The possibility of an air passenger duty (APD) review was shot down in flames yesterday, after a parliamentary debate on the controversial tax. Salid Javid, the Government's economic secretary, said no review would be forthcoming.

Led by the Sustainable Tourism Unit and with the support of Small Planet Consulting, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (Web: www.bahamas.com) recently launched their first-ever birding tourism development plan. The preparation of the plan was championed by Earlston McPhee, head of the Sustainable Tourism Unit. McPhee is well known for his work for over 25 years in promoting sustainable tourism development in the Caribbean and around the world. The Bahamas depends heavily on its natural environment and has taken many steps to protect it.

The Canadian market has been “the most consistent” of major source markets for Caribbean tourism. It is also the only source which has increased during the past five years, said Hugh Riley of the Caribbean Tourism Organization. Mr. Riley was speaking at Caribbean Week in Toronto and said that in the light of the economic turmoil, the market had “displayed the greatest buoyancy”. However, he also sounded a more guarded note. “While the numbers keep increasing, the research shows that visitors from this market are also spending with great caution.

Cuban authorities are striving to get tourist facilities damaged by Hurricane Sandy ready for the high winter season. With heavy damages in the power system, agriculture, communications, education, health, transport, commerce and food centers, the province of Santiago de Cuba was the worst hit by the hurricane.

Barbados is sponsoring a “Book Barbados Now -- Super Fall Getaway” promotion offering travelers savings of up to $350 on accommodations at participating Barbados hotels. Under the offer, travelers will instantly save $100 per hotel booking in addition to any current promotion in the marketplace by hotel partners. Vacationers will also receive discounts in a special “Passport of Savings” from local participating attraction and activity operators, which combine for a value of $250. http://www.travelpulse.com/barbados-travel-promotion-includes-hotel-savings-discounts.html

A month after travel companies complained of delays in processing their so-called people-to-people licenses under new restrictions for organized group travel to Cuba, at least 20 have now been granted.