April 30, 2024

Direct Travel

News Briefs

April 30, 2024

In This Edition… the concept of the Perfect Trip in business travel, airline flight service additions and expanded code-share, Delta enhances traveler experience, Terminal 3 upgrade at Chicago O'Hare, airport security updates, Paris public transportation costs to double during Olympic games, hotel news, and much more!

Dans cette édition… Le concept du Voyage parfait dans le domaine des voyages d’affaires, des ajouts de services de vols aériens et un partage de codes accru, Delta améliore l’expérience des voyageurs, la modernisation du Terminal 3 à Chicago O’Hare, des mises à jour relatives à la sécurité dans les aéroports, les prix des transports publics à Paris vont doubler pendant les Jeux olympiques, des actualités hôtelières, et bien plus encore!

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Exciting News: Direct Travel Acquisition

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. Read More


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How to Foster Inclusivity with Your Travel Program

Therefore, the most successful corporate travel policies are those that regularly evolve to stay inclusive, and proactively address all travelers’ requirements and preferences. Read More

Transforming Corporate Travel to Create ‘The Perfect Trip’

Learn more about Steve Singh’s vision to create ‘The Perfect Trip’. Read More


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Is Technology Bringing the Perfect Trip Nearer?

PhocusWire — Steve Singh has been mulling the concept of the Perfect Trip in business travel for more than 10 years. The co-founder and former CEO of Concur believes a trip where a traveler’s data is drawn from a single repository and can be shared across all travel suppliers to ensure a smooth and joined up journey is now more possible than ever. Read More


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Air Canada Modifies Check-In Seat Selection Policy

Open Jaw — As of this week, Air Canada economy class pax who don’t book a seat online prior to check-in face new regulations. Read More

Southwest Quits Four Airports in Cost-Cutting Drive

CNN — The four airports are Bellingham International Airport in Washington state, Cozumel International Airport in Mexico, Syracuse Hancock International Airport in New York and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Southwest will continue to serve Houston’s other airport. Read More

Delta Is Making Some Changes to Its Boarding Process

Afar Magazine — Starting May 1, Delta Air Lines will have a new numbered system for boarding. Here’s how it will work. Read More

Alaska Air to Add Routes, Capacity from So. California

Business Travel News — Alaska Airlines plans to launch on Oct. 1 new routes and capacity between Southern California and 12 destinations. Read More

Delta Readies Check-In, Wi-Fi Enhancements

Business Travel News — Delta Air Lines plans some upcoming traveler experience enhancements, including changes to some check-in and Wi-Fi access procedures, the carrier said at last week’s Delta Air Lines Business Showcase event. Read More

Terminal 3 Upgrade Begins at Chicago O’Hare

Travel Weekly — Chicago O’Hare has begun work on a $300 million upgrade of the airport’s Terminal 3. Read More

WestJet Expands Korean Air Codeshare

Business Travel News — WestJet customers on May 17 will gain access to six additional Asian destinations through an extension of its codeshare partnership with Korean Air, the Canadian carrier announced. Read More

Air Canada Unveils Summer Schedule Upgrades

Open Jaw — Air Canada’s summer season includes flights to Singapore and Stockholm, along with 120 North American destinations. In response to strong demand, the airline has increased capacity to the Asia-Pacific region by 30%. Read More

Delta Unveils NDC Strategy, With an Eye to 2025

Business Travel News — After much speculation about when Delta Air Lines would enter the world of New Distribution Capability, the industry has an answer. The carrier is in the process of building its NDC solution with various partners and intends to have some “milestone releases” available in late 2024. Read More

Lufthansa Schedules Debut of Allegris Aircraft Interior

Travel Weekly — The long-awaited cabin design will debut on May 1, initially deploying on new Airbus A350 planes connecting Munich with Vancouver. Read More

International Travel Is Shaking Up The World’s Busiest Airports List

Forbes — The sheer volume of air passengers last year reflects a robust return to travel — and a shift toward tourism hotspots in Asia and the Middle East. Read More

Tulum’s New Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport

Travel Pulse — We take a look at the brand-new Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport in Tulum, Mexico, which only recently began operating international flights and receiving U.S. carriers. Read More


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California Considers Banning TSA Line-Jumping Services

Fodor’s Travel — Travelers who benefit from TSA line-jumping services like Clear could have to go back to the regular lines with everyone else if a new bill under consideration in California’s legislature becomes law. Read More

TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear: What’s the Difference?

