Peru´s National Institute of Culture has released a 10-year master plan that is aimed at conserving the ruins of Machu Picchu, where heavy tourism and nearby development has endangered the so-called Lost City of the Incas. Last year, UNESCO threatened to place Machu Picchu, Peru´s prime tourist destination, on its list of endangered cultural heritage sites. It has been on UNESCO´s World Heritage List since 1983.

Despite concerns in the Dominican Republic about low occupancy rates in some Playa Dorada hotels and the likelihood they will be closed, it would appear that certain forms of commerce are rising. According to local newspaper El Faro, prostitutes are invading disco clubs in Playa Dorada. The article says many are seen hanging around outside the Puerto Plata Village Hotel at 3 and 4 in the morning and wearing “inadequate outfits”.

Madam Elizabeth Moundo, UNESCO Country Representative in Ghana on behalf of the Director General, presented equipment to Nii Otoo Kwame III, chief of Ghana´s Pokuase for the establishment of a Radio Station at Pokuase, near Amasaman, in the western part of the African country. The equipment valued at 27,000 dollars included computers four electricity backup systems, two printers, one digital camera and scanner. Madam Moundo told the Ghana News Agency after the presentation that the project, bankrolled by the government of Switzerland through UNESCO, was part of a Global Project on the establishment of Community Multi Media Centers to promote local cultural activities.

Global hotel group Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts is collaborating with Cornell University School of Hotel Administration in New York to launch a Professional Development Program designed to improve the strategic management, knowledge and skills of high potential employees from hotels and corporate support offices worldwide. Nominations for the inaugural Professional Development Program were made by senior management, based on the employees´ current performance and future potential to take up key senior roles within the company.

New spa treatments, new soft furnishings and new mind-altering added value packages will be giving guests in the Turks and Caicos Islands the ultimate comfort and vacation experience for Summer and Fall 2005. Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association Chief Executive Caesar Campbell explains that "our focus in 2005 is pampering our guests. Whether through softer, plusher and more elegant furnishings and surroundings, well-considered added value packages, free nights or exquisite massage treatments, our hoteliers are rewarding visitors who spend time in the Turks and Caicos Islands."

British weekly publication The Economist is seeing sees serious challenges ahead in the critical sector of tourism in the Dominican Republic. The renowned British magazine -specialized in economic news and market analysis- sees local tourism declining rapidly.