The National Association of Hotels and Restaurants (ASONAHORES) has reached an agreement with the Dominican government aimed at fostering the development of tourism. Dominican President Leonel Fernandez said the accord not only benefits the tourism sector but also the country´s economic and social development.

The American trade deficit soared to a new record in September as the U.S. Gulf Coast hurricanes helped push America´s foreign oil bill to an all-time high. The politically sensitive deficit with China also set a record. The Commerce Department reported last week that the deficit jumped to $66.1 billion in September, 11.4 percent higher than the $59.3 billion imbalance recorded in August. It was a far bigger increase than analysts had been expecting and reflected in part a record $23.8 billion in oil purchases as the price skyrocketed, reflecting widespread shutdowns of production facilities following hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Cozumel tourism officials report rapid progress in the post-hurricane Wilma cleanup and restoration effort on the island. According to Raul Marrufo, director of the Cozumel Tourism Promotion Board, the essential services have been restored to most of the island. “We have shifted our focus to prepare the island for winter visitors. We are enthusiastic about our progress and look forward to a busy tourist season starting in December,” he said.

Violence shaking the suburbs of French cities is threatening the country´s carefully cultivated image as one of the world´s favored travel destination. The list of foreign governments urging tourists to exercise caution in France is growing, with Australia, Austria, Britain, the Netherlands, Germany, Japan, Denmark, Slovakia and the Czech Republic on Monday joining the United States, Russia and Hungary in issuing warnings to avoid riot-hit areas, especially at night. None are advising travelers to avoid France altogether, at least, not yet.

Telecommunications will be easier between Jamaica and the Dominican Republic after a deal signed between Verizon Dominicana and a Barbados telecom company, officials said last week. The $45 million fiber optic cable deal will also be bankrolled by FibraLink Barbados Limited.

A stretch of wall in Rome´s ancient forum has collapsed, raising fears that much of the popular tourist site is potentially dangerous for visitors. Around 50 feet of wall fell over in the early hours of Friday onto a walkway that leads to the famed Arch of Titus and the Coliseum.