In this edition of the Direct Travel News Brief… updates on the us border closures with Canada and Mexico, EU eases cross-border travel restrictions, new airline flight service updates, TSA reminder to travelers, everything you need to know about getting a Real ID, nationwide car rental shortage, Hertz emerging from Chapter 11, how to show gratitude to virtual event speakers, expediting your passport and more!
For international business travelers, a long period of stops and starts is finally ending as new momentum builds around reopened borders and loosened restrictions for vaccinated travelers...Read More
After more than a year of stringent restrictions limiting international travel, dozens of borders around the world will reopen to travelers this summer. Some countries have already started the process, while others have announced plans to gradually roll back restrictions in the near future. Read More
Travel Market Report — While restrictions for international visitors remain in place, vaccinated Canadians will be able to avoid a 14-day quarantine starting next month. Read More
Travel Pulse — The three countries have extended the closures again. Read More
Travel Pulse — The 27 European Union member states approved a modified European Commission proposal…Read More
Prevue Meetings + Incentives — This July 4, there is reason to celebrate, with all signs pointing to a reopening with few restrictions of all 50 states by the national holiday. Read More
Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines and Kenya Airways have expanded their codesharing agreement to cover a total of 39 cities in Africa and North America. Both carriers are SkyTeam alliance members. Read More
Business Travel News — United Airlines has loosened restrictions in its MileagePlus program, a move the carrier hopes will help stimulate business travel demand later in the year. Read More
Travel Pulse — The return of travel following the pandemic has been a blessing – and a curse, for some airlines. Read More
Business Travel News — Air Canada has extended its deadline for requesting airfare refunds for flights affected by the Covid-19 pandemic by a month. Read More
Travel Market Report — In partnership with South Africa Tourism, United just recently celebrated its new nonstop service between Newark Liberty International Airport and O/R/ Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Read More
Fox News — Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, there were 69 incidents in which TSA employees were physically assaulted, the agency said. Violations of TSA requirements may result in criminal charges, civil penalties. Read More
Afar Magazine — By May 2023, if you don’t have a Real ID, passport or trusted traveler program card (such as Global Entry), you will not be able to fly. Read More
Travel Weekly — The CDC has moved several Caribbean countries' Covid travel advisories to Level 1 classification, which signifies the lowest risk level for Covid. Read More
Northstar Meetings Group — The latest travel advisory says people no longer need to wear a mask in outdoor areas of conveyances (such as the open-air level of a tour bus or the outside deck of a ferry) or while outdoors at transportation hubs...Read More
TSA.gov — Highest screening volume since pandemic began…Read More
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
Fox Business News — The average daily cost to rent a car in the US jumped to a record $63.75 last month — up 50 percent in some cases. Read More
Travel Pulse — The car rental company is ready to get travelers back on the road. Read More
Business Travel News — Current business travel volume is about 30 percent of 2019 levels, and average daily hotel rates remain lower as well but are increasing, according to Tripbam's second-quarter market report. Read More
Recommend Magazine — From Orlando to the Seychelles, to Pittsburg and New York’s Hudson Valley, these four new hotels offer guests wellness experiences, culinary delights, and immersive cultural experiences. Read More
Insider Travel Report — Together, Accor and IGLTA will work to ensure the hospitality industry is a safe and inclusive space for all and will facilitate and drive equality within the travel sector. Read More
The Points Guy — Is there a better way to celebrate a return to “normal” life than buying out an entire floor of a New York luxury hotel to enjoy with some very lucky family members or friends?Read More
Afar Magazine — There are several situations that might require a quick passport turnaround, from emergency travel to visiting countries with specific visa requirements. Read More
Smarter Travel — As travel resumes, so have travel scams. We’ve uncovered five of the most common travel scams for 2021, so you know what to watch out for. Read More
USA Today — American Airlines ends it in-flight magazine…Read More
Travel Pulse — More Americans intend to travel this summer. Read More
Creative Group — Creative Group’s newest case study dives into a virtual, “game show” experience they created for a client whose Hawaii incentive trip wasn’t possible due to COVID-19. Read about how they delivered new solutions that were customized to their client’s goals, audience, and brand. Read More
Creative Group — Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace is the socially and ethically responsible thing to do — and organizations instilling these best practices also gain financial rewards. Here are the top five benefits of corporate inclusiveness, from Creative Group. Read More
Successful Meetings — Seven ways to show your appreciation pre-, during and post-event. Read More
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