In This Edition… airline flight service updates, airline on-time performance stats for 2023, Oneworld opened its first dedicated airport lounge, Enterprise enters new markets, hotel openings and updates, traveler tips, meetings news, and more!
Dans cette édition… des mises à jour sur les services de vol, des statistiques concernant la ponctualité des compagnies aériennes en 2023, Oneworld ouvre son premier salon d’aéroport exclusif, Enterprise se lance sur de nouveaux marchés, des ouvertures d’hôtels et d’autres mises à jour, des conseils aux voyageurs, des informations sur les réunions, et bien plus encore!
What’s Ahead for Business Travel in 2024
Will it simply be a year of smooth sailing, or will some sectors experience their fair share of challenges? The Direct Travel team has compiled a 2024 Forecast that can be downloaded and shared with your team. Read More
How Your Travel Program Can Benefit from an Omnichannel Service Approach
Gone are the days of single communication methods. Instead, businesses can benefit from working with a partner who customizes the relationship and provides them with a variety of options. This pairing of personalization and communication is part of an omnichannel service approach. Read More
DOT Plans to Terminate Delta-Aeromexico ATI
Business Travel News — The U.S. DOT on Friday "tentatively dismissed" the application from Delta and Aeromexico to renew DOT's approval and grant of antitrust immunity that allows the two carriers to operate their joint venture. Read More
Delta is Retrofitting Its Older Boeing 737-800s
Travel Weekly — The updated jets will have the airline's newest first-class seats. Read More
Air France Launches First-Ever Paris Flights From This Major U.S. Airport
Afar Magazine — The hub will be the 17th U.S. gateway for the French carrier. Read More
United Airlines to Launch New Summer Flights Across North America
Travel Pulse — United Airlines will be adding over 100 new flights to cities in the U.S. and Canada for its historic summer season, including to destinations like Anchorage, Fairbanks, Calgary, Vancouver and more. Read More
OAG: Delta Tops Large Airline On-Time Performance for 2023
Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines was named 2023's most on-time airline among large global carriers in OAG's annual on-time performance report. Read More
EU to Investigate Lufthansa's ITA Airways Takeover
BTN Europe — The European Commission has opened an investigation to assess Lufthansa's planned acquisition of ITA Airways due to concerns it would reduce competition. Read More
Air France Adding Phoenix-Paris Service
Travel Weekly — The flights will begin May 23 and operate three times weekly for the summer season. Read More
The 10 Most Anticipated New Business Class Cabins of 2024
Business Traveler USA — From American Airlines to Air France, we've picked out some of the best new premium offerings scheduled for launch this year. Read More
Oneworld Opens First Dedicated Lounge
Business Travel News — The Oneworld airline alliance has opened its first dedicated airport lounge, in Seoul's Incheon International Airport. Read More
Frontier Airlines Pivots Away From Leisure Routes
Travel Weekly — The discount carrier is adding several routes at hubs like Dallas/Fort Worth and Charlotte, taking on major airlines in markets where fares are high. Read More
Government Travel Warnings & Alerts
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
Enterprise Enters Latin America, Caribbean Markets
Business Travel News — Enterprise Mobility has opened new branches in Chile, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands. Read More
Super Bowl Drives Las Vegas Hotels to Record-Breaking Prices
Fox 11 (video) — Room rates at the Staybridge Suites near Allegiant Stadium currently average $1,225 per night, while properties on the Strip such, as the new Fontainebleau, are selling rooms for an average of $1,447. Read More
Hilton Will Increase Text-messaging Capabilities
Travel Weekly — Hilton said text messaging better helps hotel teams "answer questions, address concerns, arrange experiences and more." Read More
IHG Plans Japan Launch of Midscale Brand Garner
Business Travel News — InterContinental Hotels Group has signed a letter of intent to launch its Garner midscale conversion brand in Japan this year. Read More
Marriott Inks Deal for 100 Tribute Properties in China
Business Travel News — Marriott International over the coming years will franchise its Tribute Portfolio brand to at least 100 properties in China managed by the Delonix Group. Read More
The Ultimate Guide to the World of Hyatt Loyalty Program
Afar Magazine — The hotel company’s loyalty program currently covers more than 1,400 properties across 28 brands. Here’s how you can best benefit. Read More
BWH Hotels Continues to Grow Hotels in Upscale Brands
Insider Travel Report — BWH Hotels, otherwise known as Best Western announced expansion of its upscale brands in key North America markets with the addition of seven new properties to the portfolio in the fourth quarter 2023. Read More
Wyndham, SBE to Launch Lifestyle Brand
Business Travel News — Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and the SBE hospitality group have created a lifestyle residential brand and plan to open 50 hotels by 2030. Read More
Everything You Need to Know About Traveling to Las Vegas for Super Bowl LVIII
Travel Pulse — Las Vegas is hosting the Big Game for the first time ever so traveling fans will want to be prepared. Read More
10 New State Laws That Will Impact U.S. Travelers in 2024
Fodor’s Travel — The change of the calendar has brought new laws to some U.S. states. Read More
We Tried These Unusual Jet Lag Remedies to See if They Actually Work—Here’s What Happened
Afar Magazine — Our editors tested everything from homeopathic pills to a Gwyneth Paltrow–backed technique. Read More
Choosing the Best Loyalty Programs for You in 2024
Afar Magazine — Here are the best ways to get rewarded by airlines, hotels—even credit card companies—this year. Read More
Worried About Lost or Stolen Cards on Vacation? Try This Simple Hack
Fodor’s Travel — Having an alternative payment method can be a lifesaver. Read More
9 Things That Are Surprisingly Offensive in Asia
Afar Magazine — It’s a good idea to learn local etiquette before traveling somewhere unfamiliar. If you want to make a good impression on your first trip to Asia, here are the things you should and shouldn’t do. Read More
7 Wellness Trends to Expect at Large-Scale Events in 2024
BizBash — Hear from wellness industry players on big trends to look out for this year. Read More
Emerging Tech for Events & Incentives
Creative Group — Discover the latest technology showcased at CES 2024: from anxiety-reducing wearables to self-service airport security systems. Get inspired to create a fresh experience at your next event! Read More
Top Incentive Trends in 2024
Northstar Meetings Group — The Incentive Research Foundation’s annual industry update reveals that changing workforce needs, inflation and AI will affect programs this year. Read More
Meetings Hotels With Superb Food-and-Beverage Programs
Northstar Meetings Group — Whether it’s a sit-down banquet for hundreds, or an intimate team-building cooking challenge, these hotels cater to the most discerning palates. Read More
Las Vegas Sees Double-Digit Growth in Convention Attendance, Room Rates in 2023
KTNV — The city welcomed 6 million convention-goers in 2023, an increase of almost 20 percent over the previous year. 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.