February 13, 2018

Direct Travel

News Briefs

February 13, 2018

In this edition of the Travel News Brief: leveraging employee travel expense data, in-flight Wi-Fi availability growth, TSA Pre ✓® expansion to include more airlines, reasons to take the train vs. the plane in Europe, the best hotels of 2018, tips to stay fit while you travel, and more!

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Leveraging Employee Travel Expense Data

Last week, we talked about putting your corporate travel data to work. One of the key strategies discussed was converging multiple datasets – like expense data – for deeper insights. Read More


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Reinventing Airport Food

Travel Pulse — Airports are transforming themselves to attract more passengers and increase revenue. Read More

Germs in Airplane Cabins are Bad, but it’s Even Worse at the Airport Terminal

LA Times — You don’t have to be a germophobe to want to slip on rubber gloves when you enter an airplane cabin. The latest study found that surfaces in airport terminals can have even higher germ counts than those in the planes. Read More

In-Flight Wi-Fi Availability Grows to Nearly Half of Global Airline Capacity

Business Travel News — Global Wi-Fi connectivity on airlines increased to 43 percent of available seat miles offering at least a chance of Wi-Fi, up from 39 percent a year ago, according to Routehappy’s 2018 Wi-Fi Report. Read More


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Will Facial Recognition Speed Up Airport Security Lines?

Travel Market Report —In hopes of easing airport congestion, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is testing a new technology that confirms the identity of passengers through facial recognition at one of the nation’s largest airports, Los Angeles International. Read More

Biometrics Could Replace Boarding Passes on International Flights within 4 Years

USA Today —Changes will start with international flights, before expanding to domestic…Read More

Need a Passport? Get It Now Before Fees Go Up

USA Today —The “passport acceptance” fee is going from $25 to $35 on April 2. Application fees are not increasing. Read More

TSA Pre✓® Expands to Include 5 Additional Airlines

TSA.gov —Expedited screening now available through 47 air carriers. 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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Tampa Airport Car Rental Center to Open Feb. 14

Auto Rental News —The Tampa International Airport’s car rental center will open Feb. 14, as part of the airport’s $2 billion expansion plan. Read More

Eurostar Launches New London to Amsterdam Service

Travel Market Report —For the first time, rail passengers will be able to travel from St Pancras in the heart of London directly to the Netherlands at a speed of 186 miles per in just three hours. Read More

Go Inside Train Stations with Google Street View

USA Today —We asked the team at Street View to share some of the most interesting stations and terminals around the world. Read More

7 Reasons to Take the Train Instead of the Plane in Europe

SF Gate —Taking the train instead of a plane might not be much of an option in most of the U.S., but it’s hugely popular in Europe – and often almost as fast or even faster than flying. Read More

Google Drives Ahead with Autonomous Vehicle Investment

Phocuswire —Google spin-off Waymo is ordering “thousands” of new, self-driving vehicles as part of its program to test driver-less technology. Read More


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The Best Hotels of 2018, According to U.S. News & World Report

Meetings Today —U.S. News & World Report announced its 2018 Best Hotels list, ranking more than 24,000 upscale properties across the U.S., Mexico, Europe, Canada and Bermuda. Read More

Moxy Hotels Sprout All Over from Tokyo to Osaka to Minneapolis

Insider Travel Report —Marriott International’s experiential brand, Moxy Hotels, made its debut in Tokyo this week…Read More

Hyatt’s Unbound Collection Announces Recent and Planned Openings

Success Meetings —The Unbound Collection, of Hyatt’s collection of “independent” hotels and resorts, is set to double its portfolio by 2019, according to Hyatt Hotels Corp., which has announced the addition of five hotels to The Unbound Collection’s ranks. Read More

Virgin Hotels Announces First European Property

Travel Pulse —The new lifestyle hotel is slated to open in 2020. Read More

Four Seasons to Introduce New Luxury Hotel in India

Travel Pulse —Set to open summer 2018, Four Seasons will be the centerpiece of Bengaluru’s exciting Embassy ONE development. Read More

Red Roof Launches The Red Collection

Travel Pulse —The first hotel collection will be a portfolio of unique, midscale hotels located in urban centers. Read More


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How to Fit in Exercise While You Travel

New York Times —Traveling, whether for business or pleasure, is no reason to leave your fitness goals behind. Here’s how to get a good workout, on the go. Read More

U.S. Passports Will Cost More Starting This April

Travel Market Report —Travelers can save by applying for a passport before April 2nd. Read More


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MGM Grand Conference Center Expansion on Track to Open in December

Meetings & Conventions —The project will add 250,000 square feet to the facility…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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