SMOKING BAN:PIPE-SMOKING holidays to Poznan? Weekend smoking breaks to Vienna? Forget tax havens: smoke havens could be the next big thing.
"Smoking tourism" is on the increase because of the rise in the number of countries that are banning smoking. In Germany, an entrepreneur named Alexander W Schoppmann is planning "Smoker's International Airways" (Smintair) for people who miss their in-flight nicotine fix.
One of the biggest travel agencies in Japan is offering European tours designed for smokers, while Estonia offers short breaks for cigar smokers to enjoy their hobby in the comfort of the cigar lounges of Tallinn.
Ireland led the way on the smoking ban. In the past year France, a one-time smoker's paradise, joined Italy, Scandinavia and most of Germany in being off-limits for those wanting to light up in public. On July 1st The Netherlands joins the list of places where smoking is restricted in public places.
Among the few spots left for smokers is Belgium, where smoking is still allowed in bars and cafes. Indeed, it is home to several specialist smokers' clubs. Spain, too, remains smoker-friendly, while soccer-loving smokers planning a trip to Euro 2008 will be pleased, as the tournament is being held in two of the least tobaccophobic countries in the continent, Switzerland and Austria.
In Switzerland, only the canton of Ticino has imposed a ban, while Austria boasts the highest level of public opposition to a smoking ban in the EU.