February 4, 2025
In This Edition… travel management news, findings from Center’s Expense Management Trends Survey, an overview of the new UK Entry Requirements, air carrier updates, hotel news, traveler tips, and great info for meeting planners!
Dans cette édition… des actualités sur la gestion des voyages, les résultats de l'enquête de Center sur les tendances en matière de gestion des dépenses, un aperçu des nouvelles conditions d'entrée au Royaume-Uni, des mises à jour relatives aux transporteurs aériens, des actualités hôtelières, des conseils aux voyageurs, et des informations enrichissantes pour les organisateurs de réunions!
Navigator Blog
What’s Ahead for Business Travel in 2025
Set your travel program up for success in 2025. Learn about rising costs and the latest business travel trends in technology, AI, sustainability, and NDC.
The Top Business Travel Articles of 2024
Revisit the most popular business travel topics of 2024. Use these key takeaways to prepare your corporate travel program for 2025.
Travel Management
Delta Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainability Efforts
Travel Pulse — Amid federal efforts to roll back support for environmental and sustainability programs, the carrier remains committed to its goals.
Center Survey: Low OBT Use, Policy Awareness For SMEs
Business Travel News — Expense management provider Center found "a weakening grip on travel compliance" among small and midsized companies in its annual Expense Management Trends Survey, which tabulated responses from more than 200 finance and accounting professionals in the United States.
Spotnana Connects to British Airways
Business Travel News — Spotnana has established a direct integration with British Airways, including access to NDC offers and automated servicing capabilities.
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): Complete 2025 Guide to New UK Entry Requirements
ATPI — As the United Kingdom moves toward a digital-first future, sweeping changes are coming to its immigration system. At the forefront of this transformation is the introduction of Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs), a new digital screening tool designed to enhance and streamline the entry process for international visitors.
Airline & Flight Updates
Delta Air Lines Joins List of Carriers Returning to Israel
Travel Pulse — A growing list of airlines plan to restart service to the region over the coming days and weeks.
Lufthansa to Offer Free Long-Haul Flight Messaging
Business Travel News — Lufthansa this summer will launch unlimited free text messaging on intercontinental flights, the carrier announced Thursday.
Delta Turns 100 This Year and Announced Some High-Tech Changes to the Flying Experience
Afar Magazine — Delta is kicking off a landmark anniversary year by heading into a new century with its eye on futuristic innovations that will help to define the next era of air travel.
Finalization of ITA Airways Deal Strengthens Lufthansa Group
OpenJaw — The Lufthansa Group has finalized a deal for a 41% stake in ITA Airways, strategically positioning the group to lead in Europe.
SAS to Add Free High-Speed Wi-Fi Across Fleet
Business Travel News — SAS in late 2025 will begin to roll out Starlink satellite high-speed Wi-Fi across its entire fleet, the carrier announced.
Safety & Security
Yes, You Can Bring Food Through TSA—With Some Exceptions
Afar Magazine — Here’s what to know before you attempt to bring that tasty souvenir or home-cooked meal through airport security.
What Will—and Won’t—Get You a Fine at U.S. Customs
Afar Magazine — The wrong thing in your bag—a forgotten piece of fruit, for instance, or a handmade souvenir—could cost you and disrupt your international travels for months to come.
Government Travel Warnings
U.S. Department of State — Information on current government issued travel warnings and alerts.
Hotel News
Hotel CEOs Say There's 'No Turning Back From DEI'
Travel Weekly — Executives from Wyndham, Hilton, IHG and more noted that it makes business sense for a diverse workforce to serve a diverse customer base.
Why 2024 Was a Very Good Year for Hilton Hotels
Insider Travel — Hilton announced that the company achieved "historic records for growth" in 2024, due in large part to new strategic partnerships and acquisitions, as well as the debut of more rooms than any year in its history.
The Starwood Hotels Name is Coming Back
Travel Weekly — SH Hotels & Resorts in February will be rebranded as Starwood Hotels, the brand created by Barry Sternlicht some 30 years ago. Sternlicht is the current chairman of SH Hotels.
