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HOPKINS, Belize – It doesn’t have to be a white Christmas to be a good one. In fact, many couples are getting as far from snow and mistletoe as they can this Yuletide season and jetting off to Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort in Belize. Specially designed for romantic getaways, Hamanasi provides luxurious tree houses and peaceful ocean front rooms, along with the best of Belize on and offshore. Visitors can dive along Belize’s vibrant reefs, trek through the rain forest, or climb the pyramids of the ancient Maya. The resort offers more opportunities for adventure than even the most ambitious tourist can squeeze into a single trip, all while keeping an eye on the local environment.

The Reef & Rainforest Package is specially designed for those who wish to explore Belize’s marine and mainland activities and also works for couples with diverse interests. The package includes, but is not limited to: accommodations, three meals per day per person, roundtrip air transfers within Belize, and an array of on land and under the sea adventures to choose from. Take a romantic hike to Mayflower Waterfall or an exciting kayaking trip down a jungle river – the possibilities seem endless.

The health of the reefs and rainforests that surround Hamanasi are essential to the mission and philosophy behind the resort. Whether wandering the resort grounds or miles away on an Adventure Center excursion, visitors are treated to an experience that puts them in harmony with the natural environment and allows them to see part of a precious ecosystem teeming with wildlife.

At night, retire to a beachfront room or private tree house and relax with the sounds of the ocean and littoral forest in the background. The only problem-you may never want to go home.

Reef & Rainforest Package rates start at $1,797 per person for seven nights in a double room during low season. To see all package options, please visit Hamanasi’s Specials & Packages page. .

About Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort:
Situated on the central coast of Belize, award-winning Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort offers travelers distinctive lodging in their private cabana treehouses just steps away from white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. The resort specialize in award-winning customer service while offering guests the Best of Belize on and offshore. At Hamanasi’s Adventure Center, guests can arrange daily reef or rainforest excursions like diving on the Barrier Reef, jungle hikes to breathtaking waterfalls, visiting the Mayan ruins and much more. Hamanasi was the first beachfront resort in Belize to receive Green Globe certification and is dedicated to being a premier provider of sustainable accommodations and eco-tourism in Central America.

Following the overwhelming response to the launch of the 2015 Private Jet experiences, Four Seasons announces the launch of four new Private Jet itineraries for 2016. Featuring re-imagined versions of the perennial favourite Around the World journeys, this collection of Private Jet escapes includes two completely new experiences built around the themes of adventure and cultural exploration in keeping with the evolving needs of discerning guests who seek to create memorable moments while in search of unique and exclusive adventure.

“The launch of the hotel industry’s first fully-branded Private Jet earlier this year was in response to the growing demand among modern luxury travellers for a fully immersive Four Seasons experience both in the air and on the ground,” says Christopher W. Norton, Executive Vice President, Global Product and Operations at Four Seasons. “Our new 2016 itineraries offer guests the opportunity to experience new and exciting destinations while enjoying the uncompromised luxury and customized service they have come to expect from Four Seasons.”

While on their journey, guests will enjoy the finest of everything – from legendary Four Seasons service to remarkable itineraries, inspired cuisine and Dom Pérignon Champagne. As the exclusive Champagne provider aboard the Private Jet, passengers will enjoy the latest vintage from one of the world’s finest wine makers.

“Dom Pérignon and Four Seasons have always shared a commitment to quality and a meticulous attention to detail,” says Trent Fraser, Vice President, Dom Pérignon. “As the official Champagne of the Private Jet Experience, we hope guests will enjoy toasting with Dom Pérignon during their journey of a lifetime.”

Here’s a glimpse at what awaits Four Seasons Private Jet passengers in 2016:

Timeless Discoveries: An Around the World Journey (January 26 – February 18)

Los Angeles – Kona – Bora Bora – Sydney – Bali – Chiang Mai – Taj Mahal and Mumbai – Prague – London

This signature Four Seasons Private Jet itinerary has become a classic favourite among guests. A sell out many times over, the 2016 itinerary introduces a stop in Prague, Czech Republic in addition to other favourite locations around the globe, from the breathtaking beaches of Bora Bora to the majestic beauty of the Taj Mahal. Guests will enjoy the thrill of some of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities and the tranquil beauty of the most stunning landscapes nature has to offer.

