Caribbean cruise prices continue to rise while European prices are down, according to a Wachovia survey.

Carlson Wagonlit Travel, by taking a close look at practices and experiences among its clientele in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific, learned that companies can save an average of 20 percent of their total travel spend with improved travel policies and traveler compliance.

The new luxury development Scrub Island in the British Virgin Islands has announced a partnership with tour operator, Dive BVI, which should be of note to travel agents. With three beaches and an array of reefs and islets, the main clientele for this destination are going to be dive enthusiasts.

Hoping to attract more recession-wary Americans, Mexico in June will begin reimbursing the value-added tax (VAT) charged on purchases made at stores and businesses throughout the country to tourists who arrive by air and cruise ship.

Global hotel investment, which hit a record high in 2007, dropped more than 60 percent in the first quarter of 2008 as credit markets tightened, according to the latest numbers from Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels.

Four new casinos are opening in Puerto Rico and requests for another two are pending. Tourism officials say one casino is expected to open in 2009 in San Juan’s newly renovated La Concha hotel. The others will open in Guayanilla, Cabo Rojo and Aguadilla, a western coastal town popular with surfers.