Central America was a big hit with European visitors in 2012 according to new figures released by the ministries of tourism of the seven Central American countries. The German and British markets experienced the biggest growth last year, and were up by nine percent and seven percent respectively.

Cuba is looking to further boost its long-vital tourism sector, the crown jewel of which is this famed resort town located 138 kilometers (85 miles) east of Havana. Varadero caters to international tourists with its dozens of luxury hotels, which are state-owned but managed in joint-venture partnerships by international groups, most of which are Spanish.

Last Sunday on the sidelines of the 7th Summit of Heads of State of the 17 member countries of Petrocaribe, Haiti and the Venezuela, have agreed on several projects aimed at tourism development of Haiti.

Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Minister John Maginley will speak to Chinese authorities later this month in Beijing about renewed efforts to tap into their tourism market. The announcement came as the new Chinese ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda paid a courtesy call on the tourism minister.