Travel Insurance & Terrorism

For many years there has been a blanket exclusion by the insurance companies to cover any terrorist related risks on their policies. Now, a number of travel insurance companies have removed some of the restrictions on their insurance in this area.

Both Travelinsurance.ie (for Irish residents) and Travel Insurance Direct (UK & Irish residents) both offer cover for a number if terrorist related risks. You can find full details on their web sites:

www.travelcover.ie
www.travel-insurance.net

SKI & SNOW HITS THE BOX

Its that time of year again when all like minded people consider which mountain they will conquer on their skis or snowboards. Find out how to keep yourself safe:

Find out more on our Ski pages:
Ski Advice
Ski and Winter Holidays
Ski Insurance

Is it safe to travel to...?
With so much going on in the world today it is so important that we are given the best possible advice before we go, and that we know who to turn to if the unexpected happens.

The British Government have an excellent web site which is a must visit, particularly for those of us who travel to the more remote and unusual parts of the world.
Country Advice

Saving Time and Money!
I don't know about you but when I see these words together I always sit up and take notice. When the words insurance are written with them then normally that's a different matter!

Annual Travel Insurance however can save you both time and money plus an awful lot more if you are unlucky enough to be one of the thousands this year who will either have an accident while abroad or have their luggage stolen.

Read more here.

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N E W S

Resort chain stubs out smokers:

A Caribbean hotel chain has banned smoking from all nine of its properties as the anti-cigarette crusade gathers pace.

Rex resorts said from February, a strict no-smoking policy will apply to all guest rooms, restaurants and public areas.

The company, popular with the UK market, described the cigarette crackdown as "exciting."

Chief executive Tommy Correia said: "We have introduced this extensive no-smoking policy in response to customer demand and the global trend towards a smoke-free environment."

Sales and marketing director Martin Grass added: "This exciting innovation is part of Rex Resorts' ongoing redevelopment programme to make it the most customer-focused Caribbean hotel operator."

Observers said the move would not be quite so exciting for smokers.

Rex Resorts has three properties on Antigua, three on St Lucia and one each on Barbados, Grenada and Tobago.

Travelmole : 11 January, 2006

BA begins fight back against budget carriers

British Airways has overhauled its struggling regional business, CitiExpress, by slashing prices and rebranding the carrier as it begins to fight back against the low cost carriers.

But earlier fears of job losses and drastic route cuts appeared unfounded, at least for the time being.

The shake-up comes amid intensifying competition in the European short haul market that has seen CitiExpress lose out to the low cost carriers.

Chief executive Willie Walsh has previously described the performance of CitiExpress as "not good enough" and a "financial challenge."

Central to the restructure will be a reduction in ticket prices by up to 40% with restricted and non-changeable fares scrapped altogether in favour of fully flexible tickets, irrespective of the price.

British Airways Cub Europe will also be stripped out and a single class cabin introduced on all aircraft while on board catering will now come at a charge.

The carrier will be rebranded BA Connect.

Two ticket types will be offered. BA Connect – two million of which will be available year-round – will offer the lowest price, and BA Connect Plus which will offer airport lounge access and seat selection at the time of booking. BA Connect Plus prices will start from £110 one-way.

Bookings for the new service can be made on ba.com from February 1 with a launch date of March 26.

CitiExpress managing director David Evans said the relaunch, which will be supported by a major sales and marketing campaign, is a "direct response to challenges that have emerged in the market place."

"The restructuring of the regional business will set up apart in this fiercely competitive market," he said.

"We have an innovative service promise for business and short break leisure air travellers offering year-round, one-way prices that match the no-frills airlines and the added service promise and resource of BA."

Report by Steve Jones