Tourism and Hotel Industry Representatives Say No to Proposed "Bed Tax"

Current plans to introduce a “Bed Tax” have been roundly criticized by the hotel and tourism industry. The plan is being proposed as part of a national Government tax review of local government funding and would see a 10% tax surcharge being levied per night on top of the already existing 17.5% VAT.

The plan follows on from a report last year for the Association of London Government, which represents 32 boroughs, which described the tax as, "an ideal minor tax in that it relates to a group that imposes clear costs on authorities but which presently contributes nothing directly towards those costs".

The current proposals, as they stand, could raise the cost of a short UK break by up to £100 for the average family. While the UK is already, throughout Europe, second only to Denmark in the severity of its taxation levels for tourism, the newly proposed tax would put Britain firmly above the Danes making it the highest taxed holiday destination in the EU, nearly three times the European average.

The idea which is presently under consideration by Sir Michael Lyons, who is tasked to review the plans for future local government financing, however the Liberal Democrats warned that implementing such a move could be "disastrous" for the entire £12bn UK tourism sector.

Liberal Democrat culture spokesman Don Foster told the BBC, "When you think that VAT on tourist-related activities in this country is 17.5 per cent, whereas in the rest of Europe it is 8.5 per cent and in countries like France 5.5 per cent, these tourists use services, but they are certainly already paying for them."

Industry news publisher Caterer and Hotelkeeper has been joined by the UK hotel big hitter, Travelodge, along with the British Hospitality Association (BHA) and the Tourism Alliance (an umbrella group of 45 trade associations), to formally lobby against the plans. Another hotel industry heavyweight, Hilton, spokeswoman said the company strongly supported the BHA's efforts.

While Travelodge has set up its own online petition, the deputy chief executive of the BHA, Martin Couchman, said the organisation encouraged its members to lobby independently, a message which online UK hotel directory [http://www.superbreak.com/info/saynotobedtax.htm] Superbreak has taken to heart, with its own petition, in an ongoing campaign to bring prices down.

A recent Travelodge survey of 2,000 UK consumers, revealed that 85% already believe UK hotels are too expensive, a perception that will only be exacerbated by a 10% price hike. Current predictions by the tourist industry indicate the impact of the tax could lead to the possible loss of up to £1.3bn and 32,000 jobs if the tax were to be introduced.

Don Foster commented, "We have got a problem and anything like a bed tax that would put people off from coming to this country would be a real disaster."

Enjoy The Best Of Australia's Great Outdoors With An Apollo Bay Accommodation

Australia is known for being blessed with the best of nature's gifts: sunny weather, breathtaking views, pristine beaches, majestic rain forests, and a rich collection of flora and fauna not found anywhere else in the world. If you're gearing up for an Australian trip-regardless of whether it's a weekend driving visit or a full-blown vacation-make sure that you get the chance to choose Apollo Bay along the Great Ocean Road as one of your primary destinations.

The Great Ocean Road is called one of the best Aussie views by countless travel magazines and tourism guides and can impress both the first-time tourist and the seasoned wanderer. This 243-kilometre stretch is a road as much as a destination; the trip along the way is a reward in itself as it can already offer you an abundance of beautiful sights and experiences (as well as photo opportunities). There are various establishments, famed landmarks, stopovers and nature tours that you can choose along this historic Victorian road. And to get the most out of them, travel experts suggest getting the right Apollo Bay accommodation for you and your travel buddies.

Making Apollo Bay as your main base for the trip is highly recommended because it is located midway along the Great Ocean Road. This means you can already have your fill of the most must-see attractions while you're on the way, and be right in the centre of action once you arrive. Apollo Bay boasts attractions and activities that can suit every travel plan and budget. You can go on a nature walk in its lush forests, interact with penguins and whales, and enjoy magnificent sumptuous wines and food in a stylish restaurant or cafe - all within the same day, and still be well rested enough for more activities on the next day.

When you choose the right establishment in Apollo Bay for your Great Ocean Road accommodation, a select line-up of interesting attractions will be right at your doorstep. You can go on a nature lovers' tour, with river and beach views, rainforest adventures, and valley hikes as the highlights of your trip. You can simply take it easy and enjoy picnics on the beach, therapeutic massages in your room, and lazing on the beach. You can shop at the much-loved Saturday market or enjoy the culinary offerings of the region. You can do all of the above-everything's just a walk or short drive away.

Best Hotels in France - Making Your Visit to France Memorable!

