Internationally acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and his partner Phil Suarez, hospitality leader Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and top consumer-focused private equity firm Catterton Partners announced they have partnered to create an international, upscale, multi-concept restaurant and licensing business. The new company will develop, own, operate, manage and license world-class restaurants created by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, including the highly successful Spice Market restaurant located in New York City, plus new to-be-developed multi-unit Jean-Georges restaurant concepts.

RIU Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce its new partnership with Reggae Sunsplash, the world´s largest and most important music festival devoted exclusively to reggae music. The four-day festival returning to Jamaica – the place of its origin – after a nine year hiatus will feature many of the world´s most popular and acclaimed reggae acts including UB40, Luciano and Morgan Heritage, just to mention only a few.

Florida Keys hotels broke their tourist-season slump in April, with both room rates and revenues showing strong gains over a year ago. The average Keys visitor paid 22 percent more for a room ($207 a night) than in April 2005, while the overall occupancy rate climbed two points to a healthy 81 percent, according to Smith Travel Research.

Three of Coral by Hilton´s fun all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic are offering a Just Us Girl´s Package, available through July and August. Perfect for a best friends´ get-together, a bachelor-like escape or just plain “girls just wanna to have fun” getaway, the package is available at the Canoa Coral by Hilton on Bayahibe Beach, the Hamaca Coral by Hilton in Boca Chica or the Marien Coral by Hilton on the fabulous beach at Puerto Plata.

With two new resorts opened, two more under construction, and several others investing in upgrades and renovations, Curacao is on the verge of a tourism boom. “The accommodations on Curacao will provide for all levels of luxury and styles of service –offering something for those seeking an intimate boutique property as well as big name brands for those seeking familiarity and comforts of home,” stated Director of Tourism Clifton Walle.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has reached an agreement with Genesis, a locally based development firm, to build a new St. Regis Resort and Residences in Costa Rica. The resort, designed by Zurcher Architects and scheduled to open in 2008, will be developed in conjunction with Miami-based Lionstone Development.