As the first and one of only two cities in the US designated a UNESCO World City of Gastronomy, Tucson has a rich and diverse culinary scene. It is a destination for every foodie's bucket list.  Visit for a taste of Tucson, to discover its heritage, local ingredients, local producers and award-winning chefs. Tucson was designated a UNESCO World City of Gastronomy in 2015 due to its culinary legacy, built on years of agricultural history encompassing distinct Mexican and native traditions. Mission Garden is nicknamed the birthplace of Tucson, where the ancient Hohokam Indians channelled the Santa Cruz riverbed to grow indigenous crops around 5000 years ago. Today, this living agricultural museum showcases the influences each culture had. This includes the Hohokam, Tohono O'odham, Spanish, Mexican, and Chinese. The Farm to Table Scene supports farmers and ranchers who form the backbone of Tucson's agricultural legacy. Chefs are carrying this tradition forward by tweaking recipes using indigenous ingredients such as cholla buds, tepary beans and white Sonoran wheat in creative dishes. Chefs use local ingredients in bold ways to reflect the biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert. The Best 23 Miles of Mexican food is an adventure of tasty tacos and a wide array of dining options. The Sonoran Dog, Tucson's version of the American hotdog is an award-winning local delicacy. The oldest family-run continuously operating Mexican restaurant in the United States is in downtown Tucson.  El Charro Café. It is run by female Chef Carlotta Flores and is the birthplace of the chimichanga. Celebrating its 100th anniversary last year, El Charro was founded by Flores' great aunt, Monica Flin. Tucson-based Don Guerra, the 2022 James Beard Award's Outstanding Baker winner, is considered one of the founding fathers of the so-called "grain train" movement, It bakes breads with heritage grains that date back to the 17th century. While commonplace now, this idea was completely revolutionary when Guerra founded his business, Barrio Bread, out of his garage in 2009. For a sugar hit, head to Monsoon Chocolate, committed to using only transparently sourced cacao and processing it minimally when making chocolates that feature Sonoran Desert ingredients, including chiltepin pepper, prickly pear caramel and Sonoran salt. In 2020-2021, Monsoon Chocolate was a winner at the International Chocolate Awards. This Spring, Tucson will be hosting two major Food Festivals that celebrate the rich cultural and culinary history. The Agave Heritage Festival is a multi-day festival celebrating the art, science, and cultural traditions behind producing agave-based spirits and products. This year the festival takes place at the end of April with workshops, various tastings and guest speakers. Pueblos del Maiz is a festival celebrating corn and its culinary impact and includes chef demonstrations, educational panels along with live music & entertainment. It takes place in Tucson at the beginning of May. Tucson an easy drive from Phoenix International Airport, which has daily direct flights from London and throughout the US.   For information on where to stay and how to explore the local food scene visit https://www.visittucson.org/

  March has been officially proclaimed Arizona Wine Month, marked by a new campaign to highlight the state’s award-winning wines, winemakers and wine regions. Arizona Office of Tourism launched its new campaign at the beginning of the month to increase awareness among residents and visitors.   The campaign uses social media posts, digital advertising and billboards to deliver a glimpse into the personal process of making Arizona wine. This close look at award-winning vintages crafted by Arizona winemakers communicates that there is a story in every glass and that Arizona wine is exceptional, not exclusive.   “Arizona Wine Month is the perfect opportunity to showcase the award-winning wines and wonderful experiences awaiting visitors to our wine regions,” said Lisa Urias, director of the Arizona Office of Tourism. “In one glass, you’re enjoying a unique Arizona terroir created by monsoon rains, unique desert climates and a long growing season, all harnessed by Arizona’s master vintners.”   Arizona’s growing wine industry attracts almost 600,000 visitors to vineyards and tasting rooms and attracts more than £27 million in spending annually. The industry, which features three American Viticulture Areas (distinct wine regions) and more than 120 wineries and tasting rooms across the state, gives visitors an unexpected and intriguing reason to visit Arizona or extend their trips once they’re here.     “Each vintage of Arizona wine connects the person enjoying it to the region in which it was grown and the winemakers who created it,” said Kent Callaghan, president of the Arizona Wine Growers Association and founder of Callaghan Vineyards. “As Arizona winegrowers, we’re excited to partner with the Arizona Office of Tourism to share our state’s wine regions and experiences.”   AOT is encouraging Arizonans to explore the state’s northern and southern wine regions through its digital Arizona Wine Trail Passport, which instantly delivers the functionality of a GPS-enabled statewide wine region map and the excitement of discovering new places.   2023 Trends in Arizona Wines   This effort spotlights the growing interest and increasing sophistication in Arizona-produced wine and related experiences.   “Arizona wine drinkers are becoming increasingly savvy and more interested in their local wines,” said Paula Woolsey, president of the Verde Valley Wine Consortium. “And they are craving more of an overall experience when wine-tasting, including tours of vineyards, food and wine pairings, wine festivals and wine education.”   Woolsey, who is also a professor of viticulture and oenology at Yavapai College, shared the following 2023 trends for Arizona’s wine industry:  

