The U.S. dollar closed in Chile at its highest in two months last week, 531 pesos, following the continuous drop in copper prices, the country’s leading export. In the first week of 2007, the Chilean peso accumulates a depreciation against the U.S. dollar of 3.79 percent, which contrasts with the 8.5 percent appreciation of 2005.

For growing numbers of international business travelers, visa and customs regulations are making trips to the U.S. a thing of the past. Companies say U.S. rules have become so onerous in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that it’s often simpler to meet customers, business partners and employees elsewhere.

Lufthansa could agree to sell its 50 percent stake in tourism firm Thomas Cook to co-owner KarstadtQuelle before Christmas, a German newspaper said on Saturday.

Apple Vacations purchased GWV Vacations, a Boston-based vacation packager that specializes in Cancun, the Dominican Republic, Aruba, Antigua and St. Maarten.

Travelport reached an agreement to acquire and merge with Worldspan in a blockbuster $1.4 billion deal that now must pass muster with antitrust regulators in the U.S. and Europe. The companies hope to get that approval and close the deal in the second or third quarter of 2007.

Brazil’s GOL announced that beginning January 1, commissions paid to travel agents on GOL ticket sales will be cut down to 7 percent for domestic flights and as much as 6 percent for international flights.