Author: News Team

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…

Any island resort of note usually has at least one golf course to its name, but some are better than others, valuing what an 18-hole course can do for its fortunes and prestige. Many small island nations who are worried about sinking below sea level as a consequence of global warming are thinking of innovative solutions to their problem. The Maldives is one such country, and to try and ensure that it remains a popular tourist destination for golf breaks with yourgolftravel.com, it has come up with a radical idea. In conjunction with a major architectural firm, the Maldivian government…

Network Rail, a company that operates the railway network in the UK, will be developing a new traffic management system for the entire rail network across the country. The new automated system will be able to control large parts of the network from a number of control points, allowing for better capability and performance across the entire network. The system will include real-time planning, resolution of conflicts, and the reprogramming of areas of control, all through a single operational information system. The network’s new traffic management system will consolidate around 800 signal boxes into 14 modern rail operating centres, and…

Midland Metro, a UK tram system operated by National Express, a subsidiary of Travel West Midlands, for Centro, the transport authority, has been given an award for its passenger safety measures. The Secured by Design organisation and the Association of Chief Police Officers have awarded Midland Metro with a Safer Tram Stop Award for its system. The award recognises a number of initiatives recently offered by the Safer Travel Partnership, including Centro, West Midlands Police, British Transport Police and National Express, for increased passenger safety on the networks. Councillor Roger Horton, the lead member for Transforming Rail in Centro, said,…

Accor SA, a France-based hotel company will be opening four new hotels in the UK by the end of this year. The company is opening a Novotel and ibis hotel in Blackfriars, London, a second ibis hotel in Shepherd’s Bush, in London, and a new Mercure brand property, in Greenwich, London, all scheduled to open in October 2012. In 2012, the company is opening a total of 1,000 additional guestrooms in the capital, with six new hotel openings in total, and extensions added to existing hotels. The company is also intending to completely refurbish around 12 of its London hotels…