Tourism New Zealand is investing $3 million into the U.S. market with the launch of its 100 percent Pure New Zealand brand campaign, with the Discovery Networks and Travel Channel as exclusive broadcast partners.

There was no sign of an economic fall out on the island of Anguilla this holiday season, with some 215 private jet flights into the island. This is more evidence to support the argument that Anguilla is the top luxury spot in the Caribbean.

Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives have introduced a bill to permit American citizens unrestricted travel to Cuba, according to the Library of Congress website. The “Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act,” which would overturn the 46-year-old U.S. policy strictly limiting travel to the Caribbean island, will be subject to debate after being referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. The bill, introduced by Massachusetts Democrat Bill Delahunt and backed by eight other lawmakers, states that “the President may not regulate or prohibit, directly or indirectly, travel to or from Cuba by United States citizens or legal residents.” Currently U.S. nationals are supposed to request Treasury Department permission to visit Cuba. They are not routinely allowed to spend money in Cuba, creating an effective travel ban.

Air France was allowed to gradually resume operations to and from Paris before 10 a.m. yesterday. Air France said it expected to operate all its long-haul flights from Paris-CDG and Paris-Orly after 10 a.m. Tuesday. However, the airline said severe delays can be expected, both on departure and on arrival. Short- and medium-haul flights will resume gradually and Air France said it will do all it can to ensure that all passengers reach their destination. Close to 15 percent of short- and medium-haul flights have been cancelled, however, to adapt to the resumption of flights at the Paris airports. Operations are normal on the rest of the network. Air France said 3,000 of its customers were put up in 2,200 hotel rooms at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and 250 Air France flights were cancelled on Feb. 9.

Barcelo Hotels & Resorts is offering North American travel agents a new loyalty program to earn complimentary vacation stays at more than 26 all-inclusive hotels in Mexico, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. In an effort to recognize the important relationship between its hotels and its travel partners, the “B Partner” loyalty program rewards agents for every confirmed booking at an all-inclusive Barcelo property in Mexico, Costa Rica or the Dominican Republic. Effective for all bookings made and fulfilled after Nov. 1, 2008, the program awards registered agents with 15 “perks” for each night booked at a Barcelo Premium hotel or 10 “perks” for each night booked at a Barcelo hotel. Agents can then earn free night stays with as little as 300 perks or only 20 booked room nights at a Premium Barcelo property.

This Valentine’s Day the Hilton’s Romance Package will be available at hotels and resorts in five Caribbean islands and three Latin American destinations. The Romance Package includes accommodations; early check-in and pre-registration upon request; in-room sparkling wine (where permitted by law) or cider upon arrival; access to hotel health club, pool and whirlpool spa (where available); daily breakfast for two in room or in the hotel’s designated restaurant; on additional nights clients can buy one entrée and get a second one of equal or lesser value free (choose from either lunch or dinner in designated restaurant); and late check-out available upon request. The participating hotels and their starting rates include the Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort, $259; Hilton Buenos Aires, $269; Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa, $274; British Colonial Hilton Nassau, $274; Hilton Curaçao, $274; Hilton São Paulo Morumbi, $280 (approximate value as rates are confirmed in local currency); Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre, $294; and the Caribe Hilton, San Juan, $339. When making reservations, request booking code RP. The Romance Package is available through Dec. 31.