BBC World doubles Fast Track air time

BBC World, the BBC's commercially funded 24-hour international news and information television channel, has increased its coverage of news from the international travel sector by extending its weekly Fast Track programme from 15 to 30 minutes.

The decision reflects the huge impact that global events of the past two years - such as SARS outbreak, the terrorist attacks in the US and the war in Iraq - have had on the way many people travel, either for business or pleasure, and the effect on the world economy.

Fast Track is broadcast seven times each week on BBC World. With new presenter Akhtar Khan introducing reports from BBC correspondents around the globe, it examines the very latest developments in travel, from news of deep vein thrombosis to the slow road back to recovery for many of the world's top destinations.

Each week, guest presenter David Solomons, chief executive of the travel publisher Culture Shock!, looks at and offers tips on cultural differences that can sometimes cause problems for business or leisure travellers. Fast Track's resident Travel Detective also answers questions such as "Why can't I use a mobile phone onboard a plane?" and "Why do airlines overbook their flights?".

Examples of topics featured in Fast Track include a roundup the best sporting breaks, the explosion in golfing holidays, the rugby World Cup's impact on travel, and an examination of the best hotels on the planet.

Carolyn Gibson, Regional Sales Director, EMEA at BBC World, says: "More than one in five frequent travellers in Europe and Asia, and over one in four in the Middle East, watch BBC World every day. We're delighted to cater for this growing audience with an extended and enhanced Fast Track, providing our travel and tourism clients with the ideal environment to promote their brands and destinations on a trusted and truly international platform."