J'can jerk on list of 'food to eat before you die'

Jamaican jerk pork and chicken have been voted on the list of 'The 50 things to eat before you die'. The list was the focus of a special BBC television programme that was hosted by noted television chef, Ainsley Harriot, and shown over the Christmas season.

Internet bookings boost tourism

In 2006, 27 per cent-29 per cent of all revenues in hospitality will be generated from the Internet (25 per cent in 2005, 20 per cent in 2004). Another 27 per cent of all hotel bookings will be influenced by the Internet, but done offline (call centre, walk-ins, group bookings, etc.) By the end of 2007, 39 per cent of all travel sales will be online (Merrill Lynch).

Cruise lines to offer online bookings

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises is to start offering online bookings this month, in a bid to capture some of the newer and up and coming market of travellers more likely to book online, according to media.

Air Canada records load factors

Air Canada reported a system load factor of 77.3 per cent in December 2005. The mainline carrier flew 7.4 per cent more revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in December 2005 than in December 2004, according to preliminary traffic figures released by Air Canada .

.. Simplified fares to United Kingdom

"Air Canada has announced that it has expanded its low, simplified fares offering consumers and travel professionals the best value in air fare to and from the United Kingdom.

The airline's simplified fares are now available for the first time for flights to and from London, Heathrow and Manchester, Air Canada stated in a news release.

BA needs promotions to fill airline seats

"Significant promotional activity" is required by British Airways to fill seats, the airline said recently. This is despite a 9.3 per cent rise in premium carryings and a 4.1 per cent increase in economy
passengers in December over the same month in 2004.

British Airways rejects safety criticisms

British Airways has denounced as 'unbalanced' a newspaper article highlighting safety failures in its passenger jets. The Sunday Times had said safety problems may be widespread within the airline, but BA has rejected this.

The newspaper cited several in-flight safety incidents that took place between June 2003 and October 2005, including a door ripping off an aircraft, fuel gushing from a hole in the fuel tank during a BA flight, and wing panels missing from a Boeing jet after a maintenance check by BA engineers.