In This Edition… the concept of the Perfect Trip in business travel, airline flight service additions and expanded code-share, Delta enhances traveler experience, Terminal 3 upgrade at Chicago O'Hare, airport security updates, Paris public transportation costs to double during Olympic games, hotel news, and much more!
Dans cette édition… Le concept du Voyage parfait dans le domaine des voyages d’affaires, des ajouts de services de vols aériens et un partage de codes accru, Delta améliore l’expérience des voyageurs, la modernisation du Terminal 3 à Chicago O’Hare, des mises à jour relatives à la sécurité dans les aéroports, les prix des transports publics à Paris vont doubler pendant les Jeux olympiques, des actualités hôtelières, et bien plus encore!
dt.com — We’re excited to share important news about Direct Travel’s next chapter and how we plan to take that to a new level across corporate travel, leisure, and meetings and incentives. Read More
How to Foster Inclusivity with Your Travel Program
Therefore, the most successful corporate travel policies are those that regularly evolve to stay inclusive, and proactively address all travelers’ requirements and preferences. Read More
Transforming Corporate Travel to Create ‘The Perfect Trip’
Learn more about Steve Singh's vision to create 'The Perfect Trip'. Read More
Is Technology Bringing the Perfect Trip Nearer?
PhocusWire — Steve Singh has been mulling the concept of the Perfect Trip in business travel for more than 10 years. The co-founder and former CEO of Concur believes a trip where a traveler’s data is drawn from a single repository and can be shared across all travel suppliers to ensure a smooth and joined up journey is now more possible than ever. Read More
Air Canada Modifies Check-In Seat Selection Policy
Open Jaw — As of this week, Air Canada economy class pax who don’t book a seat online prior to check-in face new regulations. Read More
Southwest Quits Four Airports in Cost-Cutting Drive
CNN — The four airports are Bellingham International Airport in Washington state, Cozumel International Airport in Mexico, Syracuse Hancock International Airport in New York and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Southwest will continue to serve Houston’s other airport. Read More
Delta Is Making Some Changes to Its Boarding Process
Afar Magazine — Starting May 1, Delta Air Lines will have a new numbered system for boarding. Here’s how it will work. Read More
Alaska Air to Add Routes, Capacity from So. California
Business Travel News — Alaska Airlines plans to launch on Oct. 1 new routes and capacity between Southern California and 12 destinations. Read More
Delta Readies Check-In, Wi-Fi Enhancements
Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines plans some upcoming traveler experience enhancements, including changes to some check-in and Wi-Fi access procedures, the carrier said at last week's Delta Air Lines Business Showcase event. Read More
Terminal 3 Upgrade Begins at Chicago O'Hare
Travel Weekly — Chicago O'Hare has begun work on a $300 million upgrade of the airport's Terminal 3. Read More
WestJet Expands Korean Air Codeshare
Business Travel News — WestJet customers on May 17 will gain access to six additional Asian destinations through an extension of its codeshare partnership with Korean Air, the Canadian carrier announced. Read More
Air Canada Unveils Summer Schedule Upgrades
Open Jaw — Air Canada's summer season includes flights to Singapore and Stockholm, along with 120 North American destinations. In response to strong demand, the airline has increased capacity to the Asia-Pacific region by 30%. Read More
Delta Unveils NDC Strategy, With an Eye to 2025
Business Travel News — After much speculation about when Delta Air Lines would enter the world of New Distribution Capability, the industry has an answer. The carrier is in the process of building its NDC solution with various partners and intends to have some "milestone releases" available in late 2024. Read More
Lufthansa Schedules Debut of Allegris Aircraft Interior
Travel Weekly — The long-awaited cabin design will debut on May 1, initially deploying on new Airbus A350 planes connecting Munich with Vancouver. Read More
International Travel Is Shaking Up The World’s Busiest Airports List
Forbes — The sheer volume of air passengers last year reflects a robust return to travel — and a shift toward tourism hotspots in Asia and the Middle East. Read More
Tulum’s New Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport
Travel Pulse — We take a look at the brand-new Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport in Tulum, Mexico, which only recently began operating international flights and receiving U.S. carriers. Read More
California Considers Banning TSA Line-Jumping Services
Fodor’s Travel — Travelers who benefit from TSA line-jumping services like Clear could have to go back to the regular lines with everyone else if a new bill under consideration in California’s legislature becomes law. Read More
TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear: What’s the Difference?
