I.

London Olimpic Games

Fewer tourists visited Britain in July, 2012. Surprising statistics reveal that fewer overseas visitors made the trip to Britain in July. This is contrary to expectations of increased levels of visitors which prompted measures aimed at coping with the anticipated throngs. The actual figures show 3.18 million overseas tourists made the trip during that month, 180,000 fewer than in July, 2011. These revealing numbers were announced by the ONS (Office for National Statistics). Not only were there fewer visitors, but their total spend was also lower than the previous year, dropping by some 120 million for July 2012 compared to last year's figures.It is though there might have been a similar trend in August. A drop of 2% in the number of travellers passing through BAA-controlled airports in August was reported. Operators of tours to Britain had earlier revealed that higher hotel prices resulting from the expected rush had deterred many potential visitors from making the trip. It seems that few visitors came just for the Olympics or the Jubilee. Other Olympic cities have had similar experiences, especially those that are normally popular tourist destinations. In Beijing, for example hotel prices were inflated up to 10 times normal rates, which may have caused the dramatic 30% drop in tourist visits in 2008 which was experienced These figures represent a setback to recently announced British Government plans to attract 4.5 million more foreign visitors during the following four years. ONS figures reveal that the number of visitors in the first seven months of 2012 increased by 1% (approximately 180,000 visits), which translates to some 1.4 million more visitors in four years, so Government plans do seem quite bold. In contrast, the number of Britons who made overseas visits during July increased by approximately 10,000 to 5.75 million. However, their total spend abroad increased disproportionately by more than 220 million to 3.56 billion. It seems that the Olympic Games are not a drawcard which can utterly derail common sense and those cities which are to host them in the future should bear this in mind. Keeping prices within bounds may have much better overall results than allowing greed to predominate.

II.

Economy about to emerge from recession, David Cameron tells MPs. Britain's economy will formally emerge from recession with positive growth figures due today, David Cameron has signalled.

Hours before the publication of the official figures, the Prime Minister told MPs to expect good news about the economy. Mr Cameron is one of a small number of senior ministers and officials who have access to sensitive official statistics before they are released. Downing Street insisted the Prime Minister had not disclosed any market-sensitive information. But his comments, in the House of Commons, drew accusations that he had broken rules governing the way the Government can use its early access. The UK Statistics Authority said it would look into Labour claims that Mr Cameron had abused his pre-release access. City economists expect todays figures, from the Office for National Statistics, to show growth of around 0.7 per cent in the third quarter of this year. The last period of growth was the third quarter of 2011, after which the economy slipped back into recession

Mr Cameron appeared to confirm the return to growth in a Commons clash with Ed Miliband, the Labour leader. After highlighting recent positive economic statistics, the Prime Minister added: I can tell him, the good news will keep coming.

III.

The Guardian

The ONS pointed out that GDP growth the strongest rate since the third quarter of 2007 had been artificially boosted by two short-term factors: the Olympic Games, which fell in July and August, and the bounce-back from June's extra bank holiday for the Queen's diamond jubilee. All of the income from Olympics tickets was counted towards economic output in the third quarter, whenever it was spent, and the ONS believes ticket sales alone may have added 0.2% to GDP. It said it was "not possible to quantify" other effects, such as increased employment and a boost to creative industries.

IV.

