In a merger of two large New York area agencies, Protravel International Inc., based in New York, N.Y., has acquired Rich Worldwide Travel, based in Harrison, N.Y. in Westchester County in New York City’s suburbs. Priscilla Alexander, president of Protravel, said that with three of Rich Worldwide’s offices in main Protravel locations, it was a natural merger of similar customers and business philosophies.

The 120 delegates at the Tourism Society 2009 Annual Conference unanimously agreed that the tourism industry has the potential to save the UK economy. The conference included presentations from different regions and sectors of the industry, kicking off with a keynote speech from Nigel Leacock MTS, Managing Director of Lloyds TSB Cardnet who warned the UK recession could continue into 2010.

The 50-room luxury boutique hotel, Casa Colonial Beach & Spa in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, announced a special travel agent offer of $175 for a junior suite and an upgrade to an oceanfront junior suite, a savings of nearly 50 percent.

The owners of ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines have bought Air Jamaica, according to a published report. The Jamaica Gleaner newspaper on July 4 reported that Jamaica is trying to privatize Air Jamaica, the national carrier, with the sale.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials report that eight million international travelers have successfully applied to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program using the Electronic System of Travel Authorization (ESTA). ESTA, which launched on August 1, 2008 and become mandatory on January 12, 2009, allows VWP travelers to apply electronically for visa-free travel to the U.S.

The European Commission has granted regulatory approval for the tie-up of the two airlines. The decision paves the way for Lufthansa to acquire an initial 45 percent stake in SN Airholding SA/NV, the parent company of Brussels Airlines.