Beautiful beaches, strong air transportation links, a diverse group of all-inclusive resorts and upscale independent hotels, and proximity to key East Coast markets continues to drive record-breaking tourist arrivals in the Dominican Republic.

UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, has expressed serious concerns about the negative impact that a new tourism tax on air passengers and hotel guests in Africa, currently being discussed among members of the African Union, would have on Africa's tourism sector.

New York State staged is second Tourism Summit on May 14, an event hosted by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo at the Museum of Natural History in New York City. Cuomo unveiled plans for a $45 million campaign to promote tourism to the state.

Total export earnings generated by international tourism in 2013 reached US$ 1.4 trillion. Receipts earned by destinations from international visitors grew by 5% to reach US$ 1,159 billion, while an additional US$ 218 billion was earned by international passenger transport.

Insight Cuba received an amateur sports license from the U.S. Department of the Treasury to allow Americans to participate in the Havana Marathon and half marathon on Nov. 16. The company, which offers a number of people-to-people programs to Cuba, created three tours surrounding the event.

With less than 40 days until the opening of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a mega event for which Brazil is the host country, the country is inviting tourists to enjoy its many cultural and natural destinations, as well as its passion for dance and football.