Almond Resorts are introducing a line of signature spas with nurturing, sense-enhancing, comforting treatments which go beyond the usual Caribbean spa services. The first Almond Spa will be at the Almond Beach Club in Barbados. The Almond Spa, with its elegant clubby feeling, reflects the resort´s unique and laidback setting.

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that it has raised a quarter of a million bucks for the American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief Fund to assist in the relief and recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The money was raised through various onboard and shore side initiatives and includes donations from guests across the fleet and NCL employees, which was then matched by NCL.

Mexico will open bidding on a $12 billion bullet train project to link the capital with the country´s second-largest city, Guadalajara. The bidding is expected to begin by early 2006 after a feasibility study is completed, Transportation Secretary Pedro Cerisola said Wednesday.

St Lucia´s Coco Kreole was recognized for Excellence by the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) last week in London winning “Best Small Hotel”. CHA honored the region´s outstanding travel industry partners in Europe by presenting them with the "Crystal Palm Awards for Excellence," the Association´s highest awards for the United Kingdom and Europe.

Low-fare airline Independence Air has recently filed for bankruptcy, the latest Chapter 11 filing by a U.S. airline, adding that it would seek to auction itself. According to Reuters, the former regional feeder carrier had been struggling with high fuel prices which hit the airline particularly hard because of its reliance on inefficient 50-seat regional jets.

The Puerto Rico Convention Center, a $415 million facility located in San Juan, Puerto Rico, opened its doors for business last week. The opening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony that kicked off three days of activities and special events for invited guests and VIPs at the Center, in and around San Juan. The all-new Puerto Rico Convention Center was conceived by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico as a way of broadening the Island´s successful tourism industry with increased group and business travel.