Business price hike
Airlines are introducing massive rises in business-class fares as a buffer against the economic slowdown, according to the latest American Express European Corporate Travel Index.

The report found that average business-class fares to North America and Europe rose by 19.6% and 10.1% respectively, while UK leisure fares went up by only 12.3% and 4.2%. One of the largest increases was in restricted business class, seen as the low-cost executive option, where prices rose on transatlantic routes by 46.3%.

Matthew Davis, American Express director of consulting services, commented: "If leisure fares double overnight, travellers will either fly to a destination with cheaper flights, or they will not fly at all. However, if premium fares double, there might be a huge outcry, but history has shown the impact on the number of tickets sold would not be as marked. When hard times hit, it becomes ever more important to maintain business relationships, which means sustaining a certain level of travel."

The quarterly American Express European Corporate Travel Index is available from American Express Corporate Services for 500 Euro (or equivalent currency) a year from helene.r.soulages@aexp.com

Take a hike
Access to England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike, is open from today as well as many popular Lake District routes. Access is limited to 29 manned access points where disinfectant will be available to clean boots and cycle tyres before and after each trip. Full details are available on www.cumbria.gov.uk/pathways or from any Cumbria tourist information centre. The Isle of Wight Council yesterday removed all restrictions on rights of way on the island.

Other useful websites include www.iprow.co.uk, www.english-heritage.org.uk , www.britishwaterways.co.uk, and www.forestry.gov.uk. Telephone hotlines are 0870 2415659 for England, 0808 01000000 for Wales, 0131-332 2433 for Scotland and 02890 524279/ 524590 for Northern Ireland.

Nepal crisis
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is advising against all travel to Nepal following the deaths of members of the royal family. Public demonstrations have become violent, it says, a curfew has been declared in the Kathmandu valley, the police are not allowing any traffic in or out of Kathmandu, including tourist buses, travel to and from the airport is also being blocked and all flights have been cancelled. Anyone thinking of travelling to Nepal should consult the FCO on 020-7008 0232, www.fco.gov.uk.