Mexican congressmen are working the kinks out of a new Federal Tourism Act that will eventually give municipal authorities and hotel associations at both local and governmental levels more wiggle room to manage their own projects.
In a press release issued by the House of Representatives, the legislative branch points out the bill will be voted as soon as possible in an effort to speed up the decentralization of the travel industry and turn municipalities into the key cells in the advance of the hospitality sector.
Puerto Rico-based Caribbean Sun Airlines will start March 21 four direct flights per week between St Vincent and San Juan, thus improving direct air access to the multi-island destination, giving a boost to tourism.
The new service will greatly contribute to the development of tourism in St. Vincent and the Grenadines as the flow of traffic from international destinations through the San Juan hub is expected to increase.
Dominican Tourism Secretary Felix Jimenez charged the Jamaican government with fostering a negative campaign against his country, especially about the Norwalk virus.
It is so because Jamaica is feeling the competitive heat and seeing larger amounts of Canadian and U.S. visitors traveling to the Dominican Republic, Mr. Jimenez was quoted as argueing by local newspaper El Caribe.
Francisco Cordova Lira Soto, chief of the Xcaret Corporate Group, announced the beginning of construction works for the new Puerta Rivera Maya-Xcaret home port in Playa del Carmen two months from now. The $80 million project will give the group a chance to lift revenues by 15 to 20 percent.
Mr. Lira explained the new home port or pier for cruises will be executed in coordination with Carnival Cruise Lines and will be ready to accommodate 800,000 passengers over the next six years. These tourists are expected to spend some $200 million in all.
The Maho Group from St. Maarten has just picked Mel Logan new marketing and sales manager for the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino, the Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino and La Terrasse Suites-Maho Village. Mr. Logan, whose main offices are headquartered in New York, will supervise marketing, sales and revenue divisions for the group.
In its effort to develop Belize´s tourism product via the strengthening of its human resources, the Belize Tourism Training Unit reported that over 75 tourism professionals were certified for their participation in international training programs.