the cabins at Starved Rock Lodge.

Shawnee National Forest: Stay in the stunning Makanda Inn and Cottages, an eco-friendly retreat located on 18 forest acres and constructed with all-natural building materials.

Timber Ridge Outpost and Cabins: Immerse yourself in the great outdoors and spend a night in a treehouse, the closest lodging to the famous Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest. Spend your days hiking, cycling, horse riding, bird watching or fishing, then return to the comfort of your home away from home in the trees, complete with a bathroom, kitchenette, heating and air conditioning. Timber Ridge also offers two modern log cabins, an authentic antique log cabin built in 1852 and two modern homes.

To mark the start of National Apprenticeship Week, British Airways welcomed its first Cabin Crew Apprentices at its world-class Global Learning Academy near Heathrow.

British Airways offers the largest Cabin Crew Apprenticeship programme in the UK and expects to employ around 2,000 cabin crew this year.  As part of the new year-long scheme, apprentices complete an intensive training course and then continue their training in the air and on the ground, with continuous support from a certified apprenticeship coach.

The airline is also taking on 48 former Monarch Aircraft Engineering Apprentices.

Earlier this year, the apprentices from the engineering arm of the collapsed short-haul airline were invited to visit British Airways’ engineering base at Heathrow. All 48 apprentices then accepted the offer to continue their apprenticeship with the airline, enabling them to complete the EASA Part-66 A licence and an NVQ in aircraft maintenance.

Jason Mahoney, British Airways’ Director of Engineering, said: “We’re committed to investing in the very best talent and are passionate about supporting development within the Engineering community. Having met the apprentices and seeing how driven, hard-working and capable they are, I knew that they would be the perfect fit for our team.  Helping them to qualify as aircraft engineers with British Airways is a fantastic outcome for everyone involved.”

Lee Rome, one of the former Monarch apprentices who will be joining British Airways, added: “We were all facing an uncertain future following the events that took place at Monarch in January. Myself, and many of my colleagues, felt our dreams of becoming qualified Aircraft Engineers slipping away. I couldn’t be more grateful to British Airways for taking us all on and allowing us to complete our apprenticeship - we’re all so excited to begin our British Airways journey.”

As the airline celebrates 100 years of flying, more than 100 places are now available on one of the airline’s seven apprenticeship programmes. From Head Office and Customer Service roles to opportunities in Engineering and Operations, there is a scheme to suit all skills and ambitions. In addition, the new Cabin Crew Apprenticeship programme will provide a further 1600 apprenticeship positions in 2019.

British Airways’ Apprenticeship & Emerging Talent Manager, Karen Hewitt, said: “British Airways has a long tradition of running quality apprenticeship schemes, offering apprentices an incredible insight into how to run a successful airline business. Our apprentices have the unique opportunity to learn from the very best industry experts, while undertaking practical training in a real-world environment.

“I would encourage anyone, at any age, to apply for one of our apprenticeships in 2019, as we celebrate our centenary and look ahead to the next 100 years of flying. There really has never been a better time to join British Airways.”

Holiday parks and campsites around the UK generate £9.3bn in visitor expenditure and support 171,448 full-time employees, a major report reveals today.

The independent report, titled ‘Pitching the Value,’ is the first time holiday parks and campsites across the UK have been analysed to show the value of the sector to the nation’s economy.

‘Pitching the Value,’ which focusses on the economic impact of the sector together with the health and wellbeing benefits of such holidays, was carried out by Frontline Consultants on behalf of the UK Caravan and Camping Alliance (UKCCA). The alliance is an umbrella group comprising The National Caravan Council, The Camping and Caravanning Club, the Caravan and Motorhome Club, and the British Holiday & Home Parks Association.

Leading the UKCCA joint working group, Bob Hill said: “This is a groundbreaking report that clearly demonstrates the important benefits to the economy brought by the UK’s many holiday parks and campsites.

“Pitching the Value will help the industry attract more investment and ultimately improve opportunities for it to grow, develop and create new jobs. Our findings reinforce the importance of holiday parks and campsites to the country’s tourism economy. That will help us to improve holidaymakers’ on-site experiences and choice, which in turn will also attract more overseas visitors to these shores.”