Extended Stay America Marks 30-Year Anniversary, Unveils Growth Plan
Hotel Investment Today — Extended Stay America, a pioneer and leader in the extended stay segment, celebrates its 30-year anniversary of providing affordable, comfortable accommodations for guests seeking long-term stays.
Atlantis Resort Coming to Hawaii After $216M Land Deal
Travel Weekly — The resort planned for Oahu will be the first Atlantis property in the U.S.
Hyatt to Add Hotels in 13 New Destinations Across Europe, Africa and the Middle East
Travel Pulse — Hyatt Hotels Corporation will be adding new hotels in thirteen new destinations across Europe, Africa and the Middle East between 2025 and 2028.
MGM Grand Announces $300 Million Room Renovation
Travel Pulse — The resort's renovating all its rooms in the main tower.
For the Stressed, Tired, and Burned Out: Hotels Are Now Offering “Extreme Relaxation” Vacations
Afar Magazine — Hotels are offering thoughtfully crafted programs where the luxury of travel isn’t about packing your itinerary—it’s about unpacking your stress.
Traveler Tips, Trips & Convenience
Delta to Unveil New Lounges and Access Rules for 2025
Afar Magazine — Delta loyalists, note: In addition to new and updated Delta One and Sky Club lounges planned for the year ahead, the airline’s stricter access rules for Delta Sky Clubs go into effect February 1.
Premium U.S. Airport Lounges That Are Unlike Any Other
Simple Flying — High-end lounges have been popping up all over the country, offering exclusive amenities full of luxury and comfort.
Visa Requirement for Brazil Effective April 2025
US Embassy — On April 10, 2025, the Government of Brazil will reinstate a visa requirement for all U.S. nationals visiting Brazil, with an option for an e-visa for qualified applicants. This date reflects a one-year postponement announced on April 9, 2024.
What Really Happens if You Don’t Switch Your Phone to “Airplane Mode” In-Flight
Afar Magazine — Air travelers are required to turn off cell service during a flight. But what does airplane mode do?
The Airports and Airlines Most Likely to Lose Your Luggage
Insider Travel Report — If you're flying on one of these airlines or visiting one of these airports, make sure to pack an AirTag.
Your Essential Guide to Carry-On Luggage Restrictions
Afar Magazine — Carry-on luggage size restrictions vary by airline—here’s how to tell if your bag is small enough to bring onboard.
These Are the World’s Safest Airlines
Afar Magazine — Last year was the worst year for air safety since 2018 due to the deadly Jeju Air crash in South Korea. Yet air travel remains one of the safest forms of transportation, and a new ranking rates the world’s 25 safest airlines.
UK Eliminates Entry Fee Requirement for Transit Passengers
Travel Pulse — New changes to the UK's Electronic Travel Authorization requirements come just a few weeks after the country announced the measures on January 8.
Meetings & Events
10 Ways to Include All Ages at Your Events
Skift Meetings — To be truly inclusive, corporate events must consider age in the same way as they do gender and ethnicity. Yet it is often overlooked in DEI efforts.
Meetings Growth in Secondary Markets Exceeds Top Cities
Northstar Meetings Group — Louisville topped the list of all markets in December with a 135.6 percent year-over-year increase in meetings volume, according to Knowland by Cendyn.
Navigating the Globalization of Events: Key Takeaways from PCMA Convening Leaders
Skift Meetings — At this year’s PCMA Convening Leaders in Houston, the spotlight was on helping event planners navigate and meet the needs of increasingly international audiences.
Skift Meetings Megatrends 2025
Skift Meetings — In case you missed it, the 2025 Skift Meeting Megatrends Report is now live! This isn’t just a trends report — it’s your playbook for thriving in a competitive, ever-changing landscape. Download now to learn insights from industry leaders, including a Q&A from Creative Group's Melissa Van Dyke (page 32)!
Looking for assistance with your next convention, incentive, or special event? From designing memorable experiences to managing strategic meetings, Direct Travel is your trusted event partner! For details, please send a message to: [email protected].