International Intrigue: An Around the World Journey (April 14 – May 7)

Seattle – Tokyo – Beijing – Maldives – Serengeti – Istanbul – St. Petersburg – Marrakech – Boston

Spanning eight countries and four continents, this itinerary takes guests to some of the world’s most unique and intriguing destinations. From the stunning landscapes and lush, untamed nature of the Serengeti to the opulence of St. Petersburg and the beautiful Maldives, known as the “last paradise on earth,” guests traverse the globe in Four Seasons luxury both in the air and on the ground.

Extraordinary Adventures: An Around the World Journey (September 17 – October 11)

Austin – Costa Rica – Hawaii – Sydney – Langkawi – Mauritius – Serengeti – Petra and the Dead Sea – Lisbon

This brand new itinerary caters to the adventurous spirit. With an increasing demand for adventure travel, Four Seasons has created an itinerary for the thrill-seeker at heart without compromising on legendary Four Seasons luxury. This exciting journey includes everything from rock climbing in Malaysia to zip-lining in Costa Rica and surfing in Hawaii. Seven of the nine stops on this itinerary are entirely new to the Four Seasons Private Jet Experience. Be among the first to experience adventure in a way only Four Seasons can deliver.

Cultural Escape: Europe, Middle East and Africa (November 4 – 22)

London – Petra and the Dead Sea – Dubai – Seychelles – Serengeti – Florence – London

Featuring perhaps the most diverse and intriguing collection of destinations of all Private Jet itineraries, including the beautiful Seychelles, a perennial guest favourite, this journey allows guests to immerse themselves in the distinct cultures of some of the most fascinating areas of the world. Departing from cosmopolitan London, guests travel to the lost city of Petra, imposing in its grandeur, as well as visiting the lowest point on earth and experiencing the healing properties of the magnificent Dead Sea. This is juxtaposed with a grand finale in Florence, the birthplace of Renaissance culture, art and architecture before a return to London.

Starting at USD 100,000, each journey includes air travel aboard the Four Seasons Private Jet and ground transportation, planned excursions, all meals throughout the trip and luxurious accommodations exclusively at Four Seasons hotels and resorts.

Visit fourseasons.com/jet and follow the #FSJet hashtag on Twitter and Instagram for the latest news, updates and insider glimpses of the Four Seasons Jet.

About Dom Pérignon

In the 17th century, Dom Pierre Pérignon, the cellar master of the Abbey of Hautvillers in Epernay, developed a wine whose extraordinary quality would make him the spiritual father of Champagne and one of the great visionaries of the winemaking world. A miraculous triumph of blending and delicate fine-tuning that finds its mysterious harmony by reinventing, Dom Pérignon is made exclusively from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes from Grand Cru vineyards and from the Abbey of Hautvillers. Dom Pérignon is produced only in exceptional vintage years. Follow @domperignonofficial on Instagram.

Buy one, get one free: the Italian line is trying to stimulate business by giving a free cruise by late November to those who act fast and book a 2015 Europe air-land-sea package on the MSC Divina by Oct. 31. - Theresa Masek, TravelPulse cruise editor

MSC Cruises is offering inclusive air/land/sea vacation package deals for guests looking to sail on MSC Divina, the line’s largest and most luxurious ship specifically dedicated to North American travelers, while the ship is in the Mediterranean from May 16 through Sept. 19, 2015.

Starting at $1,899, the 10-night package includes roundtrip airfare to Rome or Barcelona, a seven-night cruise, a two-night post-cruise stay in a four-star hotel, and all transfers needed — including from the airport to the ship, from the ship to the hotel and from the hotel back to the airport.

“As North Americans are becoming increasingly familiar with the MSC Divina, they have expressed a strong interest in sailing aboard the ship when she goes to the Mediterranean next summer,” said Ken Muskat, executive vice president of sales, PR & guest services for MSC Cruises USA. “These package deals offer guests a one-stop shop, making it as easy and convenient as possible for guests who want to sail in the Mediterranean on a brand that knows the Mediterranean best.”

Travelers interested in the package deals have the option of leaving from Miami, New York, or Chicago, and choosing an itinerary on the MSC Divina that departs from either Civitavecchia (Rome) or Barcelona. Guests will be greeted by MSC Cruises personnel upon arrival at the airport of their port destination as well as at the hotel.

