In this edition of the Travel News Brief: leveraging employee travel expense data, in-flight Wi-Fi availability growth, TSA Pre ✓® expansion to include more airlines, reasons to take the train vs. the plane in Europe, the best hotels of 2018, tips to stay fit while you travel, and more!
Leveraging Employee Travel Expense Data
Last week, we talked about putting your corporate travel data to work. One of the key strategies discussed was converging multiple datasets – like expense data – for deeper insights. Read More
Reinventing Airport Food
Travel Pulse — Airports are transforming themselves to attract more passengers and increase revenue. Read More
Germs in Airplane Cabins are Bad, but it's Even Worse at the Airport Terminal
LA Times — You don't have to be a germophobe to want to slip on rubber gloves when you enter an airplane cabin. The latest study found that surfaces in airport terminals can have even higher germ counts than those in the planes. Read More
In-Flight Wi-Fi Availability Grows to Nearly Half of Global Airline Capacity
Business Travel News — Global Wi-Fi connectivity on airlines increased to 43 percent of available seat miles offering at least a chance of Wi-Fi, up from 39 percent a year ago, according to Routehappy's 2018 Wi-Fi Report. Read More
Will Facial Recognition Speed Up Airport Security Lines?
Travel Market Report —In hopes of easing airport congestion, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is testing a new technology that confirms the identity of passengers through facial recognition at one of the nation’s largest airports, Los Angeles International. Read More
Biometrics Could Replace Boarding Passes on International Flights within 4 Years
USA Today —Changes will start with international flights, before expanding to domestic…Read More
Need a Passport? Get It Now Before Fees Go Up
USA Today —The "passport acceptance'' fee is going from $25 to $35 on April 2. Application fees are not increasing. Read More
TSA Pre✓® Expands to Include 5 Additional Airlines
TSA.gov —Expedited screening now available through 47 air carriers. Read More
Government Travel Warnings & Alerts
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
Tampa Airport Car Rental Center to Open Feb. 14
Auto Rental News —The Tampa International Airport's car rental center will open Feb. 14, as part of the airport's $2 billion expansion plan. Read More
Eurostar Launches New London to Amsterdam Service
Travel Market Report —For the first time, rail passengers will be able to travel from St Pancras in the heart of London directly to the Netherlands at a speed of 186 miles per in just three hours. Read More
Go Inside Train Stations with Google Street View
USA Today —We asked the team at Street View to share some of the most interesting stations and terminals around the world. Read More
7 Reasons to Take the Train Instead of the Plane in Europe
SF Gate —Taking the train instead of a plane might not be much of an option in most of the U.S., but it's hugely popular in Europe – and often almost as fast or even faster than flying. Read More
Google Drives Ahead with Autonomous Vehicle Investment
Phocuswire —Google spin-off Waymo is ordering "thousands" of new, self-driving vehicles as part of its program to test driver-less technology. Read More
The Best Hotels of 2018, According to U.S. News & World Report
Meetings Today —U.S. News & World Report announced its 2018 Best Hotels list, ranking more than 24,000 upscale properties across the U.S., Mexico, Europe, Canada and Bermuda. Read More
Moxy Hotels Sprout All Over from Tokyo to Osaka to Minneapolis
Insider Travel Report —Marriott International's experiential brand, Moxy Hotels, made its debut in Tokyo this week…Read More
Hyatt’s Unbound Collection Announces Recent and Planned Openings
Success Meetings —The Unbound Collection, of Hyatt’s collection of “independent” hotels and resorts, is set to double its portfolio by 2019, according to Hyatt Hotels Corp., which has announced the addition of five hotels to The Unbound Collection’s ranks. Read More
Virgin Hotels Announces First European Property
Travel Pulse —The new lifestyle hotel is slated to open in 2020. Read More
Four Seasons to Introduce New Luxury Hotel in India
Travel Pulse —Set to open summer 2018, Four Seasons will be the centerpiece of Bengaluru's exciting Embassy ONE development. Read More
Red Roof Launches The Red Collection
Travel Pulse —The first hotel collection will be a portfolio of unique, midscale hotels located in urban centers. Read More
How to Fit in Exercise While You Travel
New York Times —Traveling, whether for business or pleasure, is no reason to leave your fitness goals behind. Here’s how to get a good workout, on the go. Read More
U.S. Passports Will Cost More Starting This April
Travel Market Report —Travelers can save by applying for a passport before April 2nd. Read More
MGM Grand Conference Center Expansion on Track to Open in December
Meetings & Conventions —The project will add 250,000 square feet to the facility...Read More
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