A recent industry analysis has observed that the Liverpool Airport in addition to several other regional airports is facing an alarming multi-million pound bill due to the escalating costs of security. With the government contemplating on considerably reducing the financial burden on the police forces, it is expected that legislation will be drawn up that will transfer the responsibility for threat and risk analysis at regional airports in addition to paying the cost of policing from the local police force to the owner of the airport as per the report published in the Echo, one of the leading newspapers.

Presently, nine most important British Airports have been designated to bear the expenditure of their own policing, with the list including Manchester and Birmingham. Under the significant growth reported by other airports, Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly has decided that such a split does not make any sense. Therefore, he has strictly decided to create a level playing field. He feels that it is not proper to see that the taxpayers are subsidizing the profit making private enterprises, when the local police force is forced to meet the bills.

Addressing the Echo, Andy Gower, Liverpool Airport director said, "We are committed to provide a safe and secure environment for our passengers. We invest in the region of £3.5m each year to provide aviation and car park security employing in excess of 200 people in the process. The level of any future policing presence at UK Airports is a matter for the Police Authority who are consulting with us at present.â€Â�

A new president has been elected by the Forum of Regional European Airports to replace Mr. Bart de Boer, who resigned after his leaving as chief executive officer (CEO) of Eindhoven Airport.

Neil Pakey, CEO at Liverpool Airport, has been appointed interim president until the end of this year.

Mr. Pakey is already Chairman of the 'Airport Operators Association' as well as having the responsibility of deputy chief executive of Peel Airports, owner of Liverpool Airport. It can be expected that there might be some development in the Liverpool Airport with the arrival of new airport boss.

The managing director of Liverpool Airport, Neil Pakey, has appealed to the Government not to tax aircrafts out of the sky at a time when the price of fuel is crippling the profits of airline companies.

The Treasury is preparing to reform APD (Air Passenger Duty), which is added to the price of every journey made by plane from the UK, and Liverpool Airport's managing director is urging it not to increase the costs of airline companies at a time of historic high levels of oil prices.

Mr. Pakey said that the growth of Liverpool Airport was likely to slow due to cuts by carriers and a weakening economic situation.

In a significant move, Weber Shandwick has joined hands with the Isle of Man tourist board into a very important mission. Notably, they are now into promoting Isle of Man into an undiscovered and highly exciting tourist destination of the UK. WS has deployed some press office tactics, project works and press tips in association with the Isle's Department of Tourism and leisure to move people into the awareness of this unknown and fascinating destination.

The Isle of Man is a highly amazing Island retreat located between Liverpool and Belfast, easily reachable just with an hour's drive from London City Airport. The place is well connected to other locations across the UK as well. This wonderful location is ideal for those looking for a short escape from the hassles of city. The top highlights of Isle of Man include its amazing beaches, a rich cultural heritage, excellent sports and beautiful walking trails besides the warmth and love of the inhabitants of the Isle. One can say, if found once, this exciting place shall remain in memory forever.

Weber Shandwick is presently holding talks with those looking forward to visit the Island as part of a press trip anytime during 2008. WS can certainly help visitors enjoy flexible and memorable packages with wonderful angles and stories for the reporters and their readers. Weber Shandwick will also be operating a proactive press office to clarify the doubts of the visitors.

This year, Stavanger is European Capital of Culture alongside Liverpool. Enjoy a three-night city cruise holiday to this fantastic place and visit the World renowned Pulpit Rock. European Capital of Culture is one of those places where holidaymakers and tourists can have a real enjoyable time.

Starting from Newcastle, you will sail overnight on the Queen of Scandinavia. While onboard, you choose to enjoy dance, check out several restaurants, visit casinos, catch a movie or simply be at ease.

After arriving in Stavanger, you will enjoy a day and a night's stay in a 3-star accommodation (upgrade is available from just £10) to explore the breathtaking events and enjoy the natural charm of Stavanger as well as the areas around.

The recent figures released by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) reveals that more and more people are resorting to public transport to reach Liverpool Airport than anytime before. The reports show that about 15% of passengers traveled to airport by bus or train during last year. Notably, this was about 75% more than the figures shown in 2005 and amazingly more than the 12% target set by the Airport Transport Forum for the year 2008.

However, there are several factors responsible for this encouraging trend. One of the principal reasons is the increase in the number of Arriva bus services to the airport from several locations across the region. Over and above, bus priority measures are found to be a sound reason for this dramatic increase. In addition, Terravision, the famous coach operator is also instrumental to a great extent for the increase in the rate of using public transit systems. At the outset, it needs to be noted that the company operates a regional service to Manchester to adequately supplement and complement the 700 Manchester service of Arriva.

