INDUSTRY PARTNER UPDATES
Evolvi Rail Systems Update – Deprecation of self-print tickets Rail Delivery Group has mandated that self-print tickets will no longer be accepted for travel from 01 October 2022. In order that travellers who are booking in advance are no longer able to select self-print as a ticketing fulfilment option, Evolvi will be deprecating self-print as a ticketing option for all Evolvi clients from 01 June 2022. There will be no need for any TMCs that use the Evolvi system to take any action within their Evolvi sites as the functionality will be disabled centrally by Evolvi, however, TMCs should communicate this information to their clients as appropriate. For clarity, please note, this does not have any effect on any other ticketing fulfilment options where the orange CCST tickets are produced, or the ability to print out eTickets from the eTicket PDF.
You will have seen in the March BTA newsletter that we recently joined the Business Travel Association. After a strange two years, we are ready and excited to get people back out travelling for their business again. If you don’t know us, we are part of First Group PLC, a leading private-sector provider of public transport whose services are a vital part of society – transporting customers for business, education, health, social or leisure purposes. At FTS we focus on the business travel element and work with TMCs to ensure they find a reliable partner for UK group travel. We offer quality transport that is all pre-approved as per our ISO accreditations – which is a time saver for many bookers. We also offer Nationwide coverage and ensure we can provide the right vehicle – be that a taxi or a double-deck coach. Our 24/7 call centre supports every booking and is not an added extra, which our customers find helpful when they have last-minute changes. Although new to BTA we’ve been around since 1985 and have a team of transport experts across the Country and operating out of our base in Accrington, Lancashire. Paul Upton is your BTA contact for FTS and can be contacted directly to chat about any transport needs or even if you're not sure what you need yet. Over the coming newsletters, we will bring you exciting news on the work we are doing with TMCs. We create solutions that reduce complexity, making travel smoother and life easier.
HotelREZ has over 2,500 independent properties worldwide in 100+ countries. We are proud to present to you the Sutton Hotel Collection in 3 amazing locations in the United Kingdom.
The Castle Hotel Windsor is a vibrant hotel in the heart of this historic market town, which occupies a coveted position opposite Windsor Castle and the Guildhall. Boasting unrivalled views of the Changing of the Guard procession, which marches past the hotel’s doorstep. Galileo: 5677, Worldspan: MRTLE, Amadeus: LHRCAS, Sabre: 11238 Minutes from the shops and restaurants, and overlooking the Imperial Gardens, you’ll find the delightful The Queens Hotel Cheltenham. This captivating boutique hotel offers beautifully appointed bedrooms and a host of enticing facilities. Victoria's restaurant serves modern British cuisine, while the Gold Cup Bar is open all day for coffees, drinks and snacks. Be sure to sample the Queens Tiffin afternoon tea, which is served in Duke’s Tea Room. Galileo: 5571, Worldspan: MRGLO, Amadeus: CHWQHC, Sabre: 11050 The Francis Hotel Bath is a Regency-style townhouse hotel offering views over the historic city. Its well-equipped and individually designed bedrooms, many with four-poster beds, featuring a Plasma HD TV, tea/coffee-making facilities, and an area for in-room working. The hotel features a bar/lounge. Afternoon tea is served in the elegance of Emily’s Tea Room and Boho Marché restaurant has a Moroccan theme. Galileo: 5556, Worldspan: MRFRA, Amadeus: BRSFRA, Sabre: 11025
HO Chain Code on the GDS. All HotelREZ hotels follow COVID Protocols.
Premier Plus – Our best rooms with all the perks Our Premier Plus rooms have been created by a team of sleep experts who worked hard to take everything guests love about our Standard rooms whilst boosting them with some extra perks. Perfect for when guests want just a little bit more from their stay, these additional perks provide extra comfort, convenience, and connectivity. More comfort – Improved workspace, comfy armchair, air conditioning, flatscreen TV, and vanity area with a stool and hairdryer as well as a rainfall shower with luxury toiletries More convenience– There’s a mini-fridge with complimentary water, Nespresso machine with pods, tea bags, chocolate treats plus an iron and ironing board More connectivity– With Ultimate Wi-Fi, a stronger connection than our Standard Wi-Fi allows for speedier downloads Currently there are over 100 Premier Inn hotels with Premier Plus rooms spread across the UK, and in key city locations such as London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, Birmingham, Manchester and Bath. Now with over 2000 rooms open and even more to come over the next six months and beyond. Recently opened locations with Premier Plus rooms include the first Premier Inn hotel on the Channel Island of Guernsey, the largest London hotel in Paddington basin and Oxford Westgate. Premier Plus rooms can be accessed using your standard Direct Connect API or GDS connection, if you have any questions around this please reach out to your Premier Inn TMC Manager for more information.
Big news for Delhi as it gets double daily Virgin Atlantic flights Virgin Atlantic are delighted to announce that from 2nd June 2022 they will be operating a double daily service from London Heathrow to Delhi. Coupled with their services to Mumbai, they will now be offering three flights each day, making it their biggest flying programme to India ever. Virgin Atlantic’s two flights to Delhi give customers more choice as they will be offering both morning and night flights every day. Flying the 787-900 Dreamliner to Delhi, with its innovative design that reduces fatigue and is the ultimate in comfort with extra headroom, larger windows for better views and cleaner air for a more refreshing journey. Boasting 3 beautiful cabins, the stunning Upper Class suite where every seat is window facing, beautifully lit with mood lighting, has an 18.5inch screen, as well as enhanced privacy and plenty of space and storage. It also boasts the largest social space where customers can grab a drink or dine with colleagues. In their Premium Cabin, there are new custom designed leather seats with a generous 7 inch recline. Every seat has USB power supplied to it and a 13 inch screen for our next-gen entertainment system, plus lots more storage for customers bits and bobs. And in Economy, the newest seats are designed with woven bespoke fabrics designed by fashion houses. Has a 11.5 inch seatback screen to enjoy, a USB power supply and a six way adjustable headrest for ultimate comfort. Virgin Atlantic look forward to welcoming customers onboard soon.