Hilton International signed a franchise agreement with Coral Hotels & Resorts, resulting in the Coral by Hilton all-inclusive brand. Four Coral-managed properties on the tourism-driven Caribbean island of the Dominican Republic were flagged at the end of March 2003.

Jalousie Plantation is about to undergo a restoration program which will take place over a two year period. The resort, which was recently acquired by local hotelier Craig Barnard, is known for its collection of private Caribbean villas overlooking the sea, framed by the Pitons.

Fontainebleau Suites Miami Beach is offering a special summer rate on all studio and one-bedroom suites. The studio suites, which offer 500 square feet with a spacious sitting area and kitchenette, start at $169. The one-bedroom suites, which boast 1,000 square feet featuring a full living room with dining area and breakfast bar, full kitchen, two full bathrooms, walk-in closet and washer/dryer, start at $269. These rates are in effect from May 1 to September 30.

One of Aruba´s flagship lodgings, the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, nabbed the AAA Four Diamond Award in recognition to its superb quality and longstanding commitment to superior service. The AAA Four Diamond Award is granted to hotels with excellent exterior grounds, public areas, room décor and ambiance, guest room amenities, bathrooms, housekeeping, management and guest services.

Paradisus Palma Real, the fifth all-inclusive resort in Sol Meliá Hotels and Resorts´ Paradisus brand, opened with fanfare on Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Hotel officials reported that advance bookings were strong for all the Paradisus properties, including the new resort.

Golden Tulip Hospitality announced preparations are underway to reenter the U.S. market. Golden Tulip retained the American based Hospitality Consulting Group, Inc. to study the US market potential and strategy that would assure the superior delivery of its products, services and investment results to its customers, investors and partners in the U.S.A. Golden Tulip Hospitality currently ranks as the 18th largest hotel chain in Europe and 9th worldwide by number of countries represented.