• Customer demand is driving innovation with Arizona wineries producing sparkling and still wines in cans and crafting wines from fruit other than grapes such as apples, pears and peaches.

• Red grapes typically found in Southern Italy still dominate Arizona plantings, but vineyards are also planting an increasing number of red and white grape varieties originating from countries including Greece, France and Spain.

• Some wineries are also branching into distilling hard spirits such as brandies and bourbons.

  Woolsey added, “The great thing is that as the industry grows, so does the quality and variety of wines being produced here in Arizona.”

  With more than 330 days of sunshine each year and ideal temperatures, it is no wonder Arizona hosts the country's biggest sporting events, tournaments, and races. Before a sporting event even begins, the fun has already started with Arizona communities offering plenty to do and see outside of the stadium.   Super Bowl LVII   February 12, 2023   The biggest night of football came to Arizona with Super Bowl LVII being played in the State Farm Stadium in Glendale. Football fanatics embarked on a wide variety of adventures leading up to kickoff. Fans were able to experience the pre-game hype at Margaret T. Hance Park in downtown Phoenix which hosted Super Bowl fan festivities that include immersive activities, local cuisine, and live music. Just steps away from the stadium, Westgate Entertainment District offers visitors a wide variety of restaurants, sports bars, shopping boutiques, and entertainment. Only a 3.5 hour drive from Glendale, a trip to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim offers breathtaking views of one of the Seven Wonders of the World and many adventures to choose from. Trek down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon on the Bright Angel Trail or soar up above in a helicopter for a bird's eye view before visiting the Desert View Watchtower for a 360 view of the Grand Canyon. Foodies must visit Tucson, a UNESCO city of gastronomy, only a two-hour drive south of Phoenix to indulge their taste buds with savory cuisine. Less than two hours north from Phoenix, Verde Valley draws visitors in with its small-town charm and a remarkable variety of wine-tasting options that make Verde Valley a bucket list trip for wine lovers.   WM Phoenix Open   February  6-12, 2023   Occurring the same weekend as the Super Bowl, the biggest names in golf battled for victory on the iconic TPC Scottsdale Golf Course. Known as “The Greatest Show on Grass”, the WM Phoenix Open is the best-attended golf tournament in the world due to the TPC Scottsdale golf course being the most fan-friendly venue on the PGA TOUR allowing spectators to watch the tournament unfold up close. After cheering on their favorites, fans can rock the night away by attending Coors Light Birds Nest, a four-night Concert Series that runs during the WM Phoenix Open. End the night at the vibrant bars within Old Town Scottsdale, a charming neighborhood & art district that has a vibrant nightlife. Thrill seekers will enjoy mountain bike riding the twist and turning trails within the McDowell Sonoran Preserve while hikers set out to see the historic landmark, Tom’s Thumb, on Tom’s Thumb Trail.   Men’s Final Four - 2024   April 6 -8, 2024   After hosting the Men’s Final Four for the first time in 2017, the college basketball tournament returns to Arizona in 2024. With the tournament played at the State Farm Stadium, fans will be within walking distance from remarkable bars. At Westgate, enjoy a pint at the retro arcade bar Carousel or play a round of bowling while trying a new flavored craft beer at State 48 Funk House Brewery. Work up a sweat at Lumberjaxes, an axe-throwing experience with a full-service bar. Greater Phoenix has countless nightlife options, especially in Scottsdale & Phoenix, that basketball lovers will cherish.   Women’s Final Four -2026   April 3 -5, 2026   Excitement builds as Arizona prepares to host the Women’s Final Four for the first time in 2026.  Taking place in the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix, explore the city in between the college basketball games. For a night out on the town, downtown Phoenix offers award-winning cuisine, stellar bars, and a wide variety of speakeasies to explore. Patrons of the arts can admire the street art murals on Roosevelt Row or observe rare instruments from around the world at the one-of-a-kind Musical Instrument Museum. Outdoor enthusiasts must visit the Desert Botanical Garden where they can see more than 50,000 desert plants before marching up the Double Butte Loop and Hole-in-the-Rock trail in Papago Park.   NASCAR CUP Series Championship Race   November 3-5, 2023   The fastest NASCAR Drivers will soon race the NASCAR CUP Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway for the fourth year in a row. The Raceway hosts two NASCAR race weekends every year, one in November and the other in March. Fans can be at the center of the action thanks to the renovations made to the raceway in 2018 and through the FanShield Infield Experience where fans can see the cars being worked on by the crews from within the garage. Take a break from the race track to challenge yourself to hike the Ford Canyon Loop Trail in White Tank Regional Park.   El Tour de Tucson     November 18, 2023   More than seven thousand cyclists, both pros and amateurs, head to southern Arizona every year to bike either 32-, 63- or 100 miles to complete the El Tour de Tucson race. Starting and ending at the Tucson Convention Center, cyclists will appreciate the scenic views of mountain ranges and cacti throughout the race.  After the race, visit downtown Tucson to experience Southwestern art, music and cuisine found throughout this lively city or take a scenic hike at Mount Lemmon.   Cactus League Spring Training   February - March 2023   Ever since 1947, the Cactus League has been a hot spot for baseball fans since it allows fans to get up close with their favorite teams as they train for the upcoming season. Thanks to metro Phoenix’s sunny spring weather, 15 Major League teams currently train in Arizona across 10 stadiums: Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Angels, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Guardians, and Milwaukee Brewers.   Out of the Ordinary Pro-sports in Arizona:  

