The number of scheduled domestic and international passengers on U.S. airlines in December 2008 declined by 5.7 percent from December 2007, dropping by 3.4 million to 57.4 million, the Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported.

Choice Hotels International has announced plans to bolster Caribbean tourism’s efforts to beef up business in today’s challenging economic environment.

Norwegian Cruise Line named Camille Olivere as its new vice president-sales. She joins NCL from Travelport Inc., where she spent the past six years, most recently as vice president-sales, global e-commerce division.

Travel Impressions is running a Best of Barbados promotion featuring air credits, free nights and other incentives. As part of The Best of Barbados promotion, travelers will receive air credits of up to $300 per person; first night free hotel accommodations; $100 pre-loaded debit card for on-island purchases; complimentary daily breakfast; buy one, get one half price tickets at participating attractions; one Barbados gourmet card featuring 25 percent off at participating restaurants; and one $25 Oistins Fish Fry dinner voucher per booking.

As reported in Travel Pulse on March 9, Funjet Vacations created a toolbox of resources to help travel agents counter fears created by negative publicity about Mexico. Funjet’s package is designed to assist agents in communicating the facts about vacationing in Mexico to clients and to the media.

The Discover Dominica Authority today announces that Mr. Colin Piper has been appointed its new CEO and Director of Tourism, effective as of Monday, February 16, 2009.