New flights to Jamaica to go ahead

Airtours is reportedly set to begin operating flights between East Midlands Airport and Montego Bay in Jamaica.

The new direct flights will begin on July 18th 2007 and will operate for eight weeks, the Voice reports.

Elizabeth Fox, the regional director for the UK and northern Europe at the Jamaica Tourist Board, said: "These flights are a direct response to increased demand from the consumer for direct departures from regional airports."

Thomsonfly are also expected to offer a new service to the country from Birmingham International Airport next year.

In related news, the Telegraph recently reported that Virgin Atlantic is to increase the number of flights it operates to Jamaica.

The airline is expected to begin offering flights from Heathrow to Kingston.

Steve Ridgeway, chief executive at the airline, said he was "confident" that the company could significantly increase the size of the market.

• Observation wheel to open in Melbourne
• Travellers invited to Australia's cinematic destinations
• Tunarama Festival to attract visitors to Australia
• Paphos Airport gets off to good start
• US visitors reminded of Esta regulations
• FCO: Holidaymakers must plan for all eventualities
• New Zealand recognised for responsible tourism
• Air Berlin launches new flights from Stansted Airport
• Cape Town prepares for tourist influx
• Air New Zealand, Boeing confirm biofuel test flight