In This Edition… more on NDC, airline flight service updates, TSA prepares for busy summer, many articles on ground transport, hotel updates, traveler tips, and convention center updates!
Dans cette édition… plus d’informations sur la NDC, des mises à jour sur les services de vols des compagnies aériennes, la TSA prévoit un été chargé, de nombreux articles sur les transports terrestres, des actualités hôtelières, des conseils aux voyageurs et des mises à jour sur les centres de congrès.
dt.com — We’re excited to share important news about Direct Travel’s next chapter and how we plan to take that to a new level across corporate travel, leisure, and meetings and incentives. More
Why Incorporating a SAF Purchase Option is a Smart Move for Travel Sustainability
Here, we examine what a SAF purchase option is and how it’s paving the way toward a more responsible future in business travel. Read More
How Price Assurance Can Transform Your Hotel and Air Spend
Instead of relying on team members to monitor supply changes, those who manage travel for their organization can enlist the help of their travel management company (TMC) to guarantee the lowest rates in these areas. Read More
TMCs Face 'Rough Seas' But Report Strides After AA Jolt
Business Travel News — There's no question that American Airlines' strategy around New Distribution Capability lit a fire under U.S.-focused travel management companies. What remains to be seen is whether that fire is attached to a rocket booster or a dynamite fuse. Read More
WestJet Unveils 'Bare-Bones' Fare for Pax Ready to Fly Bag-Free
OpenJaw — WestJet's CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech, introduced the "ultra-low" offering on 22MAY, describing the initiative as appealing to budget-conscious travelers while freeing up overhead bin space. Read More
Alaska Launches Daily Service to Seattle from Toronto
OpenJaw — Alaska Airlines is adding a new daily direct flight between SEA and YYZ. Read More
WestJet Inaugurates Non-Stop Flights Between Calgary and Iceland
Open Jaw — With the departure of the sold-out WestJet Flight 38, WestJet marks its seventh direct connection to Europe from its global hub in Calgary this summer. Read More
Qantas to Suspend Shanghai Service, Add Manila Flights
Business Travel News — Qantas beginning July 28 will suspend flights between Sydney and Shanghai "due to low demand." Read More
Qatar Airways Nears Southern African Airline Investment
Aviation Week — Qatar Airways is close to completing an equity investment in an undisclosed southern African carrier as it seeks to deepen its network across Africa. Read More
Etihad Launches Abu Dhabi Stopover Program
Business Travel News — Etihad Airways has launched a complimentary stopover program, allowing travelers to book up to two complimentary nights at "a range of premier hotels" in Abu Dhabi. Read More
Delta Air Lines Announces Major Summer Schedule Expansion and Improved Flight Experience
Travel Pulse — Delta Air Lines is expecting a busy summer as it prepares to start rolling out its biggest-ever international schedule. Read More
Swiss Launches Toronto Service with a Splash
Open Jaw — A group of executives from tourism and the travel industry, top customers and members of the diplomatic corps convened in at Toronto’s Design Exchange to celebrate all things Swiss – including flag carrier SWISS service ex YYZ and YUL. Read More
ITA Launches Toronto-Rome Service
Open Jaw — ITA (rebirth of Alitalia) told Open Jaw, “The A330-900 serving the Toronto route with 291 seats – 30 in B, 24 in Preferred Y and 237 in Y – will operate seasonally six days a week until June when it will increase to daily.” Read More
Middle-East Strife Forces Air Canada to Delay Israel Again
Open Jaw — Air Canada says recent developments in the Middle East have forced it to pause flights to Tel Aviv until August. Read More
TSA Prepared for Busiest Summer Travel Season Ever
TSA.org — Agency projects it will screen a record number of travelers this summer, emphasizes readiness in the transportation ecosystem with airport, airline and travel partners. Read More
Government Travel Warnings & Alerts
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More
Lyft, Uber Reach Minnesota Minimum-Wage Deal
Business Travel News — After threatening to withdraw their business from Minnesota if a new minimum-wage bill went into effect, Lyft has reached an agreement with state officials. Read More
Atlanta Airport MARTA Station Reopens
Mass Transit — The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Airport Station reopened on May 20 after a six-week closure to renovate the concourse and platform levels. Read More
Uber to Add Airport Shuttle Service in U.S.
