In terms of outbound travel South Americans are ahead of everyone else in the Americas. In 2012, they undertook 12 percent more trips abroad than last year, marking a new record. The country clearly driving growth is Brazil.

The news that the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer has once again chosen to raise Air Passenger Duty (APD) is economically self-defeating – as research by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) continues to show.

Last week, a contingent from St Maarten was in Trinidad and Tobago on a promotional trip to highlight the destination and its one of a kind leisure, nature and business tourism offerings to the members of the press and public.