Toronto fights back against SARS

TORONTO tourism officials have launched a £53 million recovery programme as SARS once again threatens to engulf the city.

Backed by Tourism Toronto, the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership and private sector partners, it aims to get Toronto back on its feet after the virus cost the city over £250 million.

The campaign, unveiled at the Canadian travel trade show Rendezvous, will focus on two all-day concerts at the end of June, headlined by Avril Lavigne and Barenaked Ladies, with comic Jim Carrey as MC. The Rolling Stones are rumoured to be playing.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board is also launching an advertising blitz after the country was given the all-clear by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.