BTA Industry Partner Newsletter - March 2022

INDUSTRY PARTNER UPDATES

The Return of Travel ACCOR’S Northern Europe Study Reveals the intent & expectations of travellers in 2022 & beyond A new research study by Accor reveals optimism about the return of travel in 2022 with travellers intending to spend an average of 39% more on travel in 2022 than they did in 2019 and to take an average of 4 trips this year.

The study asked 6,000 people across five countries - UK, The Netherlands, Germany, Poland and Russia - about their travel preferences and desires. The results were highly positive and indicate travellers value travel and vacation time more than ever.

Despite recent setbacks with the Delta and Omicron variants, more than 80% plan to travel in 2022. They want to travel a lot and after two years of restrictions, they want to spend significant sums.

The research study forms part of an in-depth Northern Europe Travel Trends Report published by Accor examining how changes in behaviour post-Covid will change the way we travel, live, work and play in 2022 and beyond.

Download the report here

Corporate Travel Now Included in ANA’s SAF Flight Initiative Launched in October 2021, ANA’s SAF Flight Initiative aims to expand SAF utilisation and reduce emissions related to business travel. Initially only available for the cargo sector, ANA is proud to build on its legacy of SAF leadership by expanding this programme to corporate customers as they work to reduce CO2 emissions. Participating companies that enrol in the SAF Flight Initiative will receive certification noting the reduction in carbon emissions.

As part of the ANA Future Promise initiative, ANA has taken a number of ambitious steps to minimise its environmental impact, including programmes to reduce plastic waste and the issuance of sustainability-based bonds. ANA's commitment to sustainability has seen it included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for five consecutive years.

ANA is also the only company in the aviation industry to receive the Gold Class distinction from the 2021 S&P Global Sustainability Awards. Find out more.

ANA has won 'The Design Innovation Award 2021' by DesignAir for its in-flight hands-free lavatory doors The judges said: “ANA’s innovative and thorough approach to the humble inflight toilet was a clear front runner, as the innovative solution to improve passenger hygiene by adding additional door furniture was inspired. This simple solution turned into a real-life application within a matter of months, and solved a genuine issue, both psychologically and physically for passenger’s wellbeing, currently under a heightened sensitivity to hygiene.” Find out more

ANA received Top Score in Cirium On-Time Performance Awards ANA has been recognised by travel data and analytics firm Cirium in two categories: Global and Asia-Pacific. In 2021 ANA introduced a new boarding procedure for domestic and international flights that created a crowd free and smooth boarding process. ANA has also improved its Advance Information Service providing information to customers about boarding time for domestic flights. These changes were crucial in ANA’s high scoring performance as travel to and from Japan continued to see disruptions and changes throughout the year. Find out more

COVID-19 has tested the business travel industry’s strength and resilience like never before. But business travel is returning – although differently, business travel players all around the world are reinventing themselves to prepare for the new world of business travel.

At Amadeus, we decided to take the pulse of the global TMC market once again and explore how Travel Management Companies across the globe plan to recover, grow and power better journeys.

Get your e-book now REBUILDING BUSINESS TRAVEL - Insights from global TMC leaders on the business travel industry outlook and recovery strategies for 2022 Get your e-book now

For more information, please contact James Keyte, james.keyte@amadeus.com

Hey, good looking!

In October 21 we launched our new customer lounge, The Gateway, at London Gatwick’s North Terminal, in partnership with Number1 Lounges. The Gateway offers complimentary hot and cold food, cocktails, free Wi-Fi, device charging facilities and more. Not only is it the perfect retreat for business passengers, but there’s also a family zone and free access for children under 2. It’s open to all with a range of packages from £18.50 per person.

Our dual London Gatwick terminal flights Having expanded our London Gatwick flying programme, this means that if your flight number is between 6400 – 6599 inclusive, this will operate to/from the South terminal. Every other flight will be operating out of the North terminal.

HotelREZ have over 1200 hotels worldwide in 51 countries. Take a quick look at these 3 very different independent hotel/s, ideal for your clients.

