We hear ad infinitum about how the so-called ‘middle England’ is being squeezed, reduced salaries, increased taxes and high inflation all of which combine to alter our spending habits: we are choosing much more carefully where our precious pounds are spent. But what effect has this had on the travel industry?

Well despite all the doom and gloom of last year, the number of foreign trips in 2011 by Britons was actually the same as the previous year at 55.7 million visits (source: ONS). All told this is quite a remarkable achievement.

The cloud that accompanies this silver lining is that spending on travel dropped by 3% which to be honest, was to be expected.

Interestingly visits to Europe and to North America actually increased by 1% whilst visits to the rest of the world decreased by 6%, reflective of our instinct in uncertain times to holiday in places where we feel most comfortable and familiar.

The main winner out of all of this is Spain with increased British visitor numbers of 9.2% year-on-year (to September 2011.) Bucking the trend, Spain is also reporting an increase in tourist expenditure, which shows us that in the right environment we are willing to spend our hard-earned money on holiday.

Looking forward, the accountants and business advisors BDO LLP have released their Business Trends report which has a pretty bleak forecast for the UK economy, with businesses harbouring s view on the direction that their turnover is taking.

But as always, there are winners and losers in a downturn and it seems that there are some clear winners emerging from our economic problems. Travel Counsellors recorded a 17% year-on-year rise in UK sales in January to date and Midcounties Co-operative Travel has reported record booking levels since Christmas with sales of summer 2012 holidays and cruises being particularly strong. Low Cost Travel Group and Your Golf Travel have both made the Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 list with growth of 69.79% and 99.28% respectively in 2010-2011.

According to research by Tourism Intelligence International, 71.4% of respondents believe that the greatest growth in terms of traveller types will come from the over-50s market (aged 50-64), and a further two-fifths of respondents indicated that the over 65s will produce significant growth between now and the year 2015.

Crucially, people will travel; they still want new experiences or their prized time relaxing by the pool. But the market is changing rapidly, with the way that people buy travel, where they travel to and their buying decisions changing at an incredibly fast pace. There are business opportunities out there and the fastest to adapt to these changing behaviours are those that will survive and prosper.

Chinese New Year is the key celebration in the Chinese calendar. Linked to the phases of the moon, the New Year is also the start of the Lunar New Year. On the eve of the New Year families gather to prepare and feast on jiaozi – traditional minced meat and vegetable dumplings which are eaten on the stroke of midnight with chilli and soy sauce and are believed to bring good fortune to those who indulge.

For those looking to test the predictions of the Dragon’s prosperity, Wendy Wu Tours can already fulfil this and increase your bank balance by saving £100 off any tour made throughout January. To catch some of the New Year celebrations or to visit China in the year of the Dragon, Wendy Wu Tours offers extensive trips to the country including the following:

A China Experience

This classic and concise tour of China’s must-see sights is perfect for those who want to experience China in a limited time and for the first time visitor. This ten day fully inclusive group tour takes in China’s three most famous cities Shanghai, Xian and Beijing as well as a trip to the historic canal town of Wuzhen. The itinerary shows the contrast between Wuzhen’s old-world charm and cosmopolitan Shanghai and Beijing. The tour also includes a cruise on the panoramic Huangpu River and a visit of the unique Temple of Heaven.

If booked in January, A China Experience fully inclusive group tour is available from £1,490* per person when departing on 28^th January or 24^th November 2012 and from £1,590pp* per person when departing on 18^th February or 17^th November 2012. Departures are guaranteed.

Discover Yunnan Private Tour

For those who have already visited China and are looking to revisit and experience the culture in more depth, the new Discover Yunnan private tour is ideal.

Discover the picturesque Stone Forest in Kunming with its vast limestone columns, explore the ancient quarter of Dali, visiting the Three Pagodas and cruising on Erhai Lake. Spend a day at the ‘Living museum’ town of Lijiang and take time to stroll through the meadows of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Additional highlights of this visit include the Baisha Frescoes, the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the Baishui Terrace, Napa Hai Lake and Songshanlin Monastery.

The 12 day tour is priced from £2,990pp in 2012. Save £100pp if booked by the end of January.

For more information or to book visit www.wendywutours.co.uk or call 0844 875 2433.

