The annual Sunway Moroccan Golf Classic takes place this year from March 11th - 19th based at the four-star Argana Hotel in Agadir. The professional for the trip is Martin Sludds who was twice Irish professional champion and a former European Tour player. The package includes three days competition fees at Les Dunes, the Royal Agadir and the new course, Golf Soleil, at £659. Nongolfers are also welcome at £539. There is a limited availability of single rooms at no extra cost. Details from (01) 288 6828.
THE geographic location, ethnic, cultural, educational and common events and activities have led Kinsale to twin with Newport, Rhode Island. A very apt twinning, and this year they will celebrate in March with a Kinsale Gourmet Food Festival. Six chefs from Kinsale's top restaurants will cook on March 3rd and 4th at six Newport restaurants. If you plan to be in the New England area drop by. Details from Newport County Convention & Visitors Bureau on (001) 401 845 9120.
Grand Prix fans should note the dates for Silverstone have been changed to April 22nd and 23rd this year, over Easter. Keith Prowse Travel (01) 679 5333 have a selection of packages to this exciting event from £316 including tickets. After nine years Indiana is to host the US Grand Prix in September and fans will benefit from the massive refurbishment of the Indy.
Now is the time to start the holiday reading and where better to start than with Holiday 2000 magazine. Destinations featured this year include, Israel, Jordan, Barbados, Mauritius, Majorca, USA, Australia and more, not to mention features on food, wine and fashion. Available in newsagents for £1.95.
Deal of the week - take your beloved to Budpest on St Valentine's Day for a day of luxury that includes a tour of the city, a traditional Magyar lunch and a thermal dip in the spa at the Gellert Hotel, £169. If you have a weekend to spare than from February 11th-13th you can have accommodation at a four-star hotel in the city centre, a Magyar Dinner with romantic gypsy music and the time to enjoy this Empire city from £250. Details from Concorde Travel (01) 872 7066 or email: travel@concorde-world.com.
I mentioned a tourism project in Thailand, Eagle House, run by Annette Kunigon and her husband, the web address got a bit scrambled, here is the correct one. www.cm.ksc.co.th/~trekeagl or email: trekeagl@cm.ksc.co.th.
Joan Scales can be contacted at jscales@irish-times.ie