THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS BAD PUBLICITY

After trying to ban the film Borat last year the country of Kazakhstan is having the last laugh thanks to a massive increase in tourism since the film became a huge hit in 2006. Kazakhstan -- mercilessly ridiculed in the film -- came from nowhere to hit number one in an online traveller’s survey of must-see travel destinations in 2007. With the tourist industry booming, new hotels are being built, extra flights have been added from the UK, and over a million dollars in tourist dollars have helped boost their economy. Just one traveller’s tip: try not to get invited to a traditional Kazakh dinner. While the highest-ranking guest at the dinner will be served the delicious head of a sheep, you, as an innocent hanger-on, will be left to gorge on the animals cervical vertebra. (The Sun UK)