BA launches lower fares
British Airways is attempting to compete with the low-cost airlines by launching a change to its fare structure on key routes within the UK to give business travellers and holiday-makers lower fares, greater flexibility and more choice. From this week, Saturday-night-stay and advance-purchase restrictions will be scrapped on all domestic routes in and out of London, representing savings of up to 70% on some journeys. New lower year-round fares have been introduced with prices from £69 for a return to Edinburgh, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow, and £79 for a return to Aberdeen. A wider choice of lower fares will be available the earlier the booking is made. A further £5 discount is available on tickets booked on ba.com.
World Cup guide
A guide for football fans travelling to Japan and Korea for the World Cup, which begins at the end of May, has been produced by MasterCard, one of the official sponsors. All international ticket-holders to World Cup games will receive the booklet, Travel Made Easy, while other travellers to Korea and Japan can pick them up at international airport welcome centres and hotel check-in counters. France still top
The number of tourists visiting France rose again in 2001, the sixth year in a row, retaining its position as the world's most visited destination. There were a total of 76.5 million arrivals in 2001, an increase of just over 1%. The year saw increases in number of tourists from other European countries, but a decrease in the number of American and Japanese visitors. A life on the ocean wave
A training programme designed for individuals or couples who want to live aboard a yacht or go long-distance cruising has been announced by the United Kingdom Sailing Academy, based in West Cowes. For more information, call 01983 294941 or log on to uksa.org.
London hotel prices drop
The proportion of Britons staying in London hotels in February this year was more than 20% up on last year, while the proportion of US visitors was down by 13.2%. The cost of a room in London dropped by 14.2%, year on year, to £82.98. The average UK hotel room costs £62.70 per night, according to PKF's hotel trends survey. Dunkirk for less
Norfolkline, operator of the Dover-Dunkirk passenger ferry service, has introduced a spring super-saver fare aimed at cars and motor-homes. The offer, which is available for travel from April 15 to the end of the year, features a standard return fare starting from £109 for a car plus five people and from £129 for a motor-home plus five people. Tel 0870 8701020 for details. Fired up
A new exhibition, Exocet!: Naval Action in the Falklands War will open on May 4 at Explosion, the Musuem of Naval Firepower in Gosport, Hampshire (023 9250 5600, explosion.org.uk) to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Falklands conflict.