Head for Hawaii

TOUR America has launched a brochure for the Hawaiian islands, which underlines how the Irish are becoming more discerning.

The 60-page brochure features a range of top class accommodation, discounted airfares and stopovers in cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and New York.

There are seven and 14-night packages but the company can tailor-make holidays of any duration.

A week’s break in the classy resort of Waikiki Beach costs from €1,079 per person sharing. That includes return flights and seven nights in a three-star hotel. Add about €550 for an upgrade to four-star status.

The company specialises in 14-night Las Vegas and Hawaii holidays geared to honeymooners. The packages start from €5,500 per couple for four nights in a four-star Las Vegas hotel and another 10 in the luxurious Hilton Hawaiian Village resort in Waikiki Beach.

Check it out on www.touramerica.ie or go to www.touramericaweddings.ie.

JOE WALSH Tours continues to add to its exotic holiday packages. The company spreads its net for 2007 to the Maldives, Muscat, KwaZulu Natal in South Africa and Koh Chang in Thailand.

The Koh Chang option is particularly attractive for those who want something quiet and totally different in stunning rainforest and marine surroundings.

As always, the company also has offers many European destinations, which include the Makaraska Riviera, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Sicily, Rome and Prague.

Details at www.joewalshtours.ie.

FITZPATRICK Hotels in New York City, the city’s official marketing company and Delta Air Lines have joined up to launch packages for the Irish market.

It is hoped the “Shop while the Dollar drops” campaign will prompt more Irish to explore the variety of experiences available in the city during US holiday periods.

To tie in with the promotion, Fitzpatrick hotels, one the Grand Central and the other in Manhattan, either have undergone or will be going through a major renovation of rooms and all common areas.

All good travel agents should have details of what’s on offer. See www.fitzpatrickhotels.com for further information.

WHILE some airlines are cutting back on complimentary food and drink on flights, Bmi is moving in the opposite direction.

Early next month, the airline will offer all diamond club members a complimentary service and provide priority seating towards the front of the aircraft.

The move follows almost a year of consultation and feedback from both customers and staff. The main beneficiaries will, of course, be regular travellers, but at least it’s some compensation.

Diamond club membership is available to all customers. More details can be found at www.flybmi.com/frequentflyers.