Two of Rainforest Adventures’ ecotourism parks, Costa Rica Pacific and Costa Rica Atlantic, got top marks from Rainforest Alliance, undergoing verification and receiving the highest rating possible.

Over the past few weeks, seaweed from the Sargasso Sea has been making its way towards the Caribbean, washing up en masse on beaches as surrounding currents change with weather and temperature patterns.

Choice Hotels International has appointed Barbara Alexander to its Board of Directors. Alexander currently serves as a director of KB Home, Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd. and QualComm Incorporated and has previously served as a director of Burlington Resources Inc., Centex Corporation, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), and Harrah's Entertainment Inc.