Holiday park and campsite operators also support local communities through capital and operating expenditure, and wages. Nearly half of those companies and organisations that took part in the report cumulatively spend nearly £303 million per year in this way. The research also found they engage with local communities through support for events such as fundraising activities, participate in recycling and environmental initiatives, and promote healthy active lifestyles in the great outdoors through pastimes such as walking and cycling.

The four sponsoring organisations of the UKCCA own or are affiliated to 6,243 holiday parks and campsites across the UK with a combined total of 438,076 pitches. Those sites offer holidaymakers a diverse range of accommodation such as touring pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, rented holiday homes, lodges, and chalets, plus glamping units like tipis and yurts, together with a wide selection of on-site facilities.

Hill added: “We want to use this compelling evidence to ensure key influencers and decision-makers support the development and growth of our industry at a national, regional and individual business level for the benefit of our economy and for holidaymakers themselves.”

Nearly one in three skiing holidaymakers have bought insurance early to beat the risk of a Brexit fallout hitting their plans, new research¹ from award-winning data analytics company Consumer Intelligence shows.

Around 30% of regular skiers say they bought travel insurance earlier than usual over concerns that the UK’s planned departure from the European Union on 29^th March could mean disruption at resorts.

Consumer Intelligence’s research found nearly half (45%) of skiers expect to have to pay more for travel insurance after Brexit.

And the study also found that Brexit could have even more profound long-term effects on the UK’s £2.9 billion a year ski holiday market.

The Association of British Insurers is warning that in the event of the UK leaving without a Withdrawal Agreement the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which entitles UK tourists to state-provided healthcare will no longer apply.

Holidaymakers questioned by Consumer Intelligence say they may vote with their skis – around half say they will consider resorts outside the European Union following Brexit with 25% looking at trips to North American for snow.

Around 36% of those considering leaving the EU behind say worries about increased medical bills or access to EU medical services are the main reason for looking outside the EU post-Brexit.

John Blevins, Consumer Intelligence insurance pricing expert said: “Buying travel insurance when you book a trip makes sense as it provides cover against cancellation or for not being able to ski when you get to a resort.

While Brexit uncertainty may have played a part it is encouraging that so many are buying insurance early so will be covered in the event of any issues.”

The first of these annual awards will be presented at IATA’s 75th Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit to be held in Seoul from June 1 to 3

Qatar Airways has partnered with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for the launch of the ‘IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards’, which promote greater gender diversification in the aviation industry.

The airline has committed to supporting the awards for the next 10 years, as it recognises the need to encourage women to succeed and excel at all levels of the industry.

IATA has created three categories of awards- ‘inspirational role model’, ‘high flyer’, and ‘diversity & inclusion’ team.

Each category comes with $25,000 in prize money payable to the awardee or their nominated charity working on diversity and inclusion projects.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive and chair of the IATA Board of Governors (2018-2019), HE Akbar al-Baker said, “Qatar Airways recognises the need for wider diversity in the workplace, not just in our airline but across the industry as a whole, which is why we are delighted to have this opportunity to reward individuals and teams who are going against the trend and proving that diversification is the way forward for aviation.

“We see this as a long-term project and look forward to working hand in hand with IATA for the next decade continuing to encourage greater inclusion and diversification in the airline community.”

Alexandre de Juniac, director general and chief executive officer, IATA, said, “Aviation is the 'Business of Freedom'. The essence of aviation is building a global community by connecting people, businesses and cultures across great distances. Ten million people work in the aviation industry to make this happen.

“It is important that this workforce reflects the amazing diversity and inclusion that it fosters in our society. By launching these awards, we want to recognise and celebrate the great work that is being done to take the industry into the future.”

Nominations for the awards are open on the IATA website from February 26 to March 31. They will be judged by an international and independent panel of experts.

The first of these annual awards will be presented at IATA’s 75th Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit to be held in Seoul, South Korea from June 1 to 3.

The ‘inspirational role model’ award will be presented a female (30+) who holds a senior position within the industry who has had a significant impact on the aviation agenda through her strong contribution to business delivery, as well as her ongoing support of promoting diversity. This award is open to all female participants in the aviation industry.

The ‘high flyer award’ is designed to recognise a female under 30 who has started to grow their career, and is demonstrating thought leadership in the industry through their inspirational work. This award is open to all under-30 female participants in the aviation industry.