If you want to plan a travel trip to a place which is splendorous yet modern, where a walk on the white sand shores of tranquil beaches is all you need to experience the heaven, picturesque scenery will overtake all your motions and beautiful nature's images will win your heart- then we bet you must visit France. Touted as the most popular tourist country, a trip to France is a joyride that takes you through magnificent scenery, spectacular beaches, architectural masterpieces, museums, shopping malls, lush gardens and accommodation in the best hotels in France. To garner info on the best hotels in France we have come up with France's premium hotels that guarantees world-class accommodation-

Relais De Margaux
Margaux, France

With total 100 rooms, Relais De Margaux is a deluxe hotel with swimming pool, tennis court, and volley-ball pitch. An array of food types delight taste buds of the food-lovers. This is one of the best hotels in France which provides meeting rooms and banquet halls to its business travelers to organize corporate functions. For the food gourmets, Relais de Margaux offers gastronomical delights in its two restaurants- The "Ile Vincent" situated in the old part of the building and "Brasserie du Lac" in a very classy style.

Relais de Margaux
Aix En Provence, France

Relais de Margaux, was built in the 18th century and remodeled in 1992. It offers total 22 well-decorated rooms. Guests can luxuriate and satisfy their palate by savoring traditional Provencal cuisine and finest wines in the restaurant. There's a lot of action in store for the golf lovers and art aficionados.
Hotel Juana

Juan Les Pins, Riviera, France

The Hotel Juana in France is located in the resort of Juan-les-Pins near Cap d'Antibes and infuses the traditional luxury and historic architecture with a fashionable modern sensibility and spectacular seaside location. The hotel is set amidst the pine tree-shaded property near the private beach of Belles Rives which is an Art Deco classic dating back to 1931. Hotel Juana interiors have artistic grandeur of 1930s with clean and modern finishing touches. The Art Deco chic look in the hotel's 40 refurbished guest rooms offers private terraces overlooking the sea and pine groves. Hotel's standard features include fine linen fabrics, Internet connectivity, Jacuzzis, hot/water bathroom, air conditioned rooms etc.

Sofitel Trocadero Dokhan's
Paris, France

The sumptuous Sofitel Trocadero offers accommodation in its immaculate 45 rooms (4 suites) making it a unique hotel. The location of this hotel offers a wide range of recreational activities. With its state-of-he-art conference hall, this luxury hotel is an ideal place for a business trip stay in Paris. Hotel's Le Dokhan's is the only champagne bar for the visitors to try best champagnes and wines. Rooms have high speed Internet connectivity and wi-fi connection.

Hotel La Perouse
Nice, France

There are total 58 rooms including 4 suites in Hotel La Perouse. A few days stay in this hotel will give you a feel of a private residence. The hotel is located below the chateau and just a short walk from the Old Nice. It overlooks the magical setting of Mediterranean which is a perfect retreat away from the city life. The tastefully renovated rooms offer sophisticated and relaxed ambiance, refined interior design and contemporary comfort to slough off the weariness of its guests. The delicacies of French cuisine on the terrace and round-the-clock bar service near by the cool and refreshing waters of the pool offers a discreet and relaxing atmosphere. Hotel's amenities include fitness center, tennis courts and visitors can partake in activities like jogging and running, hiking, boating and beach

Laguna Beach Hotels, Beaches, and Restaurants - Hidden Treasures Along the Coast

Tucked along the coast halfway between San Diego and L.A. you'll find the incredible seaside town of Laguna Beach, California. Forget what you may have seen on television... being here to feel the ocean breeze, hear the waves crashing on the shore, and tasting just a hint of salt in the coastal air is immeasurably better. From the moment that you arrive your senses will be inundated with the experience. At first glance, the stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean may be so overwhelming that they are all you may notice.

As you acclimate yourself to these amazing views, you'll soon find incredible cuisine, fantastic shopping, local flavored nightlife, and virtually every kind of activity that you could desire! Laguna Beach restaurants range from decadent 5-star cuisine, to unique local fare, to local taco stands, with entree prices to fit all budgets. If you love shopping, you'll find countless shops, art galleries, and boutiques located in the historical downtown area directly across from scenic Main Beach. You could spend days simply wandering through these shops, admiring the work of local and international artists, and you'll always find some new eclectic style of clothing, jewelery, or artwork that is exclusively found in Laguna. Surprisingly this little town boasts several popular nightspots, and is abundant with bands playing live music, even during midweek visits. For the physically adventurous, you can hike or mountain-bike endless challenging hilltop trails, surf seven miles of coastline, scuba or snorkel protected marine reserves, kayak along the shore, and play a myriad of sports on the sandy beaches!

This seaside town is truly paradise, and accommodations can be just as diverse as everything else in this town- so whether you are looking to splurge on a 4-day "Surrender Treatment" at the luxurious Spa Montage, or you are planning a more cost-effective hit-and-run visit, to enjoy the incredible surroundings and still not break the bank- there are many low-priced Laguna Beach hotel options available!