36 Hours in Venice
By ONDINE COHANE Copyright by The New York Times Published: October 27, 2010

WITH its picture-perfect canals and waterside palazzi, Venice is a romantic idyll. No wonder 18 million tourists pile onto the floating city each year. But what is surprising is that the embattled residents still manage to carve out a hometown for themselves a pastiche of in-the-know restaurants, underground bars, quiet piazzas and calmer, outlying islands. And thats not counting all the cultural offerings that Venetians take full advantage of. The cool art scene now goes beyond the Biennale. And instead of sinking, architectural icons have re-emerged as new landmarks. A Weekend in Venice Friday 4 p.m. -1) MODERN INSTALLATION Venices artsy side is on display at the new Punta della Dogana (Dorsoduro 2; 39-041-523-1680; palazzograssi.it), the citys former customs house that was transformed into a museum to hold part of the sizable art collection of the luxury goods magnate Franois Pinault. Completed last year, it was designed by the Japanese architect Tadao Ando, who left the bones of the stunning landmark intact but created light and airy galleries for the heavyweight contemporary work. The view from the sidewalk is just as impressive, looking back onto the Grand Canal and across to Giudecca keep an eye out for Charles Rays sculpture Boy With Frog, his first outdoor installation. 8 p.m. -2) LAGOON TO TABLE Dismayed by the citys reputation for high prices and mediocre food, a consortium of restaurants formed Ristoranti della Buona Accoglienza (veneziaristoranti.it), or the Restaurants of Good Welcome, with a pledge to offer transparent pricing, full disclosure of ingredients and a commitment to culinary traditions. Among the outstanding members is Alle Testiere (Castello 5801; 39-041-522-7220; www.osterialletestiere.it), a nine-table establishment owned by a group of young Venetians that serves seasonal and local seafood like gnocchi with calamaretti and fresh grilled sea bass. Pair with a regional wine like Orto, a grassy white made in Sant Erasmo, an island in the Venetian Lagoon. Entrees run from 25 euros, or $34 at $1.36 to the euro, pastas from 19 ($26). Be sure to make a reservation. 10 p.m. -3) BAR SCENE New hotel bars have woken up the citys once-sleepy night life. Among the current hot spots is the PG, a restaurant and bar at the recently opened Palazzina Grassi (San Marco 3247; 39-041-528-4644; palazzinagrassi.it), a 16th-century palazzo that was transformed by Philippe Starck into a design hotel. Johnny Depp held court there when filming The Tourist, and a pop-up of Amy Saccos Bungalow 8

relocated to the lobby during the Venice Film Festival this year. Saturday 10 a.m. -4) MODERN NOOK Carlo Scarpa, the architectural godfather of Venetian modernists, is back in vogue. See why at the Fondazione Scientifica Querini Stampalia (Santa Maria Formosa Castello 5252; 39-041-271-1411; querinistampalia.it; 10 euros), where he transformed the garden and ground floor into a modernist haven in the early 1960s. Upstairs a quiet library is a great spot to read a newspaper with locals on the weekends or to see the painting Presentation of Jesus in the Temple by Giovanni Bellini, one of the citys underappreciated masterpieces. 11:30 a.m. -5) SET IN STONE In another example of the citys new artistic drive, the Ca Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art (Santa Croce 2076; 39-041-524-0695; museiciviciveneziani.it), housed in a white marble palazzo from Liverpool. The contrast between the 21st-century work and the Baroque interiors is striking, and a recently restored second-floor gallery showcases Mr. Craggs pieces alongside those of Rodin. Afterward take a walk on the winding streets behind the museum, a residential enclave away from the tourist fray. 1 p.m. -6) NOTHING FISHY Seafood doesnt get much fresher than at Pronto Pesce (Pescheria Rialto, San Polo 319; 39-041-8220298; prontopesce.it), a tiny street-front bar that sits next to the citys fish market. Specials change daily, but seafood couscous, tangy anchovies under olive oil and marinated mackerel make regular appearances, along with more substantial primi like gnocchi with squid ink. Glasses of house white or bottles like Brigaldaras Garda Garganega round out a delightful meal. Grab a stool and watch the market close up shop for the day. Appetizers from 1.50 euros, pastas from 15. 4 p.m. -7) HANDSOME ATELIERS Forget kitschy masks and imitation Murano glass. The streets radiating off bustling Campo Santo Stefano as far as the Grand Canal are lined with one-of-a-kind galleries and small boutiques. Galleria Marina Barovier (San Marco 3202; 39-041-523-6748; barovier.it; by appointment) carries hard-to-find vintage glass pieces and items by contemporary artists that end up in museum collections. Chiarastella Cattana (San Marco 3357; 39-041-522-4369) makes tablecloths, cushion covers and duvets from luscious fabrics of her own design. Nearby, Cristina Linassi (San Marco 3537; 39-041-523-0578; cristinalinassi.it) has silk lingerie and gossamer nighties that look straight out of Sophia Lorens closet circa 1950. 7 p.m. -8) CICCHETTI CIRCUIT The debate over the citys best cicchetti, or old-style tapas, is as fiery for Venetians as is politics or religion. The good news is you dont have to choose just one. A tour might start at the bar of Trattoria da Fiori (San Marco 3461; 39-041-523-5310), where artists and residents nibble on polpette di carne (meatballs) and sip glasses of tocai. At the sleeker Naranzaria (San Polo 130; 39-041-724-1035; naranzaria.it), try the light spinach pie with a glass of wine (many of the wines offered come from the owner Count Brandolinis own vineyards). Nearby, Cantina do Mori (San Polo 429; 39-041-522-5401) is an atmospheric old-school spot that attracts a well-heeled crowd. And Al Merca (San Polo 213; 39-346834-0660) is the preferred choice for a Venetian spritz prosecco, Aperol or Campari, sparkling water and a slice of lemon or orange. Cicchetti rarely exceed 2 euros a piece. 10 p.m. -9) PARTY AL FRESCO After dinner, the large Campo Santa Margherita becomes the citys meeting point where students grab a spritz or beer at Il Caff (Campo Santa Margherita 2963; 39-041-528-7998), and an older, fashionable

