BTA Industry Partner Newsletter December 2025 by The BTA

Dear TMC Member,

Welcome to December’s BTA Industry Partner Newsletter, and the final one of 2025 - where has the time gone!

Yet again, we have fabulous content packed into this edition, with game-changing launches, breakthrough updates, and cutting-edge technology that's reshaping our industry right now

Read through to discover:

Exclusive content from our Platinum Partners leading the charge Premier Partner innovations you can't afford to miss Prime Partner launches that will transform your business

Its been a pleasure to meet so many of you at various BTA events, and I look forward to meeting many more in 2026 - check out our Events page on the BTA website as we have posted all 2026 events dates so please pencil those in your calendar while we build and open registrations

From Clive, Andrew, Helen, Steph, and me, we wish you all the very best for a prosperous and successful 2026

Sam BTA Partnership Engagement Manager

In today’s climate of global outages, cyber threats, economic uncertainty, and shifting customer expectations, organisations must evolve with agility.

Business travel and expense management - often overlooked in strategic planning - can become a powerful lever for resilience and growth Amadeus Cytric empowers organisations to thrive through volatility by transforming travel and expense into a strategic asset

Our AI-powered platform anticipates needs, optimises spend, and enhances employee experiencealigning perfectly with Forrester’s guidance on cost discipline, change leadership, and risk management

Gain practical insights into:

- Proven change leadership strategies for turning volatility into business resilience

- How to optimize your tech investments to drive efficiency and innovation

- How to achieve operational excellence while championing employee engagement and wellbeing

- Practical frameworks for mastering risk management in disruptive times

Access report here

Forrester 2025 Report: How To Thrive Through Volatility

Airways: Supporting the Now and the Future of Business Travel

British Airways continues to invest in the future of business travel through strategic partnerships and operational improvements. As the newly announced sponsor of the BTA’s Next Generation Board, BA is supporting initiatives focused on education, communication, and social engagement for emerging professionals. To kick off the partnership, Generation BTA members joined BA representatives in San Sebastian for a development session centred on promoting industry careers through community building and learning.

Alongside its commitment to talent, British Airways is enhancing its flight offering for customers. It’s boosting flights to popular long-haul destinations, ready for customers looking to book their 2026 summer holidays Bangkok is not only increasing capacity but is now also a year-round service In addition to this, British Airways now operates ten daily flights from London Heathrow to New York, using its modern fleet of Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft Each flight features First and Club Suite cabins, delivering a premium experience for every customer

New routes between London Heathrow - St Louis, USA and Glasgow - Palma de Mallorca are set to launch in April 2026 and May 2026 respectively

On the ground, BA opened the doors to new lounges in Dubai and Miami They both reflect BA’s refreshed design concept, focused on comfort and productivity for business travellers These developments underline BA’s commitment to delivering a seamless and premium travel experience for the modern business traveller

British

Sabre introduces agentic AI APIs and conversational commerce for corporate travel

Sabre has announced the launch of agentic-ready APIs for the travel sector, accessible via its proprietary Model Context Protocol (MCP) server These APIs are designed to enable AI-powered shopping, booking, and servicing at scale, and are integrated into the SabreMosaic™ platform The initial capabilities focus on flights, hotels, and post-booking services, with the aim of automating complex workflows and reducing servicing costs for travel management companies

Sabre’s latest whitepaper, “Chat As the New Influencer,” outlines the role of conversational commerce in travel retailing According to Sabre, agentic AI can convert travel intent into bookings by enabling co-creation of itineraries through chat interfaces, voice assistants, and AI agents The Sabre IQ AI Layer, which underpins these solutions, is built on a travel data cloud developed in partnership with Google and contains more than 50 petabytes of Sabre's historical and real-time signals

Sabre states that its agentic APIs and AI infrastructure are designed to support automation, compliance, and explainability at enterprise scale The company is inviting travel brands, retailers, and suppliers to adopt conversational interfaces and agentic workflows to meet evolving traveller expectations.

Further details and the full whitepaper are available at: https://www.sabre.com/insights/chat-as-the-new-influencer

10 years of NDC: our view

Since its launch in September 2015, New Distribution Capability has sparked plenty of debate across the travel industry. A decade later, it’s still evolving and still misunderstood.

Read our blogpost to find out more on why NDC still matters to you and your travelers, and how we at Travelport make adoption simpler:

how NDC enhances ancillary sales and personalization, helping agencies deliver richer, more relevant offers to travelers;

why EDIFACT isn’t dead and how agencies can thrive in a multi-source content world by integrating NDC, EDIFACT, and more;

how platforms like Travelport+ support Modern Retailing, Amplified by simplifying content aggregation, merchandising, and service delivery

Smarter journeys, powered by Virgin Atlantic

We’re always looking for ways to make business travel simpler, smarter, and more seamless And with two exciting launches on the horizon, it’s about to get even better.

Your Virgin Atlantic Concierge

Rolling out now, our new GenAI-powered Concierge combines the warmth of our people with cutting-edge technology to deliver support whenever and wherever you need it Accessible through the Virgin Atlantic app, it’s available 24/7 and fluent in any language, ready to help you plan, navigate airports, check itineraries, or manage travel on the move. Whether you prefer to type, talk, or screen share, the Concierge adapts to you, offering the confidence of human service, powered by next-generation AI.

The World of Virgin Atlantic in your Pocket

Landing this December, our brand-new app puts your entire journey in one smart, seamless place From booking to boarding to real-time updates, it’s designed to keep your travel effortless and your focus where it matters most Built for Flying Club members but accessible to all, it brings inclusivity and accessibility to every interaction, helping you stay connected and in control, wherever work takes you

Together, the new app and Concierge bring a new level of personalisation, speed, and service to business travel, redefining what premium support feels like on the ground, in the air, and everywhere in between

Click here for more

Connecting people, Creating inclusive journeys for all with Avanti West Coast

Accessibility is embedded in Avanti’s Responsible Plan, shaping how their stations, trains, and services are designed

From Passenger Assistance and Travel Companion to Goodmaps wayfinding and information screens with British Sign Language (BSL), Avanti help customers travel independently and feel supported throughout their journey.

