The $53 million renovation of sites in the historic town of Falmouth, Jamaica, are on track for the first port call, scheduled for Jan. 7, 2011, said Earl Patrick, executive director the Tourism Project Development Company (TPDCo). Jamaica’s port authority is building the port in partnership with Royal Caribbean International.
The Canaveral Port Authority on Dec. 21 closed on a $42 million loan from PNC Financial Services Group to accelerate the development of a new cruise terminal and cargo facilities. The 3.14 percent interest rate loan has a term of 13 years and, with the port’s existing debt, will enable Port Canaveral to be debt-free in 2023.
Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa, in the Florida Keys, named Lin Schatz as its new general manager. Schatz will oversee all aspects of the resort's operations, including food and beverage, staff service training, public relations and marketing.
Expedia, which last month made it more difficult for users to find American Airlines fares, dropped American completely effective Saturday, Jan. 1. Expedia’s move is the latest development in a dispute between American, which is trying to sell directly to consumers and travel agencies rather than use the GDSs that have traditionally provided a marketplace for agents and online agencies.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. said it has settled its lawsuit alleging misappropriation of trade secrets and confidential and proprietary information against Hilton Worldwide. In addition, the company said Hilton will be subject to an injunction supervised by U.S. Federal District Court-appointed monitors to ensure that such conduct does not happen again. Other terms of the settlement remain confidential, according to Starwood.
The Sandos Hotel Group has appointed Efrain Rios Castillo as Corporate Director of Environment and Sustainable Development of Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa and all the hotels in the Sandos portfolio in the Riviera Maya, Mexico, to continue maintaining a commitment to eco friendly practices and five-star quality service.