Author: Shawon Hannan
The UK Department for Transport has offered a new Cycle-Rail Toolkit for train operators, aimed at helping passengers who wish to combine cycling with rail travel. The toolkit has been developed by the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) and is intended to help rail operators to offer suitable facilities for cyclists, and to encourage new cycle users to opt for such sustainable travel options. The transport minister, Norman Baker, said, ‘This new toolkit provides some useful guidance and examples to help train operating companies get things right for cyclists. It highlights what will be effective in encouraging more people…
Glasgow Airport, in the UK, has launched automated boarding pass scanners to provide passengers flying out of the airport with a speedier check-in facility. The new scanners have been installed as part of the airport’s upgrade programme, which has seen an investment of £21 million to date. The six self-service scanners are currently operational in the main security hall and are expected to reduce waiting time and queues when checking in. The same type of boarding pass scanner is also currently operational at both London City and Gatwick Airports in the UK. Amanda McMillan, the managing director of Glasgow Airport,…
Easyjet, a budget airline based at Luton in the UK, is implementing a major expansion plan for its hub at Edinburgh Airport, in Scotland. The airline’s expansion project includes the addition of two more aircraft to the airport hub, increasing the number of planes based there to seven. Hugh Aitken, the airline head for Scotland, said, ‘The decision to base a further two aircraft in Edinburgh is testament to the importance of Scotland to easyJet’s operation. The new management team at Edinburgh Airport fully understands the importance of growth and connectivity for the airport and Scotland as a whole. The…
A growing number of UK travellers are showing a preference for shorter vacations, as the continuing downward spiral that is affecting world economies has an impact on the personal finances of holidaymakers. A review of personal finance decisions, conducted by UK based financial institution, First Direct Bank, has revealed that seven out of ten British citizens are accepting trade-offs to get more value for money from their daily lifestyle decisions. Around 35 percent of respondents to a study have cited a decline in household finances that is forcing them to make smarter financial decisions to gain the maximum from their…
Transport for London (TfL), a UK-based government agency responsible for the transport system in Greater London, UK, is warning of traffic congestion on roads around London, with schools close to the Olympic park, where the 2012 Paralympic Games are currently being held, reopening after the summer holiday break. As most local schools will be returning during this week to commence the autumn term, mornings and afternoons will become peak traffic periods on the routes to the Olympic Park. The agency is asking passengers using the DLR, Jubilee, Central lines and Javelin services to plan their routes well ahead to avoid…
From a nation of holidaymakers seeking relaxation on sunny shores, British travellers have discovered new and exotic destinations for holidaying, a trend that is reported to be gathering pace by the day. A survey by HomeAway.co.uk, a UK-based holiday rental website, says that around 14 percent of respondents have claimed to take long distance holidays every year, while 14 percent of travellers in the age group of 18 to 34 years prefer activity oriented or adventure theme holidays abroad. In comparison, around 60 percent of the respondents said that they were taken on seaside vacations in the UK when they…
Loganair, a Scotland-based airline, is launching its new Sunday service between Glasgow Airport in Scotland and Leeds Bradford Airport in Yorkshire, UK. The airline was previously only offering a service from Glasgow to Leeds Bradford airport twice a week. The Sunday service is being operated in the evening and will use a 34-seat Saab 340 aircraft, with airfares for the route commencing at £59.99 one way. Phil Preston, the airline chief operating officer, said, ‘We are delighted to be able to add an additional Sunday service on the Glasgow to Leeds Bradford route. We have been really impressed with our…
Travelodge Hotels, a US-based company that owns and operates hotel properties, has announced a last minute summer offer for the British holidaymakers with a new campaign. The ‘Give Britain a Break’ campaign is offering families a getaway for the late summer for £25.50 per night. The company is also partnering with numerous tourist attractions, restaurants, and transport companies, to offer a range of holiday savings for families the late summer/autumn period. To avail of the offer, travellers have to book a room at the participating properties and then download the discount vouchers. Travelodge is also offering stay packages, which include…
The Bardo National Museum (Le Musee National du Bardo), which boasts the world’s largest collection of Roman mosaics, is enjoying roaring success after reopening its doors to the public in July this year. The project, which cost over 19 million dinar (around $16k), and created over 9,000 sq m or new space in the once-dilapidated museum, has brought a new lease of life to tourism in the capital. The redevelopment and space creation has meant that the Bardo now has the capacity to accept one million visitors per year, which is having a fantastic effect on further improving Tunis’ status…
Visit Lancashire, the official website of the Lancashire and Blackpool tourist board, has launched a new website for an improved visitor experience. The new website, http://www.visitlancashire.com, offers information on where to stay and eat, things to do, and places to see. The page highlights a ‘Most Popular This Week’ segment for the latest happenings in the county, including the best hotels and restaurants to visit that week. The website is also offering info on local events including The Lancashire Tourism Awards 2012/2013, which will be held at The Guild Hall, Preston, on September 13, 2012. These are the annual premier…