BSL announcements have now been added to information screens and help points at all 16 Avanti stations and every Network Rail station on Avanti’s route, giving customers clearer, independent journeys with the information they need, when they need it.

Avanti’s Travel Companion is a real-time help service via WhatsApp or SMS, designed to make every journey smoother and more connected Customers can ask about Passenger Assist, station layouts, help from the Train Manager, food and drink requests, and updates during delays or disruptions Since its 2023 launch, Travel Companion has supported nearly 1,000 customers, exchanging over 4,000 messages to provide timely, personalised assistance on the move

Avanti’s digital wayfinding service, Goodmaps, is available at all Avanti and Network Rail stations, offering audio and augmented reality guidance to help customers navigate with ease It’s especially helpful for visually impaired passengers and those with non-visible disabilities who may feel anxious in unfamiliar stations

Avanti also run regular ‘Try the Train’ events with charity partners, helping blind and partially sighted people build familiarity in a safe, welcoming space Held in a quiet disused carriage, these sessions let participants explore the layout, build confidence, and ask questions These events are a powerful way to remove barriers and empower independent travel Visit the Avanti accessibility hub here

The smart way to travel – New self-service kiosks

At Avis we are continually striving to find better ways to enhance our customers’ journeys.

At a growing number of our rental stations across Europe, customers now have the opportunity to get to their rental car even faster and more easily As they can collect the keys to their Avis rental vehicle via our state-of-the-art self-service kiosks

The kiosks have been designed to revolutionise the pick-up process, so customers can bypass the counter queue entirely and enjoy a completely automated experience

This service is exclusive to members* of our free loyalty programme Avis Preferred Members use the Avis app to complete their biometric verification and thereby bypass the rental counter

Before arriving at an Avis station, customers receive a QR code in the Avis app On scanning the code and entering their date of birth to open the kiosk door, the customer will retrieve their keys from inside, and be on their way in less than 30 seconds So you can say goodbye to long queues and waiting times, and say hello to a seamless and efficient experience!

*The first time your customer travels as an Avis Preferred member, they’ll need to visit an Avis counter

Learn more here

Book now for exclusive rates with Blue Orchid Hospitality

Blue Orchid Hospitality is pleased to offer exclusive early-booking opportunities at the best rates for 2026. Use the GK chain code to secure competitive pricing on luxury accommodation in the heart of London.

• Tower Suites, 5-star

• Tower Residences, 5-star

• The Wellington, 4-star

Blue Orchid Hospitality is a private collection of award-winning luxury independent hotels, apartments and residences, carefully combined with state-of-the-art events, meetings and conference venues, and vibrant restaurants and bars From 5-star all-suite hotels to boutique townhouses, discover properties boasting stunning views of the Tower Bridge or the leafy backwaters of Westminster

For those seeking independent living, Tower Suites and Tower Residences provide expansive accommodations with fully equipped kitchens, open-plan living and dining areas with workstations and views of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge In Westminster, the Wellington hotel offers a tranquil retreat with beautifully appointed bedrooms and private gardens

Looking ahead, the award-winning Tower Suites is set to expand in summer 2026 with the addition of The Crescent buildings, a charming collection of Georgian buildings Benefiting from views of the historic Roman Wall, Tower Suites will offer an additional 97 guest rooms and suites, together with access to the current amenities of a 5-star hotel: restaurant, bar, spa, gym, co-working, grab & go bar and meeting spaces Located a gemstone’s throw from Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, it provides effortless access to major transport links and attractions

Book early using chain code “GK” to secure best rates across the Blue Orchid portfolio.

Big shifts in global event planning you need to know for 2026

The world of hotel and venue sourcing for event professionals has never felt more demanding Planners want speed, clarity, and venues that spark connections and deliver memorable experiences

Who we surveyed

Cvent partnered with Censuswide to dig into what’s really driving global planner sourcing trends in 2026 We surveyed 1,650 professional planners across North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East & Africa The findings how event sourcing is evolving - towards greater speed, intelligence, and emphasis on experience

Key findings for 2026

The global meetings and events landscape is shifting, and planners are adapting in real time Technology and AI tools are increasingly shaking up the events industry This year ’ s report paints a clear picture: slower growth in event volumes, tighter budgets, a focus on faster, smarter sourcing, and rising expectations for what venues deliver

Planners are technology power users, but frustration mounts without smarter tools

Planners continue to flock to flexible, one-of-a-kind spaces

Planners seek transparency, speed, and stronger venue differentiation

Technology, especially AI and smarter, more standardised RFP tools, are helping them make strategic, data-driven decisions, about how they find and book venues

You’ll find these trends with deeper insights and regional breakdowns in our full report

Download your free copy today and let it help you shape your meetings and events strategy for next year

Eurostar: Investing in the Future

Earlier this year, Eurostar celebrated the reopening of its brand-new UK terminal in the Netherlands The upgrade paves the way for up to five daily direct services between London, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam for the first time by the end of 2025

Against this backdrop of expansion, Eurostar has now announced a €2 billion investment in a new fleet of up to 50 double-decker trains The fleet, named “Eurostar Celestia”, will be built by Alstom on its Avelia Horizon platform and will run alongside Eurostar’s existing 17 E320 trains, increasing fleet size by 30%

The new all-electric trains will be designed with sustainability and accessibility at the core They’ll be made from 97% recyclable components and are expected to deliver 20–50% energy savings compared to the current fleet, making them Eurostar’s most sustainable trains yet

Eurostar’s CEO described this as “ a major milestone in the realisation of Eurostar’s ambitious growth strategy - to reach 30 million passengers” and “ a golden age for international sustainable travel”

The 200-metre trains will be interoperable across all five countries served today plus new direct routes connecting London, Geneva and Frankfurt Alongside Brussels, these cities are key destinations for business travellers acting as financial, political and commercial hubs for global organisations The first trains are expected to run from May 2031

This investment is a clear signal that Eurostar is committed not only to boosting capacity, but also to cementing its role in Europe’s future of sustainable, cross-border high-speed rail.