The ‘diversity and inclusion team award’ has been created to give recognition to an airline that has seen a tangible change in their diversity as a result of the work they have been doing in diversification and inclusion.

This award is open to all IATA member airlines.

Holiday parks and campsites around the UK generate £9.3bn in visitor expenditure and support 171,448 full-time employees, a major report reveals today.

The independent report, titled ‘Pitching the Value,’ is the first time holiday parks and campsites across the UK have been analysed to show the value of the sector to the nation’s economy.

‘Pitching the Value,’ which focusses on the economic impact of the sector together with the health and wellbeing benefits of such holidays, was carried out by Frontline Consultants on behalf of the UK Caravan and Camping Alliance (UKCCA). The alliance is an umbrella group comprising The National Caravan Council, The Camping and Caravanning Club, the Caravan and Motorhome Club, and the British Holiday & Home Parks Association.

Bob Hill, who led the UKCCA joint working group, said: “This is a groundbreaking report that clearly demonstrates the important benefits to the economy brought by the UK’s many holiday parks and campsites.

“Pitching the Value will help the industry attract more investment and ultimately improve opportunities for it to grow, develop and create new jobs. Our findings reinforce the importance of holiday parks and campsites to the country’s tourism economy. That will help us to improve holidaymakers’ on-site experiences and choice, which in turn will also attract more overseas visitors to these shores.”

Holiday park and campsite operators also support local communities through capital and operating expenditure, and wages. Nearly half of those companies and organisations that took part in the report cumulatively spend nearly £303 million per year in this way. The research also found they engage with local communities through support for events such as fundraising activities, participate in recycling and environmental initiatives, and promote healthy active lifestyles in the great outdoors through pastimes such as walking and cycling.

The four sponsoring organisations of the UKCCA own or are affiliated to 6,243 holiday parks and campsites across the UK with a combined total of 438,076 pitches. Those sites offer holidaymakers a diverse range of accommodation such as touring pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, rented holiday homes, lodges, and chalets, plus glamping units like tipis and yurts, together with a wide selection of on-site facilities.

Bob added: “We want to use this compelling evidence to ensure key influencers and decision-makers support the development and growth of our industry at a national, regional and individual business level for the benefit of our economy and for holidaymakers themselves.”

Birmingham Airport employees, friends and family got together to take part in a midnight run down the runway, in aid of the Airport’s charity partner Acorns Children’s Hospice.

More than 120 participants took part in the run, braving cold and wet conditions at just past midnight to tackle the three kilometres of the Airport’s runway, which was specifically closed for the charity run.

Between them, they raised more than £15,000 to help pay for the vital services Acorns provides to life-limited children and their families across the Midlands.

Birmingham Airport has been a long-time supporter of Acorns and has used the Airport infrastructure to raise funds before - back in 2016, 50 employees raised £12,000 in a 100-foot charity abseil from the roof of the Airport’s headquarters, Diamond House.

Andy Holding, Corporate Responsibility Manager at Birmingham Airport, said: “We’ve partnered with Acorns Children’s Hospice for ten years and it’s a charity that’s become very close to the hearts of many of our employees. We knew people would be excited by the prospect of running the length of the runway – it’s not the sort of thing you get to do every day, after all.

It costs Acorns £7,000 a day to run their services and with the money we’ve raised we can pay for two days care - something we’re extremely proud to be able to do. I would like to thank all those who took part and all those who supported them with their sponsorship.”

Acorns’ Senior Fundraising Manager for Corporate and Community Amanda Smallman, said: “What a fantastic donation! The Runway Run has to be one of the most unusual ways for supporters to raise money for Acorns – and in freezing temperatures too. The determination and commitment of participants is wonderful. Thank you to everyone who took part, this money will make a real difference to the children and families we support.”

Airport CEO Nick Barton was joined on the runway by Richard Gill, who took the title of top fundraiser with an impressive total of £1,775, to hand over a cheque to Acorns Corporate Fundraising Manager Natalia Keene.

The interim budget presented today in India Parliament has elicited mixed reaction from industry leaders with the focus being on seeing how the proposals will be implemented.

Rajendera Kumar, industry stalwart and past Chief of the Hotel Federation, regretted that there was nothing for the hospitality industry yet again in the budget.

