New York._ Marriott International celebrated this week its 75th anniversary, as chairman and CEO J.W. Marriott Jr. provided a less-than-optimistic preview of the company´s second quarter results. "Given that the lodging industry typically trails an economic recovery by three to six months, we expect the measure of profitability for hotels to decline in the quarter by 5% to 7%," said Marriott. This latest forecast was less optimistic than earlier projections.

Tour operator Marsans has unveiled an insert featuring the best weekly offers in stock in order to forward fare updates. The new tool –printed in specialized weeklies- discloses an assortment of products and services marketed by Marsans all over the globe. On the other hand, an update seminar on Australia will take place next Thursday beginning at 9:00 o’clock at the Hotel de Las Americas. For further information, click on promocion@marsansinter.com.ar or call 4131-1230.

The Selected Hotels for Business, Congresses & Incentives Co. –a Marbella-based world hotel association specialized in congresses and incentives- has inaugurated a new establishment in Brazil, the five-star Fiesta Bahia Hotel in Salvador. Selected Hotel has equally added other new lodging facilities in Spain, Portugal, Switzerland and the British-owned island of Jersey. In all, the company already owns 40 resorts.

Santo Domingo._ Tourism will be a pivotal point of discussion for the 33 dignitaries attending the Iberian-American Summit to be held November 14 to 15 in the Dominican Republic, the Dominican minister of foreign affairs Hugo Tolentino Dipp informed. Mr. Dipp pointed out the summit will take place in Bavaro, Higuey –some 300 kilometers east of Santo Domingo- and will focus on tourism matters, production output and poverty. The King of Spain will be among the attendants.

Mexico’s air carrier Mexicana de Aviacion will disclose May 8 its new tourist product entitled VTP (All Paid Travel) at the Intero-Continental Hotel. Several Mexican hotels will also attend the meeting. Formal invitation is required. Applications are available at rrpp@mexicana.com.ar, or by calling 4000-6300.

Playa del Carmen._ Riu Hotels & Resorts buttressed its marketing department for the Americas in its offices in Mexico’s Playa del Carmen. Latin American customers could now channel their requirements through these facilities. Karina Rucco, marketing director for Latin America, will be at your beck and call from next May 2 on, taking your calls at (52-984) 87-30320 and receiving e-mail messages sent to krucco@riu.com