The right ride, right where you need it

At Hertz, we prioritize a seamless rental experience with the latest makes and models customers prefer at more than 10,000 locations worldwide With our extensive experience, insights, and resources, we proudly serve a wide range of customers, including business travellers

Free perks and big rewards with Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® for our mutual clients

Our free programme is a fast, convenient way to get the most out of every drive Your clients can skip the line at select locations and go straight to their car while earning points on every rental Hertz Gold Plus Rewards

Fleet development, sustainability

As one of the world’s leading mobility solutions providers, our environmental efforts align with our long-term vision, focused on building a resilient and sustainable business for the future Our mission is to run a sharper operation today, while keeping customers at the center of everything we do At Hertz, we connect drivers, vehicles, and technology to the open road and its many possibilities We continue to refine our fleet composition and to align with the priorities of our customers, to help to meet their ESG goals Hertz Sustainability and Impact EVs: Range anxiety EV vehicles

Our travel distribution partners

Please contact Ivana Haque, your partnership manager for your dedicated agency rates ivana.haque@hertz.com

HotelREZ is proud to present Kaya Great Northern Hotel

HotelREZ has over 2,500 independent properties worldwide in 100+ countries. We are proud to present Kaya Great Northern Hotel, a 5-star hotel in London

Discover the reborn Kaya Great Northern Hotel A five-star London landmark where timeless heritage blends seamlessly with modern comfort Perfectly located at King's Cross St Pancras, it's the ideal base for your London journey or European adventures

With its 88 beautifully designed rooms and prime location at one of London’s busiest transport hubs, Kaya Great Northern Hotel combines contemporary luxury with historic charm as a Grade II listed landmark Perfectly positioned for both corporate and leisure travellers, this independent hotel is set to become a standout choice in London’s competitive market

Available to book on the GDS under the HO chain code Apollo/Galileo: HO 30928, Amadeus: HO LON232, Sabre: HO 175626, Worldspan: HO A0106

For further details, click here

LNER Welcomes Transformational Timetable Bringing More Services and Faster Journeys

From the 14th December 2025, LNER is boosting its services between London and Newcastle, as well as bringing faster journeys between London and Edinburgh With a key focus on Rail vs Air, LNER will see the overall travel time between London<>Edinburgh reduce to just over 4 hours These faster journeys will make rail a much stronger alternative to flying

Here’s what’s changing:

Quicker journeys – faster trips between London and Edinburgh mean more time at your destination and less time on the move

More frequent services – trains between Newcastle and London King’s Cross will run three times an hour instead of two

Extra seats – 16,000 more every day (around six million a year), giving travellers more availability when they travel

With sustainability high on the agenda, choosing LNER for travel between London and Edinburgh can cut carbon emissions by up to 17 times per passenger compared to flying. And with journey times dropping, the overall door-to-door travel time is becoming far more competitive.

These changes are part of a bigger picture too. Back in May 2025, Bradford gained additional direct London services, an increase from 2 per day to 6.

Rail Delivery Group: Innovations Shaping Business Travel in 2025

2025 marks a pivotal year for the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), driving smarter, greener, and more inclusive rail travel - perfect for businesses seeking sustainable transport solutions With the introduction of the Railway Bill and consultation and Great British Railways coming soon, even greater improvements are on the horizon

RDG Highlights

Key initiatives include four digital pay-as-you-go ticketing trials, real-time disruption maps, and an expanded Disabled Persons Railcard scheme to improve accessibility Green Travel Data continues to position rail as the low-carbon choice for corporate journeys

A new permanent role - Business Travel Leadhas been introduced to strengthen partnerships and champion rail as the preferred mode for business travel

TransPennine Express (TPE) Connecting the North, Driving Progress

Linking key cities across the North and Scotland, TPE makes business travel faster, greener, and more reliable, helping professionals and regional businesses stay connected

We’re going places and raising the bar for rail travel with a relentless focus on our customers and a commitment to building better infrastructure, we ’ re shaping a future where the regions we serve thrive

Great Western Railway (GWR) is driving a new era of rail travel across the West

Introducing 26 brand-new Class 175 trains to deliver more reliable journeys throughout Devon and Cornwall

We’re investing in station upgrades and reconnecting communities through the “Restoring Your Railway” initiative and with 23 extra services every hour, we are ensuring rail travel is faster, greener, and more accessible than ever before. And while on board why not check out our pullman dining experience and new Christmas menu.

Q3 Monthly Round-up: On course for another milestone Quarter for Trainline Partner Solutions

Q3 has been packed with innovation, collaboration and recognition for the Trainline Partner Solutions team

We were thrilled to take home the 2025 Business Travel Award for Best Technology Innovation, reinforcing our role as the leading platform simplifying rail for business travel The win reflects the dedication of our team and partners who continue to make corporate rail more seamless, scalable and sustainable with every new development

This quarter also saw the renewal of our partnership with Navan, following a strong year of growth. Through their integration with Trainline’s Global API, Navan provides business travellers with access to pan-European rail content. The renewal also includes Reed & Mackay, expanding choice for corporate travellers and helping businesses meet sustainability goals.

