Hotel and tourism officials in Mexico say the country’s tourism areas are safe - and get backing from US officials. Tourist areas in Mexico are safe for American visitors, local tourist and U.S. government officials say. “We recognize that there is concern over the drug trafficking violence in our country,” says Jorge Apaez, president for Mexico for UK-based hotel giant Inter-Continental Hotels group, which owns brands like Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza.

The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago yesterday expressed its willingness to enter into a mutual air travel agreement with Nigeria which will have airlines of both countries operate direct air flights into each other’s airspace.

Down Under Answers is offering a Southern Spectacle package, a 13-day/10-night escorted vacation priced from $2,999 per person double occupancy. The luxury small group escorted vacation includes all international and domestic New Zealand flights, private airport transfers and deluxe accommodations throughout, sightseeing, activities and most meals.

Dubai launched a global campaign aimed to promote its tourism facilities on an international stage. Initiated by Emirates airline group in partnership with the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Dubai hoteliers and Destination Management Companies (DMCs), the campaign reflects an investment totaling $13.7 million. More than 2,000 frontline travel staff from around the world including travel agents, tour operators and MICE agents will be invited to visit Dubai throughout March, April and May for a three-day familiarization trip, under the banner of the “Keep Discovering Dubai” campaign.

The Portuguese Tourist Office did a random sample of spring and pre-summer deals at hotels across Portugal and found “lots of great prices at great places.” Portugal’s network of pousadas-small hotels and inns refurbished from former manor homes, castles, monasteries and other historical properties, offers “Pousadas Touring Unlimited,” a package deal that can save the traveler 50 percent during the month of April.

The Acapulco Destination Marketing Office said an agreement has been signed by officials of the Acapulco City Hall, the Guerrero State Government and the Mexico Attorney General, on substantial efforts being made to ensure the safety of students and all travelers to Acapulco during the 2009 “spring break” vacation period.