With less than 18 months to go until the Opening Ceremony the pieces are beginning to fall into place for the London 2012 Olympics. As tickets go on sale, Breaking Travel News checks on the progress made so far.

The leading personalities of travel and tourism will be keeping a close eye on the soon-to-be-announced shortlist for the 2011 World Travel Awards Travel Personality of the Year. Here Breaking Travel News takes a look at the illustrious history of the award.

Winners of the prestigious World Travel Awards have been celebrating their success at ITB Berlin, with Leading Hotels of the World chief among them. Europcar, Etihad Airways, and TDIC Abu Dhabi were also on hand as Breaking Travel News caught up with the lucky few.

When it comes to planning a leisure trip, not all travel activities are created equal. In the landscape of in-destination activities, attractions, events and tours, some activities are much more important to travelers than others

ITB Berlin is campaigning for children’s rights and will sign a code of conduct pledging to protect children against sexual exploitation in tourism later this week. All week events will focus on activities which will inform exhibitors and visitors about the dangers children are exposed to and which will call upon them to protect children’s rights.

You do not need to be a prognosticator to see this next stage and evolution in expansion for the Spa Industry. We have witnessed the evolution, originally for the indulgent, now for everyone. Health, attention, presentation, esteem, and, yes, still some indulgence - holistic, if you will. No longer that elite and remote location, Spas have partnered with or been created by hotels and resorts, providing new revenue streams and marketing advantages for Lodging operations. The next transformation is so obvious - Health Care Centers and Hospitals.