American Airlines reported a July load factor of 87.3 percent, an increase of 1.4 points versus the same period last year. But traffic decreased 6.4 percent and capacity decreased 8 percent year over year.

Celebrity Cruises has launched a three-month program to encourage agents to book groups. The “Where in the World Does Celebrity Cruise?” promotion focuses on 2010 Caribbean, Bermuda and Panama Canal sailings this month, Europe itineraries in September and Alaska cruises in October.

Windstar Cruises appointed Huib van Leeuwen vice president-marine operations, reporting to Nico Corbijn, executive vice president of fleet operations. In his new role, van Leeuwen will be responsible for all technical, deck and engine operations of Windstar’s three ships.

Wizz Air, the largest low fare-low cost airline in Central and Eastern Europe announced that it would launch new routes from Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca to Grenoble in France. The flights to the new winter destination will be operated once a week between 12 December 2009 and 27 March 2010 as seasonal ski services. Tickets are already on sale with one-way all-inclusive fares.

Iberostar Hotels & Resorts is deploying Check Safety First’s E-Cristal hygiene, health and safety risk management audit system throughout 29 of its hotels. The contract will cover hotels in Croatia, Greece, Morocco, Montenegro, Turkey, Tunisia, and Bulgaria.

If your client is thinking of getting away this summer, Puerto Vallarta may be the place to go. Along with several hotels offering a favorable exchange rate, Puerto Vallarta visitors will now receive a book of coupons offering discounts for some of the city’s top restaurants, shopping locations, excursions and activities.