Barceló Combe Grove Manor Hotel

The beautiful 18^th century Georgian Barceló Combe Grove Manor Hotel & Country Club is an idyllic countryside retreat surrounded by 69 acres of private gardens and woodlands, ideal for a romantic stroll in the beautiful Limpley Stoke Valley. The intimate 42 bedroom property boasts stunning panoramic views and is located on the edge of the ‘World Heritage Site’ city of Bath & the renowned Bath Spa. Guests can take advantage of the hotel’s relaxing health and leisure facilities including a soothing steam room and sauna or enjoy fine dining in the award-winning ‘Georgian Rooms’. 

Throughout February, the Barceló Combe Grove Manor Hotel is offering double rooms from £95 per night based on two people sharing on a B&B basis.

Barceló The Lygon Arms

Barceló The Lygon Arms is one of the most celebrated hotels in England. Situated in ‘the prettiest village in England’, the luxury Cotswolds retreat dates back to the 16^th Century and is a perfect destination for a romantic getaway. Guests can dine at the award winning restaurant ‘The Great Hall’ and enjoy a drink next to a warming fire at the hotel’s bar. For couples looking to relax and unwind, the hotel also offers a number of spa facilities and beauty treatments.

Throughout February, the Barceló Lygon Hotel is offering double rooms from £105 per night based on two people sharing on a B&B basis.

Barceló Troon Marine Hotel

Barceló Troon Marine Hotel is located on the stunning Ayrshire coastline, overlooking the 18th century green of Royal Troon. Couples can dine in the hotel’s award winning Fairways Restaurant or relax with a drink in the Arran Bar which offers views of the Isle of Arran. On a clear night the sunset over the isle is a sight to behold. For those wishing to unwind, the Beauty Rooms offer a wide range of treatments in tranquil surroundings. The Heath and Leisure Club has an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, fully equipped gym and a fitness studio. Those wishing to explore the Scottish west coast will not be disappointed with dramatic coastlines, breathtaking scenery, miles of countryside and historic attractions such as Dundonald Castle.

Throughout February, the Barceló Troon Marine Hotel is offering double rooms from £69 per night based on two people sharing on a B&B basis.

Barceló Billesley Manor Hotel

Surrounded by 11 acres of beautiful Warwickshire Countryside and a 100 year listed Topiary Garden, the 16^th Century, Elizabethan Barceló Billesley Manor Hotel is the perfect romantic location for a Valentines getaway. The hotel has a mix of traditional country and spacious contemporary styled rooms and in the grounds you will find All Saint’s Church which dates back in parts to the 11^th Century where tradition has it that William Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway. The hotel has a number of spa facilities where couples can relax including an indoor heated pool together with a soothing sauna and steam room. Guests can dine at the award winning Stuart Restaurant which offers sumptuous cuisine using fresh seasonal ingredients and a warm service of the highest standards.

Throughout February, the Barceló Billesley Manor Hotel is offering double rooms from £75 per night based on two people sharing on a B&B basis.

For more information visit www.barcelo-hotals.co.uk 

Please contact Kate McWilliams at Lotus UK with media enquiries, email kate@lotus-uk.co.uk  or call 0207 953 7470

As well as finding out about the 2012 design programme, the mobile app also allows visitors to follow all the WDC Helsinki 2012 news. In addition to the “Design flow” of current highlights on the front page and the events programme, there is a map, a monthly calendar and basic information on WDC Helsinki 2012. Users can save their favourites in the app memory and return to them quickly with the app.

The WDC 2012 app can be downloaded for free from the WDC Helsinki 2012 website at www.wdchelsinki2012.fi/en/app.

As well as the mobile app, design aficionados can check out the WDC Helsinki 2012 programme on the dedicated website www.wdchelsinki2012.fi/en. There is also a mobile website available, which operates on all mobile phones with a web browser. The printed programme will be available in the Design 2012 magazine, published on 27th January.

For further media enquiries, please call Kate McWilliams at Lotus UK on 0207 953 7470 or email kate@lotus-uk.co.uk

Guests staying at the Barceló Harrogate Majestic Hotel are in visiting distance of the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth, where the sisters grew up and wrote most of their famous novels. Nearby East Riddlesden Hall, a 17^th Century Manor, was recently used in the shooting for the remake of Jane Eyre and is now open to the public. The hotel is ideally situated close by to a number of North Yorkshire attractions, captured in the screenplay for Wuthering Heights including Cotescue Park (the location of Thrushcross Grange) and Moor Close Farm (the location of Wuthering Heights). The film recently picked up an award at the Venice Film Festival with the Yorkshire landscape being described as ‘another character’.

