In This Edition… Travel management news, American’s distribution execution plans change, buyers project higher 2024 budgets, Fiji Airways joins Oneworld, Hawaiian Airlines new business class, many flight service updates, passport tips, hotel expansions, traveler tips and more!
Dans cette édition… Les actualités sur la gestion des voyages, les plans d’exécution de distribution d’American changent, les acheteurs prévoient des budgets plus élevés pour 2024, Fiji Airways rejoint Oneworld, la nouvelle classe affaires d’Hawaiian Airlines, de nombreuses mises à jour sur les services de vol, des astuces concernant les passeports, des expansions hôtelières, des conseils aux voyageurs et bien plus encore!
Key Insights from Steve Singh’s Podcast with GBTA
In this article, we explore three major takeaways from the latest episode of GBTA’s quarterly podcast: “AI and the Quest for the Perfect Trip: A Conversation with Steve Singh.” Read More
How a Travel Management Company Can Reduce Your Travel Costs
Here, we discuss four ways a travel management company (TMC) can help lower travel expenses for a business, all while still embracing the needs of its travelers. Read More
American 'Regrets' Distribution Execution, Plans Changes
Business Travel News — One day after announcing that chief commercial officer Vasu Raja would leave the company in June, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom acknowledged during an investor conference that the carrier made errors in rolling out its New Distribution Capability strategy and vowed to change some tactics. Read More
American Airlines Returning Most Content to EDIFACT
Business Travel News — About 14 months after beginning to remove content from EDIFACT channels as part of an aggressive New Distribution Capability strategy, American Airlines is returning most fare content to EDIFACT, the carrier confirmed to BTN. The carrier also confirmed it has "shifted away from plans to publish a preferred agency list." Read More
Survey: Most Buyers Project Higher 2024 Travel Budgets
Business Travel News — Corporate travel managers surveyed this month by Morgan Stanley project their businesses' 2024 travel budgets on average will increase 6 percent year over year, a figure slightly lower than respondents projected last fall, but still representing "encouraging" growth, according to the company. Read More
Delta Premium Select To Debut On Flights Between New York-JFK & Los Angeles
The Meeting Magazines — As demand for premium travel experiences continues to grow, Delta will offer Delta Premium Select on select JFK-LAX flights beginning in September. Read More
This South Pacific Carrier Will Be Oneworld’s Newest Member Airline
Afar Magazine — Award availability is currently high on Fiji Airways—here’s how to accumulate miles quickly. Read More
Delta Air Lines to Offer Premium Select Domestically This Fall
Travel Pulse — Delta Air Lines will re-debut a new class of seating. Delta Premium Select will debut on flights between New York-JFK and Los Angeles this fall. Read More
Hawaiian Airlines Has a New Business-Class Cabin—and We Tried It Out
Afar Magazine — These new suites have been long awaited but they are worth the wait. Read More
Delta, United to Resume Tel Aviv Flights This Week
Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are set to resume flights to Tel Aviv this week. Read More
Virgin to Add Three Codeshare Partners
Business Travel News Europe — Virgin Atlantic will launch three new codeshare partnerships this year. Read More
Virgin Atlantic Returns to Canada
Open Jaw — As Virgin Atlantic announces a return to the Toronto market, we mined the archives for footage of Nina Slawek interviewing Branson at 2001 Virgin Atlantic launch party in Toronto. Read More
FAA Will Craft Regulations for Public Air Charters
Travel Weekly — The FAA plans to move forward expeditiously with regulations that would require public air charters to operate under the same safety rules as large commercial airlines. Read More
Passport Rules Adjusted for Canadians Visiting DR
Open Jaw — Canadian tourists visiting the DR for most of 2024 will be able to enter the country with a passport that’s valid for the duration of their stay. Read More
How to Check Your Passport Status—and What to Do if It’s Taking Too Long
Afar Magazine — U.S. passports are back to their normal processing time of six to eight weeks. Here are a few things you can do to check your passport application or renewal status. Read More
Air Tahiti Nui Officially Joining TSA PreCheck Program
Open Jaw — Air Tahiti Nui is now participating in the TSA PreCheck® program, which helps travelers get through airport security faster. Read More
US State Department Reopens Online Passport Renewal Portal
Travel Pulse — The limited beta program is available for eligible citizens with specific criteria. Read More
What Is a Passport Card—and Can It Replace a Passport?
