The Lufthansa Group increased operating profit in the first nine months of the year by 57 percent to 1.1 billion euros. Neither the high oil price, nor the turmoil on the international financial markets during the past months and the hard-fought competition have had any negative impact on the business of the Lufthansa Group.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. reported strong third quarter 2007 financial results. The company reported EPS from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2007 of $0.61, compared to $0.71 in the third quarter of 2006.

Royal Caribbean International announced record net income for the third quarter of 2007 with $395 million, which was largely attributed to stronger late bookings and healthier pricing in the Caribbean.

Punta Arenas in the extreme south of Chile is experimenting with an on line booking system for hostels and home lodgings which should be fully operational by next mid January, reports the local press.

Cayman Islands-based Rum Point Investment Ltd. will take over management of Rum Point, a beach and restaurant attraction on North Sound, Grand Cayman, on November 1, according to Adrien Briggs, co-owner of the attraction.

American Express Business Travel has reported strong growth in EMEA with wins up 34 percent year-on-year across the region for first six months of 2007. This has been driven by a combination of continued investment in the region and a focus on strengthening the value lead proposition for clients.