As of August 1, Glynis Roberts is serving as the country’s new tourism minister. She formerly served in the capacity as minister for Social Development, Labor and Ecclesiastical Relations. Mrs. Roberts, who is one of three women serving in the cabinet, replaces Peter David, who lead in the Tourism and Foreign Affairs for 13 months since the Tillman Thomas administration was elected into office in July 2008. David will continue to serve as Foreign Affairs minister.

Where do business travelers like to gather? According to the annual rankings of the International Congress & Convention Association, Vienna and Paris tied for first place worldwide, each hosting 139 association events in 2008.

The world may still be in the grip of a financial crisis, but new hotel properties planned before the downturn are still coming online amid the bookings slump. In China, affected a bit less than other major economies, international and domestic hotel chains have recently opened, or are due to open, new outlets in the country’s many booming cities.

The government-owned-and-operated Boatswain’s Beach/Cayman Turtle Farm attraction on Grand Cayman may be sold if the right buyer can be found, according to McKeeva Bush, the Cayman Islands leader of government business and minister of tourism.

To preserve Mexico’s Caribbean coastline, Cancun, the Riviera Maya and Cozumel will have their beachfronts restored to prepare the resorts to receive tourists in time for the winter vacation season.

Taking place during Tu B’Av, “the Jewish Night of Love,” the Bible & Love Festival will feature performances by leading Israeli artists, Aug. 4 to 8 at the Beit Guvrin National Park in the Judean Hills south of Jerusalem.