Afar Magazine — Not sure how these trusted traveler programs differ? You’re not alone. Read More
Government Travel Warnings & Alerts
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
A First Look at the New High-Speed Train That Will Connect Los Angeles and Las Vegas
Afar Magazine — Here’s a peek inside the train that will connect the city of angels to sin city in 2 hours. Read More
Paris Set to Significantly Hike Metro Prices for the Olympics
Fodor’s Travel — Paris travelers have one more expense to consider: public transportation costs are set to almost double. Read More
Amtrak Continues Toward Goals of Zero Emissions
Travel Pulse — As of April 16, 2024, Amtrak has filed a Request for Information (RFI) to further help the rail operator achieve its goals of building an emission-free fleet in the near future. Read More
Sonesta Executes 65 New Franchise Agreements
Sonesta International Hotels Corporation — Company continues to grow, adding nearly 6,000 rooms. Read More
Amsterdam Bans New Hotel Construction To Battle Overtourism
Travel Pulse — The Netherlands’ capital city outlaws the construction of new hotels as part of its efforts to curb the intense overtourism that has plagued Amsterdam for years. Read More
IHG Adds Apple AirPlay in 60 Hotels
Business Travel News — IHG Hotels & Resorts has added Apple's AirPlay streaming functionality to guest rooms in about 60 North American properties. Read More
Fort Worth, Texas, to Vote on Raising Hotel Tax
Fort Worth Report — Voters will decide in May whether to increase the hotel occupancy tax rate to 17 percent, with the extra money used to fund the city's long-planned convention center expansion. Read More
Radisson Collection Expands in Italy
Travel Weekly — The newly opened Radisson Collection Hotel, Roma Antica, is the brand's sixth flag in the country. Read More
Travel + Leisure Announces 2024 “It List” of Best New Hotels
Insider Travel Report — Travel + Leisure announced the 19th annual “It List,” a curated list of the best new and renovated hotels across the globe. Read More
IHG Partners to Double German Presence
Business Travel News — IHG Hotels & Resorts will partner with Novum Hospitality, adding over 100 properties to its portfolio. Read More
Nobu Hospitality Achieves Milestone by Unveiling 40th Hotel
Insider Travel Report — Nobu Hospitality, the luxury lifestyle and iconic hotel, dining and residence brand, announced the upcoming Nobu Hotel and Restaurant Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam. This marks the brand’s 40th hotel and second opening in Vietnam. Read More
Hilton To Enter 5 New Markets in 2024 – What Travelers Need To Know
Travel Pulse — Hilton expects to continue its record-breaking development pipeline this year, as it reports expanding into five new markets this year and introducing several of its brands into new destinations. Read More
Marriott Expands in Europe With Conversions, Adaptive Reuse
Northstar Meetings Group — The hotel giant expects to debut nearly 100 such projects, representing more than 12,000 rooms, in its Europe portfolio by the end of 2026. Read More
Getting Your Money Back From Airlines Is About to Get Much Easier
Afar Magazine — The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued historic new consumer protection rules for air travelers. Here’s what you need to know. Read More
Forecasters Predict 'Extremely Active' Hurricane Season
Open Jaw — The Caribbean and surrounding regions face the highest number of hurricanes ever predicted in an April forecast by Colorado State University since the team began releasing forecasts in 1995. Read More
7 Easy Tips for Traveling More Sustainably
Thrillist — Here's how to make a big impact with just a few small changes. Read More
9 Ways to Avoid Offending Anyone When Traveling in Asia
Afar Magazine— It’s always a good idea to learn local etiquette before traveling somewhere unfamiliar. Read More
A New Ranking Reveals the World’s Busiest Airports—and Half Are in the United States
Afar Magazine — If you’re a frequent traveler, chances are you have flown to, through, or from one of these busy international gateways. Here’s our guide to the world’s busiest airports. Read More
This Is How You Should Tip Hotel Staff in the USA
Afar Magazine — Your cheat sheet of whom to tip, how much, and when while staying at a hotel. Read More
100 Days to Olympic Games: Paris Transport Plan Ready
News Wire — The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games are just around the corner. Read More
Italy Just Launched a New Digital Nomad Visa—Here’s How to Apply
Afar Magazine — As of this month, applications are open for the year-long residence program, but there are certain criteria you’ll need to meet. Read More
15 Gifts That Give Back
Northstar Meetings Group — Show appreciation for employees and clients while supporting a good cause. Read More
Millennials In Meetings
The Meetings Magazines — Within the meetings and events industry, millennials are having an impact on how today’s events are designed. Read More
Looking for guidance on planning your next convention, incentive, or group trip? Direct Travel will assist with all your meetings and event details! Whatever your needs may be when it comes to your event, you can always depend on us to design streamlined travel arrangements, plan strategic meetings, and deliver real-time results. For details, please send a message to: MeetingInquiry@dt.com.