Budget Airline News

Looks like everyone’s going to Goa!

This month East Midlands Airport has launched flights direct to Goa, the Airport’s first Indian Ocean destination. The new addition to the Airport’s portfolio is already proving to be the hottest destination at EMA, in the first month of service 99% of the seats were snapped up.

Caroline Plant, Director of Marketing and Communications, East Midlands Airport, said: “Goa is the Airport’s first Indian Ocean destination and we have had an overwhelming response to the introduction of this service. To only have ten seats left for the first month of service is a great achievement for a new destination. We are delighted that people from the region are keen to sample this unique location.”

Goa is a tiny emerald land on the west coast of India, covering 3,702 square kilometres, the island is a haven for explorers, adventurers and those looking for a break with a difference and is the latest destination in the Airport’s growing list of long haul holidays.

Caroline Plant added: "Goa is a genuine jewel in the Indian Ocean and an incredible place in which to enjoy a winter holiday. The new service is incredibly popular and holidaymakers will have to act swiftly if they are to book their place to fly from EMA and enjoy everything that Goa has to offer.”

Blessed with natural harbours, wide rivers and plentiful sunny beaches, Goa is aptly hailed as the Pearl of the Orient.

First Choice Holidays provide a weekly service to Goa from EMA until 17 April, offering 7 and 14 night breaks to this unique part of the world. First Choice have recently announced a full winter programme for 2008/09, starting on 4th November 2008.

Turkish Delight For Leeds Bradford International Airport

Following the success of their holidays to Bodrum and Dalaman from Leeds Bradford International Airport (LBIA), Turkey specialist Goldtrail Holidays have added a further flight to Antalya, departing every Wednesday between 02 July and 29 October.

This new service is a welcome addition to Goldtrail’s programme from LBIA and it provides a wider choice of resorts for the Yorkshire traveller to choose from when flying with this specialist operator.

The Antalya region offers something for everyone - the metropolitan city of Antalya itself, fantastic beach resorts such as Alanya and Kemer, great golf and beaches at Belek, and the charm and ancient ruins of the coastal town of Side.
Antalya itself is a metropolitan city with international designer brand shopping as well as a selection of local traders to haggle for the more traditional goods. Narrow, winding streets lead down to the picturesque harbour and beach and the ancient ruins of Perge, Aspendos, and Athena are not too far away along with the amazing underground city of Cappadocia.

Sally Ramsey, Marketing and Business Development Manager at LBIA said, “Demand for Turkey from the people of our region is extremely high and we are delighted that Goldtrail’s flights have proved to be so popular. The introduction of the Antalya service offers passengers a chance to visit a new destination and is a fantastic addition to the ever growing range of destinations available from LBIA”

Cyprus Holiday Resort Review - Larnaca The Documentary

Larnaca - a faded, cheap package holiday resort at the end of a busy airport runway or a fascinating, working town, steeped in history full of busy cafes, bars and restauants.

Planning a trip to Larnaca? Check out this short documentary before you book.

 

Cyprus Holiday Resort Review - Ayia Napa The Documentary

Ayia Napa - The once quiet fishing village is now the party capital of Cyprus.

There are more bars and clubs per square mile in this coastal resort than any other area on the island. Just a short bus-trip from Larnaca airport - are you tough enough to survive the party zone?

But is there more to this hedonistic party town. Check out this 10 minute documentary on Ayia Napa before you book.

Introducing A New Ski Hill In British Columbia For The Holidays

The ski world welcomed a major new player on December 23, 2008 - Revelstoke Mountain Resort in Revelstoke, British Columbia - fulfilling a dream this ski town and international powder skiers have anticipated for almost three decades.

The resort officially opened with five feet (1.6 metres) of snow; 4,735 vertical feet (1,443 metres) of lift-serviced terrain; 1,500 acres (607 hectares) of skiing; and 27 new ski runs serviced by a $22 million Leitner Poma eight-person gondola and a high-speed quad chairlift. It is being developed by partners Don Simpson, Pobert Powadiuk, Hunter Milborne and Tom Gaglardi.

