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October 4, 2022

In This Edition… Canada drops vaccination requirement, BTN’s 2022 Corporate Travel 100 report, flight service updates, Virgin Atlantic to join SkyTeam Alliance, Mobile TSA PreCheck enrollment centers, Hertz plans for electronic vehicles, Hertz & BP to develop charging station network, Amtrak upgrades, hotel news and expansions, traveler tips – including the hidden dangers of not taking your vacation days, and much more!

Dans cette édition… Le Canada abandonne l’obligation de vaccination, le rapport 2022 du Corporate Travel 100 du magazine BTN, les mises à jour concernant les services de vol, l’adhésion de Virgin Atlantic à l’alliance SkyTeam, les centres d’inscription mobiles au programme TSA PreCheck, les projets de la société Hertz pour les véhicules électroniques, Hertz et BP entendent développer un réseau de stations de recharge, les mises à niveau d’Amtrak, les actualités et les expansions hôtelières, les conseils aux voyageurs – notamment les dangers cachés associés au fait de ne pas prendre ses jours de vacances, et bien plus encore!

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How a Managed Travel Program Helps Keep Costs Down for Your Business

Here, we break down how making the move to a managed travel program can streamline efficiencies and pinpoint savings within this new travel environment. Read More

4 Takeaways for Building a Future-Forward Travel Program

How are you powering your business forward and reaching new goals to put both people and the planet first? The new standards of corporate travel have evolved post-pandemic and call for a stronger commitment to sustainability, DEI, and traveler wellness. Read More


 
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ASTA Shares Concern Over DOT's Proposal for Airfare Transparency

TravelPulse — The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) has expressed "serious concerns" regarding a new proposed rule from the Biden administration designed to ensure that consumers have access to certain fee information before they purchase their airline tickets. Read More

BTN’s 2022 Corporate Travel 100

Business Travel News — When BTN compiled last year’s Corporate Travel 100, it was hard to imagine a year in which business travel volumes would go even lower. But that’s exactly what 2021 visited upon the business travel industry. Read this year’s detailed look at how the Covid-19 pandemic affected corporate travel spend and program management strategies for the biggest business travel spenders in 2021. Read More

Canadian Government Confirms All COVID Entry Restrictions to Disappear October 1

Travel Pulse — The Government of Canada has made it official: all COVID-19 entry restrictions, as well as testing, quarantine, and isolation requirements for anyone entering Canada, will end effective October 1. Read More


 
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United Cuts 12 Routes, Drops 4 US Cities in Latest Network Adjustment

The Points Guy — United Airlines is making some notable adjustments to its route network. Read More

Virgin Atlantic to Join SkyTeam Alliance

Business Travel News — Virgin Atlantic in early 2023 will join the SkyTeam global airline alliance. Read More

Delta Is Adding These New Europe Routes in 2023

Afar Magazine — The Atlanta-based carrier is launching (or relaunching) flights to five European countries in time for summer. Read More

American Airlines to Enhance Long-Haul Premium Class

Business Travel News — Upon the delivery of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, expected in 2024, American Airlines plans to unveil a refurbished long-haul premium-class offering, featuring additional Premium Economy seats and seats with privacy doors. Read More

United to Partner with Emirates, Launch Dubai Route

Business Travel News — United Airlines and Emirates have formed a new partnership that includes a new United route to Dubai, codeshares on certain destinations and reciprocal loyalty benefits, the carriers announced. Beginning in November, Emirates customers flying into Chicago, Houston and San Francisco will have access to nearly 200 U.S. cities via the United network. Read More

American Airlines Confirms Data Breach Exposing Some Customers’ Data

Telangana Today — American Airlines has confirmed a data breach that affected some of its customers’ data exposing names, birthdays, mailing and email addresses, phone, driver’s license and passport numbers and “certain medical information”. Read More

Delta Premium Select Changes Dining and Amenity Offerings

Travel Weekly — The new dining options started this week and new amenity kits will be available in October. Read More

American Airlines Unveils New Business Class Seat and the End Of Flagship First Class

View From the Wing — American Airlines will be moving to new business class suites with doors, putting more premium seats into planes, and eliminating their Flagship First Class product starting in 2024. Read More