Highlights of MSC Divina’s Mediterranean season include:

• Ability to embark at two marquee ports: Civitavecchia (Rome) on Saturdays and Barcelona on Wednesdays

• Late night stays in La Spezia, enabling guests to visit nearby cities of Pisa, Florence, Portofino and the stunning Cinque Terre region

• Late night stays in Palma de Mallorca, allowing guests to enjoy the lively nightlife of the island

• Call in Naples, allowing time to visit Pompeii, Capri, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast

• An array of shore excursions providing guests a full immersion into the region with experiences such as an architectural tour of the famed works of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona, attending the Pope’s weekly Angelus in St. Peter’s Square in Rome and visiting the ancient ruins of Pompeii

Looking for a unique holiday gift for friends and family? As a special promotion, guests who book the air/land/sea package before Oct. 31 will receive a free, transferable 7-night cruise on the MSC Divina in the Caribbean for select sailings between now and the end of the year.

Customers interested in learning more about the air/land/sea vacation package should contact their local travel agency, call 1-877-665-4655, or visit www.msccruisesusa.com.

Read more travel news at www.TravelPulse.com

Un-Cruise Adventures expands to Costa Rica and Panama with the 64-guest Safari Voyager sailing weeklong adventure cruises beginning in October 2016. A new brochure completed in December 2014 details new itineraries in Costa Rica/Panama and the Galápagos Islands.

The Safari Voyager will sail 29 one-way cruises between Costa Rica and Panama on an Uncharted Isthmus! Sloths, Monkeys & Mangroves itinerary from October to April. Weeklong voyages depart from San José, Costa Rica or Panama City, Panama, and include a full transit of the Panama Canal, water sports adventures, jungle explorations, wildlife encounters and island time.

“We’re exploring further south along the West Coast of the Americas,” said Captain Dan Blanchard, CEO. “Costa Rica and Panama are ripe with adventure opportunities, wildlife and natural beauty.”

Areas visited in Costa Rica include Isla Tortuga, Curù National Wildlife Refuge, Manuel Antonio National Park, Corcovado National Park and Golfo Dulce. In Panama, visit Granito de Oro islet in Coiba National Park, Gulf of Panama Islands and transit the 48-mile canal.

Carrying water sports equipment and featuring a custom EZ dock kayak launch platform, guests aboard the Safari Voyager enjoy included kayaking, snorkeling, skiff excursions and paddle boarding. Knowledgeable expedition guides and local experts lead excursions in water and ashore often searching for wildlife such as colorful fish, humpback whales, sloths, macaws, iguanas, hummingbirds, monkeys, caimans and other creatures.

Adventure activities are included and are a focus of the trip. Guests may explore mangroves of Golfo Dulce by skiff or kayak; watch for sloths in Manuel Antonio National Park; relax and snorkel on the palm-lined beach of Isla Tortuga; cruise around the small islands in the Gulf of Panama; and take a jungle hike in Corcovado National Park keeping eyes peeled for monkeys, anteaters and birds.

A new 24-page Costa Rica/Panama and Galápagos brochure is completed and posted online; hard copies may be ordered on the company’s website. Itinerary details, photos, trip extensions and information on trip inclusions and adventure activities are included in the brochure.

Winter holiday departures in Costa Rica are scheduled for Dec. 23 and Dec. 30, 2016 and include one extra night pre-cruise in a hotel. The inclusive cruise includes all activities; exquisite meals; fine wine, premium spirits and microbrews; exercise equipment and a massage for wellness; transfers; and all port charges, taxes and fees. Rates begin at US$2,995 per person, double occupancy. To book or to request additional information, contact your travel agent or Un-Cruise Adventures at 888-862-8881 or sales@un-cruise.com.

About Un-Cruise Adventures

Un-Cruise Adventures’ boutique yachts and small ships carry 22-88 guests on voyages in Alaska, Hawaiian Islands, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, Columbia & Snake Rivers, coastal Washington, British Columbia, Galápagos Islands and Costa Rica & Panama. Un-Cruise Adventures, under the parent company of InnerSea Discoveries Alaska Inc., is a member of Trusted Adventures, dedicated to the highest standards of small-group travel and to giving back to the places visited.