After Revelstoke Mayor Mark McKee cut the ribbon for the inaugural ride on the Revelation gondola, an estimated 2,000 skiers and snowboarders, from the Revelstoke area and as far as Hawaii, the U.K. and Germany, rode the new lifts this morning to experience the legendary powder of the Selkirk Mountains.

"Revelstoke offers everything a skier could want - epic Selkirk powder, miles of largely untouched terrain, killer runs and awesome vistas of the Columbia River Valley," said Paul Skelton, president of Revelstoke Mountain Resort.

First-day skiers were visited by Santa Claus on skis and treated to hot holiday drinks and cookies, commemorative tokens and opening day photos, as well as the on-site carving of ice sculptures by the Canadian Snow Sculpture Team.

Malta To Join Single Currency On 1st January, 2008

From 1st January 2008 Malta Will be the 15th Country to Adopt the Single Currency.

The Maltese authorities will welcome the new currency with a big public event in the Grand Harbour of the capital, Valletta. The National Euro Changeover Committee will commemorate the adoption of the Euro with breathtaking firework choreography at the stroke of midnight.

'Malta's accession into the Eurozone will make the country more attractive for local and foreign investment by increasing Malta's competitiveness. What is more, the Euro is currently at its peak and knows an unprecedented strength. We are proud that Malta is now at the very heart of Europe,' says Dr Gonzi.

All ATMs will start dispensing Euro as from midnight. National symbols such as the Maltese Cross, the Coat of Arms and the Mnajdra Temple Altar will be the faces of the new Euro coins.

Some 1.3 million people choose the Mediterranean island as their holiday destination every year. 'The adoption of the Euro represents a significant incentive to boost the number of people visiting Malta' added Tonio Fenech, Parliamentary Secretary of the Maltese Ministry of Finance.

Malta attracts guests with a mild climate, clear water and sunshine throughout the year. With flights offered from all major European airports and a short flight time, it is a destination also for short holiday breaks. Malta provides diverse holiday possibilities through its history of 7.000 years of civilization, offering ethnological and architectural variety.  

Irish Property Specialists Showcase 'NICE' Investment Opportunities

The opening of Europe's most modern tramway in the southern French city of Nice is leading to significant investment opportunities for Irish property investors.

That is according to two West of Ireland property specialists who recently launched a free property finding service in the French Riviera, the most sought-after area in the world for luxury apartments and villas.

Based in Nice, Chez Riviera commenced operation the same week as French President Nicolas Sarkozy officially opened an 8.7km tramway in the popular Mediterranean coastal city.  The tram service has opened up previously underdeveloped suburbs of Nice, including Malaussena and Avenue Republique, to property investors.  The introduction of the new service also coincides with Ryanair's launch last month of a daily direct service from Dublin to Nice International Airport.

Spain - Number One Hotspot For Christmas Breaks

2.4 million Brits will be heading to warmer climates over the festive period and according to budget airline easyJet a large percentage of them will be heading to the ever popular resorts and cities in Spain.

Flights to Barcelona, Malaga and Alicante are expected to be operating to full-capacity as holiday makers turn their backs on the cold British weather and celebrate Christmas abroad.

Frances Tuke, a spokesperson for ABTA told journalists, "Spain is still popular because of the numbers who own property and because the weather is still better there than it is here."

Destination Guide: Lagos, Portugal - Summer 2008

Lagos is a city and a municipality at the mouth of the river Bensafrim in the southern region of Algarve, in Portugal. The municipality has a total population of 27,041 inhabitants. The city itself has a population of 14,675. The majority of the population lives along the coastal line and works in tourism and services. The inland region in sparsely inhabited, with the majority of the people working in agriculture and forestry.

Lagos is located approximately 35 kilometers east of Sagres Point, the southwesternmost point of Europe. To the north of Lagos is the road to Milfontes and Sines, that winds through the scenic protected landscape of the Southwest Natural Park.

Destination Guide: Faro, The Algarve - Summer 2008

Faro is a city and municipality in southern Portugal. The city proper has 41,934 inhabitants and the entire municipality has 58,305. It is the seat of the district of Faro and capital of the Algarve region. The Algarve and Faro district cover the same territory.