Spanish airline Iberia closed 2006 with operating earnings (excluding non-recurring income and expenses) of 22 million euros, a 4.7 percent increase from the amount posted in 2005. The EBITDAR generated for the full year was £790.5 million, up 13 percent from the level market in 2005.

Spirit Airlines, the low-cost, no-frills carrier, announced last week it has discontinued its 5 percent agent commission for bookings made through its website. The carrier also has removed revenue and segment minimums for discounted agent travel.

Hawaii’s economy will show moderate growth in 2007, the latest forecast from the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) revealed. After a flat 2006, DBEDT expects visitor arrivals to increase 1.4 percent in 2007.

Air France-KLM is reportedly preparing a bid for Alitalia and could link up with investment fund Management & Capitali, which has already been shortlisted by the Italian government, daily Finanza & Mercati said without giving a source.

Hugo Chavez’s Government is encouraging tourism travels to Cuba by offering four plans to visit towns such as Havana, Varadero, Trinidad, Santiago, Camaguey, Guardalavaca and Holguin.

Carnival Corporation on Thursday announced it sold its Windstar Cruises brand to Ambassadors International, a Seattle-based travel company that serves as home to the Majestic America Line.