Rome tops romantic holiday hotspots

A new survey has revealed that men rate Rome as being the best destination for a romantic break.

The poll by British Airways showed that a quarter of UK males would prefer to take their loved one to the Italian capital rather than traditional romantic hotspots including France.

Perhaps surprisingly, the research also showed that men are making more of an effort to up the romance within their relationships, with twice as many males as females admitting to springing a surprise break on their other half.

"More and more British travellers are choosing Italy as a holiday destination for various reasons: ease of travel to the country, the extraordinary combination of artistic and natural beauty, and the unique Italian lifestyle and charm," commented Umberto Paolucci, president of the Italian Tourist Board.

In addition, men were found to be primarily motivated by shopping when choosing to take a flight overseas, rather than for sporting events or stag parties.

A recent survey by flight information provider Streamthru.com revealed that 33.5 million British holidaymakers are set to shell out on duty-free goods at airports before jetting off on their summer holiday this year.

• British Airways boss underlines Heathrow Airport importance
• Emirates completes move to new terminal in Dubai
• United Airlines to resume flights from London to Denver
• British Airways strikes inflight entertainment deal
• Tunarama Festival to attract visitors to Australia
• Paphos Airport gets off to good start
• British Airways fliers to "breeze" through JFK
• Winter season underway in Austria
• Ski slopes opening in Alberta
• Air Berlin launches new flights from Stansted Airport