Aruba´s 2006 Calendar of Events is bursting with to-do´s, including new and improved activities, attractions and much more. The island paradise is offering new guests and loyal Aruba-devotees alike a bevy of interesting cultural events, incredible music festivals featuring celebrated musicians, unique environmental volunteer programs and exhilarating sporting events. Coming up in January and February, the island where happiness lives will be home to the 52nd Carnival Celebration, featuring spectacular parades and creative contests, the Aruba´s Tivoli Torch Parade, the Jouvert Morning and the Old Mask Parade & Burning of King Momo, among other events.

High off plans for a bold new expansion of its fleet and business strategy for 2006, Caribbean Star Airlines and Caribbean Sun Airlines announced last week a number of new routes spanning several Caribbean islands at the Caribbean Marketplace 2006 held in San Juan, Puerto Rico. “We are delighted to have the opportunity to meet with the elite buyers and planners who were invited to participate in this important marketing event,” says Caribbean Star Airlines and Caribbean Sun Airlines President and CEO William E. Barnette.

As many as 12,000 companies and nearly 850 exhibitors have confirmed attendance at the 26th edition of the International Tourism Fair (FITUR) scheduled from January 25 to 29 in Madrid. This massive turnout of both companies and exhibitors accounts for a 1 percent and 4.3 percent increments, respectively, from 2005.

IPK International, one of the research organizations and consultancies in the tourism sector, will present an analysis of 2005 market trends for the first time at the ITB Berlin 2006, as well as 2006 forecasts for all the key tourism markets. The ITB World Travel Trend Report will be presented exclusively and for the first time at the ITB Convention Market Trends & Innovations on March 10. The extensive data will provide a detailed basis for gauging market trends. The press service by the ITB Berlin 2006 will issue brief reports on the most important trends in the run up to this year´s fair.

Berthia Parle, president of the Caribbean Tourism Association (CHA), delivered a keynote speech last week during the opening ceremony of the Caribbean Marketplace 2006 in Puerto Rico´s San Juan. Her remarks sent a clear-cut message about the spirit and devotion that both her association and the Caribbean Tourism Organization are committed to taking even further in coming years.

The new Puerto Rico Convention Center is hosting this week the Caribbean Marketplace 2006, and event that´s slated to come to a close on January 17. Hosted by the Caribbean Hotel Association, this is the first international meeting being held at the Center and has already drawn 1,500 delegates to the new state-of-the-art facility which opened November 17 last year.