Afar Magazine — Not sure how these trusted traveler programs differ? You’re not alone. 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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A First Look at the New High-Speed Train That Will Connect Los Angeles and Las Vegas

Afar Magazine — Here’s a peek inside the train that will connect the city of angels to sin city in 2 hours. Read More

Paris Set to Significantly Hike Metro Prices for the Olympics

Fodor’s Travel — Paris travelers have one more expense to consider: public transportation costs are set to almost double. Read More

Amtrak Continues Toward Goals of Zero Emissions

Travel Pulse — As of April 16, 2024, Amtrak has filed a Request for Information (RFI) to further help the rail operator achieve its goals of building an emission-free fleet in the near future. Read More


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Sonesta Executes 65 New Franchise Agreements

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation — Company continues to grow, adding nearly 6,000 rooms. Read More

Amsterdam Bans New Hotel Construction To Battle Overtourism

Travel Pulse — The Netherlands’ capital city outlaws the construction of new hotels as part of its efforts to curb the intense overtourism that has plagued Amsterdam for years. Read More

IHG Adds Apple AirPlay in 60 Hotels

Business Travel News — IHG Hotels & Resorts has added Apple’s AirPlay streaming functionality to guest rooms in about 60 North American properties. Read More

Fort Worth, Texas, to Vote on Raising Hotel Tax

Fort Worth Report — Voters will decide in May whether to increase the hotel occupancy tax rate to 17 percent, with the extra money used to fund the city’s long-planned convention center expansion. Read More

Radisson Collection Expands in Italy

Travel Weekly — The newly opened Radisson Collection Hotel, Roma Antica, is the brand’s sixth flag in the country. Read More

Travel + Leisure Announces 2024 “It List” of Best New Hotels

Insider Travel Report — Travel + Leisure announced the 19th annual “It List,” a curated list of the best new and renovated hotels across the globe. Read More

IHG Partners to Double German Presence

Business Travel News — IHG Hotels & Resorts will partner with Novum Hospitality, adding over 100 properties to its portfolio. Read More

Nobu Hospitality Achieves Milestone by Unveiling 40th Hotel

Insider Travel Report — Nobu Hospitality, the luxury lifestyle and iconic hotel, dining and residence brand, announced the upcoming Nobu Hotel and Restaurant Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam. This marks the brand’s 40th hotel and second opening in Vietnam. Read More

Hilton To Enter 5 New Markets in 2024 – What Travelers Need To Know

Travel Pulse — Hilton expects to continue its record-breaking development pipeline this year, as it reports expanding into five new markets this year and introducing several of its brands into new destinations.Read More

Marriott Expands in Europe With Conversions, Adaptive Reuse

Northstar Meetings Group — The hotel giant expects to debut nearly 100 such projects, representing more than 12,000 rooms, in its Europe portfolio by the end of 2026. Read More


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Getting Your Money Back From Airlines Is About to Get Much Easier

Afar Magazine — The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued historic new consumer protection rules for air travelers. Here’s what you need to know. Read More

Forecasters Predict ‘Extremely Active’ Hurricane Season

Open Jaw — The Caribbean and surrounding regions face the highest number of hurricanes ever predicted in an April forecast by Colorado State University since the team began releasing forecasts in 1995. Read More

7 Easy Tips for Traveling More Sustainably

Thrillist — Here’s how to make a big impact with just a few small changes. Read More

9 Ways to Avoid Offending Anyone When Traveling in Asia

Afar Magazine— It’s always a good idea to learn local etiquette before traveling somewhere unfamiliar. Read More

A New Ranking Reveals the World’s Busiest Airports—and Half Are in the United States

Afar Magazine — If you’re a frequent traveler, chances are you have flown to, through, or from one of these busy international gateways. Here’s our guide to the world’s busiest airports. Read More

This Is How You Should Tip Hotel Staff in the USA

Afar Magazine — Your cheat sheet of whom to tip, how much, and when while staying at a hotel. Read More

100 Days to Olympic Games: Paris Transport Plan Ready

News Wire — The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games are just around the corner. Read More

Italy Just Launched a New Digital Nomad Visa—Here’s How to Apply

Afar Magazine — As of this month, applications are open for the year-long residence program, but there are certain criteria you’ll need to meet. Read More


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15 Gifts That Give Back

Northstar Meetings Group — Show appreciation for employees and clients while supporting a good cause. Read More

Millennials In Meetings

The Meetings Magazines — Within the meetings and events industry, millennials are having an impact on how today’s events are designed. 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: [email protected].

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