Hotel hopes
A survey of the UK hotel industry has revealed that it was on its way to recovery from the worst of the foot and mouth crisis until it was derailed by the events of September 11. The survey from Ernst and Young, in association with the English Tourism Council, reveals that 64% reported increased turnover between July and September compared with April and June, and 55% reported increased profits. But only 28% expect any increase in the total number of customers over the next three months and 69% expect a decrease in international customers in the same period. And 40% expect an increase in UK customers.
Monarch rules
The Badenoch and Strathspey area of the Scottish Highlands has produced a leaflet and website to take advantage of the publicity being generated by the BBC series Monarch of the Glen, which is set in the area. The leaflet is available free from Aviemore Tourist Information on 01479 810363, email: aviemore@host.co.uk. The website is monarchcountry.com.
Express deal
All three air-rail services - Gatwick, Heathrow and Stansted Express trains - have tied up with student travel agency Usit Campus to offer a standard discounted fare of £7 on any single express ticket with flights bought before the end of November. This is available in any Usit Campus shop or by calling 0870 2401010.
Holiday hints
The new 2002 Overseas Experience brochure is out, detailing more than 40 holidays in some of the world's wild places, including Bulgaria, St Helena, Western Australia, northeast China, Ethiopia and Svalbardm. Most holidays have a specific focus - flowers, birds, mammals, geology or arts and crafts. FSC Overseas is the tour operating unit of the Field Studies Council. For further information see fscOverseas.org.uk
Gulf cuts
Gulf Air, the flag carrier of Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar, has become the latest airline to announce it is to cut its capacity since September 11. It plans to ground six of its 32 aircraft next year.
Irish Ferries deal
Irish Ferries are fighting back against the low-cost airlines by offering a £20 each way fare across the Irish Sea for travel until December 20. Irish Ferries (0870 5171717, irishferries.com) operates six sailings a day between Holyhead and Dublin and two between Pembroke and Rosslare.
Increased security
British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Delta and American have all revealed their plans to increase security on board their aircraft. The British companies have started installing heavy-duty cockpit doors while American said this week that they had completed the manufacture and installation of "cockpit security devices" in all their 900 aircraft. Delta is testing new transponder and video camera systems as well as door bars.
