A Spanish project is putting a longstanding dream in the crosshairs: the reenactment of the Franciscan Pathway in Paraguay during the Evangelization Process of the late 16th and early 17th centuries whose legacy can now be rekindled with the help of tourism.

“The project consists of presenting a world other than that of the Jesuits. And I’m talking about the Franciscans, whose features tie them up to the Guarani people,” said Jose Antonio Ferreiro, a consulting officer for the Spanish International Cooperation Agency (AECI).

Aeromexico, one of the Aztec nation’s premiere carriers, is opening up a new route between Mexico and the United States –beginning Feb. 13 next year- that will eventually hook up the city of Boston with the Mexican capital through direct flights between the two burgs, plus a nonstop lift from Cancun.

Aeromexico’s CEO Arturo Barahona said the new service stems from the increasing demand among lots of companies and individuals willing to make business trips or travel to and fro both destinations to do research. The new route stands for Aeromexico’s 18th destination in the States.

Cuban tourist workers in the province of Matanzas have funneled some $4 million into the struggle against cancer since this donation program started out back in 1994.

The 2004 Olympic Games to be held this summer in Athens will go down in history as the most expensive Olympiads of all time for tourists. Some official estimates are pointing to 600 euros a night at a three-star hotel and as many as 13,000 euros for those interested in watching the competitions.

The Guatemalan leisure industry goes on to be the country’s number-one economic sector with over $612 million worth of revenues in 2003, official sources reportedly said.

Felipe Miranda, head of the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT) said in a press conference that the national tourism strategy was successful this year, yet growth will barely reach 5 percent this time around compared to the numbers posted in 2002.

Spanish airline Iberia has just launched out an offer beginning on New Year’s Day to allow baggage overweight for passengers flying from Madrid to Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru and the Dominican Republic.

Sources close to the company informed the offer includes a $36 flat rate, plus an increment of a couple of extra bucks for each additional kilogram.

As soon as this new regulation goes into effect, each Iberia passenger could carry up to 65 kilograms of luggage. For making use of this service, travelers are required to produce their tickets or reservation receipts.