Presidents, CEOs and Marketing Directors from the world’s top cruise lines will be brainstorming in the south of France this winter to discuss the future of the cruise industry in the Mediterranean region.

Cruise holidays have held up very well in the last year for a number of reasons, including perceived value for money, the attraction of the cruise experience as something new and recommended by friends, effective marketing campaigns and a fleet of sleek new ships that seem to have been launching almost every other month, such as P&O’s magnificent new liner Azura. Read more

While flight searches to Spain’s holiday hotspot airports – Malaga, Alicante, Palma and Tenerife – continue to dominate the rankings, it seems a “new” region is quickly establishing itself as a rival to traditional Mediterranean destinations.

Nicknamed “the METT” (Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia and Turkey) it wasn’t that long ago that these destinations were considered exotic – destinations for the more adventurous keen to explore new sights, sounds and cultures.

All four are euro-free zones that offer great value for money, a very comfortable winter climate, and all four are easily accessible from northern European airports. All plus points, but it’s the rise of the big hotel brands in the region, including luxury hoteliers like Kempinski, and quality timeshare resorts like Club La Costa’s new Appollonium Beach and Spa Resort at Bozbuk Bay on Turkey’s Aegean coast, that have really pushed the “fab four” into the mainstream. Read more

Global hotelier Sol Melia, also one of the world’s leading timeshare resort brands under the Sol Melia Vacation Club name, has opened two luxury resorts in Umag, Croatia. Previously part of Sol Hotels, both resorts are now part of the Sol Melia group which owns over 300 properties in 28 countries across four continents.

The two new properties highlight its commitment to the quality of its portfolio in Croatia and the luxury makeovers mean the Melia Coral and Melia Istran Villas are now the most luxurious properties on the Umag coast. Both offer guests the amenities and standards of service that have become Sol Melia’s gold seal. Read more

Interval International has just announced the affiliation of Horse Country Resort on the island of Sardinia, one of Italy’s most sought-after holiday spots, and the second largest island in the Mediterranean.

“Horse Country Resort is a truly unique vacation spot in one of Italy’s most appealing destinations,” said Darren Ettridge, Interval International’s vice president of resort sales and service for Europe, Middle East, and Africa. “The resort’s pristine setting and array of vacation amenities will appeal to a wide range of our members and is a strong addition to Interval’s vacation exchange network.” Read more

Spain’s popular low-fare airline Vueling will start flying from Scotland on 24th June, 2010 with a three times weekly direct route between Edinburgh and Barcelona. The new route will enhance the airline’s existing UK operations from London Heathrow to Bilbao, La Coruna and Seville.

From 24th June to 12th September, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday departures will be from Barcelona at 1130, arriving into Edinburgh Airport at 1315 and from Edinburgh at 1350, arriving Barcelona at 1725. Tickets are available to book online. Read more

Timeshare is almost 50 years old, but contrary to popular belief it all started in Switzerland, not the US. It’s an industry that continues to evolve, GoTimeshare's Fiona Klonarides reports. Read more

Of all the world's cruise destinations, Alaska has come out on top, according to a panel of 13 experts for the Cruise Show in London (March 27th and 28th) who selected the unspoilt region as their number one choice. Read more

Timeshare exchange company Interval International has announced the addition of the Porto Vacation Club in to its network of global resorts.

At first, the club will be made up of units at Porto Marina before the Golf Porto Marina and Porto Sokhna complexes are added. Read more

As Britain freezes, Spain’s St. Tropez still hogs the top spot as Europe’s winter sun getaway. Fiona Klonarides writes about our love affair with the Spanish village that could. Read more

UK travellers may want to consider Croatia as an up and coming destination for timeshare ownership.

According to Hidden Croatia, the country is likely to be popular with British holidaymakers during 2010.

The group highlighted Croatia's islands - of which there are over 1,000 - as offering many hidden charms and opportunities to relax. Read more