After a day of exploring the great Yorkshire countryside, guests can return to the hotel and dine in the Majestic Restaurant or relax with a drink in the elegant Victorian Regency Bar. The hotel’s Orchid Beauty Rooms offer a wide range of spa and beauty treatments to relax and unwind. The Health Club offers a range of facilities including an indoor swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, full equipped gym and fitness studio.

*Throughout January rooms are priced from £69, based on two people sharing on a B&B basis. For further information about Barceló UK or to book visit www.barcelo-hotels.co.uk or call 0800 652 8413.

Sample Tour:

Departing on 6th January 2012, the fully inclusive, nine day Golden Triangle tour introduces visitors to India in a concise, classic tour of the key ‘must see’ sights. Begin with a visit to Delhi and meander through Chandni Chowk bazaar to Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, before continuing onto Agrato enjoy the spectacular Taj Mahal at sunrise. From there, head on to the pink city of Jaipur home to the renowned Amer Fort, passing the mystical Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) on route.

The Golden Triangle tour departs on 6^th January and is available from £2,980 per couple.

Valid for departure before 30^th June 2012. New bookings only. Special offer is based on flights with Qatar Airways. Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.wendywutours.co.uk or call 0844 875 2433

TIPTO suppliers have been nominated for 20 entries in 11 different categories at the 2012 Travel Weekly Globe awards. The voting for the awards will close on

Nominations in such a broad range of categories demonstrates the diversity of TIPTO membership across the industry. TIPTO suppliers have entered a third of the Travel Globe Award categories and are dominating the best operator UK holidays category with just one entrant being a non TIPTO member.

It has been a great year for our TIPTO suppliers. In total they have been nominated for over 30 travel trade awards this season and have won or been commended in seven including; Travel Company of the Year, Domestic Operator of the Year and Star UK Holiday Supplier.

Let’s hope we can start 2012 with more winning ways!

For more information about TIPTO and members, please visit www.tipto.co.uk
Follow @TIPTOTERRI on Twitter or visit the TIPTO Terri facebook page.

TIPTO members’ award nominations are as follows: -

Best Operator UK Holidays
Hoseasons
Superbreak
Butlins
Haven
Warner Leisure Hotels

Best UK Hotel Chain
Warner Leisure Hotels

Best Specialist Cruise Company, Including River
Uniworld

Best Accommodation Only Provider
Superbreak

Best Coach Operator
Insight Vacations/ Trafalgar
Leger Holidays
Page & Moy

Best Add-Ons Provider
Dosomethingdifferent.com

Best Short Haul Operator
Hoseasons
Superbreak

Best Trade Friendly Brand
Bourne Leisure
Travel 2

Best Short Haul Operator
Hoseaseasons
Superbreak

Best Long Haul Operator (Multi Operational)
Travel 2

Best Trade Sales Team
One Stop Touring Shop

Best Consolidator
Travel 2

From left to right: Remy Arroyo (Communications Manager of Fiesta Hotel Group), Kate McWilliams (Lotus UK) and Nigel Tisdall (Travel Editor of Marie Claire UK)

There were 20 awards presented in total with the highlight of the night being the Outstanding Contribution Award. The accolade was shared between Graham Boynton, the Group Travel Editor of the Telegraph Media Group, and Judith Chalmers OBE, renowned TV presenter of the travel programme ‘Wish You Were Here…?’.

Congratulations to the night’s winners and also to all those nominated!

For more information on Fiesta Hotel Group please  visit www.fiestahotelgroup.com

These festivals combine Finnish originality, world class performances and breathtaking surroundings above the Arctic Circle and under the Midnight Sun. The unique atmosphere of these festivals annually attracts internationally accomplished performers.

 LuostoClassic is Finland’s most unique classical music festival

One of Lapland festivals is LuostoClassic, a classical music event, which breaks all boundaries. The festival brings the finest artistic experiences to nature, held in three unique outdoor venues: Ukko-Luosto by the Luostotunturi fell, Aittakuru, an open-air amphitheatre formed by an ancient glacial river and  Ahvenlampi with it´s scenic lake.