Ankur Bhatia, Executive Director of the Bird Group, said the budget was forward-looking and progressive but much will depend on the implementation of the promises made.

Peter Kerkar, Group CEO of Cox and King, felt that tourism can be a beneficiary off the tax exemptions and new areas and the northeast could get a boost.

Ritesh Agarwal, Founder of OYO hotels, said that it was a budget for New India and hoped the skill gap could be filled.

Mahesh Iyer, CEO of Thomas Cook, felt tourist spending will increase and new tier 11 and tier 3 destinations may come up.

Neelu Singh, CEO of Ezeego 1, felt that increased spending on infrastructure, roads, railways, and airports will boost travel.

With many consumers intent on becoming more eco-conscious in 2019, UK travelers may not appreciate the environmental damage and negative consequences of their ‘kiss and fly’ lift to the airport. Kiss and Fly is the practice of dropping-off and collecting a traveler from the airport, resulting in twice as many car journeys when compared with pre-booking off-airport parking.

As well as resulting in vehicle congestion and producing double the amount of harmful emissions, lifts to the airport also include the ‘hidden costs’ of the time and money spent by the family member or friend. To encourage travelers to become more mindful of their journey to and from the airport, Airport Parking & Hotels (APH) has therefore researched just the costs for kiss and fly drop-off fees at 23 of the UK’s airports, including London Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh. Available in the Know Before You Go Section of the APH website at www.aph.com/kissandfly, the research also highlights the extra miles kiss and fly trips result in.

Just five of the 23 airports researched allow drivers to drop-off passengers directly at the terminal for free, including London Heathrow and Cardiff. However, travelers should note that these airports may charge after a certain amount of time. For example, Cardiff Airport charges £5 for every 10 minutes parked after the initial 10 minutes. 15 airports permit the drop-off of passengers at the terminal for a fee, with the cost varying from £1 for up to 30 minutes at Exeter Airport to £3.50 for 10 minutes at London Stansted.

Friends and family should keep an eye on the time at Luton Airport since after paying £3 for the first 10 minutes at the terminal forecourt motorists are charged an additional £1 for each minute they spend in the drop-off zone.

Holidaymakers who are willing to walk a short distance can save on premium charges by choosing to be dropped off in short and long stay car parks, with 18 airports offering this for free. These include London Luton Airport, which allows up to 15 minutes for free in the mid-term car park, which is 10 – 15 minutes away by foot from the terminal building. Similarly, parking at Southampton Airport’s long stay car park is free for up to 30 minutes and the terminal can be reached in 5 minutes via a shuttle bus, which runs every 10 – 12 minutes. However, both Bournemouth and Bristol do not offer options for dropping-off passengers for free, even at short stay car parks.

For collecting loved ones from the airport, 14 airports permit collection of passengers from the terminal forecourt, with two allowing temporary parking for five minutes free-of-charge. Drivers at nine airports, including Aberdeen and Bristol, must collect travelers from the short stay car parks nearby, with the cost varying from free at five airports to £5.10 for up to one hour at Birmingham Airport.

Alongside monetary charges, kiss and fly journeys include ‘hidden costs’ for loved ones. For example, drivers heading to Birmingham Airport from the city centre can expect to spend a total of two hours on the road and pay around £9.60* in fuel costs for two return trips. When combined with two charges of £5.10 for each hour of parking at Birmingham Airport, the total cost for a kiss and fly driver comes to £19.80.

Nick Caunter, Managing Director of Airport Parking and Hotels said: “Those who ask friends or family to drive them to the airport may not consider that kiss and fly transfers to the airport are damaging to the environment and also to the time and wallets of their loved ones. APH offers airport parking at all major UK airports, allowing travelers to save the time and money of their loved ones and also reduce their impact on the environment.”

Fancy exploring Clonakilty with a food writer to learn more about the local produce of this vibrant Irish foodie hub? Want to enjoy a taste tour around a Willy-Wonka inspired garden where everything is edible from the topiary to the trees? All this and more is now possible on a new 'Gourmet Ireland' tour from Shearings Holidays.

Ireland is renowned for its hospitality, and at the heart of that is its food. The food scene in West Cork is built on authenticity, from time-honoured whiskey production techniques to heritage recipes and traditional farmers' markets. This new tour includes a range of excursions to ensure everyone gets a real taste of Ireland.