• Arizona Ridge Riders in Glendale - a professional bull riding team at the Desert Diamond Arena.
• Jet Boating World Championships in Lake Havasu- more than 500 of the world's best personal watercraft racers.
• Team Roping in Wickenburg - known as the “Team Roping Capital of the World” due to its many roping venues, ropers compete in Wickenburg from November to April.
• Tree climbing championship in Snowflake for 2023 - the best tree climbers race for victory.

  Attend at least one game of the main six pro-teams in the state of Arizona and fond memories will be made.   Pro-teams in Arizona:  

• NFL’s Arizona Cardinals - Football
• NBA’s Phoenix Suns - Basketball
• MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks - Baseball
• NHL’s Arizona Coyotes - Hockey
• WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury - Women’s basketball
• Arizona Rattlers - Indoor Football League
• Phoenix Rising - a pro soccer team in Arizona

Join ATI and Arizona destinations Sedona, Flagstaff, and Salt River to learn what's new and how to easily book your client’s next Arizona road trip adventure, with AmericanTours International (ATI), the largest and oldest USA tour company, generate commissions on a $3,000 couple booking and up to $10,000 or more for a small or multi-generation family. We will explore three Arizona destinations - Salt River, Sedona, and Flagstaff - which will feature a road trip designed by ATI. Click here: https://www.virtuallyyourstravel.com/... for the newest Drive America road trip ARIZONA – THE EPIC ADVENUTRE DESTINATION, bookable through your travel agent or click here to find a travel agent: https://www.virtuallyyourstravel.com/.... You can book the tour as is or have it customized. If you have not yet signed up to use ATI's booking platform, we encourage you to do so today at https://signup.americantours.com/?utm... Please also know that there is extensive information regarding all of ATI products and services on our Agent Portal, including Covid related information from hotel brands as well as local, state, and federal authorities. This is updated on a weekly basis. We are here to answer any questions you may have so please reach out to [email protected] at your convenience Deeply discounted Drive America road trip packages customized with American Tours (ATI) AmericanTours International’s (ATI) Drive America customizable road trip packages make it easy for travel agents to set-up, save clients money (compared to booking it on their own online) and generate commissions on a $3,000 couple booking and up to $10,000 or more for a small or multi-generation family. ATI support team knows about the ins and outs of traveling within your destinations and are always available to help you. More and more travelers are starting to desire outside help to plan their vacations. At the same time, they want instant access to information, authentic local experiences, and combined online and offline communication. That is where ATI’s user friendly Drive America platform, with dozens of itinerary templates come in to help travel agents. As America’s largest wholesale destination management company, handling over half a million travelers from travel agencies in the US and abroad, including hundreds of AAA offices, ATI saves your travel agents time by offering the most competitive price options (compared to other online options), the largest choice of destinations, and most suitable solutions for any problem you and your clients encounter. This includes room upgrades, airport transfers, special dining experiences, customized tours, and so much more.