Business Travel News — Coming this summer, the service will offer transportation to events and airports and will not be impacted by surge pricing. Read More
Amtrak’s New Borealis Train Expands Service Between 2 Great Midwestern Cities
Afar Magazine — Amtrak predicts the new train will welcome more than 200,000 passengers aboard within its first year of service. Read More
Uber Adds Shared Rides and Train Booking in Spain
PhocusWire — Uber said the UberX Share service is the evolution of a carpooling initiative it has had in the United States and some cities across Europe, including Paris and Stockholm, for a number of years. Read More
Construction Begins on High-Speed Train Between SoCal and Vegas
Daily Bulletin — Officials project the $12 billion project will have millions of ticket-buyers boarding trains by 2028. Read More
Undersea Train Tunnel Could Connect Spain With Morocco by 2030
Travel Pulse — Spain and Morocco reconsider plans for a groundbreaking undersea rail tunnel connecting Europe and Africa, with hopes of streamlining travel between Madrid and Casablanca ahead of the 2030 World Cup. Read More
Sonesta Executes 15 New Franchise Agreements in Q
Lodging Magazine — Sonesta continues strong growth momentum. Read More
Three New Luxury Hotels Will Change San Antonio Landscape
Northstar Meetings Group — Three new hotels are adding a combined 990 rooms to San Antonio's downtown inventory this year. Here's the latest luxury hotel news from the Alamo City featuring Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Kimpton Santo and InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk. Read More
Hilton to Launch Spark in U.K.
Business Travel News — Hilton plans to open in London its first European property under the flag of its new midscale "premium economy" brand Spark. Read More
IHG Hotels & Resorts Expands Upscale Staybridge Suites Brand in Europe
Travel Pulse — Staybridge Suites is expanding across Europe with several brand debuts in new destinations. Read More
Marriott to Convert Japan's Unizo Hotels to New Brand
Northstar Meetings Group — Fourteen hotels will become Four Points Express by Sheraton properties, marking the midscale brand's debut in tourist destinations across Japan. Read More
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Mohegan Gaming Parting Ways
Travel Weekly — Virgin Hotels will take over management of the casino by the end of the year and anticipates no disruptions for guests. Read More
Amsterdam Implements New Restrictions on Hotels to Curb Overtourism
Afar Magazine — A recent announcement included numerous measures aimed at controlling what has become an irrepressible flood of visitors. Read More
Understanding the Causes, Dangers of Inflight Turbulence
Meetings & Conventions — Most people associate rough flights with heavy storms, but the most dangerous problem is clear-air turbulence, which typically occurs with no visible warning. Read More
Pushing to Make Early Check-ins More Than Just a Free Perk
Phocus Wire — As personalized travel becomes more of a priority and guest demands grow more routine, many in the hospitality industry are rethinking how they handle early check-ins. Read More
How You Can Track Your Flight Status in Real Time
Afar Magazine — These online tools and apps can help you determine if your flight will be delayed and for how long. Read More
10 Companies That Ship Luggage, So You Don’t Have to Check a Bag
Afar Magazine — Sometimes, it’s easier to ship luggage instead of checking it. Here’s what you need to know about how it works, along with a list of the best luggage shipping companies. Read More
Delta Opens Expanded Sky Club at LaGuardia
Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines opened a 35,000-square-foot Sky Club, now its largest, at New York's LaGuardia Airport. Read More
How to Stay Calm When Your Trip Goes Wrong
Afar Magazine — If the road gets bumpy, try these mindfulness techniques. Read More
Should Travelers Stop Tipping for Everything?
USA Today — An increasing number of Americans believe that tipping expectations are unfair. Read More
Where Are the World’s Top Meetings Cities?
Meetings & Conventions Asia — Paris, Singapore and Lisbon among top 10 cities for meetings hosted in 2023. Read More
Major Convention Center Expansion and Renovation Projects
Northstar Meetings Group — The expansion of Milwaukee’s Baird Center opens this week, and Fort Worth raises its occupancy tax to fund phase two of its convention center project. 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: MESales@dt.com.