Highlights include:

Clonakilty food tour – this walking tour visits a wide range of food producers from meat, cheese, ice cream, beer, chocolate, bread and of course the Clonakilty Farmers' market. Food writer Kate Ryan will connect the group with people, places and stories that make the award-winning town such a foodie hub. And of course there are tastings along the way.

Glengarriff, the Garden of Re-Imagination – enjoy a taste tour around this Willy-Wonka inspired paradise where everything is edible. There is the opportunity to taste rare edible delights from the pink flamingo tree to Dahlia tubers & barberries.

Kinsale - considered the gourmet capital of Ireland. Visit the Kinsale Farmers' Market and spend time enjoying the town.

There is also time to enjoy the Midleton Jameson Distillery Experience and visit Mizen Head - Ireland's most southwesterly point.

The Scottish Hotel Awards takes place annually to celebrate and encourage the achievements and successes of Scotland's hospitality industry.

Recognising people of excellence, hotels and guesthouses, the ceremony hopes to raise standards for the Scottish industry as a whole. This year, categories were extended throughout the awards to make room for a growing number of participating hotels.

Loch Melfort Hotel proved to be popular in the Argyll and Lomond region, taking home four awards at the ceremony hosted in Glasgow on the 15th January:

• Best housekeeping team
• Best pet-friendly hotel
• Best accessible hotel
• Best Operations Manager (Sam Erskine)

Birdland is staging a 'Birds Behaving Badly Week' to celebrate feathered friends over the February Half Term Holidays (16th- 24th February)

From blood-sucking songbirds and puking penguins to stinking storks and spitting swallows, keepers at the Bourton-on-the-Water wildlife attraction will reveal revolting facts about some of the world's baddest birds.

There will be toxic talks and terrible trails highlighting the horrible aspects of natural history and visitors will also be able to meet some real feathered fiends of their own during special meet the creatures' sessions.

“Despite their often angelic reputations, birds are definitely among the worst behaved animals on the planet with some truly disgusting table manners,” said Head Keeper Alistair Keen.

“The marabou stork urinates on itself in order to cool its legs, fulmar chicks aim projectile vomit at the face of any potential threats and oxpecker birds will open old wounds on cattle in Africa in order to drink their blood.

“Swallows and housemartins use their own spit to build nests and the lilac-breasted roller vomits on its own chicks to deter would-be predators,” he added.

With its combination of woodland, riverside and gardens, Birdland features more than 500 birds, ranging from the UK's only colony of king penguins and parrots to cassowaries and cranes in a mix of free-flying and aviary displays.

The spectacular 'Out of Africa' feature showcases the huge variety of birds found on the African continent.

Among the species on display are black-cheeked lovebirds, village weavers; famous for their extraordinary nest-building prowess as well as a flamboyance of flamingos featuring no fewer than 36 individual birds.

Other species include touracos, starlings, guinea fowl, exotic ducks and the impressive-looking southern and northern ground hornbills.

Plus don't miss the new Pandemonium of Parrots display showcasing these highly-intelligent and brightly coloured birds.

Famed for their mimicry skills and playful personalities this new integrated feature provides visitors with the chance to get close to over nine different species including rainbow lorikeets, rare golden conures and a range of macaws and cockatoos.

As the Caribbean tourism sector prepares to welcome the New Year, we look forward to 2019 with a sense of optimism, excitement and much hope. We are optimistic because we are seeing signs that the lows which Mother Nature imposed upon us during the latter part of 2017 into 2018 are being reversed. We are excited about our prospects because of the incredible turnaround that we are seeing in the most impacted destinations. And we hopeful that the progress of our member countries and supporters can continue unabated, to maintain the momentum they developed since the storms of 2017 when everyone rolled up their sleeves and got down to work to build an improved and more sustainable product.

We are pleased to report that tourism accommodations are being rebuilt and reopened, airports are receiving their full schedule of flights with the return of airlines in full force and the diverse product offerings within our destinations are being restored.

At the same time, increases in the number of available seats, positive messaging and promotions in the marketplace have enabled the unaffected destinations to register continuous growth. The demand among international visitors is strong and Caribbean nationals have continued their quest to explore and enjoy the pleasures of their neighbouring destinations.