Zetter Hotel, Clerkenwell, London The Zetter Hotel is one of London's most individual boutique hotels featuring 59 well appointed & chic club rooms and luxury apartments. The Zetter Group own properties located in Clerkenwell and Marylebone. They offer an excellent stylish product, rich with character, all set in stylish surroundings and uniqueness. Perfect for City breaks and for business.

Chain Code: HO - Galileo 16822, Worldspan LHRZE, Amadeus LONZET, Sabre 17192 https://www.hotelrez.co.uk/unitedkingdom/london/the-zetter-hotel

Dukes Head Hotel, Kings Lynn The hotel is situated at the heart of King’s Lynn’s Market Town, and is within close proximity to the Norfolk Coastline. It offers the perfect blend of Character with a modern twist. Featuring 79 spacious and fully equipped rooms. A great choice for a business traveller and ideal for staycations.

Chain Code: HO - Galileo 82626, Worldspan NWIDK, Amadeus KNFDUK, Sabre 19670 https://www.hotelrez.co.uk/united-kingdom/kingslynn/dukes-head-hotel

Staverton Park, Northampton Ideal for Corporates and Leisure business, and set deep in the heart of Northamptonshire’s idyllic countryside, this modern hotel offers 60+ meeting spaces, a championship 18-hole golf course, and 247 bedrooms making it ideal for Business & Bleisure stays.

Chain Code: HO - Galileo 44092, Worldspan CVTST, Amadeus CVTSTA, Sabre 6158 https://www.hotelrez.co.uk/unitedkingdom/daventry/staverton-park-hotel

All HotelREZ hotels follow COVID Protocols.

HotelHub Index reveals latest hotel booking trends: monthly transactions globally via HotelHub platform have risen to 61% of pre-pandemic volumes HotelHub, (www.hotelhub.com) the leading hotel technology solution provider for TMCs and their corporate customers has revealed that global transactions continued to climb in the final quarter of 2021, giving cause for optimism that bookings made via the platform will reach pre-pandemic levels before the end of this year.

According to the latest HotelHub Index, total hotel transactions globally in December 2021 had reached 61 per cent of volumes for the same month in 2019 and more than double for December in 2020. This figure compares with volumes of just 21 per cent of pre-pandemic levels in January 2021 and 31 per cent by mid-2021. The upwards trajectory began in August and continued to rise by around five to ten per cent month on month over the second half of the year.

US hotel bookings via the HotelHub platform are showing particularly strong recovery, reaching 91 per cent of pre-pandemic volumes in December 2021, compared with the same month in 2019. This amount contrasts with the start of 2021 when volumes in January were only 22 per cent of 2019 transactions in the US. European hotel transactions continued to rise in the final quarter of 2021, but still have a way to go to reach 2019 levels. December 2021 saw Europe volumes reach 53 per cent of pre-pandemic volumes for the same month in 2019.

HotelHub saw no major increase in the number of cancelled hotel bookings in December 2021 despite the new Covid variant. Some 23 per cent of transactions were cancelled that month, compared with a monthly average of 18 per cent for the rest of the year. This figure compares with an average monthly cancellation rate of 16 per cent pre pandemic in 2019.

The majority of all HotelHub transactions globally continue to be domestic hotel bookings. In December 2021, only 15 per cent of hotel transactions were for international travel compared with 38 per cent pre-pandemic in December 2019.

Other notable trends observed by the HotelHub Index are: · Average daily rates in key cities worldwide are currently up to around 20 per cent lower than 2019. For example, in London average rate is currently US$223 (versus US$287 in 2019) in New York average daily rate this year is US$320 (versus US$379 in 2019); in Seattle average rate is down to US$197 (compared with US$260 in 2019); and in Stockholm, current average daily rate is US$165 (versus US$208 in 2019) · Average length of stay is slightly shorter in most key cities compared with pre-pandemic bookings, for example, 2.1 nights in London (versus 2.9 nights in 2019; 1.7 nights in Paris (versus 2.5 nights in 2019); and 2.1 nights in Seattle (versus 3.4 nights in 2019). The only notable exception is Singapore where length of stay has increased to 7.6 nights compared with 3.9 nights in 2019.

