Virgin Group, a leading branded investment organization, announced the launch of Virgin Hotels, a new four-star lifestyle hotel brand. The company plans to develop and operate up to 25 hotels within seven years, with the first property expected to open within 12 to 18 months.

Hilton Worldwide confirmed at the South America Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference by HVS Buenos Aires (SAHIC 2010) in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, that the company’s plans to open seven hotels over the next year in South and Central America are on track and that the region continues to be a target market for growth.

To celebrate the upcoming debut of “Survivor Nicaragua” on CBS-TV, several Nicaragua hotels and resorts are offering special packages featuring free nights and other amenities.

Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa and the Pelopidas Foundation, in association with The Climate Institute, has become the first resort in the world to offer guests the Magic Planet, an exclusive educational tool developed by National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to teach guests the impact that our daily activities have on the land, ocean and atmosphere.

When The Links at the Divi staged their grand opening event in 2004, several notables from the world of golf attended, including Parker Smith, Senior Editor of GOLF Magazine and Edward Gowan, Executive Director of the Arizona Golf Association.

Almond Resorts Barbados is offering a special rate to encourage guests to attend the first annual Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival, scheduled for Nov. 19 to 22, 2010. The four-night, all-inclusive vacation package includes hotel accommodations, roundtrip hotel transfers, all meals, unlimited drinks and snacks, non-motorized water sports, and entertainment. The festival is designed to highlight Barbados’ outstanding cuisine.