The global spa economy is estimated to be over $250 billion, according to a major report unveiled this week at the 2008 Global Spa Summit in New York. Prepared by SRI International on behalf of The Global Spa Summit, the first Global Spa Economy Report represents the most comprehensive effort yet to quantify the rapidly expanding global spa industry.

An increase in gross travel bookings helped Priceline sprint past earnings estimates as the company posted net income of $18.2 million for the first quarter of 2008.

Revenue for U.S. casinos has increased 73 percent over the past 10 years, according to a new report released by the American Gaming Association (AGA), a trade group representing the U.S. casino industry.

Thomas Cook’s trading for summer 2008 continues to be strong in all major markets with robust consumer demand as the tour operator reported in its results for the 6 months ended March 31, 2008, while winter 2008/2009 early trading in the UK and Northern Europe is encouraging.

Travelport Ltd. narrowed its net loss to $27 million in first-quarter 2008, from a $32 million loss in first-quarter 2007; first-quarter net revenue was flat year-over-year, at $666 million.

The Airline Reporting Corporation (ARC) reported $7.8 billion in air sales for April 2008 and $29.7 billion in air sales year to date. This is a 5.9-percent increase over the same period of 2007.