“With some of the leading global TMCs as clients booking over 75,000 room-nights on a daily basis, HotelHub is ideally placed to identify key trends in the hotel sector. The data from our latest HotelHub Index shows encouraging signs that recovery in the hotel sector is well underway and that corporate hotel bookings made via the HotelHub platform are returning to pre-pandemic levels faster than we expected,” said Eric Meierhans, Chief Commercial Officer, HotelHub. “Not surprisingly the bulk of transactions during 2021 were domestic hotel bookings, but we are now beginning to see a gradual increase in international transactions. Interestingly the number of cancellations in December were not that much higher than normal, despite the uncertainty of the Omicron variant. In most cities, our data also shows that hotels are still looking to stimulate demand by offering keenly priced rates,” said Meierhans.

IHG Hotels & Resorts Unveils a New Vision for Loyalty

When the world hit pause on travel, IHG Hotels & Resorts saw an opportunity to reconnect and learn from its guests and owners. The company made big, bold investments, transforming its portfolio with exciting brands and creating richer experiences – all under a fresh IHG Hotels & Resorts masterbrand.

As guests embark on a new era of travel and the industry continues to recover, the company turns to its pioneering loyalty program and is making one of its most significant investments to date.

Over the last few years, IHG Rewards has continued to evolve to meet the needs of current and future members.

World-class partnerships, such as exclusive stays with Mr & Mrs Smith, a growing brand portfolio, and dynamic Reward Night pricing have given guests greater value and flexibility.

Today, IHG Rewards, the industry's first and one of world’s largest hotel loyalty programs, is sharing the first of many changes that will be introduced in the coming months. The new tier and bonus point earning structure – which will go live during March – is designed to help members earn more points faster and have more ways to use them than ever before.

These changes, the first in a series of enhancements, include: ·Introducing a new Gold Elite tier starting at 20 nights, with an industry-leading 40% bonus point structure ·Renaming of the ‘Spire Elite’ tier to ‘Diamond Elite’ to simplify member recognition and understanding of our highest tier, which will retain our best-in-class 100% bonus point structure.

Keith Barr, Chief Executive Officer, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “If there's anything that has united the world in the last two years, it's the realization that no virtual platform can replicate the value of travel and making memories with those we love. Travel is its own biggest reward, and that’s really at the heart of what we’re doing with our loyalty program.

Each time our members choose to stay at our hotels, we are increasing their opportunity to travel more, experience more, and reap benefits they won’t get anywhere else. Our distinct portfolio of brands recognizes no two travelers are the same, helping guests and members make the right decision for all their travel needs.

We’ve made a lot of developments in the loyalty space over the years, but travel and hospitality have evolved considerably, and our guests’ needs are changing. These changes are just the start as we prepare to fully relaunch a truly transformed program later this year. We’ll continue elevating and enhancing our loyalty offerings with iconic brand partnerships and extensions, tailored experiences for our customers, enhanced benefits and so much more.”

IHG Rewards members’ stays beginning January 1, 2022 will count toward the new-and-improved status when the program launches. Find out more

JetBlue Extends London Heathrow Schedule Through October 2022

JetBlue announced it is extending its transatlantic schedule for flights between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and London Heathrow Airport (LHR) through October 2022, with seats on sale beginning today. JetBlue was initially welcomed at Heathrow with temporary slots made available as entrenched, larger airlines reduced service during the pandemic. Since its successful transatlantic launch in August 2021, JetBlue has worked with the local authorities to ensure it can continue to shake up the route with much-needed competition.

“The response on both sides of the Atlantic has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s now widely recognised that losing JetBlue on this route would be a major setback for travellers who enjoy low fares and great service,” said Robin Hayes, chief executive officer, JetBlue. “We are committed to collaborating with regulators as well as the U.S. and U.K. governments to identify a pathway to staying at Heathrow for the long-term. There’s so much more good we can do as we grow this route if we are allowed to stay and compete.”

