On the ground
Tourists are following the animals in southern Africa as travellers turn their backs on landlocked Swaziland, where poachers have devastated the wildlife in recent years. In Mozambique, total visitors were also down last year, but those who came stayed longer and spent more money. Much of the credit goes to American billionaire Greg Carr, who turned poachers into gamekeepers in a bid to restock the big game animals at Gorongosa National Park. Most of the country's wildlife were killed or eaten during a savage civil war that ended in 1992.
In the air
The image of airlines has become increasingly tarnished in the past two years while the automobile industry has grown in popularity. A recent U.S. Harris Poll shows a 27-point decline since 2009 in the number of people giving airlines good marks for serving consumers. During the same period, the automobile industry registered a 36-point increase. Over all, the survey says, airlines still maintain a positive image. The least-popular industries, all with negative ratings are oil, tobacco, managed care and health insurance.
In the room
A $3-billion mega-resort announced for Miami will be built by Genting, the Malaysian developer behind Singapore's massive Resorts World Sentosa. Resorts World Miami, to be located on the waterfront between Miami International and Miami Beach, will be home to four hotels, residential towers, a retail centre and more than 50 restaurants. A casino is also under consideration, subject to state approval. The development will stretch five kilometres along the bay and cover 5.6 hectares.
Sources: PR Newswire, Tourism Review, The Independent, Relaxnews
Special to The Globe and Mail