At our annual Customer Advisory Board, carriers including OUIGO Spain and Eurostar shared insights on Europe’s rail liberalisation - how new competition on key routes is driving lower fares, higher frequency and, ultimately, accelerating the shift from air to rail

On the product side, seat maps are now live across key UK carriers, giving bookers more control when reserving rail We’ve also added Caledonian Sleeper content, expanding overnight options for corporate travellers

The team’s been on the move too, joining partners and panels at IFTM in Paris, ITM in Milan, GBTA in Hamburg and TravelPerk’s Supplier Day in Barcelona And if you haven’t yet, catch Laurent’s business trip vlog to Milan on our LinkedIn page

A huge thank you to our partners for helping us keep the momentum rolling into Q4

Are Corporate Cards Modern Tools or Remnants of the Past?

Once seen primarily as a travel and entertainment (T&E) payment tool, corporate cards have evolved into a versatile instrument for modern treasury and procurement teams Industry leaders from Bank of America, HSBC, and Visa {1} note: the role of corporate cards in business is expanding rapidly, and they are becoming a strategic enabler rather than a legacy convenience

While T&E volumes dipped during the pandemic, they have rebounded strongly More importantly, B2B use cases such as supplier payments, ad hoc project costs, and decentralised purchasing, are growing fast Cards now offer more transaction data, integration with ERP systems like Oracle Fusion Cloud and SAP Taulia, and embedded finance capabilities that streamline payment workflows and improve working capital management

Security enhancements such as tokenisation and biometric authentication, coupled with real-time monitoring and spend controls, have increased organisational confidence in delegating purchasing power This has made cards a preferred option for speed, control, and payment certainty, especially with smaller or international vendors

The future of corporate cards lies in integration, intelligence, and adaptability, aligning transactions with budgets and cost centres to deliver actionable spend analytics, while fitting seamlessly into diverse payment strategies alongside ACH and real-time payments.

Yet, challenges remain: 72% of employees still face reimbursement difficulties[2], signalling a need for better education, change management, and peer-driven advocacy to boost adoption.

If you’d like to explore more expert insights and case studies on this topic, you can download the full Q&A here for an in-depth look at how corporate cards are shaping the future of business payments

[1] (https://treasury-management com/articles/stick-or-twist) [2] (BTN Survey)

Blended travel for winter holidays with Accor

Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, offers stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,700 hotels & resorts, 10,000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces

This winter, encourage your clients to make the most of their business travel by seamlessly blending professional goals with personal getaways Wherever their business takes them, Accor's UK portfolio offers unique bleisure opportunities

Explore a few standout properties from our diverse collection:

- Lucknam Park, Emblems Collection - Experience unparalleled luxury and distinctive charm in a serene historic setting

- Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa – Enjoy a beautiful historic estate offering extensive spa facilities, nestled in a picturesque countryside location

- Novotel Cambridge North – Discover modern and stylish accommodations, ideally situated in an innovative city hub

- ibis Glasgow City Centre – Benefit from a smart and modern choice in a vibrant prime city location

As a valued partner, you can enjoy memorable and rewarding travel experiences. Take advantage of the exclusive STAR Rate for your own personal getaways and unlock special discounts up to 30% off Accor published rates at over 4,100 properties worldwide. This benefit applies across our diverse portfolio, from luxury and lifestyle to premium, midscale, and economy hotels, featuring brands like Fairmont, Mama Shelter, Pullman, Novotel, Mercure, and ibis. Click here for further details.

Explore Accor’s portfolio with your clients for their year-end business and leisure needs.

In-Flight Entertainment with New Content from Streaming Platforms

ANA (All Nippon Airways) is significantly expanding its in-flight entertainment (IFE) content

ANA will start offering popular programmes from leading streaming platforms, including Disney+ and Hulu, via its in-flight entertainment A strategic move designed to provide passengers with trending content across all cabin classes with a more diverse, exciting, and engaging travel journey

This content expansion is scheduled to begin on International Routes in December 2025 and on Domestic Routes in January 2026

Discover more here

The

Core Conflict in Corporate Travel: Compliance vs Value

Corporate travel managers are caught in a persistent dilemma: enforce compliant, often costly booking channels, or allow non-compliant ones that offer better deals but compromise data, duty of care, and control. This tension defines today’s corporate travel landscape.

This challenge can be distilled into the “3 Cs” framework: Content, Collaboration, and Control.

Content remains fragmented Travellers find richer, more dynamic options on consumer platforms, while traditional corporate tools lag behind in breadth and experience This “traveller leakage” erodes compliance and programme efficiency

Collaboration between systems is another barrier Siloed OBTs, TMCs, and expense platforms generate friction, manual work, and data loss

Control is the ultimate casualty Programmes designed around supplier limitations often fail to serve company objectives, forcing managers into “false compromises ”

Atriis addresses these challenges head-on As a new-generation OBT built for both travel managers and travellers, Atriis integrates wide-ranging content (GDS, NDC, and direct supplier feeds) into a unified, intuitive experience It fosters true collaboration between buyers, travellers, and suppliers through open APIs and flexible integrations, restoring data integrity and end-to-end visibility

The future of corporate travel isn’t a choice between compliance and value It’s about creating an ecosystem, like the one Atriis enables, where content, collaboration, and control coexist to deliver a modern, balanced travel programme

Birmingham Airport (BHX) Confirms £300m Investment Plan as Further Growth Takes Off

Announced at the Regional Investment Summit, the CEO of Birmingham Airport has committed to a £300m investment over the following four years, as passenger numbers are expected to reach around 17m by 2029

Already in its most ambitious year for capital investment, a further £75m will be spent between now and 2029, with a continual focus on responsible growth.

