fDi's inaugural Tourism Editor's Choice Awards for tourism single out the countries that have devised specific and successful strategies to attract investment. Belize, Croatia and Jamaica are just three of the countries punching above their weight, reports Cathy Mullan.

Countries throughout sub-Saharan Africa are increasingly keen to show off their tourism credentials to international travellers. But while visitor numbers are on the rise, the region's dated infrastructure and poor image are proving to be tough obstacles to overcome.

Free zones are often seen as a cure-all remedy to the problems developing economies encounter when trying to attract FDI. However, the reality is that such projects need careful planning and long-term support if they are to fulfil such wishes, as Barbara Njau discovers.