Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group, announced the addition of Cayena Golf Club in the Dominican Republic to its exchange network. Currently under construction, the vacation ownership resort will be located in Bavaro, Punta Cana, a popular tourism destination on the island’s east coast.
Norwegian Cruise Line reported a first-quarter net loss of $16.1 million, compared to net income of $5.2 million in the same period last year. There were bright spots, however, including a healthy 5.7 percent increase in net yield and an occupancy rate of 107.9 percent, an increase over 106.9 percent in the prior year.
As the island of Saint Lucia bucks the trend and harvests strong growth from the United States travel market, tourism officials are welcoming additional JetBlue Airways flights from New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Saint Lucia’s Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) almost two months ahead of the official start of the summer season.
The board of directors of Choice Hotels International, Inc. promoted Ronald D. Parisotto to senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary. Parisotto, who will continue to report to President and CEO Stephen Joyce, also serves as an officer of the company.
Necker Island, Sir Richard Branson’s destination in the British Virgin Islands (B.V.I.), will host a “Celebration Week” in February 2011 to coincide with the second annual B.V.I. “Kite Jam” supported by Branson and sponsored by the B.V.I. Tourist Board. During the event, weekly rates start at Kite Jam will take place from Feb. 27 to March 5, 2011, and feature kite-boarding enthusiasts from around the globe engaging in races and freestyle competitions.
England’s tourism chiefs have teamed up to form a dedicated action group focused entirely on growing England’s business tourism after the sector was identified as a key area of potential growth by the recently launched Strategic Framework for English Tourism.