Latin America travel tips

Struggling Latin American discounter Viva Air has entered the local equivalent to bankruptcy protection under Colombian law, as it works to restructure debt while awaiting a decision on its proposed merger with Avianca.

Mexican regional airline Aeromar closed its doors on Wednesday after it failed to reach a deal with creditors or secure new capital.

Marriott International said on Friday it had received an okay from Mexico’s competition watchdog for its acquisition of the City Express brand portfolio from Hoteles City Express. The news clears the path for the $100 million deal, first announced in October, and which may now close before June.

Tour operators selling the world-famous Machu Picchu in Peru are designing a better future for adventure trekking.

The potential merger of Avianca and Viva Air took a small step forward Wednesday when the former partially accepted the conditions laid out by the Colombian government for the combination of the country’s largest and third largest airlines.

Brazil’s plan is to reinstate tourist visa requirements for the the U.S., Japan, Australia and Canada will reduce tourism from those markets and make the country a less competitive destination. The reinstated visa application procedure details haven’t yet been announced.

Marriott International on Monday completed its $100 million acquisition of the City Express brand portfolio from Hoteles City Express. It has begun selling its 31st brand under the name City Express by Marriott.

British Airways-owner IAG said business travel volumes in South America were recovering faster than those across the North Atlantic, although he expected the latter to catch up.

Brazilian travel operator CVC has engaged financial and legal advisers to study a potential follow-on share offering and is in talks with “strategic investors”, the company said on Friday, driving its shares over 11% up.

One of the most intense competitive areas of competition these days among online travel agencies is in their business-to-business partnerships, and Hopper announced a new alliance with LatAm financial services firm Nubank.

Following is our regular summary of the latest travel news and best frequent traveler promotions reviewed during the past week.

IHG Rewards members can make their points go farther when redeeming for award stays at 21 hotels in Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

After a recent trip to Central America, travel photographer Nori Jemil shares some of her best pictures of Panama.