The Tourist Office of Spain has contracted with New York-based Global Advertising Strategies to carry out digital communications and social media initiatives in the United States. With Global Advertising Strategies’ help, the Tourist Office will beef up Spain’s position as one of the leading destinations for upscale travelers.

Norwegian Cruise Line reported adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter ended June 30, 2011, increased 29 percent to $123.5 million from $95.7 million for the same period in 2010. Net revenue for the quarter increased 19.8 percent to $418 million from $349 million last year as a result of a 14.9 percent increase in capacity days, due to the addition of Norwegian Epic to the fleet in June 2010, along with an improvement in net yield of 4.2 percent.

Meliá Hotels International reported results for the first half of 2011 showing revenues of 620.4 million euros, up 6.8 percent compared to 581 million euros reported in the same period in 2010. The company also reported a 9.1 percent increase in RevPAR (revenue per available room) and a net profit of 8 million euros, down 13.5 percent from 2010 mainly due to the effects of exchange rates and differences in the generation of capital gains. Excluding the effects of exchange rates, Meliá’s net profit would rise another 16 million euros.

The $150 million Palmyra Resort & Spain Rose Hall, Jamaica was placed into receivership (bankruptcy) by Jamaican banks on July 22, according to local press reports. The National Commercial Bank (NCB), identified as Palmyra's biggest creditor at $88 million, and has been appointed to oversee the receivership.

Lufthansa reported an operating profit for the first half of the year of 3 million euros, an improvement of 174 million euros over the same period a year earlier. This development reflects a robust sales growth -- group revenue climbed by 11.4 percent to 14.1 billion euros -- and positive impacts from the cost management measures.

Offshore tax havens, still reeling in the wake of the global economic crisis, are looking to Canada to help revitalize the industry. Government officials of Barbados, one popular low-tax jurisdiction, are stepping up efforts to attract Canadian investors as the Caribbean country grapples with a slowdown.