Cyprus deals take flight

THE island of Cyprus has taken on such importance for Irish travel company Concorde that they have released a new dedicated brochure featuring a full range of products.

Concorde will sell flights only, packages in self-catering apartments, three to five star hotels and they also offer wedding and golf packages. Prices start from €499 per person including tax for three-star, self-catering apartments. Flights operate weekly from Dublin between May 2 and October 24. Those who book and pay in full early will receive €100 per person discounts. Visit www.concordetravel.ie or phone [phone] for details.

- LIMERICK and the Shannon region will host dozens of high-profile events this year in a bid to keep the tourism industry in the area ticking over in the current economic gloom.

The action starts with a Kate O’Brien Literary weekend this month and later featured events include the Great Limerick Marathon and Riverfest over the May Bank Holiday weekend, the high-profile rugby international between Ireland and the Barbarians at Thomond Park in June, the Special Olympics Ireland games and the Pink Concert in the same month. For full details of what’s going down visit www.DiscoverIreland.ie/ShannonRegion; alternatively, check out www.ShortBreaksIreland.ie for accommodation options.

- BRITISH Airways is giving passengers from Ireland the chance to travel in style on winter breaks with reductions with reductions of over 30% on premium seats to worldwide destinations.

The launch of their latest seat sale, which will continue until February 16 , offers savings on First Class and Club World cabins to many destinations across the globe. First fares are reduced by up to 32% with flights to Hong Kong for €4,592, San Francisco and Los Angeles for €4,571 and Buenos Aires for €4,708 as an example. All fares are return journeys from Dublin and include taxes, charges and fees. Bookings can be made at www.ba.com or through a travel agent.

- THE franchise agreement between Aer Lingus and Aer Arann will boost passenger numbers at Cork with the introduction of a second service to Scotland, this time to Glasgow with six return services each week, every day except Tuesdays.

Under the new franchise agreement, Aer Arann will also operate seasonal services from Cork to Jersey in the Channel Islands and La Rochelle in France, Edinburgh, Bristol and Cardiff. Further information and booking details are available at www.aerlingus.com

- THE summer edition of Holiday Magazine, Ireland’s leading consumer travel guide since 1983, is now on sale, with the emphasis this year on affordable holidays at home and abroad. The production retails at €2 and includes features on Las Vegas, Budapest and, for football fans who might be headed for the World Cup, an in-depth presentation on South Africa.