Mexico and Cuba have been highlighted as three of the fastest-growing long-haul holiday destinations for British travellers, according to a new report out today from worldwide travel company Kuoni.

The Secretary of Tourism of Mexico, Claudia Ruiz Massieu Salinas, said that the government of Enrique Peña Nieto is designing a strategy of "comprehensive security" to protect foreign tourists.

The accolade comes from readers of Scuba Diving magazine who voted the island as their favorite spot in the region. The Cayman Islands featured heavily in the magazine’s 2014 gold list – a reader compilation of their favorite dive-related spots in the world.

The Caribbean will enjoy steady growth in its all-important tourism sector as the U.S. economy continues its recovery, despite some serious issues.

Spain welcomed in excess of 60.6 million international tourists in 2013, recording a 5.6 per cent year on year increase and the strongest inbound tourism statistics to Spain since the launch of the FRONTUR surveys. In turn, spend by foreign visitors in Spain also reached record highs, with a total in excess of 59 billion euros in 2013, up 9.6 per cent year on year.

U.S. tourists keen to stay in Caribbean luxury hotels in St Lucia have seen an increase over 2013 compared to the previous year. St Lucia was battered by a powerful storm over Christmas, which left serious damage in its wake along with several casualties.