Ryanair raised full-year profit targets this morning after the budget airline said passengers will pay more for their fares this winter than previously expected. Ryanair’s average fare over the past six months, including baggage check-in fees, was €44 and fares will continue rising over the next year or two.

The average fares would rise by close to 10% over the next six months. Michael O’Leary,Ryanair’s chief executive, also warned that baggage check-in charges – which in the summer months cost £20 a bag and £35 for a second bag – will increase next summer. Add-on fees are a lucrative business for Ryanair and rose by 22% to €423.8m in the first half, more than double the rate of passenger growth – due in part to customers spending more on longer flights.

The content is taken from an article published on guardian.co.uk © Guardian News and Media 2010

The economic downturn boosts the number of last minute bookings and shorter stays. If you haven’t secured your hotel for the days of WTM, there is still a chance to find reasonable accommodation in London. With only 10 days to the show, your travel agent will be the one, who can suggest best available hotel options.  Hotels near ExCel Exhibition Center offer rooms at GBP 200.00 and above, but if you do not mind travelling – westend and centrally located hotel rooms can be booked at lower rates. In order to save money, look for medium range hotels where you will get good service and a better range of facilities than you can expect in the budget range.

WTM 2010 will be the biggest-ever World Travel Market. ExCeL – London, increased the venue to 97,500 square meters and is now giving WTM greater flexibility than in previous years.  The WTM exhibition floor plan for 2010 positions UK & Ireland, Europe & Mediterranean and Africa regions next to each other in the North Halls. The Americas, Asia & Australasia, Middle East, Global Village and Technology & Online Travel regions will be situated in the South Halls. 

WTM is running many new initiatives for 2010 – this is a must attend travel event where you can meet more than 5,000 exhibitors from across the globe.

Useful tips:

- WTM delegates can benefit from a discounted 7-day Travelcard – available for travel at any time, including peak periods, and valid for travel in zone 1-6.  If you are in London for less than 7 days and will only be travelling in and out of central London to Excel each day and around the west end in the evening, the Oyster card is better value. Such option will allow you to book a hotel in the city – which will be cheaper than those walking distance to Excel, plus you will have the opportunity to explore the city.

- Make the most out of your time at WTM by planning your travel, accommodation, and spare time in advance