Industry Reaction to Budget Inaction

The travel industry has reacted with anger and dismay after the Government failed to scrap plans for a rise in Air Passenger Duty. In his Budget announcement last week, the Chancellor Alistair Darling made no reference to the travel tax, which is due to increase in November and again in 2010. Airlines, agents, ABTA and other industry associations had urged the Chancellor to scrap the tax altogether, or at least cancel the second phase of increases. But despite their pleas, and evidence to show the negative impact on the tourism industry, the Government has refused to back down.

"The rise in APD to destinations such as the Caribbean, dependent on tourism, will be as much as 87%, equating to a tax bill of £600 for a family of fourt ravelling to the Caribbean in premium economy in 2010 compared with today's£160.

*Here's how the phased increases will impact travel costs:

For flights to Europe, APD will go up by 10% to £11 and to £12 in 2010. US travellers, the UK's key market for tourism, will see their taxes rise from £40 to £60 in 2010.

For long-haul visitors travelling over 6,000 miles (including Australia, NewZealand and Malaysia, three key inbound markets), taxes will rise from £40 to£85 in 2010.

Business visitors will also be severely affected with taxes for travellers ona ny flights above economy rising to anything up to £170 from 2010.

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Gourmet Menus from Virgin

Virgin America introduces new health-focused, gourmet menus.

Virgin America announced the introduction of new menus that offer guests a selection of healthy and wholesome meal and snack options for the spring travel season. The new menus include an on-demand selection for guests in the Main Cabin and a new seasonal First Class menu designed by world-renowned Chef, Luke Mangan. Both menus are crafted using an assortment of nutritious ingredients, including fresh fruits and vegetables, premium meats and artisan breads and are designed to give travelers more healthy and satisfying options to choose from for their in-flight meals and snacks.

Chef Mangan honed his skills at some of the world's most prestigious restaurants, including the world-famous, three Michelin star Waterside Inn in Bray, Berkshire. Today, Chef Mangan owns four restaurants around the globe, including South Food + Wine Bar in San Francisco, Salt and World Wine Bar in Tokyo, and Glass Brasserie in Sydney.

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Disney DINING is FREE

September October and November Disney Special Offer.

Book flights with Virgin Atlantic Airlines for 14 nights staying at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter Resorts and get 14 Day Ultimate Tickets and 14 days of Disney Dining FREE.

Prices include transfers on Disneys Magical Express

Family Price from £3499 based on 2 adults and 2 children (2-11). Click here to book.

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Christmas 2009 in Florida

Whether its fly drive, flight and hotel including transfers or flights with villa and minivan, we have the right deal for you.

Please try out SPECIAL OFFERS section of the website for more details.

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Comfort Suites at Comfy Prices

The Comfort Suites Universal South is an Orlando hotel near SeaWorld Orlando. The Comfort Suites® Universal South is conveniently located just minutes from Universal Studios Florida, SeaWorld Orlando, Wet 'n Wild water park and Walt Disney World. Located just two miles from the Orange County Convention Center, this Orlando hotel is also conveniently located near Belz Factory Outlet World shopping center and the famous International Drive.

Special amenities and services include free deluxe continental breakfast, free shuttle service to Universal Studios Florida and SeaWorld Orlando, free weekday newspaper, free coffee and an on-site ATM machine.

The Comfort Suites Universal South provides business travelers with free high-speed Internet access in all rooms and access to copy and fax services. Enjoy the tropically landscaped courtyard complete with outdoor heated pool, hot tub, kiddie pool and poolside bar and grill, serving food and beverages daily. More......

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Villas at Tarpon Springs

Known as the 'Sponge Capital of the World' Tarpon Springs is often considered one of Florida's most interesting small towns. The 'Sponge Capital' tag came from the Greek immigrants that settled here in the last 19th century and harvested the sponges which grew in abundance off shore. Fascinatingly, today almost one third of the entire population still descend from the original Greek settlers.
The winding Spring Bayou Creek runs just south of Tarpon and is bordered by towering oak trees and grand Victorian homes, combined with the smaller initmate buildings alongside the docks help to make this one of the most picturesque towns in the state.
The lively dock area forms the central hub of Tarpon Springs, here you will find a very lively, carnival style atmosphere with quaint old buildings home to a host of souvernir shops and Greek family restaurants. Along the town's main street you find a long line of antiuque shops and art galleries. At the Cultural Center, you can pick up directions for a walking/bus tour of this historic district. More.....

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Easter 2010 Special Offers

Are you planning ahead? Are you thinking about Easter 2010 and that extra special trip to Florida?

We have some very special holidays and prices for you to consider. Whether you want a flight and car, a hotel and transfer included, or a luxury break in a private villa...we have just the price for you. Fly drive prices start from just £499 per person...so please click through for more.

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