Thailand is continuing to offer insurance coverage worth $10,000 to anyone who might be harmed in riots and demonstrations as it seeks to attract tourists scared off by political turmoil, officials say.Other carrots range from a waiver on all visa fees to discounts on airline landing fees.

Thailand has been plagued by political conflict since the ouster of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a 2006 military coup.

In 2009, the number of tourists dropped to 14.1 million, an 8% decrease from the previous year while revenue shrank to 527 billion baht ($16 billion), a 3% drop from 2008. Tourism is the country's leading foreign currency earner.

The free insurance coverage was put in place initially after Bangkok's two airports were seized in late 2008. Hundreds of thousands of tourists were stranded in the country.

Tourism and Sports Ministry spokesman Vachara Kannikar said the $10,000 coverage was extended until the end of the year.
Continental will start a legroom charge

Continental Airlines will begin charging coach customers extra if they want a seat with more legroom.

Prices will vary depending on the length of a flight and popularity of the route. A spokeswoman said extra room on a Houston-New York flight might cost $59. International fliers would pay more.

Starting March 17, coach customers will be able to pay the charge at check-in to get an exit-row seat with at least 7 inches more legroom than the other rows, Continental said.

Top-level members of Continental's frequent-flier program -- those who rack up at least 25,000 miles a year -- still will be able to claim the exit row without extra charge.
D.C.'s 'Black Broadway' gets trail, center

WASHINGTON -- The historic district of Washington once known as the "Black Broadway" now has its own neighborhood heritage trail and visitor center.