The airport's manager of corporate and community affairs, Robin Tudor, observed, "The recent improvements in services and public transport facilities both on and off site are making a real difference and helping to deliver the objective of seeing more airport passengers choose to use public transport. These latest figures mean Liverpool has one of the best records when compared to many other similar sized UK airports."

The transatlantic routes that are axed from Liverpool John Lennon airport are not likely to be reinstated for this summer. Notably, operational problems led to the scrapping of this route during last year. Flyglobespan, the Edinburgh-based business said last year that the New York and Toronto services would be renewed in May, when favourable economic conditions were anticipated by the airline. However, the present circumstances of increasing fuel costs and poor reliability of leased aircrafts are challenging the scenario making it unfavourable to recall the said services.

A spokesman of Flyglobespan remarked, "Two key factors have driven this decision - the price of fuel and aircraft availability. With the price of airline fuel at a record high we have had to look long and hard at the economic viability of all our long- haul routes. Also, after unsatisfactory performances from third- party operators in our programme last season, we are flying only our own aircraft this year, and are concentrating these aircraft on the most popular routes. Unfortunately that means that we will not be resuming Liverpool's transatlantic service this summer."

Last year, John Lennon's widow Yoko Ono introduced the first daily link from Liverpool to New York with great fanfare on 25th May. However, the service was cut within a month of its launch to four flights a week due to technical problems faced with the leased aircrafts, which caused hundreds of passengers getting stranded in New York for several days. During last October, there were only 325 bookings.

As the passengers pass to and from their flights at the Liverpool Airport, they will be able to see a part of the Turner Prize 2007 exhibition of Tate Liverpool.

Mainly focusing around a working black Hackney cab, "The Taxi Project" features video screens projecting what the people of Liverpool have to say about the key cultural events being hosted in the Liverpool city. This is a very good activity undertaken by Liverpool airport.

The installation of the artwork at the airport adds yet another new feature to a number of exhibits by artists including Harry Goodwin, Tom Murphy and Paul Saltzman those are currently on display.

Following eager anticipations, Hard Days Night Hotel, the boutique hotel boasting of a four star status in Liverpool has opened its doors, set in the theme of Beatles artwork.

Interestingly, the opening follows the event when Liverpool was recently unveiled as 2008 European Capital of Culture and this strategic position has enabled the hotel attract bands of Beatles fans, guests and tourists alike, with lots of travelers flocking the city to witness music, art and cultural events stretching over the long year.

Hard Days Night Hotel is located at Liverpool, in the heart of the 'Beatles Quarter', very near to the globally renowned Cavern Club where the Beatles initially rose to fame. With an imposing and elegant architecture, the Grade II listed hotel has an assorted range of about 110 rooms, consisting luxury and deluxe rooms, in addition to two stunning penthouses, which are exclusively designed - Lennon & McCartney suites. Interestingly, the Lennon features a white grand piano. The two famous restaurants Brasserie and Blakes serve modern British cuisine.

The status of Liverpool as a cultural capital is just booming with the city turning into one of the most popular city break destinations. www.alpharooms.com, one of the leading tour operators states that the city is ably challenging the popularity of Amsterdam and Venice with more number of searches and online bookings. The website states that Liverpool has successfully attracted more than twice the number of bookings, with lots of tourists flocking to this place to enjoy the diverse cultural programs.

Last week's Google rankings also show that Liverpool is the highly searched city across the globe. However, with the recently launched weekend, Liverpool has been catapulted to secure a place in the global spotlight.

Lee Goodwin, the Commercial Analyst of www.alpharooms.com stated, "We always expected to see an increase in bookings as Liverpool launched its European Capital of Culture year, but we never expected the sheer volume of last minute bookings we've had in just the first few weeks in January. Liverpool has always been a popular destination for our customers, but the added attraction of their Capital of Culture status has really boosted its profile as a top worldwide destination."

With the launching of three brand new flying routes to the skier's capital of Innsbruck during this winter, the Tirol, Austria's top skiing province, is now being served by the most renowned low cost easyJet flights departing from Gatwick, Bristol and Liverpool making the picturesque villages and fabulous slopes easily accessible from anywhere around the UK.

The new Liverpool service began flying from the 8th January in Bristol and the new Gatwick routes in December. The fares are from under £40 return. This is one of those options which customers love to have during the winter season, which is of course the top ski season in Europe. Passengers love to sky and avail the offers made by different airlines and airports in different destinations.

From the airport, a city centre bus offers its services every 15 minutes taking just 18 minutes to reach the Innsbruck city centre. From here, Innsbruck's 9 satellite ski resorts are adequately served by free ski buses. Over and above, the airport transfers also transport the skiers further afield, to enjoy its fantastic resorts and glaciers.

Interestingly, Stavanger becomes the cultural capital of Europe this year in addition to Liverpool. Sailing twice a week, DFDS Seaways offers its services connecting Newcastle and Stavanger providing a fantastic City Cruise Break. The fantastic sailing experience entices you with the joy of visiting this stunning city and the wide range of attractions that will extend all through this year.

