Continental Airlines reported an August consolidated (mainline plus regional) load factor of 82.4 percent, 0.6 points above last year´s August consolidated load factor. The carrier reported a mainline load factor of 83.0 percent, 0.5 points above the August 2005 mainline load factor, and a domestic mainline load factor of 85.5 percent, 1.2 points above August 2005.

The North American cruise industry chipped in $32.4 billion to the U.S. economy in 2005, 7.9 percent more than in 2004. However, it was the smallest year-over-year increase in 48 months, according to an annual study on the economic impact of cruising commissioned by the International Council of Cruise Lines. The annual survey, conducted by Business Research and Economic Advisors, found that passenger embarkations increased by 6.3 percent in 2005, compared with a 13.9 percent increase in 2004.

Carnival Corporation & plc announced a quarterly cash dividend of 25 cents per share. Holders of Carnival Corporation common stock or Carnival plc ADSs will receive a dividend payable in U.S. dollars. The dividend for Carnival plc ordinary shares will be payable in sterling unless shareholders elected to receive the dividend in U.S. dollars.

Amadeus e-Travel has announced record-breaking revenues and passenger booking figures through the Amadeus e-Travel Airline Suite. In the first half of 2006, airlines´ e-commerce passenger bookings processed by Amadeus e-Travel increased by 28 percent over the same period last year. This represents an overall online booking value of more than €2.6 billion in six months through 250 websites in over 80 markets.

With CAFTA-DR completed and the Caribbean Single Market (CSM) in place, the Annual Miami Conference will allow for frank assessments of whether these agreements have and will truly result in economic growth and employment for the region. The conference, scheduled for December 4 through 6 in the city of Miami, will focus special attention on energy and its impact on competitiveness and the impact of recent U.S. legislation, including the Western Hemisphere Passport Initiative on the region.

Ten companies have expressed interest in the 23-year Punta Arenas Free Trade Zone concession. The current concession of Parenzon Chile Ltd expires February 2007, reports Punta Arenas´ La Prensa Austral local newspaper. Apparently besides the current concessionaire and the Otway Society, both well known investors in Magallanes Region, the bidding conditions have been acquired by Edelmag S.A.; Zona Franca de Iquique S.A. (Zofri); Agencias universales S.A. (Agunsa); Larraín Vial Servicios Profesionales Limitada; Centro Electrónico Limitada; Comercio e Inmobiliaria ENE S.A.; Administración, Gestión y Servicios Austral; Sociedad Rentas Inmobiliarias; y Distribución y Servicio D&S S.A.