Noble House Hotels & Resorts appointed Michael Benecke to the position of president. Benecke assumes the position immediately, in addition to his current position of chief financial officer of the company.

Puerto Rican lawmakers are demanding the island’s tourism director resign over a $36,000 raise even as the government has laid off thousands.

The Air Transport Association of America (ATA) reported that passenger revenue, based on a sample group of carriers, fell 15 percent in October 2009 versus the same month in 2008. This marks the 12th consecutive month in which passenger revenue has declined from the prior year, fueled primarily by the 11th consecutive month of ticket price declines. Three percent fewer passengers traveled on U.S. airlines in October, while the average price to fly one mile fell 13.5 percent.

Caribbean cruises rule. That’s according to a poll of about 1,000 franchise owners and home-based agents in a third-quarter Trend Report from CruiseOne and Cruises Inc.

Costa Cruises named Diana Riel business development manager for the North Broward, Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties of Florida, announced Scott Knutson, vice president of sales for Costa Cruise Lines-North America. In her new position, she will report directly to Bill Dwyer, director of field sales.

Rendezvous, the Boutique hotel for couples in St. Lucia, reopened on Nov. 8 after a $15 million renovation that included, in addition to room, restaurant, pool and wedding facility upgrades, the resort’s first-ever, full-service spa. The tranquil setting for the spa at Rendezvous is set off by a new pool with a sweeping river.