GAÏA RIVERLODGE NAMED ONE OF THE TOP 10 ECO RESORTS BY THE SMITH HOTEL AWARDS

Nominated by hotel lovers around the world

San Ignacio, Belize – GAÏA Riverlodge, a celebrated ecotourist destination in Belize, is thrilled to unveil its recent recognition as a Top Eco Hotel by the Smith Hotel Awards. After careful review of nearly 25,000 votes globally, a panel of expert judges named GAÏA Riverlodge to its short list of top ten Eco Hotels in the World.
Tucked away in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and surrounded by the Five Sisters waterfalls, travelers seek out this hydro-powered destination for adventure and to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of Belize’s culturally rich landscape.
In a recent series of environmental initiatives, GAÏA Riverlodge is also one of the only five properties in Belize to be Green Globe Certified. The hotel prides itself in upholding the highest standard of sustainability and recently developed a fresh vegetable garden on-site, where guests can now enjoy hyper-local cuisine at GAÏA’s acclaimed restaurant.
“We are so honored to be part of such a distinguished list of hotels,” says Daniel Lighter, owner of GAÏA Riverlodge and Matachica Resort and Spa, its sister property in Belize. “To be listed as a top eco hotel in the world reflects not only our sincere dedication to our guests but also our commitment to preserving Belize’s natural beauty.”
Mr & Mrs Smith is an award-winning hotel website, booking service and free-to-join travel club, specializing in finding the world’s most inspiring boutique hotels. Boutique-hotel lovers around the world were asked to vote for their favorite hotels, which enabled Mr & Mrs Smith to curate a list of the global top ten.
The selection criteria for the best eco-friendly hotels are those that are wholly committed to conserving, protecting and enjoying the environment, have an ethical approach, strive to minimize their carbon footprint, and does this all while enhancing the guest experience.

Please visit www.gaiariverlodge.com :

Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort
CONTACT: Dana Krauskopf
TEL: 571-405-7664
EMAIL: Dana@hamanasi.com
WEB: www.hamanasi.com

November 19 is a day to commemorate the arrival of the Garifuna people to Belize through re-enactments, tradition food and a full day of festivities

HOPKINS, Belize – More than 200 years ago, the Garifuna (also Garinagu) people were deported from their homeland in St. Vincent by the British to the coast of Central America. Derived from the original 2,000 Garifuna people who settled in Belize, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua, the Garifuna culture has remained an important part of the area’s modern history. On November 19, travelers will witness and participate in festivities celebrating the Garifuna forefathers’ arrival. This celebration will be fueled by music, drumming and dancing competitions, customary fare and, of course, plenty of rum.

Located off the beaten path in a cultural hub of Belize, Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort offers guests a unique cultural experience with the Garifuna people. This eco-resort is located near one of the last remaining Garifuna villages in the world, a community struggling to preserve its endangered customs. On November 19, Hamanasi and the entire village will provide a unique food and culture festival not to be missed.

Villagers awake at daybreak, don traditional clothing, then jump into boats and make their way along the shoreline. The boisterous crew stops at local sites, blowing conch shells to herald their arrival at each beach, then march along the sand while beating drums, shaking sisera, singing and dancing. Hamanasi Resort guests greet the Garifuna with local rum and cassava bread while dancing along. The festival would not be complete without local cuisine, so prepare to dine on native dishes like ereba with lasdusu (cassava bread with gravy), hudut (mashed green and ripe plantains with a fish coconut stew), tapou (fish and root vegetable soup) and bimecacule (sticky sweet rice).

Throughout the year, Hamanasi guests can experience fresh, local Garifuna cuisine created by the resort’s award-winning culinary masters. Cassava, fresh coconut milk, plantains, local herbs from the resort’s organic garden and freshly caught fish are just a handful of the ingredients used in Garifuna cooking. The resort also offers a Belizean Night every Thursday, when local drummers and dancers entertain Hamanasi guests prior to a Belizean-themed dinner, showcasing traditional dishes from the four major cultures represented in Belize: Kriol, Mayan, Garinagu and Mestizo.

To find out more about Settlement Day, visit the Belize Tourism Board website. For rates and information about Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort, visit www.hamanasi.com

About Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort:
Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort is nestled between sandy beaches and lush rainforest on Belize’s central coast. The boutique resort embodies casual elegance with displays of Belizean hardwood furniture, locally crafted art, fresh Caribbean fusion cuisine, and a warm, welcoming staff. Customer service is a high priority at Hamanasi; employees undergo an extensive training program and share a true sense of pride and ownership in the resort.

Great Wall, Dynasties and Rivers

http://www.adventure-life.com/tours/great-wall-dynasties-rivers-4253

Experience some of the main highlights of China on an active trip designed for those who want to explore on the move. Hike the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, as well as through rural villages in the rice terraces of Longshen.

Bike through Beijing hutongs, Xi’an’s ancient city wall and along the picturesque Li River, and kayak the Yulong River.

