Amadeus, the world´s leading technology company that deals with distribution of travel agencies and tourism, said this week its top-notch application service provider (ASP) to the airline industry is now being used by 150 airlines via Altea Sell, as TACA signed up for the super-efficient sales and reservation system that afford passengers with better and hitch-free service at less cost. The seasoned GDS has more than 40 markets in Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. The Amadeus Learning City, housed in its headquarters at LKG Tower, Ayala Avenue, Makati, will use English and Spanish as mediums of communication. Amadeus serves the marketing, sales and distribution needs of the world´s travel and tourism industries.

Peru said it was suing a unit of Chilean airline LAN for an in-flight video depicting Lima as a dump and would formally protest to Santiago over reported arms sales to Peru´s enemy in a 1990s conflict. The cases escalated a diplomatic spat between the South American neighbors and trade partners which have been at odds off-and-on since Chile claimed a chunk of Peru in a 19th century war.

Aeropuertos Argentina 2000, a concessionary of the Brigadier General Bartolome de la Colina Airport in Mar del Plata, announced it has plans to streamline that air terminal as part of the works now underway for the Fourth Summit of the Americas in November.

Brazilian Tourism Minister Walfredo Mares Guia asked the administration of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to stop demanding American citizens to carry valid passports in order to enter the South American country. At the same time, Mr. Mares Guia blasted the $100 entry fee that U.S. travelers are required to defray upon arriving in Brazil. “It´s ridiculous that a country so big as this one is coming in for a meager 4.3 million tourists a year when we´ve got the potential to welcome some 20 million sunbathers in twelve months,” he groaned.

Brazil and Peru agreed to increase threefold their weekly commercial flights in the face of soaring tourist inflows and stronger trade ties between the two nations. The accord will allow airlines operating between Brazil and Peru to put up to 28 weekly flights between the two countries amid increasing airlift demand.

Choice Hotels International, Inc. promoted Joseph M. Squeri to the position of executive vice president, operations, and chief financial officer, taking on additional operating responsibilities in the areas of franchise services, partner services and information technology.