In This Edition… reminder on Brazil’s new entry requirements, airline updates and new flight services, security news, new ground transportation options, new hotels, traveler tips, and much more!
Dans cette édition… un rappel sur les nouvelles conditions d’entrée au Brésil, des mises à jour sur les compagnies aériennes et les nouveaux services de vol, des actualités liées à la sécurité, de nouvelles options de transport terrestre, de nouveaux hôtels, des conseils aux voyageurs, et bien plus encore!
How To Determine If You Need a Travel Management Company
Here are the questions a travel manager should ask themselves to determine if their business would benefit from partnering with a travel management company. Read More
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
2024 Corporate Travel Index
Business Travel News — BTN's customizable benchmarking tool offers updated per diem rate information for 200 cities globally. The Corporate Travel Index Calculator is updated quarterly with hotel, car rental and market safety data. Read More
Reminder for U.S. Citizens - New Visa Requirement for Brazil
US Embassy — On April 10, 2024, the Government of Brazil (GOB) will reinstate a visa requirement for all U.S. nationals visiting Brazil, with an option for an e-visa for qualified applicants. Read More
United Airlines Will Restart Flights to Israel in March
Meetings & Conventions (AP) — The carrier says it conducted a detailed safety analysis before making the decision. Read More
American Airlines Is Raising Checked-Luggage Prices
CNN — Checking a bag on American will now cost you more than at every other major U.S. airline. Read More
Delta Air Lines Announces New Transcontinental Flights and Enhanced Hawaii Offerings
Travel Pulse — Delta is deepening its leisure flight offerings with new routes to Hawaii and Miami. Read More
Canada Jetlines to Launch Toronto-Halifax, Halifax-Orlando
OpenJaw — Canada Jetlines has announced its second Canadian destination with the launch of service from Toronto to Halifax. The flight continues onward from YHZ to MCO, offering Haligonians the opportunity to travel non-stop to Florida. Read More
Air France Just Added Another Celebrity Chef to Its In-Flight Dining Program
Afar Magazine — Peek at the menu here. Read More
United Launches New Europe Route to This Popular Mediterranean Destination
Afar Magazine — There’s good news for those hoping to spend their summer basking on white-sand beaches. Read More
American to Launch Seasonal Brisbane Service
Business Travel News — American Airlines on Oct. 27 will add daily seasonal service between Dallas-Fort Worth and Brisbane, Australia. Read More
Delta is Creating a New Category of 'Premium Lounges'
Travel Weekly — The new premium lounges and Delta Sky Clubs "will be separate products with separate features," the airline said. Read More
United to Add Nonstop Alaska Summer Service
Business Travel News — United Airlines on May 23 will add seasonal daily nonstop service between Washington Dulles and Anchorage, as well as between Denver and Fairbanks. Read More
Opt out of Facial Scans, Request a Private Screening—Every Flier Has These Basic Airport Rights
Afar Magazine — Here’s what is and isn’t required of you at the airport. Read More
New TSA Facial Recognition Systems at Airports Raise Privacy Concerns
Travel Pulse — New facial recognition technology will be installed at hundreds of airports nationwide. Read More
6 Countries Tie for the World’s Most Powerful Passport
Afar Magazine — People holding passports from these European and Asian countries have access to a whopping 194 destinations without obtaining a visa before arrival. Read More
Government Travel Warnings & Alerts
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
Enterprise to Enter Thailand
Business Travel News — Enterprise Mobility has partnered with Thai Rent a Car to add new franchise locations in Thailand for the Enterprise, National and Alamo car rental brands. Read More
Mexico’s New Maya Train Connects Cancún With Other Yucatán Destinations
Afar Magazine — Here's how to book tickets, how much it costs, and what to expect on board. Read More
Seattle Public Transit: How to Get Around Without a Car
Fodor’s Travel — As a visitor to Seattle, you won’t need a vehicle if you plan to stick to city sites. Read More
Brightline Rail Service From Southern California to Vegas Snags $2.5B in Funding
Casino.org — Construction on the high-speed line is expected to begin this summer, with the goal of carrying the first passengers to the 2028 Summer Olympics in L.A. Read More
Hilton Unveils Rapid Expansion Plans for Caribbean and Latin America
Travel Pulse — This year, Hilton is set to build on its 2023 momentum with an ambitious expansion strategy in the Caribbean and Latin America, boasting record room growth and a robust development pipeline. Read More
How BWH Hotels Is Putting a Priority on Growing in Latin America
Insider Travel Report — As the hospitality industry in Latin America continues to see rapid growth, BWH Hotels says it is dedicated to expanding current offerings in the region through a series of new development projects in the pipeline. Read More
Marriott to Pay $500M for One of Chicago’s Largest Hotels
CoStar — The Sheraton Grand Chicago is the city’s fifth-largest hotel with 1,218 rooms. Read More
Fairmont Returning to New Orleans
Travel Weekly — Expected to open by summer 2025, the luxury hotel will debut as part of a redevelopment in the Central Business District. Read More
Hyatt Announces Record Hotel Signings and Pipeline of 127,000 Rooms
Insider Travel Report — Hyatt Hotels Corporation reported its expected growth trajectory for 2024 and beyond, underscored by a record year of deal signings in 2023. Read More
The Best New Paris Hotels Worth Traveling For
Afar Magazine — These are the 8 most exciting new hotels to book in Paris—whether you plan to attend the Paris Summer Olympics or are simply plotting your next trip to the City of Light. Read More
Capital One Adds Lounge Capacity Tracking, Waitlist to App
Business Travel News — Capital One introducing lounge capacity monitoring and waitlist management via mobile app for Venture X Business and Venture X cardholders. Read More
Airlines Are Finally Adding Enough Overhead Bin Space for All Carry-Ons. What Took So Long?
Afar Magazine — Imagine not having to gate-check your carry-on due to full overhead bins. As more airlines install larger overhead bins, that vision could increasingly become a reality. Read More
How to Use Bleisure Travel to Extend Your Vacations
Afar Magazine — Workcations, bleisure trips, blended travel—whatever you want to call it, the vacation hack of extending business trips into leisure getaways is here to stay. Use these tips to plan them smartly. Read More
You’ll Never Board a Plane on the Right-Hand Side. Here’s Why.
Afar Magazine — One of aviation’s little mysteries—solved. Read More
These Are the Safest Countries and Cities in the World for Travelers
Afar Magazine — Destinations throughout Europe dominate the rankings. But the world's No. 1 safest country is not across the pond. Read More
Your Essential Guide to Carry-On Luggage Restrictions
Afar Magazine — How big is too big? Read More
Chase Sapphire’s Newest Airport Lounge Opens at LaGuardia in New York
Afar Magazine — Take a sneak peek inside New York’s first Chase-branded airport lounge. Read More
You’ll Need to Prove You Have $2,000 to Enter This Country Starting in April
Fodor’s Travel — Brazil’s requirement that proof of funds be included with a visa application is notably not unique. Read More
Demand for Non-Alcoholic Drinks is on the Rise
Creative Group — Dry January doesn't have to leave you parched! Check out our tips for adding in more zero-proof choices at your meetings and events. 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.