Link: JetBlue Extends London Heathrow Schedule Through October 2022, Bringing A Summer of Low Fares and Incredible Service to Transatlantic Travelers | Business Wire

Meliá Hotels International continues with growth in Mediterranean destinations after announcing the addition of a new hotel in Albania, a rapidly emerging travel destination. The Hotel Palasa Beach, Member of Meliá Collection, will be the company's fourth hotel in the country, located on the Albanian Riviera, whose spectacular beaches and scenery make it one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe.

A prime location overlooking the sea, and architecture which will be fully integrated with the natural environment, will allow the Hotel Palasa Beach to offer unique hotel and destination experiences for guests.

As part of The Meliá Collection, a portfolio of luxury hotels with their own particular personality, this new hotel will invite guests to discover the Albanian Riviera and connect with the destination through its design, cuisine and many other details to enhance the customer experience.

Hotel Palasa Beach, Member of Meliá Collection, will have 142 rooms and suites, including spectacular villas.

On the beachfront and with spaces on different levels, fully integrated with the environment and offering sea views from practically all of its spaces, the hotel will offer 5 villas, 1 superior villa, 16 deluxe rooms, some with a private swimming pool, 6 suites with access to an exclusive pool and 8 suites, in addition to other standard rooms. A wide variety of rooms that will also provide exclusive amenities and exquisite decoration to make them the perfect refuge for every type of guest.

The facilities at the Hotel Palasa Beach, Member of Meliá Collection, will include a spa and wellness centre with an indoor pool and a gym. The outdoor areas will include a large pool for guests to enjoy a dip while admiring the scenery. The beach club alongside the pool and the hotel restaurant will provide a wide range of dining options for guests, reflecting the uniqueness of the environment through a careful selection of local and international flavours. The Hotel Palasa Beach will also provide a casino. As a commitment to the MICE segment, this Meliá Collection hotel will also provide 4 rooms for meetings and events.

In the words of Gabriel Escarrer, Executive Vice President and CEO of Meliá Hotels International “I am proud that we are involved in a project as special as this. This new addition is a boost to our growth in the Mediterranean, as well as an opportunity to continue offering our customers unique experiences with hotels as special and iconic as the Hotel Palasa Beach, Member of Meliá Collection".

This new addition means Meliá Hotels International now has 4 projects in Albania, where it is already preparing the future opening of the Meliá Dürres, Sol Dürres and Meliá Tirana hotels. The hotel company remains firmly committed to Mediterranean destinations, supported by its considerable experience and market leadership. The addition also demonstrates the company's commitment to differentiation and highend travel with The Meliá Collection, a portfolio of unique hotels with a strong connection to their destinations, already comprising 6 hotels around the world which will now be joined by the Hotel Palasa Beach, Member of Meliá Collection.​

What do our new hotel openings have to offer?

In a world where our guests and their businesses are conscious of carbon footprints more than ever, it’s important for us to really think about where we decide to locate our hotels and what they’ll have to offer our business guests.

So, with over 800+ hotels (and counting), we’ve made sure that we’re wherever you need to be when it comes to your business. Take a look at our most recent opening and a few that are coming soon.

London Docklands (Canning Town) Canning town station 1.4 miles West Ham station 1.4 miles Bromley-by-bow station 2.6 miles Emirates Royal Docks 1 mile Canary Wharf 2.4 miles Conference? Exhibition? Shows at the Excel? We’ve got you. In a convenient location close by to the exhibition hub of all hubs, our new London Docklands hotel will be an ‘all things business’ hotspot.

London Hammersmith (Shepherds Bush Road) Hammersmith station 2-minute walk Ravenscourt Park 0.7 miles Earls court 1.5 miles Olympia 1 mile A big highlight for this hotel has to be having one of our Bar + Block restaurants next door. Our premium steak restaurant, guests can not only enjoy a hearty dinner but also tuck into a famous Premier Inn breakfast before a big day at work. As Hammersmith is renowned as one of London’s major commercial areas, it’s home to loads of sights and attractions in the west of the city. So, when you’ve got some downtime and you’ve switched off for the evening or weekend, you can head to Lyric Hammersmith theatre, the Hammersmith Broadway Centre for a bit of retail therapy or catch a gig at the Eventim Apollo.

