Sri Lankan warning

Several thousand British holidaymakers hoping to head for Sri Lanka are unable to do so because of the attack on Colombo Airport on Tuesday. Holiday companies are offering refunds or alternative destinations, according to the Association of British Travel Agents.

The official Foreign Office advice for travelling to Sri Lanka is: "Massive disruption to inward and outward flights. Visitors should consider postponing their trips until further notice. Fighting continues in the east and north east of the country. Visitors are strongly advised not to visit these areas. Visitors must not carry any meat products into Sri Lanka."

ABTA says there are around 40 companies selling holidays to Sri Lanka. The island's tourist board say there are nearly 90,000 British visitors a year. Some of the tourists who were caught in the airport attack returned home on Thursday.

Police watch

A police office dedicated entirely to tourists has been set up in Madrid. The office, part of the Madrid Central Police Commission, is open 24 hours a day throughout the year. The address of the Oficina de Atencion al Turista is C/Leganitos, 19. This road leads off the Plaza de España. The telephone number is (00 34) 902 102112.

Acropolis open

Visitors to the Acropolis and other Greek archaeological remains were thwarted on Tuesday when a strike by workers closed the sites. The dispute, over pay, was settled on Wednesday and the sites were reopened.

Sponsored cycle

The British Leprosy Relief Association is organising sponsored cycling trips in India, Malawi, and Madagascar next year as well as treks in Nepal. For details, call 08451 212121 or visit www.lepra.org.uk/challenge.html.

Dublin on foot

Stena Line (08705 707070, www.stenaline.co.uk) has started allowing foot passengers on its new ferry sailing between Holyhead and Dublin Port. Return fares start at £10 for a day trip.

Room at the inn

Room occupancy figures fell last month in London and the regions, according to a survey from PKF, the accountants. In the regions, occupancy was down by 0.9% while in London the drop was 6.3%. PKF say the drop in occupancy - and price - are the result of the foot-and-mouth crisis, the down turn in the US economy and the extremely poor weather earlier this year.