Two of the UK’s best-known tour operators were today reported to have held talks about creating a rival to market-leaders Tui and Thomas Cook.

Tour operator First Choice today blamed an outbreak of bird flu in Turkey for reducing demand for short-haul breaks this summer.

INTERNATIONAL cigarette maker Gallaher Group has maintained its market leader position in Ireland, this year, with a 49.1% share of the tobacco sector.

Tour operator First Choice posted record annual profits today despite a year that saw the travel industry hit by events including the Asian tsunami, Hurricane Katrina and terrorist attacks.

Tour operator First Choice today indicated that consumers were losing interest in traditional winter breaks after sales of its short-haul holidays fell.

Dan Buckley on how long-term neglect has eroded care for our vulnerable senior citizens.

Cormac O’Keeffe

Tour operator First Choice today reported a rapid recovery in sales of holidays following the Asian tsunami, which cost it more than £1m (€1.4m).

More than 3.2 million smuggled cigarettes were seized at Dublin Port today by customs officers.

Tour operator First Choice Holidays today announced record profits and said a shake-up of its business was bearing fruit.

UP to €20 million worth of cocaine may have been smuggled through Dublin Airport this year.

Tour operator First Choice Holidays approached its peak season in upbeat mood today after unveiling reduced losses for its quieter winter period.

Custom officers at Rosslare Harbour have today seized 500,000 cigarettes worth over €150,000.

CIGARETTES seized during a crackdown on a Real IRA smuggling operation would have been sold on the street for nearly more than €1m.