If luxury is all that matters, and price is not a factor- consider The Montage Resort or The Surf and Sand Hotel. These particular hotels focus on making your stay exquisite and each of these properties performs very well at exceeding expectations! However, for many of us price does matter, and if you are looking for inexpensive hotels in Laguna Beach, then you'll likely be very pleased with The Art Hotel, Laguna Reef, or the Hotel Laguna Beach! These low-priced Laguna Beach Hotels are conveniently located within walking distance of North Laguna beaches, trails, shops, galleries, and restaurants! By understanding your own preference for price range and arranging accommodations that fit your desire, you can eliminate unnecessary stress from your stay and fully immerse yourself in the fabulous town of Laguna Beach!

If you only have time to visit one town on the California coast... choose the incredibly beautiful town of Laguna Beach!

Orlando Vacation Deals - How to Find Discounts and Bargains Online

Even though airfare to Orlando is usually inexpensive, accommodation and entertainment can be costly. The main reason many people go to Orlando is to visit theme parks such as Universal Studios and Disney World. And, of course, admissions to these parks can cost a lot of money---especially for those who bring their entire family along. If you're planning a family vacation, you need to look for some affordable Orlando vacation deals.

One way you can find discounts is by searching the internet for promotional codes. Many travel websites offer codes that can be used for saving money on airfare or accommodations. Think of them as internet coupons that can be redeemed just like regular coupons, except that you must enter a code into the booking form. The discount should automatically be applied to your total when booking your vacation.

Since it's impossible to search for Orlando vacation deals nonstop, you can sign up for mailing lists and newsletters to receive all the latest bargains. Sometimes the airlines, hotels, and amusement parks themselves send out notifications whenever they're getting ready to have a sale. These are mailing lists you definitely need to join, so that you'll be one of the first consumers to know whenever ticket prices are going to be lowered.

There's no rule that states you have to buy theme park admissions directly from the park itself. You don't have to buy Disney World tickets directly from Disney World. Visit other travel related or Disney websites to find Orlando vacation deals. You can also check out classified sites, but be careful not to fall for any scams. Only buy from verified sources that can be trusted. Do a background check on sellers and websites to ensure that they're legitimate distributors.

Check out some current Orlando vacation deals to see if they're within your budget. Check online daily to see if the prices drop any. Whether you want to just get away for a few days or take your entire family to Disney World, you can find Orlando vacation deals for cheap online.

Relaxing Atmosphere, Convenient Services and Great Accommodations at Pacific Breeze Hotel in Angeles

One way to top off your vacation in Angeles City is to check in a nice and relaxing hotel. Fortunately, the Pacific Breeze Hotel answers directly to your hotel and accommodation needs. This hotel is ideal for those who want to experience fine accommodations at reasonable prices. It provides the services expected from a three-star hotel, and perhaps even more.

Hotel amenities in the Pacific Breeze Hotel are adequate to cater for your convenience and comfort. There is an in-house swimming pool with a Jacuzzi and an in-house restaurant that serves international cuisine. The hotel also provides travel arrangements and local transport with its onsite travel agency. For your business needs, there is a laptop rental and a free wireless Internet access at the hotel's restaurant. Other services include laundry service, foreign exchange and twenty-four hour room service.

Each of the rooms in the Pacific Breeze Hotel is designed to suit the needs of your modern comfort. All rooms are fully air-conditioned and contain cable TV, high-speed internet access, direct-dial telephone, safety deposit box, private bathroom and DVD Player.

Rooms are classified into Deluxe, Executive, Premier Jacuzzi, Grand Jacuzzi, Poolside Jacuzzi and Admiral's Suite. Deluxe Rooms in the Pacific Breeze Hotel are equivalent to the standard rooms. The Executive Rooms are spacious and can contain more than two persons. Executive Rooms also contain a refrigerator and a breakfast table with two chairs. The Premier Jacuzzi Rooms are larger than the Executive Rooms, except that the former contain a spacious Jacuzzi. The Grand Jacuzzi Rooms are much larger and contain a private balcony. The Poolside Jacuzzi Rooms are located right beside the swimming pool with a private balcony as well. The Admiral's Suite is the hotel premier room, with a very spacious area and additional features. Deluxe Rooms start at US$48 per night, Executive Rooms at US$57, Premier Jacuzzi Rooms at $75, Poolside Jacuzzi Rooms and Grand Jacuzzi Rooms both at US$85, and the Admiral's Suite at US$105 per night.

Located at the center of Angeles' entertainment and commercial districts, the Pacific Breeze Hotel is within walking distance to various dining options. With a chain of restaurants nearby, the hotel guests are sure to have a wide variety of choices. Also within walking distance is the SM Clark, a premier shopping mall that retails personal, specialty and luxury items for your needs.