The health of India’s hotel industry is returning as data from STR Global, the leading provider of market information to the global hotel industry, shows a concerted upward trend and recent positive year-on-year growth in revenue per available room.

Cruise Baltic, a network of 27 ports in the region, reports continued growth in most segments of the industry in 2009. The 2010 Market Review survey conducted in January found that the cruise business in the Baltic Sea region continued to increase in 2009; however, the growth is slower than in 2008. The number of passengers increased by 11.7 percent in 2009, while the number of calls increased 3.8 percent and the number of turnarounds grew by 5.8 percent.

Mexico’s spring break king — Cancun — is rebounding quickly from last year’s triple blow to its tourism industry caused by the country’s swine flu epidemic, drug violence and a global economic crisis.

The new Dubai Cruise Terminal has been formally opened by the Dubai Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, on Tuesday in the presence of VIPs and officials, including His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Emirates Airlines Group, His Highness Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Mr. Pier Luigi Foschi, Chairman and CEO of Costa Crociere, Mr. Paolo Dionisi, Italian ambassador to the UAE, Mr. Corrado Antonini, Chairman Fincantieri and Mr. Gianni Onorato, President of Costa Cruises.

Wednesday 24th February saw the official launch of Liverpool Convention Bureau and its new branding at International Confex 2010, as part of a commitment to highlight Liverpool’s business tourism offering.

Nassau Paradise Island in The Bahamas is offering a free companion airfare promotion, which allows two to fly for the price of one. Travelers now have until May 10 to book an air-inclusive, four-night stay (based on double occupancy) at participating hotels and receive a free companion airfare.