by Jose Carlos de Santiago Occidental Hotels is determined to remaining as one of the Caribbean´s leading chains. In addition to its commitment with Cuba –where the Spanish company wants to keep on growing- the group has a handful of promising projects in the pipeline for the Caribbean and Mexico´s Pacific Coast. This much was revealed by Occidental´s vice president in this exclusive interview with Caribbean News Digital.

by Jose Carlos de Santiago The Arenas Doradas is off to a terrific start this year with average occupancy hovering around a whopping 97 percent in the first quarter of 2006 alone. This result and a comprehensive refurbishment plan the hotel has taken on –coupled with positive trends in most markets targeted by this lodging- make the hotel´s general manager conclude this is going to be just another good year, “even amid a raging price war the sector is going through and the threat of potential hurricanes.”

by Minerva Hernandez Bazo Within the framework of Cuba´s 26th International Tourism Fair, tourism minister Manuel Marrero told Caribbean News Digital that the massive turnout of boldface names and execs from different countries bears out the impulse of the island nation´s travel industry and the way the Cuban destination is basking in the world market. Mr. Marrero also confirmed the start of the new Cuba-Venezuela multi-destination offer and called on the integration of the Caribbean region in such fields as tourism and trade.

by Jose Carlos de Santiago Air France-KLM has managed to become the second-largest air carrier in both Spain and Portugal in a short period of time, thanks in part to a blend of fares and flights that give local passengers the chance of making the most of them both. About this and other topics the company´s execs talked about in this exclusive interview with Caribbean News Digital.

by Maria Caridad Gonzalez Founded in 1989 with a hundred-percent Spanish capital, the Geisha Group has turned into a reference organization when it comes to golf travel. The group is an active member of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) and the Spanish Professional Golf Association.

by Jose Carlos de Santiago After big-time success in the domestic market of the Dominican Republic, the Coral by Hilton trademark is determined to make the most of its alliance with megabuck hotel chain Hilton and set out to conquer the world. “This is a brand with ample possibilities for franchises. The plan is to move on beyond that and own some forty to fifty hotels. In Austria, the Caribbean, Egypt and many other destinations,” says Mr. Gotor.