ITALY TOPS AMERICAN TRAVELERS’ WISH LISTS
The Harris Poll has found that for Americans, if they could vacation in any country in the world, outside the U.S. without any worry about the cost, Italy would be the number one country, up from number two on the list last year. Australia dropped from number one to number two this year; only the second time since 1997 it has left the top spot. The poll by Harris Interactive surveyed 2,227 adults online between June 14 and June 21. Other top spots in the survey were Ireland, up to number three from fifth last year, and Great Britain, which dropped one spot to fourth, and France, which dropped one spot to fifth.  (Travel Pulse)

AIRLINE RESULTS AFFIRM RECOVERY ON TRACK
U.S. airline results on Thursday provided new evidence that the industry recovery is on track, driving shares higher, but the bumpy economy prompted an outlook for slow progress. Continental Airlines, JetBlue Airways and Alaska Air all handily beat Wall Street expectations, reporting stronger profits on rebounding demand and big revenue gains driven by higher fares and new fees. Those reports followed profit reports from Delta Air Lines and United Airlines earlier this week, reflecting the robust revenue trend on higher passenger demand. Earlier this week, US Airways said the U.S. economic recovery was tepid. American Airlines narrowed its quarterly loss, but analysts raised concerns that its growth potential could be limited. (Reuters)

HOTELS TRY TO WIN OVER THE TOUGHEST GUESTS:  TEENS
For teenagers on summer vacation with their families, there seems to be a universal goal: Ditching the parents.  Hotels and resorts are trying to make that easier by offering souped-up teen programs—with Wii contests, sushi-making lessons and poker nights—as well as dedicated hang-out spots for the under-18 set. Think video games and "mocktails."  While hotels and resorts have long offered activities geared to younger children, companies are now realizing they need to offer something fun, and safe, for teens, especially if they want to hold onto families whose kids have aged out of the children's programs. Resorts are also finding that bored teens hanging around the lobby aren’t so desirable. Before Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa extended the hours of its teen program last summer to 1:30 a.m. instead of 11 p.m., "kids would be wandering around the property aimlessly," says Joel Ryan, group manager for entertainment at Sandals Resorts International, which owns Beaches properties in the Caribbean . Teens say that the new activities and lounges not only give them a much-needed break from vacation-forced family togetherness, but also help them meet people their own age.  Teens are among a hotel's toughest customers: They will skip any program that resembles a children's camp or activity that seems remotely un-cool. The key to attracting teens, some hotels say, is giving them grown-up experiences—and setting limits.  While hotels say they want to give kids independence and a good time, they try to prevent mischief.  Most hotels also employ software to control which websites kids can visit in teen lounges and edit the music collection to keep it PG-rated.  And if a teen program is too compelling, there is a downside: Parents who have spent time and money to take a family vacation may rarely see their child. The teen program at the Beaches resorts, for example, keeps kids busy from 10 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., including during mealtimes. Counselors will, however, try to coax kids into at least a little family time. Says Beaches' Mr. Ryan, "You are guaranteed to have at least one dinner," with your teen during a week's trip.  (Wall Street Journal)

CRYSTAL OFFERING THEMED CRUISES

Crystal Cruises has planned more than two dozen 2011 Experiences of Discovery vacations on its 2011 cruises. Offerings include a Distinguished Speaker Series through New England/Canada and a new focus on sophisticated floral design in Europe . Other 2011 worldwide special interest cruises include a Wine & Food Festival; Mind, Body & Spirit; Emerging Artists on seven consecutive Alaska voyages; Science & Technology; Jazz; Golf; a Film & Theater Festival; and a Big Band & Ballroom Dance.  (PR Newswire)

"Eat, Pray, Love" helps boost tourism in Bali
Ketut Liyer is a ninth-generation healer in Bali's Pengostanan Village and a leading character in the bestselling memoir "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth
Gilbert. He and his bamboo mat have become one of the top stops for travelers seeking a spiritual tour of Bali since the release of Gilbert's book. An upcoming movie based on the bestseller is only expected to add to Liyer and Bali 's popularity. (Time)

BRAZILIAN TOURISTS FLOCKING TO FLORIDA

Brazilian tourists are flocking to the Sunshine State, reflecting the economic boom in their South American nation, the strength of their currency, easier visa approvals and more flights to Florida . Brazilians now rank as the third-largest group of international travelers to the state, after Canadians and Brits. Their numbers and spending are growing faster than others, Florida travel leaders say. In the first quarter of this year, the number of Brazilians visiting Florida soared 55% from last year to 272,000 visitors, surpassing arrivals from every nation but Canada . Most fly into Miami .  Brazilians' Portuguese is now commonly spoken at Sawgrass Mills Malls in Sunrise, the top tourist destination in South Florida and a favorite shopping spot for Brazilians. The Brazilians generally come in family groups, focusing on shopping-not beaches. Some rent cars to travel to Orlando theme parks or other Florida areas, and increasingly, they take cruises. Encouraging U.S. visits by Brazilians is the simplified procedures to obtain U.S. tourists visas. ( Miami Herald)