IRELAND'S leading operator of Christmas packages to Lapland is to operate direct flights from Belfast for the first time. Dublin operator United Travel, which operates 16 flights each season to Rovaneimi in Finnish Lapland, is organising two trips from Belfast International Airport.

There will be a two-day trip leaving on December 20 and a one-day package on December 22. "Our Dublin departures have been extremely well supported by the Northern Ireland public. That's why we have taken the decision to operate direct from Belfast to Lapland this year," said United Travel's Fiona Williamson. "We are confident of the support of Northern Ireland travellers, who will have the advantage of paying in Euros, and thus be able to take advantage of the favourable exchange rate with sterling." United Travel are specialists in packages to see Santa Claus in Lapland, and were the first company to operate a 'Jumbo' (747) from Ireland to Rovaneimi.

"Our Santa Claus programmes have been going from strength to strength over the years and we feel it is now time to give people from Northern Ireland the chance to experience our Lapland packages direct from their local airport," added Fiona.

United meanwhile, which also specialises in long haul and Middle East packages, are currently promoting their new programme to The Philippines, one of the Far East's most attractive and least known (to Northern Ireland travellers) destinations. Members of the local Travel Trade were very impressed with the Far East island chain when they visited a number of resorts there recently on an 'educational', something which Fiona maintains will help when introducing this relatively new destination to discerning Northern Ireland travellers. "Language is not a problem in The Philippines, as everyone speaks English. In fact it is the third largest English speaking country in the world," added Fiona Williamson. "In addition, its people are among the friendliest you will meet anywhere. They can't do too much for visitors - a feature something which travellers from this part of the world will appreciate.

"Visitors also get extremely good value for money, making the country a serious rival to other Far East destinations."