The main guest orchestra in LuostoClassic festival 2012 will be the world-famous BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, which visits in Finland for the first time. The other performers in LuostoClassic are classical percussion specialist Colin Currie and young Finnish accordinist Heidi Luosujärvi. The BBC Philharmonic will perform the percussion concerto composed by Kalevi Aho with Colin Currie as a soloist. Lapland Chamber Orchestra with Colin Currie as a soloist will also premiere the piano concerto by acclaimed composer Dave Maric.

The Artistic Director of LuostoClassic is Finnish conductor John Storgårds, who is widely recognised for his creative flair. Storgårds is Chief Conductor of Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, Artistic Director of Lapland Chamber Orchestra and from the beginning of the year 2012 Principal Guest Conductor of BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.

LuostoClassic 9th – 12th August 2012

LuostoClassic is a different kind of classical music festival. It brings classical music and the world’s best orchestras out into the fells, close to the people. Luosto Classic’s concert halls are places where the soul can rest, even without music. In the Ukko-Luosto Concert Hall, the audience is surrounded by eight stages, totally in the heart of the music. Deep in a ravine formed by an ancient glacial river at the edge of a pond lies the Aittakuru theatre, where top musicians play to the audience seated high above the stage. The clear waters of Ahvenlampi carry even the smallest sounds for the enjoyment of the audience gathered at the water’s edge.

The orchestra and programme selections of the event’s Artistic Director, John Storgårds, simultaneously show his uncompromising artistic approach and his love of Lapland.  Kalevi Aho, the Luosto Symphony composer, has been involved in creating a unique festival every year.

Midnight Sun Film Festival, Sodankylä 13th – 17th June 2012

The atmosphere of the Midnight Sun Film Festival in Sodankylä is unrivalled.  Under the Midnight Sun visitors can come face to face with some of the most famous film directors in the world, rising stars in the film business, an international audience, and the man in the street in a comfortable, warm setting.

This festival is best characterised by a sheer love for cinema! On display are works of the true masters from different eras, gems of the modern cinema, and thrilling silent film presentations accompanied by live music. Previous guests of honour at the festival include Samuel Fuller, Terence Davis, Milos Forman, Terry Gilliam, and Francis Ford Coppola.

Members of the 2012 Sodankylä Midnight Sun Film Festival Film Committee are Peter von Bagh, Aki Kaurismäki, Mika Kaurismäki, and Timo Malmi.

Pyhä Unplugged 2nd – 5th August 2012

The most enjoyable semi-acoustic music event of the summer takes place in the breathtaking surroundings of Pyhätunturi where it brings Finland’s leading artists and groups to the stage. Music lovers enjoy the music in the heart of a unique natural setting, in Aittakuru and Tajukangas, where campfires and the surroundings add flavour to the diverse musical line-up.

Artistic Director of the festival is Mato Valtonen, who brings new and surprising elements to the programme each year, guaranteeing the event’s diversity.

Ruska Swing 13th – 15th September 2012

Ruska Swing is a jazz festival following the more traditional forms of the jazz genre. Other forms of lively music are also on the programme. The majority of the festival’s concerts take place on Pyhätunturi, with spectacular venues. Small and big restaurants, the atmospheric Kappeli and Aittakuru – a natural amphitheatre with dramatic acoustics. All this takes place against the backdrop of the autumnal colours of some of Lapland’s most beautiful fells.

Antti Sarpila, one of Finland’s best-known swing jazz musicians, is the festival’s Artistic Director. Next autumn’s events feature some of the foremost Finnish musicians of both blues and traditional jazz.

Introduction of the Pyhä-Luosto area

The Pyhä-Luosto area comprises of two fell resorts in the middle of Finnish Lapland (a mere 90 minutes north of the Arctic Circle).

At Pyhä-Luosto you can be active all year round. Choices for summer adventures include hiking up to Amethyst Mine or trekking in the Pyhä-Luosto National Park, canoeing, fishing, bicycling, swimming and relaxing at the cultural festivals are all also organised in the area.

