July 23, 2024

Direct Travel

News Briefs

July 23, 2024

In This Edition… Marriott and Spotnana, airline updates and partnerships, new flight options, Uber expands via water, hotel openings and expansions, New York bans single-use toiletries, many traveler tips, and meetings updates!

Dans cette édition… Marriott et Spotnana, des actualités et des partenariats avec des compagnies aériennes, de nouvelles options de vol, Uber s'étend sur les eaux, des ouvertures et des agrandissements d'hôtels, New York interdit les articles de toilette à usage unique, de nombreux conseils aux voyageurs, et des mises à jour sur les réunions!

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How to Maximize Your GBTA 2024 Convention Experience

Get a sneak peek of our next-gen travel technology at the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Convention, the premier event for the business travel industry. Read More

Traveler Tips to Navigate the Record-Setting Travel Season Ahead

The 2024 summer is shaping up to be the busiest travel season in history. Not only is there expected to be a surge of leisure travelers, but business travel is also on the rise. Read More


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New Survey Shows What Corporate Travelers Want: Tech Innovation and AI

Insider Travel Report — Business travelers gave their travel management companies low marks for innovation, with a solid majority saying they no longer were needed in the current travel ecosystem, in a recent Direct Travel survey. Read More

Marriott Launches Travel Management System for SMBs Powered by Spotnana

PhocusWire — Users can book hotels in the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio at discounted rates, as well as book flights, rail and rental cars. The system also includes access to live traveler data, real-time reporting and expense management. Read More


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Aeromexico, Delta Air Lines Connect Mexico City with 3 U.S. Cities

Global Traveler USA — Aeromexico expands its Joint Cooperation Agreement with Delta Air Lines with the debut of three new routes to the United States. Read More

Air France-KLM, SAS Sign Codeshare Agreement

Business Travel News — Air France-KLM and SAS will launch on Sept. 1 codeshare and interline agreements, applicable to Air France, KLM and SAS. Read More

Fiji Airways to Adopt American Airlines’ Loyalty Program

Business Travel News — Fiji Airways “in the coming year” will adopt American Airlines’ AAdvantage loyalty program, American announced. Read More

Lufthansa-ITA Deal Given EU Green Light

Business Travel News — The European Commission has approved Lufthansa Group’s proposed acquisition of Italian flag carrier ITA Airways following an “in-depth investigation’ by the EU Antitrust. Read More

Delta Adds Seasonal Winter Service

Travel Weekly — Delta will launch seasonal winter service in October between Orlando and London Heathrow and announced new routes from Minneapolis-St. Paul to the Caribbean. Read More

American Airlines Launches Daily Flights from Sarasota to NYC

The Meeting Magazines — Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is pleased to release that American Airlines will launch daily nonstop service to New York City, NY (LGA) beginning November 5, 2024. Read More

Alaska Airlines Adds Kelowna to Los Angeles

Open Jaw — Alaska Airlines is adding 18 new nonstop routes this winter, including a nonstop flight between Kelowna and LAX, starting the evening of 10JUL. Read More

Delta Teams Up With New Saudi Carrier Riyadh Air

Travel Weekly — The U.S. airline will become the exclusive North American partner of the nascent Saudi carrier. Read More

United Joins Carriers Bidding for New DCA Slots

Business Travel News — United Airlines has filed an application with the DOT for a new daily roundtrip flight between Reagan Washington National Airport and San Francisco. Read More


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Need a New U.S. Passport Fast? Here’s How You Can Speed Up the Process

Afar Magazine — From emergency travel to suddenly realizing your passport has expired right before a big international trip, here’s how to get a passport in as few as two days (for a price). 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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Uber Expands Boat and Yacht Services in Europe this Summer

Travel Tomorrow — Building on the success of previous services, Uber is expanding its boat and yacht offerings in some of Europe’s most luxe destinations this summer. Read More

Amtrak Boasts Success of Borealis Trains

Travel Pulse — Amtrak reports successful ridership for Borealis trains between St. Paul and Chicago, with over 18,500 passengers in the first month and optimism for future growth, particularly from college markets. Read More


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The First InterContinental Resort Opens in Greece

Travel Weekly — The InterContinental Crete, near the city of Agios Nikolaos, comprises 199 rooms, many featuring private plunge pools. Read More

Hilton Partners With Small Luxury Hotels—Here’s What It Means For You

Forbes — On July 9, 2024, Hilton announced an exclusive new collaboration with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, adding nearly 400 properties to its coterie. Read More

How a Very Different Kind of Radisson Is Growing in South Asia

Insider Travel Report — Radisson Hotel Group is expanding yet again with the signing of 10 new hotels across four of its brands, including Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson Individuals, and its brand extension Radisson Individuals Retreats. Read More

New York Bans Single-Use Hotel Toiletries

One Mile at a Time — The rule will apply to hotels with more than 50 rooms starting Jan. 1, 2025. It will roll out to all hotels in the state in 2026. Read More


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Does Dimming the Cabin Lights Actually Help Fliers With Jet Lag?

Afar Magazine — Sleep experts weigh in and share their best tips for combatting jet lag. Read More

How Long Is Too Long? When You Should Not Fly Nonstop.

Afar Magazine — The world’s longest flight is 19 hours. Here are the pros and cons of long flights vs. layovers. Read More

Speak Easy? The Ups and Downs of Travel Translation Apps

Travel Pulse — Travel translation apps help overcome language barriers but can have downsides like mistranslations; it’s beneficial to familiarize yourself with them and learn basic local phrases before traveling. Read More

Delta One’s New JFK Lounge Has Raised the Bar—Here Are 5 Reasons We’re Impressed

Afar Magazine — Delta’s largest lounge to date doesn’t shy away from perks and pampering services. Read More

What a Carry-On Bag Costs You on 9 Major Airlines

Quartz — Sometimes it’s nothing, sometimes it can be the price of a tank of gas — or two! Read More

What to Do When You Get Hurt or Sick on a Trip

Afar Magazine — Here’s how to navigate the situation, who to call, and what to ask. Read More


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Corporate Planner Insights on Incentive Travel Trends

The Meetings Magazine — The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest research project, aimed at providing unparalleled insights into the evolving landscape of incentive travel and motivational events. Read More

L.A. Convention Center Expansion Project Moves Forward

Sports Travel Magazine — The Los Angeles City Council approved contracts so construction can start next spring, with work scheduled to be completed ahead of hosting the 2028 Summer Olympics. Read More

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].

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