Eight of the world’s Least Developed Countries (LDCs) have begun to assess their tourism development needs and pinpoint relevant funding sources at a workshop held by the United Nations Steering Committee on Tourism for Development (SCTD) (Geneva, Switzerland, 18-20 October).

The cruise tourism sector in the Middle East is seeing a steady increase in passengers as the sector gains traction in the region. Dubai expects cruise passenger numbers to reach 425,000 in 2011 (compared to 390,000 in 2010), and has forecasted that its annual passenger numbers will increase 50,000 year-on-year until 2015.

In August, nearly 800 residents of Grand Cayman and their visiting friends and relatives enjoyed the Island’s spectacular marine environment while taking advantage of a 50 per cent discount on water sports through the Visiting Friends and Family Program offered by Red Sail Sports.

The OECS Council of Tourism Ministers met to discuss progress made on mandates given to the OECS Secretariat at their last meeting of the Council held in St. Kitts & Nevis in April, 2011. The OECS Secretariat has allocated funds under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) OECS Economic Integration & Trade Project.

Bermuda’s government issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking a consulting firm to create a national tourism plan to address the island’s “struggling” tourism industry, according to local press reports, which cite government sources.

Mexico was unanimously selected for a seat on the Executive Council of the World Tourism Organization. The World Tourism Organization is an international agency dedicated to creating financial and societal advancement and reducing poverty.