Tourists should stick with the larger companies when hiring a car in Europe, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has advised.

Although local car hire firms are often perfectly reputable, “you won’t necessarily know about your lack of cover”.

Car insurance automatically extends across the EU, but drivers are advised to check what they are actually covered for.

Research by Zurich revealed that 43 per cent of British motorists do not check there insurance cover abroad, while more than half do not inform their insurer when they go.

According to a spokesperson for the ABI, it is unusual for your own policy to cover car hire abroad, which makes checking cover in other European countries all the more important.

“If you arranged a hire with a local hire car company, they’d be perfectly reputable but you won’t necessarily know anything about your lack of cover,” he said.

“It’s always sensible to go to one of the big dealers - the Avis or the Hertz of this world. They all have a network of reputable associates and offices in most European countries.”

Research by Easycar showed that France is the most popular driving location for Britons, followed closely by other European destinations such as Spain, Italy, Greece and Portugal.

Thailand’s tourism officials are anticipating another impressive head count in 2008 as travellers flock to its harmonic blend of budget and luxury holidays.

Government-backed expansion plans in the country dubbed the Land of Smiles, are set to see an 8.3 per cent increase in tourist arrivals, taking the tally to 15.7 million foreign visitors in 2008.

Tourism and sports minister Weerasak Kowsurat, explained that 2008-09 will be the year of “investment and tourism”, underlining the government’s high-hopes of adding to the wealth of luxury hotels and luxury villas on offer in popular destinations such as Phuket, Bangkok, Koh Chang and Koh Samui.

Director of Investments Worldwide, Darran McDermott, commented on the secret to Thailand’s success at a recent beach resort promotion.

He said: “Thailand offers all the ingredients for a perfect holiday from scenery to beaches, weather to cuisine and a friendly native population for whom hospitality comes naturally.”

Barcelona is likely to be a popular holiday destination over the Easter break, according to Thomas Cook.

According to a spokesperson for the travel agent, people tend to take advantage of the extra days of holiday and “head off for a three or four day city break”.

She said: “Families take advantage of the kids being off and jet off for early summer sun and long-haul appeals as these are the destinations where you are guaranteed good weather.”

“Traditional city breaks to Paris, Rome, Barcelona and Venice are always popular over Easter,” she added.

According to Travel Counsellors, the average spent on a holiday in Easter 2007 increased nearly £1,000 compared to the previous year to £2,376.

The city’s luxury hotels such as the Relais & Chateaux and the Casanova hotel will no doubt be popular, so travellers are advised to book early to ensure they secure the dates they’re after.

A recent poll published on TravelMole named Barcelona among the popular city destinations UK holidaymakers would revisit because of its sentimental connection with their past.

Some 499 South African hoteliers and tourism business owners are competing for R600,000 (around £40,000) in marketing exposure.

To ensure South Africa’s Tourism Industry gets off to a flying start in the run up to the nation’s hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup vacations, this year’s Welcome Awards 2008 have a special significance.

Commenting on the importance of these awards, which are set to take place at the Tourism Indaba in May 2008, the South African Tourism (SAT) country manager Sindile Xulu underlined the commitment to “enhance our visitor experience”.

He told BuaNews: “This year’s Awards entries have proved to be extremely successful as evidenced by the 49 tourist attractions nominated by the public and by 302 on-line nominations.”

Previous accommodation category winners include Cape Town’s small, but luxury hotel Cape Grace in 2006 and Tumie’s Bed & Breakfast in 2007.

Although applications for entry are closed for this year’s event, a shortlist of candidates from which 26 finalists will be selected will be announced in mid-April 2008.

The Blackfriars’ quarter of Gloucester in the UK has been earmarked for redevelopments that could see it turned into a cultural centre for the area.

But tourists could also be treated to rejuvenated hotel accommodation too, with the Fleece Hotel set to be provided with a new lease of life and redeveloped into a backpacking hostel.

The south west Regional Development Agency (RDA) has announced that it is to begin investigating the possibility of using the hotel as a base for arts and crafts businesses as well.

According to Gloucestershire development manager Alison Hatcher, there are plenty of “exiting opportunities” to make the city a more “attractive destination” to take a holiday or develop business.

“We want to make sure we decide on the best mix of uses to both make the city a more attractive place for people to live and visit, and to unlock the business potential of its creative and cultural industries.”

