Travellers to get better financial protection

Consultation periods on three significant pieces of travel legislation designed to bring a greater degree of financial protection to consumers began yesterday (November 26th).

The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) has underlined its commitment to the reform process within the industry that should lead to increased protection for customers.

Mark Tanzer, ABTA chief executive, said: "These consultations are hugely important to our members and all their customers."

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New hotel opens in Bangalore

Anyone planning holidays to Bangalore will now be able to stay at a Premier Inn.

The British budget hotel chain opened its first location in the Indian city this week and announced plans to build a further nine hotels across the country over the coming five years.

Patrick Dempsey, managing director of Premier Inn UK, said: "India represents one of the fastest-growing economies in the world today and we are confident that Premier Inn will be successful in India."

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Tourists 'are seeking authentic travel experiences'

Travellers are looking for ways to make their holidays more authentic, according to a tourism specialist.

Justin Francis, co-founder of responsibletravel.com, commented that tourists are expressing a greater interest in having "authentic and real" travel experiences.

He suggested that people planning holidays may want to consider a trip that is based around local communities, cultures or environments.

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Delhi selected as top ten city to visit in 2010

Travellers booking flights to Delhi in the new year will probably be interested to know that it has been chosen as one of the top ten cities to visit in 2010.

Delhi was chosen alongside cities such as Vancouver in Canada and Nara in Japan by the Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness Travel team, according to a report published in the Times.

As the host of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, Delhi is described as "rejuvenated and refreshed". The travel team also explained that many of the city's monuments have been cleaned ahead of the event and transport links have been improved.

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Travellers advised to try northern Kerala

A travel journalist on a trip across Kerala commented that the northern areas of the state are "well worth exploring".

Writing for the Daily Telegraph, Clover Stroud described a trip that took her from a safari in the Nagarhole National Park to the coffee plantations in northern Kerala and on to a remote region of the Malabar Coast.

She began her trip in Orange County with a boat ride across the Kabini River for a morning safari.

From there, she travelled through the spice and coffee plantations to reach her next destination, where she stayed at a family-run guesthouse.

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Thailand a "good bet" for cheap holidays

Cheap holidays to Thailand are among the best value for tourists this winter, a travel journalist at the Daily Mail has found.

Fred Mawer spoke to a number of experts in the industry who all agreed that, for a long-haul winter trip, Thailand is "a very good bet for bargains".

In addition to reduced room rates, the cost of living in the Asian country is incredibly low. Thailand was found to be the cheapest of the 16 long-haul destinations in terms of living costs in a recent survey by the Post Office.

Other destinations recommended by Mr Mawer as offering value for money include Dubai and Sri Lanka.

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Taoist vegetarian festival in Phuket 'an eclectic gathering'

Travellers booking flights to Thailand may want to plan their trip to coincide with the annual Taoist vegetarian festival that takes place every year in Phuket.

It is made up of ancient rituals that take place in Taoist temples across the island, as well as the more bizarre practice of mediums piercing their faces with a range of objects.

Photos published in the Guardian show some participants with spikes sticking out of their cheeks and one man even used knives and shears.

The event has been taking place on the island since 1825, when the festival was started by Chinese immigrants.

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Regional travellers offered free lounge passes by Qantas

People booking flights to Australia which leave from regional UK airports may be pleased to hear that Qantas Holidays is offering free lounge passes to its customers who have to travel via Heathrow on their flight to the country.

The Australian company announced the initiative today (November 18th), which will benefit passengers departing from Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle.

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Kolkata "India's greatest city"

Kolkata, which has been called "the city of palaces", has captured the heart of one travel journalist.

Rupert Winchester has urged tourists to consider visiting the city in an article in the Daily Mail this weekend.

He describes Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, as "a ramshackle and grubby celebration of India's vivacity, invented by the English with a blend of British design and the indelible characteristics of India".

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Goa picked as a top spot for a winter sun bargain

The Indian destination of Goa is among a list published in the Times that suggests some bargain breaks.

Casa Colvale is one hotel picked by the publication as offering competitive rates with high-end service.

The hotel is set back from the beach by the River Chapora, making it a relaxing and quiet alternative to the coastal resorts that holidaymakers usually head for.

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Frequent fliers boosted by Air India and Singapore Airlines partnership

Air India and Singapore Airlines have announced a partnership that will benefit frequent flyers with both carriers.

A new bilateral frequent flyer programme agreement between the businesses means that passengers on both airlines can now redeem miles on flights offered by either company.

Both airlines claim that this will offer their customers a greater level of choice as well as increasing the number of available routes.

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Qatar Airways scoops top travel award

Qatar Airways has picked up a prestigious award for the best business class service at the World Travel Awards.

The Middle Eastern carrier beat off international competition to take the title.

This is the second consecutive year that the company has walked away with the award for world's leading airline - business class.

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