crowd meets at Osteria alla Bifora (Dorsoduro 2930; 39-041-523-6119). On warm nights the piazza becomes one big multigenerational party. Sunday 10 a.m. -10) ITALIAN DOUGH Join residents at Pasticceria Tonolo (Dorsoduro 3764, Calle San Pantalon; 39-041-523-7209) for the cream-filled fresh doughnuts known as krapfen. You may have to jostle Italian-style for the beloved pastry (1 euro) that sells out by noon, but its worth the wait. 1 p.m. -11) ISLAND IDYLL If youre planning a spring trip, do as the Venetians do and head to the outlying islands that dot the lagoon. Among the gems is Mazzorbo and its six-room inn and restaurant, Venissa (Fondamente di Santa Caterina, 3; 39-041-527-2281; venissa.it), which is open from March to November. Opened this year by Bisol, an Italian prosecco company, the resort has given new life to a walled vineyard dating from the 1800s. Paola Budel, the chef, who used to run the restaurant at Milans Principe di Savoia, serves fish from the lagoon and upper Adriatic, vegetables from the restaurants own orchard or adjacent islands; and wines from the nearby regions of Friuli, Veneto and Trentino. Recent dishes included figs from a nearby tree and snapper caught in the lagoon that morning. Lunch, about 70 euros. Afterward wander the main pathway along the waterfront, where a bridge connects to the more-visited island of Burano, with its vibrant pastel-colored buildings. The two islands capture what Venetians know well: you can escape the crowds in the blink of an eye if you are willing to cross the water. IF YOU GO Delta and Alitalia are among the airlines that fly to Venice from New York, from $663 in November. You can make your way around town by foot or vaporetto. Opened in 2007 near the Rialto Bridge, Ca Sagredo (4198 Campo Santa Sofia; 39-041-241-3111; casagredohotel.com) is housed in a restored 15th-century palazzo, with 42 luxurious rooms starting at 300 euros, $408 at $1.36 to the euro. The Novecento (San Marco 2683; 39-041-241-3765; novecento.biz) in San Marco has nine small rooms but also a fine staff, a charming garden and an excellent breakfast thats included in the price; from 160 euros. Outside the main islands fray, the new Venissa (Fondamente di Santa Caterina, 3; 39-041-5272281; venissa.it) on Mazzorbo has six nicely furnished rooms and makes a great base for exploring the lagoon. It closes Nov. 7 for the season but will continue taking reservations for spring. Rooms from 110 euros.

V.

