The Caribbean’s top business and political leaders will meet in the Cayman Islands, December 17, for the first annual Northern Caribbean Conference on Economic Development and Cooperation, which will discuss immigration, trade, education and security.

Officials of the Latino Hotel Association (LHA), the global organization dedicated to expanding Latino ownership, leadership and commerce in the hotel industry, today announced the group would host its first hotel franchising forum November 30 to December 3, 2010, in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. The forum, entitled “Hotel Franchising,” will provide attendees with in-depth, practical information about hotel ownership/development, franchising, marketing, management, specifically geared to the needs of Latinos.

Martinique is making ready for the 2010 edition of its annual Jazz Festival. This year, the Caribbean’s longest-running jazz festival dating back to 1983 - the Martinique Jazz Festival - will be held November 27 to December 5. Among the international artists scheduled to perform are Gilles Rosine and Bwakoré from Martinique, Danny Sanchez (Puerto Rico), Guadeloupe’s Christian Laviso Trio along with guest David Murray (USA), Harold Lopez-Nussa (Cuba), Mushy Widmaier (Haiti), and Richard Bona (Cameroon/USA).

Tranquility: the state of being in a tranquil place; Relaxation: respite from the stress and strain of everyday living; Rejuvenation: the desire to “replenish the spirit”.

The Dominican Republic (DR) located in the heart of the Caribbean, is the center for all things cruise this week as the DR Ministry of Tourism welcomes the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) conference in Santo Domingo Oct. 25-29.
 

An increased number of buyer delegates have been confirmed from Latin America and Europe for the second staging of Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX II), which focuses on emerging markets. Jamaica will roll out the red carpet as it readies itself to host the special travel trade show from Oct. 20 to 24 at Secrets Resorts in Montego Bay.