See the Forbidden City and Summer Palace in Beijing, the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, and encounter the people and lifestyle of various ethnic groups found in China. Experience the diversity of China on this active trip.

Discover Nicaragua

http://www.adventure-life.com/tours/discover-nicaragua-3600

When tourists were discovering Costa Rica in the ‘80s, Nicaragua was in the midst of a revolution. In the last decade, however, Nicaragua has invested heavily in its tourism infrastructure. In 2013 Nicaragua hosted over one-million travelers and tourism is now the second largest industry in the country. Also, interestingly, a report from Interpol ranks Nicaragua as having the lowest crime rate in Latin America.

Adventure Life’s Discover Nicaragua trip visits the highlights of Nicaragua including the modern urban city of Managua, the historic El Castillo, the active Cerro Negro Volcano, geologically-impressive San Jacinto Mud Pots, the colonial city of Granada, and the relaxing and active adventure haven of Ometepe Island.

Guided Bike from Glacier to Yellowstone National Park

http://thecyclinghouse.com/trip/glacier-yellowstone/

The Cycling House is offering a new trip in 2015 that will ride from the pristine Glacier National Park (including the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road) along the Rocky Mountain Front and to the granddaddy of them all — Yellowstone National Park. This is an all-inclusive, fully-guided and supported, camping trip that will cover 65 – 90 miles per day with daily elevation gain of 2,000 – 6,000 feet.

Park City Mountain Bike Camp

http://thecyclinghouse.com/trip/park-city-mountain-bike-camp/

Park City, Utah showcases some of the best single-track mountain biking in North America. The International Mountain Bike Association designated Park City as a gold level (that’s the highest designation an area can get!!). The resort village of Park City is only a short drive from Salt Lake City making it one of the most accessible mountain bike areas in the country.

The pristine trails wind their way up through the Aspen groves above the resorts and make their way down some of the most pristine, fun, buff single-track you can imagine.

The area has 400+ miles of trails, and our camp will hit the best of the best!

Cycling in the Dolomites

http://thecyclinghouse.com/trip/dolomites/

Are you ready to delve into the rich history and breathtaking scenery of the Italian Dolomites?

Come with the Cycling House and experience some of the most beautiful and challenging climbs you’ve met to date, all under bright blue skies and high alpine meadows. We’ll climb many of the routes made famous in the Giro de Italia, including Stelvio Pass, Passo Gavia and Mortirolo.

But it won’t be all work and no play! We’ll also be encountering plenty of that hospitality Italy is so famous for during our two quaint hotel stays during the week. We’ll be trying lots of local and authentic Italian foods, and drinking lots of local wine…er…recovery drink. This trip offers a chance to explore the Dolomites in a way that you will never forget.

Travelers looking to get away from the hectic holiday season this year can take advantage of perks on Star Clippers’ 2014 Christmas and New Year’s Caribbean cruises. In celebration of the season of giving, the tall ship cruise line is waiving single-supplement fees on select itineraries on Royal Clipper and Star Clipper.

In addition, two guests in the same cabin are eligible for complimentary champagne and sweet treats, as well as a $250 per person onboard credit or free massage, depending on the departure date.

“Star Clippers guests are like family, and there’s no better time to have a family celebration than at the holidays when it’s simply magical onboard,” said Mikael Krafft, owner and president of Star Clippers. “With these special offers, we’re making a holiday under sail a more accessible option for travelers this season.”

The single supplement waiver is available on three itineraries: Royal Clipper’s and Star Clipper’s Christmas sailings, both departing Dec. 20; and Royal Clipper’s New Year’s sailing departing Dec. 27.

Guests sailing in double occupancy cabins are treated to other benefits including complimentary champagne and sweets on all three sailings; a $250 per person onboard credit on Royal Clipper’s and Star Clipper’s Dec. 20 Christmas sailings only; and a complimentary one-hour massage in the ships’ Captain Nemo Lounge and Spa on Royal Clipper’s Dec. 27 New Year’s sailing only.

Royal Clipper sails a seven-night Windward Islands Christmas cruise roundtrip from Bridgetown, Barbados, with calls at Rodney Bay, St. Lucia; Cabrits and Roseau, Dominica; Falmouth Harbour, Antigua; a Christmas Eve call at Basseterre, St. Kitts; Christmas day at Terre de Haut, Iles des Saintes; and a call at Fort de France, Martinique.

