New York continues to attract more visitors each year. According to first figures released for 2005, the Big Apple received some 41 million visitors including 6.7 million international visitors. For 2006, the city administration predicts an all-time record of 43.3 million. The demand for New York from overseas markets continues to climb putting more pressure on hotel accommodation. Last year, 22 million overnights were booked (+4 percent over 2004) putting the average occupancy rate of hotels at 86%. The city currently has 70,639 rooms and should add another 5,000 more by the end of 2007, the equivalent of 18 new projects.

China has been voted the world´s most “intrepid” destination by 80 percent of travelers, in an international survey conducted by Intrepid Travel, one of the adventure tour operators. The poll questioned thousands of travelers about their favored locations and activities for an Active break. Asia scored the highest when respondents were asked which continent they most associated with energetic adventure.

The subject of one of the ITB Convention´s many workshops and seminars this year, Russia is a particularly exciting topic as it has been one of the fastest growing outbound travel markets in the last couple of years. In 2004, thanks to a 22 percent increase in spending, according to World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) statistics, it rose to ninth position in UNWTO´s world spenders´ ranking. And preliminary estimates for 2005 (+11 percent) suggest the market may have climbed another rung in the ladder.

Orbitz is enhancing its care alert system to accommodate mid-air delays. The Orbitz TLC alert system will notify up to six contacts if a travelers´ flight will arrive behind schedule because of congestion, a diversion to another airport or for any other delay. Passengers must provide Orbitz with their contact list for the alerts, prior to departure. According to the company this service will currently work for 24 airlines, including all major U.S. carriers.

Holiday Airline Thomas Cook is boosting its flying program from Nottingham East Midlands Airport to cope with extra demand. The airline, which has operated from East Midlands since 2001, had based a 180-seat A320 airbus at the airport during the summer months only. But now, a Thomas Cook 235-seat Boeing 757 is to be based there throughout the year.

Look for Puerto Rico to join the growing list of no-smoking destinations. The Puerto Rico Senate passed a bill to ban smoking in bars, casinos and other public places. The Puerto Rico House is expected to pass the bill, too. Gov. Anibal Acevedo Vila, who vetoed an earlier bill because it was too broad, indicated he would sign the revised legislation.