Spain’s National Court has claimed jurisdiction to investigate whether failed airline Air Madrid committed fraud by selling tickets for flights the carrier’s management knew would never take off.

The Italian Economy Ministry on Friday officially invited bids for the acquisition of financially troubled flag carrier Alitalia, giving interested parties until January 29 to put forward their offers.

The U.S. dollar closed in Chile at its highest in two months last week, 531 pesos, following the continuous drop in copper prices, the country’s leading export. In the first week of 2007, the Chilean peso accumulates a depreciation against the U.S. dollar of 3.79 percent, which contrasts with the 8.5 percent appreciation of 2005.

For growing numbers of international business travelers, visa and customs regulations are making trips to the U.S. a thing of the past. Companies say U.S. rules have become so onerous in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that it’s often simpler to meet customers, business partners and employees elsewhere.

Lufthansa could agree to sell its 50 percent stake in tourism firm Thomas Cook to co-owner KarstadtQuelle before Christmas, a German newspaper said on Saturday.

Apple Vacations purchased GWV Vacations, a Boston-based vacation packager that specializes in Cancun, the Dominican Republic, Aruba, Antigua and St. Maarten.