Two fisherman were condemned to death yesterday for the rape and murder of a British backpacker in Thailand - a crime that jolted the country´s post-tsunami tourism industry, enraged the Prime Minister and sparked the swiftest of trials. The verdict was handed down just 17 days after the slaying. Bualoi Posit, 23, and Wichai Somkhaoyai, 24, are to be executed for the attack on 21-year-old student Katherine Horton on resort island Koh Samui.

Virgin Atlantic Airways has appointed former BBC presenter and reporter Paul Charles as its new Director of Corporate Communications. Paul, 34, who will join Virgin in March, is currently Director of Communications for the high-speed rail service, Eurostar. He was voted as PR Professional of the Year at the 2004 PR Week Awards.

United Airlines got a judge´s final go-ahead Friday to leave bankruptcy after a record three-year stay -- a smaller and more efficient carrier than when it began its overhaul but challenged more than ever by near-record fuel costs. The approval of its reorganization plan by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Eugene Wedoff removed the final obstacle to its targeted exit from Chapter 11 on February 1 after the largest and longest airline bankruptcy ever.

Severe drought that has put millions of people and livestock across Eastern Africa at risk of starving is as well threatening wildlife in the region and posing a threat to the region´s thriving tourism. Standing as Africa´s leading wildlife destination with best-known parks and game reserves, East African region is at a possible threat of tourism slump because of wildlife deaths and migrations from parks to other natural habitats outside tourist developed sites.

Sandals and Beaches Resorts launched its WorldPoints Rewards program tied to a Platinum Plus Visa credit card. The program enables members to put points earned from purchases toward Sandals and Beaches´ vacations, airline tickets to the Caribbean (with no blackout dates) and select merchandise. The hotel chain says it is the first all-inclusive resort firm with its own card.

Expedia, Inc. and Hotels.com have announced a long-term strategic relationship by signing a new three-year agreement with Marriott International, Inc. The agreement includes technical enhancements and expanded access to Marriott inventory for Expedia customers worldwide. “This progressive relationship expands upon a previous two-year agreement and features an innovative incentive arrangement designed to reward Expedia for delivering business to Marriott hotels during off-peak travel periods, and provides Marriott hotels with flexible economic terms. In addition, Marriott will expand its direct connect technology arrangement with Expedia globally and provide Expedia customers with greater access to Marriott inventory and rates,” said an official statement.