To add to the festivities, renowned Austrian entertainer Peter Grimberg will be onboard Royal Clipper’s Christmas sailing, bringing his unique blend of pop music, jazz, rock and roll, and comedy. Grimberg, who will perform in English, tours his musical comedies throughout Germany and Austria.

Rates start at $1,932 per person, cruise-only for Royal Clipper’s Dec. 20 departure.

Star Clipper also sails a seven-night Leeward Islands roundtrip itinerary from St. Maarten departing Dec. 20. The ship calls at Charlestown, Nevis; Cabrits; Terre de Haut; Christmas eve at Deshaies, Guadeloupe; Christmas day at Falmouth Harbour; and Gustavia, St. Barts. Rates start at $1,872, per person, cruise-only.

Royal Clipper’s New Year’s itinerary explores the Grenadine Islands with a seven-night roundtrip sailing from Bridgetown, Barbados. Calls include St. George’s, Grenada; Tobago Cays, Grenadines; and New Year’s Eve at Bequia, St. Vincent. Guests can then start the New Year with a beach day at Fort de France, followed by a call at Marigot Bay, St. Lucia. Rates start at $1,932 per person, cruise-only for the Dec. 27 cruise.

These offers are available for residents of the US, Canada, and Latin America. Other restrictions apply.

To request a brochure, call toll-free 800-442-0556 or email brochures@starclippers.com . To make a reservation, contact a travel professional. For information, call Star Clippers at 800-442-0551 or visit www.starclippers.com  to view a video about the line or take a virtual tour of Star Clippers’ tall ships.

Keep up-to-date on the latest Star Clippers news by visiting us on our blog at www.starclippersblog.com  and on Facebook and Twitter.

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Belize-based airline Tropic Air has launched evening flights between Belize and Cancun, Mexico. Tropic’s flights between Belize’s Phillip Goldson International Airport and Cancun International Airport on Tuesday and Saturday evenings supplement the carrier’s current daily flight between the two cities.

Passengers on the evening flights can connect with Tropic service to Belize cities including San Pedro and Ambergris Caye. The flights also allow for connections with flights from British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Iberia, Air France, Aerolineas Argentinas, LAN, Aeromexico, Air Canada and Westjet, said Tropic officials.

The increased access via Cancun also provides island-hopping Caribbean vacationers with increased options for extended Caribbean vacations. With its multitude of cays and offshore islands that feature magnificent beaches, national parks and charming beachfront towns and one of the world’s longest coral reefs, Belize is a natural choice for regional travelers, as Tropic Air also provides extensive service into and round Belize.

Long considered by Americans an exotic and off-the-beaten path warm-weather destination, Belize is in the midst of a tourism boom.

The country hosted 238,400 visitors between January and August 2014, a 10.9 percent increase over 2013. Belize also recorded 527,037 cruise ship visitors between January and June, a robust 36.9 percent increase over 2013. The totals have “exceeded forecasted numbers for this quarter,” said Belize Tourism Board (BTB) officials. Airport arrivals are up nine percent for the first nine months of 2014, while overnight stays are up by 11 percent.

Belize is also poised for significant tourist arrivals growth in the next few years. Last year Norwegian Cruise Line announced plans to build a $50 million cruise destination on two adjoining islands in southern Belize. The Norwegian development will reportedly include a floating pier, an island village with open-air structures on raised platforms, a marina, a transportation hub for tours, a lagoon for water sports and a beach area.

The development will be environmentally friendly and include art, music, cuisine and items linked to the country’s Belizean, Mayan and Garifuna cultures.  Read more travel news at www.travelpulse.com

The new Hilton Panama in the heart of Panama City, Hilton Hotels & Resorts’ first property in the country, opened its doors in August, just in time for the celebrations of the Panama Canal Centenary.

The 347-room hotel enjoys a privileged locations with panoramic ocean views on a prominent intersection on the Panama Bay, minutes from the historic Casco Viejo and within walking distance of the financial district and many of the city’s finest restaurants.

Designed by BA-HAUS / KNF, the Hilton Panama combines a pleasant and upscale atmosphere with chic furnishings, intricate patterns and local elements.

The hotel is part of a 70-story mixed-use complex with offices, shopping and entertainment. Guests can choose from six restaurants or enjoy a range of treatments at The Spa at Hilton.

For business travellers, the Hilton Panama provides more than 23,000 square feet of flexible meeting space featuring 17 meeting rooms, including a ballroom for nearly 800 guests offering panoramic views of the Panama Bay.

www.hiltonworldwide.com