Basil H. Smith has been picked to fill the position of Director of Tourism of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB). Mr. Smith, a Jamaican national, whose term as head of the country´s tourism marketing agency will commence officially on November 1, brings with him many years of tourism and marketing experience.

Until recently, Saudi Arabia has been considered a not very tourism-friendly destination. Unfriendly no longer, as three historical sites in the country have met the UNESCO approval for being the heritage sites. Approval has been given to include Al-Diriya, Madaen Saleh and Jeddah´s historical area in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization´s (UNESCO) list of world heritage sites.

US Airways temporarily amended its ticket and baggage policies for customers affected by Hurricane Ernesto. US Airways offered the revised policies, which apply to all customers flying August 28 through August 30 on any US Airways or US Airways codeshare flight traveling to or from Montego Bay, Kingston, Grand Cayman, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers and Key West. US Airways service continued to operate to the affected destinations and customers could still make certain changes without incurring the standard change fee, advance reservation or ticketing requirements.

One of Mexico´s prettiest cities has been tainted by blood and scarred with graffiti in a political conflict raising tensions in a country already on tenterhooks over a contested presidential vote. Months of protests aimed at toppling Oaxaca state Gov. Ulises Ruiz spun out of control when gunmen believed to be off-duty police opened fire on protesters twice this week, killing one person. Five people have been killed this month.

In a move to further expand its European and Latin American operations, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. announced its agreement to purchase Pullmantur S.A., the Madrid-based cruise and tour operator. Royal Caribbean expects the acquisition to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2006, subject to regulatory approvals.

While Caribbean governments are pondering on the possible effects that potential growth in Cuban tourism could have on the region´s industry, the Cayman Islands says it´s prepared. The United States, which is only 90 miles north of Cuba, has banned its citizens from visiting the island over the oast 40 years. Were travel restrictions lifted, an estimated three millions tourists are expected to flock to the island every year year.