The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is now inviting tourism companies and organizations from around the world that can demonstrate best practice in sustainable tourism development to submit their applications for the 2010 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, Dec. 2.

Hotel occupancy climbed to more than 80 percent in late July in Puerto Vallarta, exceeding expectations, according to the Jalisco state tourism officials.

The U.S. Virgin Islands is marketing its small hotels (50 rooms or less) in a big way this summer. And the initiatives are paying off, according to Beverly Nicholson Doty, tourism commissioner.

St. Kitts had 244,782 cruise visitors in the first half of the year, a 10 percent increase, according to the St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority. The figures included a 28 percent increase in the month of June to 16,076 passengers, compared with 12,594 the previous June.

Jamaica’s hotels and resorts are offering savings for travelers this fall. “These spectacular savings from our hotels, resorts and attractions make autumn an ideal time to visit Jamaica and enjoy our variety of accommodations, attractions and outdoor adventure,” said John Lynch, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “Plus, Jamaica is an easily accessible destination thanks to superb airlift from most major U.S. gateways, making it the perfect escape for a vacation, or even a long weekend.”

Many of Aruba’s hotels and resorts are currently offering special travel packages and deals, for family travel or romance travel. The island is easily accessible from 13 U.S. gateway cities and is only two-and-a-half hours by air from Miami and four hours from New York City.