Prices per person start from £106 for a three night break. If you would like to have this great experience of cruising to Stavanger, you can check the official site at www.dfds.co.uk, and opt for booking also if you would like to.

City Cruise sets off to Stavanger sail departing from Newcastle overnight on board the majestic m.s. QUEEN OF SCANDINAVIA.

In order to converge with the north-west city's Capital of Culture celebrations, Liverpool John Lennon Airport (JLA) has commenced a new branding initiative. The £1.6 million programme comprises the UK's biggest rear projection installation along with a big-screen media wall in the departure lounge, presents a 30-minute long display of digital video art.

This is a very good news for passengers of Liverpool John Lennon airports as they can really enjoy these visual displays to their heart's content, and at the same time learn a lot about the cultural background of the place.

Covered with Liverpool 08 colour schemes, the airport's seven passenger transfer buses also contains four video screens playing a distinct short movie involving visual imagery from the bus wrap graphics.

The Liverpool Street Station in London will be closed from December 23 to January 1, as in this time period various construction projects are to be undertaken at that place. It will surely affect the arrivals who want to have the services of the Stansted Express which is being functioning among the station and Stansted Airport.

Within this time period the entire Stansted Express services from Stansted Airport will finish at Tottenham Hale, in order to permit interchange with the London Underground Victoria Line. Stansted Express trains to the airport will also begin from Tottenham Hale. So, the passengers should take care while visiting Stansted Airport and noticing the schedule of the train.

The tickets which will be bought by the customers in order to travel to Liverpool Street; will use these tickets in any of the special connecting bus service to Liverpool Street and the London Underground Victoria Line to Kings Cross St. Pancras. The buses will run between Tottenham Hale and Liverpool Street, when sometimes later the London Underground is not operating.

A building, which is Prince Charles favourite, will be converted into an ice rink for the festive season. The building, which is to be transformed into an ice rink, was re-opened by His Royal Highness previously this year after a 5 year, £23 million makeover which witnessed it incorporating a Heritage Centre, brought back to its former majesty, upgraded prison cells and courts open to the general public.

The 12 metre by 12 metre ice rink will accommodate up to fifty individuals at a time skate around the royal Great Hall inside the Grade 1 listed St George's Hall on Lime Street in Liverpool.

At the ice rink, skating enthusiasts will be accompanied by a variety of music. What's more, mulled wine and hot chocolate will be available-adding more to the festive mood.

With some final touches, the stunning new ECHO Arena of Liverpool is heading towards completion. The Capital of Culture opening extravaganza and the formal launch of the ECHO Arena are scheduled on 12th January 2008, when the world's media is expected to converge on the venue. This is the venue where visitors would be treated to world-class music show.

The decoration of two stars' dressing rooms is underway alongside a range of other facilities for entertainers. Staging, lighting, finalising of the menus for on-site catering are all under progress. The exterior landscaping and special paving around the ECHO arena and the Convention Centre are adding up grandeur to the complex.

Bob Prattey, chief executive, Arena and Convention Centre (ACC) observed, "We're tremendously excited by the prospect of opening and the team is working exceptionally hard to ensure everything is in place for a fantastic event."

Inviting passengers and visitors to the terminal, Liverpool airport has introduced a fossil finding guided tour. The guide leading the group leads through the main types of fossils visibly found in the limestone floor slabs alongside the terminal building, in addition to a Fossil Mystery tour around the terminal building.

Named as 'JLA Fossil Mystery Tour', the programme is created by a geologist from the Liverpool Geological Society. The programme is a wonderful opportunity to the visitors to know about the creatures that shared their period over 250 million years ago.

One of the Airport's spokesman observed, "It's fascinating to learn about the fossils in the limestone and to be able to now tell our passengers all about them. Some passengers aren't aware that the marks and patterns around the terminal are in fact fossils. The guide is also ideal for passengers wanting to the pass the time or for those who want to visit Liverpool Airport and explore the terminal in more detail."

A four star luxurious boutique, the Hard Days Night Hotel, located in the heart of Liverpool's 'Beatles Quarter', is not much away from the world famous Cavern Club, for which the reservations are open.

Reservations can be had either online by visiting Harddaysnighthotel.com, or by emailing to reservations@harddaysnighthotel.com.

The rooms will have special pieces of artwork by famous Beatles artist Shannon, beginning from £145.The amazing Grade II listed hotel will attribute 110 rooms, comprising luxury and deluxe rooms and two amazing penthouses - the specially designed Lennon & McCartney suites - the Lennon attributing a white grand piano.

Among tourism and businesses chiefs, Harnessing waterways of the northwest is a growing trend. A study which stated the canals and rivers in the city are healthy and are also attracting wildlife, has given a boost to the proposals to construct a waterside park along the banks of the River Irwell in Manchester.

