NEWS TO USE IN BRIEF

GERMANY’S National Tourist Board announced a 7.9% increase in British overnight stays for January 2018, compared to the same month last year. The UK is now the second most important source market for Germany, ahead of the USA, Switzerland, Italy and France. Ireland also performed strongly for January, with a 14.1% increase in overnight stays. germanytravel

LA RIVE PENTHOUSE has opened for exclusive-use bookings on Cape Town’s platinum mile in Mouille Point. The deluxe penthouse accommodates up to eight and has a rooftop pool, gym, butler service, full breakfast, all beverages and 24-hour security. Prices start from R75,000 per night. larivepenthouse.co.za

GREAT LAKES USA, which represents Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin, has launched a new website for the UK and Ireland markets. The site is aimed at consumers and trade, with a focus on the experiences that can be enjoyed in the region, such as music, golf and shopping. It also includes suggested itineraries. greatlakes.co.uk

THE AZORES saw a surge in UK visitors in the last quarter of 2017, with the number increasing by 14.6% over the same period in 2016. A new seasonal Ryanair route from Manchester Airport to Ponta Delgada, the capital of São Miguel, will launch in June and run to October. visitazores.com/en

CLIA will hold agent showcase events in Manchester and Norwich focusing on the luxury cruise and river cruise sectors. Around 70 places will be available at each event, held in September. cruising.org

LATVIAN airline airBaltic has launched a direct service between Gatwick and Tallinn, the Estonian capital. The flight time of the twiceweekly service is around three hours. airbaltic.com