  Between natural wonders and breathtaking night sky views, Arizona has an endless list of sights and experiences to appreciate in the great outdoors. With International Dark Sky Week kicking off on April 22 (Earth Day), what better time to celebrate our 19 certified IDA Dark Sky Communities and Parks? Arizona has no shortage of Dark Sky and Earth Day-related events and programming showcasing what makes each local community unique, beautiful, and a proud steward of our incredible public lands. For more information on Arizona Dark Skies, visit https://www.visitarizona.com/places/dark-skies/.

Following the first successful mission to the moon in 1969, 11 other people took ‘one small step for man’ over the three ensuing years - including Apollo 16 - which celebrates its 50th anniversary on 16 April this year. These successful missions were only possible due to the years of preparation, in which many milestones occurred in the Flagstaff area of Arizona, including astronaut science training, instrument development and lunar mapping. The area’s otherworldly geography stood in for the desolation of the moon’s surface. All astronauts who walked on the moon, including Neil Armstrong, Alan Shepard, Buzz Aldrin, and Flagstaff scientist Jack Schmitt, trained in Flagstaff and multiple locations across northern Arizona. For avid astronomers, conditions are enhanced in Arizona, home of the Dark Sky Association, where desert land and clear skies ensure the perfect stargazing conditions. For avid space fans there’s no better way to commemorate the anniversary than a trip to where it all began: Lowell Observatory Founded in 1894 and one of the oldest observatories in the US, Lowell Observatory continues to be a research facility and instrumental in major discoveries including the first detection of the expanding nature of the universe, the rings of Uranus, the discovery of Pluto and moon mapping for the Apollo program. The Observatory visitor center offers interactive, hands-on exhibits including science demonstrations, a constellation tour and evening telescope viewing. The world's largest solar telescope This is located at Kitt Peak National Observatory in Sells, Arizona. The state is the perfect place for stargazing due to the large quantity of desert landscape. Serious stargazing enthusiasts can stay overnight on the Telescope Observing Program, providing the full observatory experience by becoming a visiting astronomer at Kitt Peak. World’s Best Preserved Meteor Crater The Meteor Crater is a lot more than just the world’s best-preserved meteorite impact site. The Interactive Discovery Center boasts hands-on exhibits and displays where visitors can delve deep into the science and history of meteorite impacts around the globe. Guests can embark on a guided tour of the rim, learn more about the Mystery of Meteor Crater at the site’s 4D cinema and check out an Apollo training pod. Sky Party at the Grand Canyon Taking place between the 18 and 25 June 2022 the Star Party celebrates one of the most breath-taking observational sites in the US. Amateur astronomers from across the country volunteer their expertise and offer free nightly astronomy programs and telescope viewing. Guests may be able to see Venus by day and distant galaxies, nebulae and star clusters by night. Telescopes are set up on the porch of the Grand Canyon Lodge every evening. Night Sky Photography Workshops take place out under the stars and park rangers offer constellation tours through the evening. Where to stay Clear Sky Resorts Opened in 2021 Clear Sky Resorts is America’s first and only luxury Sky Dome resort located in the West Grand Canyon. The geodesic dome structure offers the comforts of a luxury hotel room while simultaneously giving the feeling of camping outdoors under a canopy of stars. Each dome has an expansive window and skylight providing stargazing ADERO ADERO, part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, is the first and only Dark Sky Resort which opened in Scottsdale Arizona in 2020. Encouraging guests to stay up late, ADERO boasts its very own Stargazing Lawn as well as guided stargazing events from the ‘Star Dudes,’ the hotel's resident Dark Sky Zone Experts. Guests looking for a more private night sky experience can request the resort telescope to be placed in-room alongside a Night Sky Chart, for a self-guided tour of the galaxy.

