International tourist arrivals grew by 5% during the first half of 2013 compared to the same period of 2012, reaching almost 500 million, according to data just released by UNWTO.
Growth was above the projection made at the beginning of the year and is also exceeding the trend of the UNWTO long-term outlook.

Puerto Vallarta is witnessing a surge in its visitor numbers, as reported by the Mexico Ministry of Tourism. The destination saw 1,129,649 hotel room occupancies from January to May, an increase of 11,115 rooms over the same period last year.

The friendly island of St. Maarten continues to prove itself as a preferred destination for travelers with a 12.1 percent increase in Canadian passenger traffic during the first six months of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. The island is also the fastest growing Caribbean destination, according to a study done by Expedia.

Tourism Minister Stephen Cadiz is hoping for a bigger budget for his ministry this year when the national budget is read on September 9. He was speaking after the launch of the ministry’s “Tourism: It’s about all of us” educational program. The ministry will be launching its global branding and marketing strategy at the World Tourism Market in London in November.

Antigua & Barbuda is preparing to host the World Travel Awards North America & Caribbean Gala Ceremony next month as it continues its ascent to the pinnacle of global tourism. Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa was awarded hosting rights earlier this year, with hundreds of top industry insiders expected to arrive for the event on September 14th.