Thanks to a rolling programme of around £50m, colleagues and customers will benefit from a comprehensive heating and cooling system in the terminal, meaning that temperatures and air quality are better controlled and managed by sustainable programmes all year round. Alongside that, millions have been earmarked for ongoing electricity metering, replacement of gas assets and a rolling programme of fleet electrification and replacement. Following the success of its solar farm, responsible for off grid operations during this year ’ s hot summer, the airport is also looking at additional solar opportunities in and around the site

Alongside this two-to-four-year business plan, the airport has also confirmed it has started a process which will deliver its next Masterplan looking at the airport, and its demand, up to 2040

Nick Barton, CEO of Birmingham Airport said: “We are currently in our most successful year ever at the airport and we are confident this growth is set to continue We have already made significant investment in the airport this year, having delivered new departure gates, lounges on the international pier, additional security lanes, new retail offerings and baggage capacity to name only a few projects ”

Cathay Pacific continues to enhance its global network for corporate travellers. In Europe, the airline launched flights from Munich and resumed services to Brussels and Rome this year. This winter, Cathay will operate 89 weekly flights to Hong Kong from 10 European cities, including five daily from London Heathrow and daily services from Frankfurt, Paris, Zurich, Manchester, and Milan.

Globally, the Cathay Group now serves 100 passenger destinations across Cathay Pacific and HK Express, with 21 new routes launched or announced this year With the expansion of Hong Kong International Airport’s new Three-Runway System, Cathay remains focused on strengthening Hong Kong’s role as a leading international aviation hub The airline is also enhancing intermodal connectivity across the Greater Bay Area, providing seamless air, land and sea options for travellers connecting through Hong Kong

Cathay Pacific was named one of the world’s top three airlines in the 2025 Skytrax Awards and recognised for the world’s best Economy Class and best inflight entertainment The retrofitted 777300ER aircraft, featuring the new Aria Suite Business Class, began long-haul service from London in January The Aria Suite offers the ultimate comfort, privacy, and practicality, delivering a more personalised inflight experience The aircraft is now also operating on flights from Frankfurt and onwards to Sydney, along with selected regional destinations

Cathay also offers full-fleet inflight connectivity, with complimentary Wi-Fi to all passengers in First and Business cabins

We look forward to seeing you onboard in 2026

Relaunched in May 2023, The Cumberland Hotel remains one of London’s most iconic destinations at Marble Arch, continuing to celebrate the city’s rich cultural and musical heritage The hotel has evolved into a dynamic hub for both leisure and business, offering an elevated experience in the heart of the capital.

In January 2026, guests can look forward to the opening of Lírica, a vibrant new Spanish tapas restaurant, followed by the UK’s first Hell’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay in Spring 2026 – two exciting additions to our culinary lineup.

With 900 stylish bedrooms, 16 versatile meeting rooms, and the newly refurbished ARENA now hosting up to 400 guests, The Cumberland is designed to impress Guests also enjoy access to a state-of-the-art gym open 24/7, and our buzzing lobby now features a vintage Starbucks coffee truck serving fresh brews, hot chocolate, and handcrafted sourdough doughnuts, making every arrival just that little bit sweeter

News at The Cumberland Hotel

Every hour counts: Minimising the business impact of flight disruption

Flight delays and cancellations are becoming a rising challenge CMAC’s latest Aviation Disruption Whitepaper surveyed 1,100 air travellers and the findings revealed a significant increase in disruption frequency and a major shift in the causes

75% of air travellers experienced disruption in the last 12 months - and for the business travel world, irregular operations leave a lasting impact. Missed meetings and deals, lost productivity and costs implications all add up - straining budget, traveller wellbeing and overall loyalty.

The brand-new whitepaper explores the growing impact of disruption, including on corporate mobility. It reveals how travel managers and TMCs can build resilience through smarter planning, integrated technology, and managed transport solutions.

When disruptions hit, unmanaged ground travel can quickly spiral into higher costs, lack of visibility, a stressed workforce and inconsistent traveller experiences A single, managed solution can transform chaos into control for businesses by simplifying international taxi travel - offering clarity, cost savings, and confidence when it matters most

Uncover more insights in CMAC's latest blog and the whitepaper today

Stay proactive Stay connected Keep your corporate travel strategy ready for anything in 2026 and beyond

Upgrade your clients travel with CrossCountry Trains

Getting the most out of the workday starts with the journey So by choosing to book your clients business travel with CrossCountry Trains, you ’ re helping them swap traffic for productivity Hopping on board could give them time to prepare for the day, wrap things up or simply recharge and relax

With 111 stations across the network, ranging from major cities to rural regions, CrossCountry are the most geographically diverse operator in the UK. And with recent upgrades to their fleet, like new and improved on-board WiFi (running 1 Mbps to 5 Mbps), your clients can get exactly where they need to be, whilst working or indulging in cat videos.

The CrossCountry app has been recently upgraded too, and is packed with helpful tools. Your clients will be able to get hold of real-time route updates and personalised recommendations based on their travel style. Quick, easy and it helps keeps their journey running as smooth as possible.

Train travel is about more than just feeling good though, it does good too Sustainability is paramount at CrossCountry So working with Network Rail and station operators, they have committed to improving air quality at priority stations by at least 20% over the next 2 years So your clients can travel knowing their journey is that bit greener

Sounds good, doesn’t it All you need to do is take CrossCountry on their journeys

Find out more

DerbySoft Partners with CTM to Deliver Smarter Hotel Connectivity for Business Travelers

DerbySoft launched a strategic partnership with Corporate Travel Management (CTM) earlier this year to power real-time hotel connectivity within CTM’s Sleep Space platform, enhancing the corporate hotel booking and post-booking experience

At the center of this collaboration is the integration of CTM’s Sleep Space hotel commerce platform with DerbySoft’s Business Travel Solutions, delivering live access to rates, availability, and content from major global hotel brands This connection significantly improves data quality, personalization, and booking efficiency for CTM clients and hotel partners alike

Through DerbySoft’s platform, Sleep Space now connects directly to hotel systems, ensuring complete structured data and a smoother traveler experience Hotel partners can deliver richer content, dynamic rates, and loyalty features to CTM clients, laying the foundation for deeper personalization in an increasingly AIdriven era

“Business travelers expect the same, if not better, seamless experience they enjoy in leisure travel,” said Marwan Batrouni, SVP Global Hotel Strategy at CTM “Partnering with DerbySoft allows us to directly connect and surface more hotel content in real time, giving travelers access to better rates and ensuring a smoother, more personalized booking journey This partnership strengthens collaboration with our hotel partners, helping them grow market share and strengthen customer loyalty.”

