Cyprus tourism revenue rises 12.9% in 2011

**Promising start to 2012 in January** Revenue from tourism rose by 12.9% in 2011, according to the Statistical Service—higher than the 10.1% increase in tourism arrivals. For the period January – December

Brazil kicks off carnival as fears of unrest fade

Revellers in Brazil's two biggest carnival capitals kicked off the annual celebrations restoring a festive atmosphere to cities where police strikes in recent weeks raised fears that crime and violence would spoil the party.