Two years after BP oil spill, tourists back in U.S. Gulf

The U.S. Gulf Coast is a hot destination again two years after the massive BP Plc oil spill made the region a tourist dead zone, with the petroleum giant pumping more than $150 million into promotions to help the region recover.

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• It’s theoretically possible to eat sensibly in New Orleans, but why bother?
• Cruise-ship industry fights cleaner-fuel rule
• Thrifty ways to travel green

Hotel consortium website takes aim at online travel agencies

If you like the comfort of booking your stay on a hotel-owned website and dealing directly with the property when something goes awry, then a new collaborative venture, RoomKey.com, should be on your radar.

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• Travelocity works to get its magic back
• Book hotels at last minute and save
• Hotels test offering meeting rooms that can serve as offices

UN fears spread of Machu Picchu town

The UN's cultural arm UNESCO is calling for emergency measures to prevent the town that feeds tourists to Peru’s archeological marvel Machu Picchu from becoming overrun.

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• Frommer's Guide to Peru
• The often-overlooked treasures of Cuzco, Peru
• Express ride to Machu Picchu
• 48 hours in Lima, Peru

Branson launches Virgin Atlantic service in Vancouver

British billionaire and entrepreneur Richard Branson touched down with characteristic flair in Vancouver, the latest global destination - and only Canadian city - to join his Virgin Atlantic Airlines empire.

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