Olympic spirit
The Australian tourist trade is already benefiting as the nation gears up for next month's Olympic Games in Sydney. There has been a 14% rise on the previous year in visitors from the UK alone, according to the Australian Tourist Commission. The ATC states that it is on track for a record 4.7m international tourists during the course of this year.
Safety first
Independent Travellers' World is to highlight the need for education about safe travel at its next exhibitions, at the Business Design Centre in Islington on February 23-25, and at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds on March 3-4. The safe travel area will include tips on destinations and details on how to stay in touch with home.enquiries@itwshow.com, www.itwshow.com
Give before you go
The National Blood Service is urging tourists to give blood before they depart on holiday. It says that those who visit exotic locations may be precluded from giving donations for one year, due to the risk of malaria being transmitted via transfusion. National Donor Helpline 0345 711711 (open 24 hours).
Any complaints?
British holidaymakers are prepared to suffer in silence rather than cause a fuss and complain when something disappoints them, according to new research by insurer Direct Line. Travel delays (54%) and poor food and hygiene standards (52%) are among the chief bugbears highlighted by the survey. Direct Line is introducing a free legal protection service for holidaymakers. Details on 0845 2468910.
Dressed to thrill
Followers of fashion should head for the Dior - Modes de Vie exhibition, a celebration of the French designer's work at the Musée Christian Dior in his home town of Granville in Normandy until September 24. Ball-gowns and wedding dresses from Dior's inter-war heyday are on display. Brittany Ferries is offering short breaks to the exhibition from £79 per person, reservations 0870 5360360. Information on the exhibition: 00 332 3361 4821.
Young winners
This year's STA and Guardian Young Travel Journalists of the Year are Ben Powell of Halesown, West Midlands, who flies to a long-haul destination of his choice and recieves £500 spending money; and Cornelius Rott of Egham, Surrey, who wins a flight to a destination of his choice in Europe and £500 spending money. Their winning entries can be read at www.statravel.co.uk.
