International tourism is steadily gaining momentum following an extremely challenging 2009. International tourist arrivals grew by 7 percent in the first two months of 2010 worldwide, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer.
Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has been awarded the Commander of Number of the Order of Civil Merit from Spain for the pivotal role he has played in facilitating several multi-billion dollar investments in the island's burgeoning tourism sector. Minister Bartlett was conferred with the honor at a formal ceremony held at the official residence of the Spanish Ambassador to Jamaica, in Norbrook, St. Andrew on Friday, May 7.
The Official Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference (CHTIC 2010) welcomed “a very gratifying attendance of 349 delegates” – a 18% increase over the 296 attendees in 2009, according to Alec Sanguinetti, Director General and CEO of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA). The event was highlighted by a keynote address from Robert Crandall, former Chairman and CEO of AMR Corporation and American Airlines in which he called for a new regional marketing campaign and the easing of on-island taxation of the hospitality and tourism sector.
With the newly signed two management contracts in China for Sofitel Haikou and Sofitel Lianyungang Suning Galaxy, Sofitel Luxury Hotels has a network of 25 hotels within Greater China including the two upcoming opening hotels in 2010: Sofitel Dongguan Humen Oriental and Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich. Sofitel Luxury Hotels is pleased to announce the major changes that have been taking place within its new organization by relocating its Greater China regional team to be based at Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16.
Fiji’s Bureau of Statistics’ latest report showed that a total of 4,199 U.S. passport holders visited Fiji in March, an 18.6 percent increase compared to March 2009’s 3,539 total. Regional Director Ili Matatolu stated that this result showed cause for optimism for the U.S. market as it builds up its recovery from last year’s challenges.
Riviera Nayarit, in Mexico, casts a bright spotlight and positive outlook for Mexican tourism. Riviera Nayarit is looking ahead at 2010 with growth in number of monthly visitors based on hotel occupancy and new hotel openings in 2010 and beyond.