Data from a survey conducted among North American travelers and travel agents show that brand awareness for Mexico’s newest destination, Riviera Nayarit, has significantly increased from 2009 to 2010. This increase is found throughout the North American market. Among Americans, 13 percent of commuters recognize the Riviera Nayarit brand and link the destination with high quality holiday products.

Jamaica recorded a 14 percent increase in overnight tourist arrivals in the first half of January, representing 10,000 tourists and $10.5 million economic impact, according to Edmund Bartlett, the country’s tourism minister. Speaking at press conference at the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association’s Caribbean Marketplace in Montego Bay.

With its vast array of natural attractions and top-class services, Chile is an attractive tourism destination for Latin Americans, as well as global visitors. The Chilean currency has become more expensive for the Argentines. However, the Argentine visitors who usually get the season underway have been fewer than in previous years. In the first three days of 2011, 6,515 Argentines crossed over to Chile, more than 2,000 less than in 2010.

The Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) has reported a record response for its latest TV, print and online advertising campaign. In association with key tour operators and hoteliers including Almond Resorts, Virgin Holidays, BA Holidays and Elegant Hotel Group, the campaign brings to life the variety and richness of Barbados as a key holiday destination.

Bahamian Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace says he believes in economic diversification, but not necessarily in different industries.  Instead, the Minister believes that a country’s focus should be diversifying the sectors in which they have done well. The Minister was speaking on the topic “Diversifying the Bahamian economy: Fact, Fiction and the Real Alternative” during the 20th annual Bahamas Business Outlook.

President Obama recently announced plans to let student, church and cultural groups legally visit Cuba. And while falling short of now-stalled legislation that would have lifted a nearly five decade-old travel ban, it could pave the way for more U.S. tourism to the island nation.