Mexico’s Pacific Coast City of Mazatlan was named national host of Mexico’s 2011 World Tourism Day celebrations, taking place Sept. 27. Mazatlan’s festivities join global tributes to this annual event of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Mazatlan promises a vibrant showcase of events celebrating the official theme for 2011, “Tourism - Linking Cultures.”

The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association will host its annual conference and trade show in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Oct. 3-7.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will hold a “Regional Seminar on Tourism: Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME’s) and Tourism Development in the Caribbean Region” August 31 to September 1, 2011 at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. has signed on as a leading partner for the American Society of Travel Agent's (ASTA) upcoming International Destination Expo (IDE) in Lima, Peru from March 1 to 4, 2012.

Mexico’s Pacific Coast city of Mazatlan kicks off the fall travel season in grand style with its 2011 Gran Fiesta Amigos celebration, taking place Oct. 31 to Nov. 3. This 17th annual event welcomes the destination’s travel partners to the city, including the wholesalers, tour operators, airlines, incentive companies, journalists, tourism dignitaries and friends.

Visitors to the sun-drenched island of Barbados are in for a treat this November at the second annual Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival –the culinary event of the season. In partnership with American Express Publishing's Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, Departures and Executive Travel brands, Barbados unveils the schedule of events for the four-day epicurean extravaganza taking place from November 18 – 21, 2011 at various exquisite settings around the island.