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  Arizona’s unique gastronomy scene continues to be highly acclaimed by the prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards. The Foundation recognized four outstanding Arizona-based individuals and restaurants as finalists for the nation's most esteemed culinary excellence awards. Arizona is proud to be represented by to following talented chefs, restaurateurs, and eateries:  

• Best New Restaurant – Bacanora in Phoenix.
• Outstanding Baker – Don Guerra of Barrio Bread in Tucson.
• Outstanding Restaurateur – Chris Bianco of Tratto, Pane Bianco and Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix.
• Best Chef — Southwest (encompassing AZ/NM/NV/OK):  Giovanni Scorzo of Andreoli Italian Grocer in Scottsdale.

Wine buffs take note. After six years of study, The US Treasury Department has named Arizona's Verde Valley an American Viticultural Area (AVA). It elevates the Valley's $56 million wine industry into the same status as Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley and other well-known wine-producing regions. According to the Treasury Department's Tax and Trade Bureau, an AVA is a grape-growing region with geographic or climatic features that distinguish it from surrounding areas and affect how grapes are grown. Labelling local wines with the Verde Valley AVA designation signifies a unique taste produced by the soils, grape growers and vintners of the region lies in every bottle. Tom Schumacher of the Verde Valley Wine Consortium says AVA status is critical because 'consumers often seek out wines from specific AVAs.' He added that Verde Valley wines will stand out in the marketplace and attract aficionados. "Definitely a reason to cheer for Verde Valley grape growers and winemakers," Schumacher said. It is also a sustainable industry. The Southwest Wine Center, an industry-scale model of a working farm/winery with a 13-acre sustainable vineyard at Yavapai College in Clarkdale, contributes highly trained homegrown vintners and viticulturists. SWC graduates operate about a quarter of the area's two dozen vineyards. "The AVA designation is also excellent news for the 'dispersal' concept of sustainable tourism," said Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau President and CEO Candace Carr Strauss. "The Verde Valley AVA can easily entice travellers to Sedona to try a completely different experience just a stone's throw away," she added. "The libations and hospitality of the popular Verde Valley Wine Trail and the Valley's fertile landscape along Oak Creek and the Verde River can generate more overnight stays and spawn new attractions." Verde Valley wine country also contributes to Sedona's growing reputation for sustainability, with many wineries certified by the Arizona Sustainability Alliance. AVA status is the second time in recent months Verde Valley wines have been in the national spotlight. The US Treasury Department says there are 260 established AVAs in the United States. Arizona has three and the Verde Valley is the only one in the north-central region. The Verde Valley AVA designation goes into effect December 10, 2021.

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The Travel North America Virtual Show is featuring today 8 June 2021, with 'Hit the Road in Arizona: Sedona, Flagstaff, and Salt River'.

Attendees will learn what's new and how to easily book your client's next Arizona road trip adventure with AmericanTours International (ATI), the largest and oldest USA tour company.

We will explore three Arizona destinations - Salt River, Sedona, and Flagstaff - which will feature a road trip designed by ATI.

  With growing calls for a transatlantic travel corridor to open up, demand for US trips is hotting up. Over 30 US exhibitors are getting ready to welcome domestic travelers back at the 'Travel North America Virtual Show.' Register for the show to learn about their latest updates and offerings. Learn from the industry's leading destinations, tour operators, and travel suppliers from the comfort of your own homes or office. In addition, the Virtually Yours Travel Show (VYTS) offers a unique travel agent referral program, where thousands of consumers planning their next transatlantic adventure can find you. Virtually Yours Travel Show is operated by TravelMole as a global 24/7 travel marketplace for consumers, travel agents, tour operators and travel suppliers. It was launched in the North American market in April and today is making its UK/EU debut.  The On-Demand 'Expert Panel Session' schedule for this week is as follows: Monday, June 7, 2021 - California's Burgeoning Reputation for Sustainability & Responsibility in Travel & Tourism Tuesday, June 8, 2021 - Hit the Road in Arizona: Sedona, Flagstaff, and Salt River Wednesday, June 9, 2021 - Magical Landscape of Lake Tahoe, California Thursday, June 10, 2021 - Follow me to Tuolumne, California - a Destination in the Heart of Yosemite Friday, June 11, 2021 - Pure Michigan is emerging from the pandemic and travel around the state is now possible and safe

