Thomson rebrand
Major package holiday firm Thomson is to use the logo of its giant German sister company TUI on its brochures, travel agency shop fronts and charter aircraft. It claims the move should clear up consumer confusion over who owns what. Critics say customers are not always aware that, all things being equal, agency staff will recommend a holiday from an operator under the same ownership, rather than one operated by a rival firm. Thomson's move will affect some 800 Lunn Poly shops.
Big overspenders
British holidaymakers are exceeding their budget when abroad by £1.5bn, with many returning to the shock of a red bank statement or credit card bill, according to First Direct. The average British tourist overspends by £224 per trip and an extravagant one in five spends £400 more than they had originally planned. British men admit to exceeding their holiday money on average by £264 - compared to £178 for women.
Go discount
Travellers booking online with Go, the low-cost airline, are now being offered a £10 discount on a return flight booked at go-fly.com.
Youths of today
A short film offering tips for young travellers on how to get the most out of their overseas experience - and how to make sure that the impact they have on where they visit is a positive one - has been launched by VSO and Tourism Concern. Copies of Your Place or Mine, in a choice of VHS, DVD or CD-rom format, are available for £3 from Tourism Concern (020-7753 3330).
Late, late show
The punctuality of scheduled airlines fell in the first quarter of 2001 compared to last year, figures released by the Civil Aviation Authority show. During January to March, 71% of scheduled flights were on time (defined as arriving anything between early and 15 minutes late). That compares with last year's figure of 76%. The decline was particularly severe at Luton.
High-pressure area
The most important purchase for UK consumers is their holiday, with nearly one in two (46%) admitting they would be most upset if their holiday did not live up to expectations, according to research by Thomson Direct.
Thai one on
A festival featuring the food of southern Thailand is being held at The Blue Elephant restaurant in Fulham, London (020-7385 6595), until Sept 5.
