PLP candidate Gregory Moss says tourism is virtually dead on Grand Bahama and the FNM government has done nothing to reduce government taxes in the tourism sector. According to Mr. Moss, many small hotels have closed and the escalation of airport fees and increased government taxes has left the island uncompetitive.

Victims of the Costa Concordia disaster have filed a lawsuit in Florida seeking up to $460 million, as a 17th body has been recovered from the wreck. Fifteen people are still missing, including one American couple.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced that, building on a year of record growth and deal activity in 2011, it plans to open an additional 80 new hotels in 2012, following last year’s addition of 81 new hotels around the globe.

LAN Airlines S.A. and TAM S.A. recently announced a revised estimate of the synergies expected to be achieved through the merger of the two airlines to create LATAM Airlines Group S.A.

India and Republic of Trinidad & Tobago have agreed to encourage improved bilateral relationships in various sectors including Tourism and Hospitality.  As a first step the two countries have concluded Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) to improve air connectivity between the two nations. 

The Department of Transportation and Ecuadorean authorities have approved a codeshare agreement between American Airlines and LAN. Under the agreement, sales started Jan. 5 and travel begins Jan. 9. The agreement is designed to provide customers of both airlines with more choices.