VisitBritain, on behalf of TIER (Tourism Industry Emergency Reaction Group), is conducting a survey for businesses to monitor the impact of swine flu on UK tourism.

English UK members can contribute their observations until 26^th July and the top-line findings will be available at the end of the month. Here is the link http://www.tourismtrade.org.uk/swineflu/

The questionnaire results will be used to inform TIER regarding appropriate messaging and response measures. Anything you say will be treated as confidential.

A new online English language test, Password Intro, will be launched at the British Library on 6 August 2009. English Language Testing (the developers of Password Intro and Password) are looking for some additional language schools to help item pilot questions.

We would like to remind you about the São Paulo Fair – the second event to be organised this year by the English Language Promotions Group (British Council, English UK, UK Trade & Investment and VisitBritain).

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has increased its influenza pandemic alert level to 6. This means that there is now evidence of increased and sustained human-to-human transmission of the swine flu virus across a number of global regions.

You should have recently received an invitation from the UK Border Agency to a series of events to inform sponsors of the next phases of the roll-out of Tier 4 beginning this autumn.