Awards finalists

Four UK tourism projects have reached the finals of the British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, which recognise leading sustainable tourism practices throughout the world. They are: Rheged, the Upland Discovery Centre in Cumbria (01768 868000); The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust's Wetlands Centre in Barnes (020-8409 4403); the Scottish Seabird Centre in East Lothian (01620 890202); and Tribes Travel, a tour operator based in Suffolk (01728 685971). All four, along with 24 other international projects, have been highly commended by a panel of judges. Six category winners will compete to become the global winner, to be announced later in the year.

More by rail

The new TGV trains from Paris to Marseille have already carried 2.5 million passengers since they started running on June 10. This is 35% more passengers than used the route last year. Rail Europe reservations: 0870 5848848.

Best in Cumbria

Cumbria's Hotel of the Year is Langdale Chase, near Ambleside (01539 432201), it was announced this week, and the best B&Bs are the Hazel Bank Country House in Borrowdale (017687 77248) and Lakeshore House in Windermere (01539 433202). For a copy of the official guide to Cumbria, call 08705 133059 (www.gocumbria.co.uk).

Industry growth

Travel and tourism is expected to provide 207 million jobs worldwide this year, according to the London-based World Travel and Tourism Council's Economic Forecast. It estimates that in 10 years' time tourism will constitute 11% of the global GDP, support more than 260 million jobs, representing 9% of total employment. Talking cricket Former Test cricketers Phil Tufnell and Angus Fraser will be talking about next year's England tour to New Zealand at an evening organised by Bridge the World on Tuesday, August 21. The event, which starts at 6.30pm, is being held at New Zealand House, Haymarket, London. For free tickets, call Bridge the World on 020-7209 9445 or e-mail claire.wood@bridgetheworld.com

Blessed event

Brian Blessed, actor and adventurer, will be online on the Guardian's award-winning travel website next Tuesday at 4pm to talk about his travels to Everest and beyond. Post questions and chat to him live at www.theguardian.com/travel