UK travel agent discounts Olympic tickets

LONDON (AP) - UK travel agent Thomas Cook has halved the price of its Olympic ticket and hotel deals to boost sales a month before the games begin.

The travel agency, which has official permission to sell tickets to the games, launched a four-day sale Friday.

Stephen Vaughan, managing director of Thomas Cook's London 2012 partnership, said, "It's no secret that there are generally more tickets available'' than people predicted a month ago.

The deals pair tickets for various events with budget accommodation during the games, which are taking place from July 27 to Aug. 12.

A ticket for a Britain versus Belgium hockey game with one-night accommodation had cost 399 pounds ($627). It now costs 149 pounds - with a night's accommodation at Travelodge, a budget chain.