The Fleece Hotel itself is not without its own tourist charm, originally used to house pilgrims visiting the tomb of Edward II when it was constructed around 1500.

The Czech Republic capital of Prague is inundated with luxury hotels, according to Pavel Hlinka, director of the Association of Hotels and Restaurants.

However, there is still room for more competition and plenty of profit to be made for those that can provide the quality, he told the Prague Daily Monitor.

According to 2005 Eurostat figures, Prague is the 12th richest region in the EU, ensuring that there is a market for luxury hotels and holidays to with the potential for growth.

Daniel Tacha, editor-in-chief of Czech Business Weekly, told Radio Praha: “There are opportunities especially in tourism, and you can also see huge growth in the construction industry and of course in other services.

“People in Prague have the highest wages,” he added.

Underlining Prague’s position as the Czech Republic’s centre of tourism, it is set to host the country’s largest tourism exhibition Holiday World, which opens on February 14th and lasts for four days.

Bahrain is poised to expand its tourism industry once more with a marketing showcase of Reef Island set to take place in March, it has been revealed.

Buyers interested in taking a closer look at the islands’ landscape and its new architecture, including 49 beachfront luxury villas and a 250-room five-star luxury hotel, will get the chance using a reduced-to-scale replica of the island.

Project manager Waleed Hayek indicated that the marketing tent model provides a “remarkable” experience of Reef Island, which is located off the north coast of Manama.

“The Bahraini real estate sector is noticeably booming and a new era is developing as Bahrain is becoming more prominent on the regional and international fronts,” he told Gulf Daily News.

Despite its relatively small size, Bahrain authorities have estimated that the tourism market will generate around US$10 billion (ten per cent) of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2014.

According to reports from MenaFN.com Bahrain’s 700 hotels and tourism businesses are set for a “major surge” in foreign investment to bring the industry in line with international standards.

India has been ranked as the number one travel destination in the world in Conde Nast Traveller UK 2007 Reader’s Travel Awards.

But while achieving tourisms equivalent of the Oscar Award for destination, the best hotel top spot was achieved by Las Vegas’ Grandiose luxury hotel the Bellagio.

The famous fountain-fronted casino hotel was rewarded for providing the highest quality luxury vacations and holidays across three categories - standards of accommodation, location and service.

Magazine Editor Sarah Miller commented that this year saw the leisure hotel’s category expand into five regions, with each hotel judged according to ten criteria.

“To be chosen for this honour by people who extensively travel the world affirms Las Vegas’ rise to prominence on the world travel scene,” she added.

Meanwhile, India’s tourism officials will no doubt be celebrating their impressive leap from fourth place last year.

Other hotels that made the top 20 list include the Las Ventanas Al Paraiso in Mexico, the Wickaninnish Inn in Canada and the Le Sport in St Lucia.

One brave hotel chain has decided to go smoke free at more than 300 of its hotels across two continents, it has been revealed.

Resorts owned by Sheraton Hotel Brands throughout the US, Canada and the Caribbean undertake a major cleaning and treatment procedure in preparation for the new ban.

Hoyt Harper II, senior vice president for the brand, explained that it is hoped the move will provide a healthy, comfortable and welcoming environment for its guests.

“We are committed to the health and quality of life of our guests and associates and that includes providing a clean, smoke-free environment,” he said.

“Our core customers are road warriors who we know endure a rigorous travel schedule.”

France is one of the most recent countries to have banned smoking in public places, which came into force on January 2nd 2008.

Meanwhile, when the ban came into force in the UK last summer, the effects were widespread as many bars and clubs initially saw profits fall.

Tough financial conditions on the domestic front across the UK have failed to deter the resilient British holiday-goer from escaping the unpredictable weather, it has been revealed.

According to Richard Cope of research company Mintel, 41 per cent of people claimed that Britain’s inconsistent weather keeps them travelling overseas for their holidays.

He told the Guardian: “‘Holidays are increasingly seen as a necessity rather than a luxury, and people want to ensure they will get the break they need.”

A recent poll by alpharooms.com underlined this trend, with 56 per cent of Britons indicating that they would prefer to getaway somewhere such as a luxury hotel this Valentines Day.

The survey revealed that men were most likely to opt for a beach holiday, with women preferring a city break as their preferred destination of choice.