London Paddington (Paddington Basin) Edgware Road Tube Station – 5 min walk Paddington Tube Station – 5 min walk St Mary’s Hospital – 0.7 miles Hyde Park – 1 mile Regents Park – 1.6 miles Set to open Spring 2022, this London Paddington hotel will become another of our flagship locations. Incredibly exciting, expect to experience the cleverly designed multi-use ground floor and enjoy the taste sensations at the Bar + Block just next door. Perfectly located for business (and beating the commute), look forward to waking up refreshed and ready to take on the day.

It’s worth remembering that every single one of our hotels has a restaurant and bar on site so your food and drink needs are always sorted for you. What’s more, because we care about our planet and what we can do as a business to look after it, we buy 100% renewable electricity at all of our sites. These are just some of the reasons you can rest easy with us at Premier Inn

Travelport Takes the Lead in NDC Content

Worldwide leader in travel retail Travelport is blazing a (jet) trail on NDC (New Distribution Capability), becoming the first and only GDS to sign deals with all four major European airline groups. Travelport has added new agreements with International Airlines Group (IAG), Air France-KLM, and Cathay Pacific to the existing deals with Lufthansa Group, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, United Airlines, and American Airlines — giving Travelport customers access to NDC content from 16 airlines worldwide.

Travelport’s distribution agreement with IAG was announced in December, and it’s been pivotal in modernizing travel retailing by bringing NDC content from Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, and Vueling to Travelport-connected travel agencies around the world.

By channeling its NDC content through the next-generation Travelport+ platform, IAG will be able to offer travel retailers a wider range of content – including Additional Price Points and an expanded selection of ancillary products – while taking advantage of modern digital retailing tools such as intelligent storefronts to merchandize them effectively.

Celia Muñoz Espin, Sales Strategy and Distribution Director at Iberia, said: “We welcome Travelport to NDC, as an important part of the innovative and far-reaching transformation that is happening in the industry. This significant agreement is focused on providing added value to customers with access to our exclusive NDC products and fares.

Travelport is a trusted provider of technology within the travel industry as it evolves towards next generation travel retailing. It is important for Iberia to partner with technology providers that have proven expertise and fulfils the demand for customer-focused innovation.”

Chris Ramm, Vice President Global Enterprise, Air Partners at Travelport, said: “Unlocking the potential of sophisticated multi-source content like NDC, by making it easier for the trade to access and sell, is a key part of our plans for Travelport+. We are hugely excited to be working alongside a partner like IAG, which shares our vision for modern travel retailing.”

Travelport and IAG are progressing well on the technical solution for NDC distribution and will continue to add features and functionality ahead of NDC content being rolled out.

Howdy! Virgin Atlantic launches new services to Austin, Texas Hey y'all, saddle up! Virgin Atlantic is launching new direct services to Austin, the capital of the Lonestar state of Texas and the airline’s first new route to the US since 2015.

The four times a week service will launch on 25th May 2022 and will operate on the airline’s 787-9 aircraft boasting 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium and 192 Economy Delight, Classic and Light seats.

The city is known as a growing tech hub with businesses such as Apple, Tesla, Facebook, IBM and Oracle all opening up bases, giving the city the nickname “Silicon Hills”.

Austin is also known as the “live music capital of the world” and is famed for its art and foodie scene as well as a wide range of outdoors activities.

Austin is the fourth most populated city in the state with 7.7million passengers travelling through the airport in 2019 and here is Virgin Atlantic’s schedule which can help get customers where they need to be:

Everything is bigger in Texas including business so with Virgin Atlantic heading for the state, the hope is that this new service offers companies new opportunities that helps make business boom and ‘Keeps Austin Weird’, as the saying goes.

Flights are on sale now.