THOMAS COOK

Fondatore della prima agenzia di viaggio, la Thomas Cook and Son (divenuta poi Thomas Cook Group), considerato l'inventore del turismo moderno.Divenuto ministro battista, nel 1828, era un membro della Societ della Temperanza, che combattevano l'alcolismo e il consumo di alcool. Il 5 luglio 1841, sfruttando le nuove possibilit offerte dal treno, organizz un viaggio di 11 miglia da Leicester a Loughborough, a cui parteciparono 570 persone, membri della Societ della temperanza, al costo di uno scellino a testa. Tale costo comprendeva il biglietto del treno e il pasto della giornata: era nato il viaggio organizzato. Il successo di questa prima iniziativa fu tale da spingere lo stesso Cook ad organizzare pacchetti e prodotti turistici sempre pi articolati, dando inizio all'industria turistica modernamente intesa. Nel 1845 organizz dei viaggi a Liverpool, successivamente organizza viaggi in occasione di importanti manifestazioni, come lEsposizione Universale di Parigi o sui luoghi della Guerra civile americana. Nel 1855 organizza il primo viaggio organizzato attraverso l'Europa, un tour che

comprendeva Bruxelles, Colonia, Heidelberg, Baden-Baden, Strasburgo eParigi. Nel 1868, crea i primi coupon d'htel. Nel 1869 la volta della prima crociera sul Nilo.Nel 1874 crea i traveller's cheque.Nel 1888, la compagnia ha ormai uffici in tutto il mondo (Stati Uniti, Medio Oriente, Australia, etc.), e emette pi di 3.25 milioni di ticket di viaggio. L'impresa turistica Thomas Cook and Son rester di propriet della famiglia Cook fino al 1928.

VI.

Hobbit tourism to attract visitors

New Zealand has been world-renowned as the site where parts of J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle Earth had become a reality, with its verdant grassland plains and forests giving the literary masterpiece a majestic portrayal as seen in the Lord of the Rings. Now, as the anticipated second Trilogy is about to unfold, tour operators are frantically preparing for another bonanza. Last year New Zealand being the World Rugby Cup's host nation was a long way from the realization of a "stadium of four million", as envisioned by organizers. This year, the big event deviates from the usual hairy feet, with the opening of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" due in few weeks. Last week, the countdown for film adaptation of "The Hobbit" had begun, ten years after the huge global success of the movie trilogy of "Lord of the Rings". As if to emphasize the earnestness of this, the Mayor of Wellington, Celia Wade-Brown, uncovered a clock with epic proportions, with an image of Bilbo Baggins (portrayed by Martin Freeman), which has the sole purpose of informing everyone the minutes remaining before the anticipated movie's premiere on 28 November. The Embassy Theatre has been chosen as the cinema that would host the screening, and on the day of the premiere, a host of stars (most probably led by Freeman) will be at Wellington, walking the prestigious 500m Courtney Place red carpet. This had been done last in 2003, in "The Return of the King", which is the final installment of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. There had been more than 120,000 people who had arrived and watched this parade. Now, with The Hobbit's premiere at hand, the organizers are expecting a similar (if not better) turnout. 100% Pure New Zealand", will become "100% Middle-Earth", and even Wellington will be known, as the "Middle of Middle-Earth", as stated by Wade Brown. Even though Tolkien had made his Middle-Earth in Oxfordshire in the late 30's, the cinematic Middle-Earth, as had been proven in the past decade, was hard to ignore. Last week, New Zealand had released stamps and coins in commemoration of this glorious event, with the images of Freeman as Bilbo and Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf. Each coin will have a value of NZ$30 (L15) while $10 coins in a set of three are retailed at about $11,000 (L6,000). As the Hobbit will surely be a big hit, the tourism companies whose specialties are primarily the Lord of the Rings locations in New Zealand, are expecting big business, since its peak at 2005 is a testament that the steady tourism will once again have a growth spurt with the advent of The Hobbit. The Hobbiton Set and Farm tours will most certainly have the highest tourism boost, being the primary filming site of Jackson's movie adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic novels. Located in the peaceful town of Matamata, in the rural areas in the North Island Waikato region, this tourist destination is nestled in vastly undulating hills and enjoys an estimated visitor number of 20,000 tourists annually. This number is expected to double, at least, by the end of the year.