Educational travel is to be promoted by The British Educational Travel Association, a new organisation launched by Viscount Thurso MP.

The body has been founded and funded by educational travel producers and suppliers and will co-ordinate and promote the commercial, cultural and social activities of Britain's educational travel sector - estimated by BETA to be worth over £12bn per year.

Speaking at the launch last month at the House of Commons, Viscount Thurso said: 'Britain's tourism industry generates over £70bn per year. The producers and suppliers of educational travel contribute about £12bn. For far too long their worth has been undervalued and I am delighted BETA has taken up the challenge to raise the profile of this important market sector.'

Jack Coronna, president of the Federation of International Youth Tour Organisations, chairs BETA: 'One in four travellers worldwide is a young person. In many destinations they have a considerable impact on the local economy, as well as making a significant social contribution. BETA will be promoting their interests as well as the commercial organisations that have arranged their travel.' Details: www.betauk.com