Afar Magazine — There are a few major differences between a passport book and a passport card. Here’s what you need to know about each. Read More
These Airports Let You Skip Security Lines for Free—No TSA PreCheck Needed
Afar Magazine — See if your local airport made the list. Read More
Government Travel Warnings & Alerts
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
What's Trending in European Rail Travel
Travel Pulse — What's making headlines in Europe rail travel so far in 2024. Read More
IHG and NOVUM Open First Co-Branded Hotel in Germany
Business Travel News Europe — Holiday Inn - the niu Cure officially opened this week in the German city of Erlangen, in Bavaria, marking the debut of the collaboration between IHG’s Holiday Inn and NOVUM’s midscale niu brand. Read More
Virgin Hotels Will Add Its First London Property
Travel Weekly — Virgin will reflag the Mondrian Shoreditch London, which is slated to undergo "a gradual transformation to a fully fledged Virgin hotel." Read More
Marriott Reveals Some Info About New Midscale Brand
Travel Weekly — The brand, whose name is expected to be unveiled soon, is focused on conversions. Read More
Inside Choice’s Push into Upscale
Hotel Investment Today — Following its acquisition of Radisson Hotels America in 2022, Choice Hotels International is making a big push into the upscale and upper upscale categories with some of the brands it acquired. Read More
How Sofitel Is Celebrating 60 Years of French Luxury Hospitality
Insider Travel Report — As a pioneer of French luxury hospitality, Sofitel is celebrating its 60th anniversary by offering guests experiences that blend French charm with exceptional service. Read More
Where Sonesta Thinks Future Growth Will Come From
Hotel Investment Today — Sonesta International Hotels Corp. has spent the past few years differentiating itself from its larger competitors, and CEO John Murray thinks he sees an untapped avenue of growth for the company: third-party management. Read More
Hilton to Double Lifestyle Portfolio to 700 by 2028
Northstar Meetings Group — Hilton plans to double its lifestyle hotel portfolio to 700 properties by 2028, driven by strong guest and owner demand. Read More
US Business Travel is Back But It Looks Different, Hotel CEOs Say
Reuters — Business travel has returned to the United States, hotel executives at a New York industry conference said this week, as companies of all sizes are increasingly booking trips at higher levels and prices than before the pandemic. Read More
New York Luxury Hotel Rebrands from Conrad to Luxury Collection
Travel Weekly — The Conrad New York Midtown in Manhattan has been reflagged, joining Marriott International's Luxury Collection. Read More
Majority of US Hotels Facing Staffing Shortages
TravelPulse — A new survey conducted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) finds that more than three-quarters of hotels (76 percent) are experiencing a staffing shortage heading into the summer, a figure that's up from the start of 2024. Read More
An Honest Guide to the Airport Lounges at Denver International Airport
Afar Magazine — Here’s everything you need to know about the best lounges, including how to access them. Read More
Air France to Open a Lounge at LAX
Travel Weekly — The lounge is located in the Tom Bradley International Terminal, near the gates Air France uses for its flights to Paris and Tahiti. Read More
A Flight Attendant’s Secrets for Surviving Long-Haul Flights
CNN — Should you prioritize sleeping or eating? Should you exercise in the aisle? An experienced flight attendant shares his tips and tricks. Read More
8 Things to Do Before Your Next International Trip
Travel Pulse — International travel presents more challenges than a domestic getaway, however, so having a plan in place is always wise. Read More
Extreme Weather Forecasts Threaten Summer Travel
Travel Pulse — Extreme weather forecasts are threatening summer travel, with conditions like tornadoes, record heat, heavy rain, mudslides, wildfires, and hurricanes potentially causing significant disruptions. Read More
Luggage Sanitization System Debuts At JFK Airport in New York City
Travel Pulse — A new luggage sanitization system that eliminates 99.9% of pathogens has debuted at JFK Airport's Terminal 7, allowing passengers to sanitize their bags for $10 for two bags. Read More
How Early Should You Get to the Airport?
Afar Magazine — Whether you love having ample time to roam the terminal or prefer to get to the gate just as the plane is boarding, here’s what experts advise on when to arrive at the airport so that you don’t miss your flight. Read More
How to Share Points and Miles Among Your Friends and Family—for Free
Afar Magazine — Pooling points can help you maximize your rewards. Read More
5 Data Points to Attract and Retain Exhibitors and Attendees
PCMA — At ECEF last month, Sam Lippman culled five main insights from recent Freeman research that should be top of mind for event organizers. Read More
Las Vegas Ups Its Game for Meetings and Events
Northstar Meetings Group — Fueled by the success of major international sporting events, the quintessential gaming destination continues to expand its group appeal. Read More
Wellness Is Not a Trend, It’s an Event Necessity
Northstar Meetings Group — Let’s stop minimizing physical and emotional health as optional at meetings. Read More
Top Tips to Increase Event Attendance
Northstar Meetings Group — Boosting attendance requires a multipronged approach. This free guide provides insider strategies from industry professionals to help you design a program that hits all the high notes: a great destination, exciting speakers, helpful content and more. Read More
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