Spring break approaches and the State Department is telling students to be on their toes. Vacations can be ruined by drugs, alcohol, disorderly behavior and preventable accidents, the department said Friday in a statement designed to enhance safety and a good vacation. “Most will have a safe and enjoyable adventure,” the statement said. “But for some the trip will become a nightmare.”

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has appointed Chad Waetzig as senior vice president of marketing for Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. Waetzig will report to Javier Benito, Starwood´s executive vice president and chief marketing officer.

American Airlines expressed its appreciation for its close, 30-year partnership with Bermuda at the “Bermuda, Feel the Love Celebration Tour” event here. “American Airlines has been a terrific partner with Bermuda, having served us well and faithfully for 30 years,” said Dr. the Hon. Ewart Brown, Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism and Transport of Bermuda. “American has made major contributions to Bermuda tourism, to our economy, and to our institutions, and we look forward to a continued strong relationship.”

Citing criminal problems in a several Israeli cities, the United States Department of State has issued an advisory warning its citizens about traveling to Israel. The advisory said Israel is a dangerous criminal state and visits should be avoided. Responding to the U.S. State Department output, Israeli Tourism Minister Abraham Hirchson told the media, “We intend to inquire what caused the Americans to publish a travel warning for tourists wanting to visit Israel. Only then will we publish a response.”

The Travel Institute of the United States has expanded its product line to provide more targeted resources for home-based agents. The dramatic rise in the number of home-based agents and independent contractors has been similarly reflected in The Institute´s membership numbers and customer base. In response to this growing constituency, The Travel Institute is offering new packages and products. Rather than reinvent the wheel, The Institute has combined some of its relevant content with established outside resources to present a comprehensive package to ensure success.

Preliminary field reports on the investigation of unexplained death of birds on the island of Inagua in the Southern Bahamas were exaggerated. Senior Veterinary officer of the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources indicate that only five birds were involved in the reported incident on that island, reducing the likelihood of an outbreak of avian influenza H5N1.