Ahead of the winter rush, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have come up with several tourist- friendly offers, including cheaper air fares, to attract the holiday traveller. 

British Airways announced special fares for flyers from India and the United Kingdom starting from Rs 45,570, including taxes, in economy and from Rs 1,34,326 (inclusive of taxes) in the business class.

These fares are available for sale till November 30 and the passengers would have to plan their travel up to December 31, a BA spokesperson said.

The BA has also tied up with tourism board, VisitBritain, to launch a special promotion as part of their global campaign - 'Great Britain, You're Invited', which cater to the needs of all types of holiday makers.

The campaign, involving a spending of pound 100 million over next four years, comes ahead of the 2012 London Olympics and Paraolympic Games and a host of other events that would attract a worldwide audience, the spokesperson said.

"There are very few destinations in the world that manage to pack in so many attractions and cultural influences into such a small place. With the special fares, the whole of Britain will be right around the corner," BA's Regional Commercial Manager (South Asia) Judy Jarvis said.

Virgin Atlantic, on its part, introduced a new service on its Delhi-London route from this month as part of a pound 100 million investment on product upgrade announced earlier.

"This new service feels much more like a restaurant service now with a printed menu offering a fresh approach to dining on board, including a number of unexpected delights such as a welcome cocktail and a snack tray service. A selection of the best north Indian dishes will also be available," a spokesperson said.