Regarding the cruise sector, most ports have been repaired and cruise calls have already returned to normal levels. Indeed, regional cruise visits grew in each month since May, with the region registering growth of 13.7 per cent during the May to September period and 17.1 per cent in the third quarter of 2018.

In October, the region launched a digital awareness campaign “The Rhythm Never Stops” on social media platforms such as YouTube and Facebook, coinciding with augmented airlift for the 2018/19 tourist winter season. Travel professionals and their clients received the message that the Caribbean is a resilient region with an unstoppable resolve to succeed and to keep on moving in the right direction.

For 2019, the outlook is bright for our destinations. We’re quite excited about declaring 2019 as the “Year of Festivals” in the Caribbean. Simply stated, there’s a rhythm to the region that cannot be replicated anywhere on earth. There’s no escaping the melody of nature, as gentle breezes and free-flowing fronds combine beautifully in perfect harmony; no getting away from the heavenly choruses of tides caressing magnificent world class beaches; no missing the cadence of our conversation, the tempo of our movement.

The Caribbean is a festival of rhythms and a home of festivals – music, art, literary, sailing, lights, food, rum, religious, dance – all with their own attractive rhythms.

The Year of Festivals will focus on the fascinating events that have become an integral part of the Caribbean tourism calendar. Festivals help to energize communities across the region, while giving visitors more reasons to enjoy our destinations.

Despite all there is to celebrate in 2019, we must also approach the New Year with a degree of caution since there’s still much work to be done. While preliminary data from our member countries revealed increased demand for travel to the vast majority of the 24 reporting countries, and despite a 9.1 per cent increase in arrivals in September 2018 when compared to the same month in 2017, overall our performance was still down in 2018. A third quarter decline of 3.2 per cent made this our best quarter, and the rate of tourist arrivals is now expected to slow to -1.0 per cent to -2.0 per cent - a definite sign that the tide is turning. Cruise passenger arrivals are projected to grow at an accelerated rate of around 6 per cent to 7 per cent.

Without doubt, our region is in a stronger position than it was a year ago. We are encouraged by the prospect of even greater collaboration with our partners in the industry, including the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association, and a range of travel professionals and industry partners who consistently offer Caribbean holiday experiences to their best clients. Our confidence is buoyed by the progress our region is making to combine its resources to bolster our competitive position internationally. The evidence is clear that a strong, unified Caribbean gives the region a global advantage which individual member-countries on their own have little chance of attaining. The success of our countries rests upon our ability to speak as a region with one strong voice.

On behalf of the CTO Council of ministers and commissioners of tourism, the board of directors, members and staff of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, I thank you for all your commitment, hard work and support in 2018, and wish you a New Year of rich blessings and prosperity.

Forget the doom and gloom attitude this Blue Monday (21st January), and turn what is believed to be the most depressing day of the year into an opportunity to spend quality time crying (with laughter) with friends and family at The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience.

From 21st to 27th January both the Manchester and London attractions will be encouraging teams to not only compete for crystals to secure extra time in the iconic dome, but search for special blue crystal shaped tokens hidden within game play too.

Eagle-eyed team members who manage to find the blue tokens during their time in the Maze will win a free crystal to keep and take home with them. The Manchester and London Mazes will each be placing these celebratory tokens into selected games each day during the Blue Monday festivities, but you’ve got to be in it to win it!

To shed even more light on this dark day in January, The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience has announced that a brand-new maze that will be opening in March in the heart of London, the West End. The new maze will feature 32 new games, is double the size of the existing London space and spread out over three floors so will allow for triple the number of players.

Based on the outrageously popular 90s TV show, The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience sees teams of up to eight people guided through the maze by an eccentric Maze Master.

Players get the chance to don retro satin bomber jackets before entering the maze and dashing through the Medieval, Aztec, Industrial and Futuristic adventure zones where they must complete a series of challenges against the clock.

The more challenges completed successfully, the more crystals the teams win and the more time they have for the final challenge, the iconic crystal dome. In this ultimate challenge, the team must work together to catch as many tokens as possible - a task made so much harder by the dome’s super-strength fans. The amount of tokens caught determines the team’s final position on the leader board.