The UNWTO expressed deep sadness “by the losses of lives and devastation caused by the earthquake that struck Haiti.”

The island of Aruba is helping to bring aid to Haiti, following the devastating earthquake which nearly destroyed the country's capital city and killed thousands in the impoverished nation.

Richard Doumeng, Managing Director of Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands was presented with the coveted “Golden Conch” Caribbean Hotelier of the Year Award, on behalf of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association caribbeanhotelassociation.com.

The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort in Rose Hall, Jamaica, has laid off 83 of its more than 750 employees due to a continuing decline in group and corporate bookings.

Expedia CruiseShipCenters reported a 5 percent increase in booked passengers over the previous year. “To be able to say our company grew at all during 2009 is an achievement in itself,” said Matthew Eichhorst, president of Expedia CruiseShipCenters. “We’re extremely pleased with our results and all signs point to 2010 being a phenomenal year with our fourth-quarter bookings up 32 percent.”

The Westin Resort, Aruba appointed Bill Thompson as director of sales and marketing. In his new role, Thompson will oversee all sales and marketing activities, including group and leisure sales, food and beverage, catering and public relations for the 481-room resort located on Palm Beach in Aruba.