According to British Waterways, a large number of reports of kingfishers, for example, are showing that the Manchester's eco-system has significantly enhanced. This could be landmark achievement, as it would be highly productive method for initiating green travel methods in major cities of UK, like Manchester and Liverpool.

A spokesman for British Waterways said, "Good populations of kingfishers--even in urban areas--show the important role waterways have in greening our towns and cities by providing wildlife corridors".

On 11th October 2007, Liverpool's Merseyside Maritime Museum is to host an event to debate on the reparations for the effects of the transatlantic slave trade, a highly controversial subject.

The person chairing the debate is no less than director of National Museums Liverpool, David Fleming. The debate is to discuss the damage that colonisation and slave trade have caused to Africa and the people of Africa.

The highlights of the event include presentations by Esther Stanford, a scholar active in jurisprudence and a community law educational practitioner consultant besides presentations by Dorothy Kuya, member of the International Slavery Museum council and trustee of National Museums Liverpool. 

With 2008 fast approaching, Liverpool is preparing itself to become the European Capital of Culture. To meet the increasing demands of tourism, Liverpool City Council is getting ready with a good number of additional new coach parking facilities all through the city. The list of streets where new facilities are planned includes Bankfield Street, Regents Road, Brownlow Hill, Upper Duke Street, and Walter Street. These parks would be of a great help to the visitors and tourist coming to this city-with increased number of people coming to city, it is almost imperative to have such parks to facilitate proper flow of traffic.

In addition, drop-off points are to be accommodated in Crosshall Street, Fontenoy Street, and William Brown Street. However, there are quite a many public controversies with respect to some of the coach parks planned. In this regard, the city council has called for several public consultations since August to address the opposing concerns besides speeding up the progress of coach parking facilities.

Different facilities across the city are under various stages of construction. In addition, there are several public consultations pending so far. Under such circumstances, the exact opening dates have not been announced till date. However, top circles have affirmed that the opening will take place sometime towards the end of 2007 or the beginning of 2008. The positive moves all around seem to contribute a great deal to see the city as European Capital of Culture next year.

Liverpool is expecting to become European Capital of Culture in 2008, so the plans are there to open new coach parking sites so that the city could convene the bigger tourism demand. Liverpool City Council is setting up to open a number of new coach parking services across the city to meet a growth in demand originating from improved tourism in the city of Liverpool. 

There are plans to design new sites for Bankfield Street, Brownlow Hill, Regents Road, Walter Street and Upper Duke Street and drop-off points are deliberated for Crosshall Street, William Brown Street and Fontenoy Street. These developments would ensure proper coach parking for the tourists and would facilitate a lot of ease for them.

The council has declared a number of public consultations to remove some public resistance to several of the planned coach parks, which had begun taking place in August, to attend that affect you and speed up the process of opening the sites. Overall, the planning is for the benefit of the tourists and it should give a new look to the city also.

In the annual Northwest Tourism Awards, the Blackpool Zoo has been nominated twice. The zoo is up for best visitor experience and best big tourist attraction of the year. This is a major boost for Blackpool tourism, and no wonder that visitors would allow the diverse attractions of the city to their heart's delight.

The nomination for the best visitor experience is for its creative 'Keeper of the Day' experience, providing an opportunity to the visitors to spend a day with one of the keeper teams of the zoo, which of course visitors love very much.

Other attractions that are nominated in Blackpool are: the George Bancroft Park, near Bloomfield Road and St Anne's Square are competing for the best public space award while the Grand Theatre has been nominated for best tourism website of the year.

Blackpool Airport being the centre of Low-cost airlines, declares to increase their services in its motivated growth plan. This declaration would be a direct boost for the low-cost airlines also, and it is possible that more flights are planned by the airlines from Blackpool Airport.

An increase of passenger traffic from 555,000 this year to 1.7 million by 2010, and 3.4 million by 2030, is indicated in the airport's master plan. A replacement terminal has been earmarked for construction in 2011 to accommodate the added passengers in the Airport.

Slashing of key routes from Blackpool this year (to London Stansted, Prague and Amsterdam) has not deterred Gareth Kennedy, the airport's commercial director who affirms that new routes are being followed. 

With unusual frightening offers and silly fun to help you make merry All Hallows Eve, be frightened senseless at Pleasure Beach, Blackpool this Halloween. At the Britain's popular tourist attraction, it is all treats and no tricks with a complete month of amazing fun for whole of the family.

The month of October is set to become Eerie October as Pleasure Beach is converted into a scare Halloween themed area with pumpkins on parade all over the park and ghoulish style characters round all the corners.

Experience the frightening groans of the Ghost Train, the thrills and a journey through the dark halls of Impossible and chills of Valhalla.