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Arizona destinations Flagstaff, Sedona, and the Salt River / Pima Maricopa Indian Community have partnered together with AmericanTours and its Drive America platform to inspire travel advisors across America to plan their customer's next road trip adventure in Arizona.       Road trips will continue to be the dominant travel trend heading into the 2021 summer travel season and AmericanTours (ATI) has developed a discounted and commissionable road trip adventure package featuring the destinations of Salt River, Sedona, and Flagstaff that travel advisors can easily book or completely customize for their clients on americantours.com. The adventure starts just west of Scottsdale and only 15 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, amidst the desert landscapes of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Home to two distinct tribes, the Akmiel O'Odham and Xalchidom Piipaash, more commonly known as the Pima and Maricopa, this community continues to thrive by maintaining cultural ties to the land, creating exhibiting experiences at the Talking Stick Entertainment District and developing revolutionary enterprises like the USS Arizona Memorial Gardens.   The road trip heads north up I-17 to world famous Sedona, a nature lover's paradise. With 400+ miles of trails, visitors have instant access to some of the country's best hiking and biking trails. At night, stargazers marvel at the miraculous star-scape. Known as a place of spiritual influence, Sedona's vortexes are believed to unleash powerful energy. And as Native Americans did centuries before, the area spas use indigenous materials for relaxation and healing. Sedona is an art mecca for artists and collectors alike. Its dramatic landscape and ever-changing light inspires artists of all levels, and the world-renowned art galleries are the perfect enclave to showcase their incredible work.   Continuing along scenic State Route 89A to Flagstaff, discover the awe-inspiring beauty of this friendly mountain town!  Situated at the base of the majestic San Francisco Peaks at 7,000 feet elevation, Flagstaff offers an eclectic mix of simplicity in the great outdoors with a hint of urban culture.  The charming, historic downtown features local shops, restaurants, bars, and music venues.  The rich heritage dates from the 1800's pioneer town, through the mid-1900's of the Route 66 era, to Arizona's four-season destination that it is today.  Enjoy walking tours, museums, Lowell Observatory for star gazing, festivals, and a walkable Craft Beer self-tour.  Adjacent to the Navajo Tribal Nation, visitors can explore the iconic wonders of Native American culture and their land.  Known as the "City of 7 Wonders", Flagstaff is the largest town in northern Arizona, sitting in the heart of grandeur just 90 minutes from Grand Canyon National Park.   Including discounted accommodations and attractions at packaged rates, this unforgettable Arizona road trip adventure can be easily booked by travel advisors or customized according to their client's desires utilizing ATI's industry leading DriveAmerica platform. Sign up and learn more today on - www.americantours.com

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bmi british midland announced yesterday that it is to launch of a no-frills airline which will be based at East Midlands Airport. The name of the new airline will be unveiled next week. It will begin flying a week before the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend on March 23, initially with two dedicated Boeing 737-300 aircraft. It will serve a range of leisure destinations including Barcelona, Nice, Palma, Malaga, Faro and Alicante. Earlier this week bmi clashed with Go over the low cost carrier’s plans to operate to from East Midlands Airport to Prague, and announced that it has applied for a licence to fly on the route. Go announced last month that it is to make East Midlands its third UK base. bmi denied yesterday’s announcement was designed to stop Go in its tracks claiming that it was part of a “long-held ambition to launch a no-frills airline in the Midlands." Frequencies and further routes are still to be announced, together with full details of the new airline's internet prices, which will start at £25 each way. There will also be an introductory offer when flights open for sale later this month. Tickets can be booked on the website at a discount, or via reservations. Travel agents will also be able to make bookings through a dedicated internet facility. Tickets booked using a debit card will not incur additional charges, but credit card bookings will incur a surcharge. Nigel Turner, bmi's director responsible for the new airline, said: "bmi is launching this new airline in response to a clear market opportunity and consumer demand. We have been operating from East Midlands Airport for over 35 years and we are delighted to increase our commitment to the Airport and the region through the creation of this new no frills carrier.” He added: “With the launch of this new airline, bmi will have a strong presence in both the no frills and full service airline sectors." In November bmi chief executive Austin Reid said the airline "remains and will continue to remain a full service airline and we have no intention to become a budget carrier. " bmi points out tha its latest move is not the beginning of an overall transition to becoming a no-frills carrier, stating that Heathrow is “clearly not suited to a low cost business model” and adding that “bmi is committed to its development of business routes within Europe and the USA, as well as being wholly committed to its membership of Star Alliance.”