CTM and DerbySoft are already live with several global hotel brands and plan to expand the collaboration to additional partners in 2026, aligning their innovation efforts to meet evolving traveler expectations and corporate program goals.

To learn more about DerbySoft’s Business Travel Solutions, contact Giles Leather at Giles.Leather@DerbySoft.net.

Read the full article here

Discover the World – Global Travel Representation That Delivers Results

We are pleased to announce several exciting new partnerships across our global network These wins strengthen our international footprint and reinforce our commitment to delivering exceptional representation for our partners worldwide Recent additions include:

New Partnerships:

o Azerbaijan Airlines – China

o Great Western Railway (GWR) – USA and Canada

o Saudia – Cyprus, Slovakia, Greece, Hungary, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Albania

o Qingdao Airlines – Malaysia

Expansion (PSA): Cunard – Greece and Poland

With a presence in more than 80 markets, our strength lies in combining global reach with local expertise Every market is unique, and our in-country teams provide the insights, relationships, and sales strategies that help our partners grow Discover the World is trusted by more than 100 travel brands including JetBlue, Riyadh Air, Air New Zealand, Brightline, Copa Airlines, Europcar, and South African Airways to deliver measurable sales results.

For Travel Management Companies, we focus on delivering the right product information at the right time. Through our Modern Sales approach combining data-driven insights, digital tools, and strong industry relationships we ensure TMCs stay informed, engaged, and empowered to provide exceptional value to their corporate clients. By connecting global brands with the TMC community, we help turn awareness into results

Distribusion broadens coverage across Europe for Corporate Travel

Distribusion Technologies continues to strengthen its global carrier offering unlocking greater flexibility and choice for TMCs managing corporate ground transportation Our platform provides access to rail carriers globally - and connects major airports with key ground transport services in those cities Leading bus and rail providers are live across all major hubs, supporting seamless firstand last-mile journeys

Looking ahead, OUIGO Spain will join our network at the end of 2025, further expanding our rail coverage and giving TMCs direct access to national routes across Spain This new addition complements the existing coverage provided by Renfe and Iryo, marking another milestone in our mission to deliver truly multimodal ground transportation options for corporate clients

Distribusion operates the leading B2B ground transportation marketplace connecting travel sellers and TMCs with carriers in over 70 countries Our solutions are available through both our Agent Portal, designed for fast, intuitive Travel Agent bookings, and our B2B API for seamless system integration into Online Bookings Tools.

With real-time pricing, instant booking, and full lifecycle management, Distribusion simplifies the complexity of ground transport sourcing. We enable TMCs to expand their offer with scalable, efficient, and sustainable travel solutions tailored to the needs of today’s business travellers.

Visit Distribusion here

Emirates Expands London Schedule With Two New Flights

Emirates is unlocking more opportunities for travel with the addition of two flights from London Heathrow and London Gatwick

We have recently enhanced our London Heathrow schedule with six additional weekly flights, providing travellers with increased convenience and expanded departure time options The additional flights operate on all days except for Fridays during the winter period with Emirates Boeing 777-300ER in a three-class configuration split between First, Business, and Economy

From the 8th of February 2026, we’ll be introducing a fourth daily flight between Dubai and London Gatwick Operated by our newest aircraft – the Airbus A350 – this additional service will give our customers the opportunity to experience our latest-generation cabin interiors, including our new Business Class and Premium Economy

With these additional flights, we are increasing our operations to a total of 13 flights across three London airports, offering more flexibility and a wider range of departure times

The future Emirates fleet continues to grow

We’ve just announced orders for 65 additional Boeing 777-9 aircraft, powered by GE 9X engines, worth US$ 38 billion at list prices

This takes our total orderbook with Boeing now totals 315 widebody aircraft: 270 Boeing 777Xs, 10 Boeing 777 freighters and 35 Boeing 787s

Our Airbus A350 fleet is also growing larger, with an order for eight additional A350-900 aircraft, bringing the total number of our future A350 fleet to 73, including 13 that have already entered service

Etihad Airways Dublin & Manchester updates

Etihad Airways is delighted to announce a significant increase in capacity on our Dublin to Abu Dhabi route, increasing frequency from 10 flights a week to double daily from 1 April 2026. This expanded schedule enhances connectivity to key destinations across the Far East, Australasia, the Indian subcontinent, and Africa.

As part of our ongoing commitment to providing a seamless and enhanced travel experience, Etihad Airways will relocate its Manchester Airport operations from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 from Wednesday, 12 November Etihad operates a double daily service between Manchester and Abu Dhabi, offering more options and greater flexibility for travellers

For latest frequencies that are now open for booking, and for up-to-date schedules and connectivity, check your GDS

On Monday 03 November Evolvi was very proud to announce the launch of its international rail functionality. This is now available through our feature-rich API, marking a significant milestone in offering seamless rail travel across Europe.

Evolvi has integrated international rail booking into its existing API message structure, making it easier than ever for Travel Management Companies and online booking tools to enhance their systems and offer cross-border rail journeys. Travellers will be able to enjoy a streamlined booking experience with eTickets delivered directly to their inboxes.

