Caribbean tourism industry officials and travelers alike are responding positively to the value proposition offered by Choice Hotels International, Inc.’s nine Caribbean hotels in today’s price sensitive market.

Jamaica will issue three casino operators’ licenses within the next two years, including at least one before the end of 2011, according to Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s tourism minister.

Delta Air Lines reported a quarterly profit of $19 million, compared to a loss of $25 million at the same time last year, and an annual profit of $593 million. The results were among the best in Delta’s history, according to Richard Anderson, Delta’s chief executive officer. He said they reflect the success of Delta’s merger with Northwest Airlines as well as the carrier’s focus on cost discipline and debt reduction.

FareCompare, the airfare monitoring web site, has reported the third domestic airfare hike in the past month and the first of the year. Domestic airfares have been increased between $4 and $10 roundtrip ($2 and $5 one way) based on flight distance.

American Airlines has won a court restraining order that temporarily blocks Sabre’s move to drop the carrier’s fares on Sabre displays. American said in its filing that Sabre’s move “violates agreements between American and Sabre and harms American, the travel agent community, and the traveling public.”

Japan Airlines and American Airlines will begin their joint venture April 1, based on the expected start of revenue-sharing on applicable trans-Pacific flights. The airlines, after receiving regulatory approvals from the Japanese government and the U.S. Department of Transportation, are using a phased approach to bring more travel choices and greater benefits to consumers as quickly as possible and to maximize the value for stakeholders.