January 29, 2019

Direct Travel

News Briefs

January 29, 2019

In this edition of the Travel News Brief: The shutdown ends after 35 days, Manchester Airport opens private terminal, Brazil cancels the need for a Visa, China travel warning, Enterprise acquires Deem, Marriott breach update, traveler tips, the 10 p's of travel management for associations, and more!

Navigator Header

The 10 P’s of Travel Management for Associations

Associations and membership organizations have unique travel needs, including the coordination of member and non-member trips, guest speaker accommodations and more. We sat down with Mike MacNair, Senior Vice President of Mid Atlantic Region, who specializes in helping associations and membership organizations create efficient travel programs, and identified 10 areas of consideration. Read More


Travel Management News Header

President Trump Announces Deal to End Shutdown, Alleviate Pressure on Travel Industry

Travel Pulse — The shutdown lasted 35 days…Read More

Travel Looks to Return to Normal Operations After Government Shutdown Ends

Travel Market Report — National parks, Smithsonian museums, and airports are all on the road back to normal operations after Friday’s deal was reached. Read More

No-Deal Brexit Could Cap Number of U.K.-EU Flights at 2018 Levels

Business Travel News — If the U.K. does not ratify a withdrawal agreement from the European Union by March 29, the date for which Brexit is scheduled, air travel is among the things that will get hairy. Read More


Airline Updates Header

American Airlines Announces New Dallas-St. Kitts Service

The Dallas Morning News — American Airlines on May 25 will launch new seasonal service between Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and the Caribbean island of St. Kitts. The flight will operate once a week on Saturdays through Aug. 17. Read More

Manchester Airport to Open Private Terminal with Premium Service

Business Traveller — Manchester Airport is to become the UK’s first major airport to open a private terminal, saying it will offer commercial airline passengers the experience of flying on a private jet. Read More

British Airways Introduces Electric Taxi to its Premium Transfer Fleet

Future Travel Experience — The taxis will join BA’s fleet of chauffeur-driven executive vehicles, to drive premium customers at risk of missing their connecting flight to meet their next aircraft. Read More


Safety and Security Header

Brazil to Boost Tourism by Canceling Visa for U.S. Travelers

TourismReview — The new Brazilian government intends to unilaterally abolish visa requirements for U.S. citizens, as claimed by the country’s Minister of Tourism Marcelo Álvaro Antônio. The aim is to boost tourism in the country. Read More

U.S. State Department Issues Travel Warning to China, Urging ‘Increased Caution’

Travel Market Report — The advisory warns that the Chinese government has used ‘exit bans’ on U.S. citizens, barring them from leaving the country. Read More

Government Travel Warnings & Alerts

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


Ground Transportation Header

Enterprise Holdings Will Acquire Deem

Business Travel News — Enterprise Holdings is acquiring corporate travel technology platform Deem and will maintain it as an autonomous operation while providing the resources to speed up Deem’s development plans. Read More

Regional Ridehail Services Pick Up Speed Around the World

Business Travel News — While established players Uber and Lyft continued to dominate the corporate ridehailing market in 2018, regional services’ share of business expense receipts saw “tremendous growth” during the year, Expensify’s latest Spend Trends report has revealed. Read More

Luxembourg Makes All Public Transport Free

CNN — Last month, Luxembourg announced plans to make all public transport — trains, trams and buses — free from March 2020. Read More


Hotel News Header

Marriott Updates on Passports, Payment Cards Involved in Data Breach

Business Travel News — The international hotel chain downgraded the total number of records hacked but disclosed that 5.25 million stolen passport numbers were unencrypted. Read More

Moxy Hotels Continues Expansion with Six Openings in the U.S.

Insider Travel Report — Moxy Hotels, Marriott International’s new experiential hotel brand, is expanding in the Southeastern United States…Read More


Traveler Tips Header

7 Things Not to Do When Packing a Carry-on Bag

SmarterTravel — Wise travelers balance requirements of airport security, keep important items accessible, and pack things for in-flight comfort. Read More

Five Amazing Features of the New Phoenix Delta Sky Club

Travel Pulse — The new Delta Sky Club at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport offers guests a place to relax before or after their flight. Read More

United Airlines Opens Polaris Lounge in Los Angeles

Frequent Business Traveler — United Airlines announced a soft opening of its fifth Polaris Lounge, this one at Los Angeles International Airport. The lounge will open to the public on Saturday. Read More

The One Airport App You Need During the Government Shutdown

Smarter Travel — Travelers are rightfully concerned about the strain the government shutdown is having on airport screening by the TSA, which is seeing a spike in call outs as government workers go without pay…Read More


Meeting and Incentive Travel Header

Increasing Impact By Sourcing Locally

Creative Group — The importance of supporting the community…Read More

Hilton Exec Predicts Top Meeting Trends of 2019

Northstar Meetings Group — Frank Passanante, Hilton’s senior vice president of sales, Americas, says gatherings will thrive on versatile spaces, sustainability, wellness and breakouts that give back. 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].

Subscribe to our News Brief