This new functionality enables agent access to international rail content under Evolvi’s licence, avoiding the need for Travel Management Companies to have direct contracts with operators It unlocks routes across Europe with major operators including Eurostar, SNCF and a number of operators across Europe More content will follow in the very near future

Our Managing Director, Darren Williams said “This launch represents a major step forward in our mission to simplify rail booking for corporate travel By integrating international rail into our API, we ’ re empowering our partners to deliver a truly pan-European travel experience ”

To find out more, or to obtain a copy of the Evolvi API specification document, please contact support@evolvi co uk

Finally, on behalf of the entire Evolvi team, we would like to wish all the BTA members and partners a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Here is to a successful 2026 for us all

Evolvi Goes Live With International Rail Content

As we move through the busiest quarter of the year, organisations are facing two parallel challenges: keeping their workforce moving reliably during peak operational periods, and ensuring safe, seamless transport for festive events and end-of-year celebrations

At First Travel Solutions, we support both sides of this seasonal equation Our fully managed employee shuttle services help employers maintain punctuality, improve staff wellbeing, and provide dependable travel With access to over 1,500 vetted operators nationwide, 24/7 live control, and ISO-accredited safety and quality systems underpinning every journey, businesses can trust us to keep operations running smoothly

At the same time, winter brings heightened demand for group travel From corporate Festive parties and Award evenings to multi-site gatherings, we frequently step in to support late bookings and complex movements. Our managed service covers everything from planning and routing to onthe-day coordination, with real-time tracking and consistent communication giving event organisers peace of mind.

Whether you ’ re strengthening your employee experience with reliable home-to-work transport, or finalising festive travel plans for your teams, our expert operations and planning teams are here to help you deliver a smooth, safe and stress-free season.

Let’s get your people where they need to be

Learn more about our employee transport services: https://www firsttravelsolutions com/employee-shuttle-services or Get in touch with our team: �� sales@firsttravelsolutions com

Reliable Transport for your teams this Winter

Understanding payments contracts in the travel sector

In the travel sector, payment processing is a critical component of business operations The agreements governing these processes, typically known as Merchant Services Agreements (MSAs), define the relationship between travel companies (merchants) and their payment acquirers –financial institutions responsible for processing card payments

During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, disputes around these contracts grew, highlighting the complexities and risks involved This article unpacks key clauses in payment contracts, the roles of the various parties involved and practical advice on negotiating terms that better protect travel businesses for further information, click here

Why Ancillaries Matter More Than Ever in Corporate Travel

Ancillaries are no longer the “nice-to-have” extras of a business trip, they’re an essential part of delivering a modern, efficient, and traveller centered programme

Take airport lounges GBTA research (2023) found that nearly 50% of travellers feel stressed pre-flight Lounges offer the antidote: a quiet, comfortable environment with reliable wifi, an abundance of food and drink options, and space to work or recharge This isn’t luxury, it’s value, and it directly affects how refreshed and productive travellers feel when they arrive at their destination for the purpose of work It also offsets other costs, such as inflated airport food and drink expenses, while driving measurable satisfaction

From a buyer’s perspective, ancillaries strengthen duty of care Supporting wellbeing doesn’t stop with flights and hotels, it extends to the “in-between” moments that define the journey Arguably these moments are where stress occurs Providing access to parking, fast track, or lounge access shows a genuine investment in traveller welfare

Financially, the case is clear. Booking ancillaries in advance can save up to 75% compared to on-the-day rates, helping buyers manage budgets without compromising traveller experience. At the same time, integrating these services into the managed programme enhances visibility, reduces admin, and simplifies reconciliation, helping to save time and frustration for finance teams.

If you’d like to explore how Holiday Extras can support your business with integrating ancillaries into your programme, please reach out to kayleigh.dawkins@holidayextras.com.

Visit Holiday Extras for Business here

announces launch of flights and holidays from London Gatwick

On 12th November 2025 Jet2 marked a major milestone in its continued growth and success story, by announcing the launch of award-winning flights from London Gatwick A significant announcement for the aviation industry, this is the first major leisure airline arrival into London Gatwick since 2020 and marks the largest new based airline at London Gatwick this century

In a demonstration of its commitment to London Gatwick, Jet2 has put a significant programme on sale for its first Summer of operations from the airport, with 29 sunshine destinations to choose from The first flight from London Gatwick will depart to Tenerife on 26th March 2026

A fleet of six aircraft will fly customers to a wide choice of destinations across Mainland Spain, the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, Greece, Türkiye, Portugal, Malta, Italy, Croatia, Bulgaria and Cyprus. This includes five based brand-new Airbus A321neo aircraft, recognised as the most fuel-efficient and sustainable aircraft in its class today, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per seat by over 20% and providing a 50% lower noise footprint when compared to other aircraft.

For more information, click here.

Jet2

Leonardo Hotels: Creating a Positive Impact Together

At Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland, sustainability isn’t just a policy it’s part of who we are. Under our Positive Impact brand, we ’ ve brought together teams from every corner of the business to make meaningful progress across our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals.