 
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Mobile TSA PreCheck Enrollment Centers Are Coming to These U.S. Cities

Afar Magazine — If you’ve been meaning to sign up for the security screening expediting service, look for the TSA PreCheck enrollment trucks that are rolling through the United States. Read More

CLEAR Makes Foray into Hotels via Virdee Partnership

Phocus Wire — The partnership between CLEAR and Virdee allows travelers to bypass the front desk and check in by showing a photo at a hotel kiosk. Read More

Government Travel Warnings & Alerts

U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts. Read More


 
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Hertz Plans to Order 175,000 EVs from GM Over Next Five Years

Insider Travel Report — Electronic vehicles (EVs) are about to become a greater part of car rental fleets. Read More

Amtrak Begins $28 Million Upgrade on Sleeper Cars and Coaches

The Points Guy — Over the next three years, every one of Amtrak's Superliner and Viewliner coaches, dining cars, sightseer lounges and sleeper cars will be refreshed... Read More

Hertz, BP to Develop U.S. EV Charging Station Network

Business Travel News — Hertz and BP have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a U.S. network of electric vehicle charging stations powered by BP Pulse, the energy company’s global electrification and charging solution brand. Read More


 
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Choice Completes Acquisition of Radisson Hotels Americas

Hotel Business — Choice Hotels International Inc. has completed the acquisition of the franchise business, operations and intellectual property of Radisson Hotels Americas for approximately $675 million from Radisson Hotel Group, inclusive of the real estate value of three owned hotels. Read More

Marriott to Open 20 New Properties in the Middle East

Business Traveller — Marriott International announced plans to expand its Middle East footprint with the addition of over 20 properties and more than 5,000 rooms across the Middle East over the next 15 months. Read More

Hyatt to Expand Presence in Latin America and the Caribbean

Business Traveller — Hyatt plans to open 20 new hotels in the Latin America and Caribbean region through 2024. Read More

Wyndham Bolsters Its European Footprint

Travel Weekly — The hotel company is adding Europe's Vienna House brand to its stable. Read More

BWH Adds Five Hotels to its WorldHotels Brand Portfolio

Travel Market Report — The additions are some of 20 new hotels that WorldHotels has added to its portfolio over the last year. Read More

JW Marriott to Debut in Dallas Next Spring

Meetings & Conventions — The 267-room property will be part of the city's arts district. Read More

Virgin Hotel to be Part of New Development in Denver

Travel Weekly — Scheduled to open in 2025, the 241-room hotel will be located in Fox Park, a development that will have 6 million square feet of residential and commercial space. Read More


 
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These North American Airports Rank Best (and Worst) in Passenger Satisfaction

Afar Magazine — Overall traveler satisfaction with airports is (not surprisingly) down. Read More

The Hidden Dangers of Not Taking Your Vacation Days

Entrepreneur — American workers' reluctance to use vacation time is turning into a crisis. Read More

New Rules Will Require Airlines and Travel Sites to Disclose Hidden Fees

CNN — Under the proposed rules, airlines and travel sites would have to disclose up front any charges to sit with your child, change or cancel your flight, or to check carry-on baggage... Read More

US Transportation Department Said Airline Cancellations Down, Complaints Up

Travel Pulse — The airline industry continues to deal with cancellations and complaints. Read More

Schipol Tightens Passenger Cap Due to Understaffing

Business Travel News — Amsterdam's Schipol Airport plans to further restrict passenger numbers in September and October after security companies have failed to provide adequate personnel to ensure traveler safety. Read More


 
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Not Your Father's Beverage Menu

Creative Group — Coming out of the pandemic, the Sober Curious movement is booming! Read more about how you can craft an exciting non-alcoholic beverage menu that appeals to all. Read More

California Has Something for Every Meeting

Prevue Meetings — Beauty and functionality may sound like two diametrically opposed qualities, but not when it comes to meetings and events in these two idyllic California destinations. Read More

Architect Chosen for Expansion of the Fort Worth Convention Center

Meetings & Conventions — The project will add about 200,000 square feet of function space and a spot for a new headquarters hotel. 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