FURTHER INFORMATION

LuostoClassic
Executive Manager Timo Seppälä, LuostoClassic Association
timo.seppala@ametistikaivos.fi
tel. +358 400 505 064
www.luostoclassic.fi  / www.facebook.com/luostoclassic

Midnight Sun Film Festival
Project Manager Ari Lehtola, Midnight Sun Film Festival Association
ari.lehtola@msfilmfestival.fi
tel. +358 400 683 672
www.msfilmfestival.fi

Pyhä-Luosto, Pyhä Unplugged and RuskaSwing
Executive Manager Anu Summanen, Pyhä-Luosto Tourist Association
anu.summanen@pyha-luosto.fi
tel. +358 40 843 4173
www.luosto.fi / www.pyha.fi

The new tours offer departures from January 2012 and cover a range of varied itineraries from the colourful and vibrant state of Rajasthan in the north to the tranquil backwaters of Kerala in the south.

The rich cultures, exotic cuisines and awe-inspiring scenery of both Sri Lanka and India combined and splendid architecture and rich colonial heritage lend themselves perfectly to the Wendy Wu Tours’ portfolio.

Wendy Wu Tours has created a selection of five group tours and three private tours to encompass all of the marvels India and Sri Lanka have to offer. Prices start from just £1,490* per person for the nine day Golden Triangle private tour whilst the comprehensive 29 day Grand Tour of India is priced from £4,990* per person and covers the length and breadth of the country allowing travellers to fully absorb the diversity of India. Prices for 2012 departures are now avalable and can be found at www.wendywutours.co.uk . 

Examples of new tours to India and Sri Lanka

Highlights of India
Explore the northern plains of India, which offer a grand array of sights, sounds and architectural wonders. Experience the bustling bazaars of Delhi and Jaipur, the magnificent Taj Mahal and the bathing Ghats of Varanasi with an optional five day extension to Nepal.

Highlights of India is priced from £3,290 pp* fully inclusive from the UK.  An optional five day extension to Nepal is priced from £490 pp*.

Grand Tour of India
Cover vast distances across India on this adventurous twenty nine day tour. Discover India’s contrasting landscapes and cultures by air, road, boat and train. Visit ancient Buddhist sites dating back to 3^rd century, the popular Taj Mahal and bustling Delhi as well as the Chinese fishing nets of Fort Kochi in the South and some lesser known attractions such as the local markets of Jaisalmer.   This tour promises to leave travellers with a strong sense of history, culture and diversity.

The Grand Tour of India is priced from £4,990 pp* fully inclusive from the UK.

Highlights of Sri Lanka
Marvel at magnificent temples, see the fascinating UNESCO world heritage listed rock fortress at Sigiriya, visit the cities of Colombo and Galle and enjoy scenic Sri Lanka on this spectacular fifteen day tour.
Highlights of Sri Lanka is priced from £2,690 pp fully inclusive from the UK *

Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle private tour will introduce visitors to India in a concise, classic tour of the key ‘must see’ sights. Begin with a visit to Delhi and meander through Chandni Chowk bazaar before continuing onto Agra to enjoy the spectacular Taj Mahal at sunrise. From there, head on to the pink city of Jaipur home to the renowned Amer Fort, passing the mystical Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) on route.

Golden Triangle is priced from £1,490 pp*

To book a Wendy Wu Tour or for more details about these exciting new tours, call Wendy Wu Tours on 0844 875 2436 or visit http://www.wendywutours.co.uk/India/tours-3.htm. Also call to order a free copy of the Wendy Wu Tours India, Sri Lanka and Nepal brochure, or download a copy http://www.wendywutours.co.uk/request-brochure.htm

• All prices are subject to availability and are based on selected departures
• *Prices include international flights, local transportation, accommodation, meals as stated in the brochure, excursions, entry fees and visas forUKpassport holders
• Prices are based on departures from LHR airport (regional departures also available but additional charges may apply)
• Prices are based on twin rooms (no single supplements for those willing to share)
• To view the Wendy Wu blog, please visit http://blog.wendywutours.co.uk/ 
• To view the Wendy Wu promotional video, please visit http://www.wendywutours.co.uk/videos.php

For editorial or pictorial enquiries, please contact Kate McWilliamsat Lotus UK on 0207 9537470 or email kate@lotus-uk.co.uk Twitter @LotusUK