The Daily Telegraph yesterday (Tuesday) published its 'Ten top travel and tourism events of 2008.'

The list highlights the apparent immunity of the travel and tourism industry to the current financial climate, citing the determination of people to carry on travelling through the economic downturn at number three.

The economic downturn was best exemplified in the list's number one event, the end of the airline boom. More than 25 airlines collapsed in 2008 but the Telegraph remains optimistic about the situation, pointing out a number of airline launches still planned for 2009.

The return of camping (at number ten) and of the package holiday (two) also made the list, demonstrating the changing patterns in tourism from independent and luxury to budget, regional and ABTA-protected travel.

The landing of the first Airbus A380 in the UK in March (nine) and mobile phones being allowed on flights (eight) also made the cut.

'The fall and rise of Terminal 5' was at number four, with an emphasis on the overall success of BA's new home. Eurostar's move to St Pancras in November 2007 was also mentioned as exceeding all expectations in 2008 (five) - the number of travellers from regions north of London increased by up to 150%.

The Middle East came to prominence in 2008 (six), with numerous hotel openings throughout the region, including the Atlantis hotel in Dubai. The QE2 also bade her final farewell to Britain (seven) and sailed off to her final resting place, again in Dubai, where she is being converted into yet another luxury hotel.

Archaeologists have unearthed the ruins of an entire city in northern Peru, near the coastal city of Chiclayo.

Researchers believe that the discovery could provide the missing link between two ancient cultures – the Wari people and the earlier Moche civilisation.

The city showed evidence of human sacrifice. Ceramics, clothing and the well-preserved remains of a young woman were also found.

The UK government is being encouraged to back inbound tourism, as the plummeting value of sterling makes the country a more affordable holiday destination.

The Tourism Alliance is supporting VisitBritain and Visit England's attempts to secure additional funding to develop an 'Explore Britain' campaign that would boost marketing both in the UK and abroad.

Sterling's fall in value against the Euro and the US Dollar represents a 21% saving for travellers coming from the Eurozone and 27% for those from the US, according to Bob Cotton, Tourism Alliance's chairman.

Councillors have approved a scheme to lengthen the runway at Birmingham International Airport.

Solihull Council unanimously voted in favour of the £130 million plan to extend the runway by 400m (1,329ft).

The final decision will not be taken until January after environmental measures to protect local people have been reviewed.

The project would allow larger aircraft and carriers of non-stop flights to the west coast of the US and the Far East.

British Airways could merge with Qantas to form one of the biggest airlines of all time, BA revealed on Tuesday.

The airlines are in talks to create a 'global airline' valued at £3.5 billion.

In a statement released in London, BA announced it is "exploring a potential merger…via a dual-listed company structure".

BA is already considering combining services with Iberia and American Airlines.

Members of Priority Pass, the world's leading independent airport lounge program, have voted Heathrow the worst airport in the world.

The survey showed that Heathrow is the airport that most frequent travellers want to avoid.

“Heathrow's reputation remains battered after a series of PR disasters in the last year or so,” said Jonathan French, Brand Director of Priority Pass, “but there are signs that Terminal 5 may be able to swing opinion back in the long-term.”