Our structure is built to make things happen. A cross-departmental ESG Committee, supported by 50 “Positive Impact Champions” across our hotels, meets regularly to share ideas, drive initiatives, and keep momentum high From energy savings to inclusion, every department plays its part

We’re proud to work with , whose independent accreditation ensures we ’ re moving in the right direction This year, every one of our UK & Ireland hotels achieved either Gold or Silver status and we ’ re aiming for all-Gold by 2025 Our work is also aligned with key industry standards, including HCMI, CSRD, ESOS, SECR and Modern Slavery compliance

But our impact isn’t just measured in reports it’s felt in real results Through our partnership with , we ’ ve saved over from going to waste in just 3 5 years That’s the equivalent of avoiding , saving , and preserving

For Leonardo Hotels, ESG isn’t about box-ticking it’s about creating lasting change, together

Unlock more flexibility with Cash & Points from PartnerPlusBenefit

Managing corporate travel budgets just got smarter Lufthansa Group’s PartnerPlusBenefit program has introduced an innovative way to make your business travel rewards work harder: Cash & Points This new feature gives companies the freedom to combine accrued Benefit points with cash when booking flights Why does this matter? It means your points go further whether you ’ re topping up for a long-haul journey or stretching your balance to cover multiple trips No more waiting to accumulate the full amount; now you can redeem sooner and keep your travellers moving. For businesses focused on cost control and flexibility, Cash & Points is a game-changer. It allows you to optimise budgets without compromising on convenience or choice. Plus, it’s available across the Lufthansa Group network, delivering global connectivity with a premium travel experience.

Ready to see how Cash & Points can transform your travel program?

Discover the details here and start maximising your rewards today.

Situ publishes study into generational differences in business traveller behaviour

Mind the Gap – Generational analysis of the accommodation requirements and buying behaviours of today’s business travellers

What do Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers want? More generations are travelling for business than ever before, and travel needs and behaviours look very different for each Situ conducted a research study to explore these increasingly diverse expectations and preferences

This white paper presents the results of Situ’s study, made up of a survey of 554 business travellers – in collaboration with YouGov – and interviews with professionals in the corporate travel industry Topics include:

• Accommodation choices and features

• Booking and technology innovation

• Desire for wellbeing options

• Flexibility and individual choice

It is hoped that the insights contained in this white paper will be of interest to travel managers and policy makers as they shape a resilient business travel ecosystem and move forward into the future.

Read it here

SIXT Accelerates Global Growth: Branch Expansion and Industry Recognition

SIXT continues to advance as the premium partner for business travel, delivering enhanced digital capabilities and expanded global networks that TMCs can trust for comprehensive corporate rental solutions.

EXPANDING NETWORKS. ELEVATING BUSINESS TRAVEL

Our new Delta Airlines partnership introduces SIXT SkyMiles integration, combining car rental benefits with airline loyalty rewards The USA also sees exciting collaborations with Hard Rock International Meanwhile, our SIXT Rewards Program, SIXT One, successfully launched in the USA with global rollout planned for early 2026, delivering enhanced booking flexibility and exclusive member benefits

Our network expansion continues in high-demand locations including in the UK: London Liverpool Street, Park Lane, Richmond, and London City Airport Recent highlights include Sheffield train station and our groundbreaking Knightsbridge digital branch, the UK's first-of-its-kind concept revolutionising traveler experience with convenient car pick-up. We're strengthening our presence across Latin America and Caribbean while Spain now boasts over 100 branches.

STREAMLINED BOOKING WITH ACRISS HARMONISATION

SIXT STAR SERVICE

SIXT has implemented ACRISS Code harmonisation, standardising vehicle classifications across our global network This industry-standard 4-letter coding system makes vehicle selection clearer and more consistent for TMCs, simplifying comparison and booking processes while ensuring travellers receive the expected vehicle category worldwide

We're celebrating unprecedented recognition with wins at the Business Traveller Awards 2025 and 18 World Travel Awards titles This industry recognition reinforces our commitment to excellence that TMCs can confidently recommend to corporate clients

Considering Agentic AI in your travel business? Think about this first.

The biggest new concept in the current AI boom is ‘Agentic AI’, which can act as the user ’ s agent in the digital world In a travel context, this would mean a user instructing the AI to book travel services, and the AI booking and paying for them with the user ’ s credentials This could be implemented either by business travel agents, or rolled out by TMCs for use directly by their clients

While they have the potential to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction, they pose legal challenges:

1 Who takes responsibility when the AI Agent makes a mistake on a booking?

2 Will the AI provide transparency and accountability by explaining its actions?

3 Who will dictate the terms upon which the AI Agent is provided and used?

Key to answering these will be the AI’s terms of use. Can they be negotiated? Are the terms favourable to the travel business or do they exclude responsibility when things go wrong? There are practical questions too:

1. Where is the AI sourcing the services?

2. Is the AI system provided by a specialist travel provider?

3. Is the AI sourcing options from the full travel market?

These all call into question whether the AI will be reliable, trustworthy, and provide value for money, key qualities in a booking agent

Travel businesses should understand where responsibility and liability lie before things go wrong As always, do the due diligence before rushing after the ‘next big thing’!

See the full article for more

Building a Better Future with Travelodge

At Travelodge, we focus on providing great value stays in the right locations for over 22 million business and leisure guests every year As the UK’s first budget hotel brand, now operating 630 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, we are investing in sustainable developments that support local communities, create jobs, and make smarter use of existing buildings

Across the UK, we repurpose existing properties, giving them a new lease of life as Travelodge hotels This approach brings redundant office and hotel spaces back into productive use while reducing the carbon impact of demolition and rebuild

In 2025 alone, we have opened over 20 hotels, including 17 hotel acquisitions as part of our growth strategy, all upgraded to our latest premium design standards. These openings expand our estate and bring highquality, budget-friendly accommodation to new communities across the country.

In London, we have acquired three office buildings in key city centre locations - Stratford, St Paul’s, and most recently Liverpool Street. Each is being converted into a Travelodge hotel, efficiently reusing underutilised space, creating local jobs, and supporting city centre regeneration.

All of this forms part of our Better Future plan, which ensures sustainability runs through everything we do In 2025, we diverted over 90% of refurbishment waste from landfill and our aim is to ensure that, from 2026 onwards, all new-build hotels will operate entirely on electrically driven systems

Travelodge is proud to grow in a way that benefits people, places, and the planet, offering business and leisure travellers more choice and great value

Village Reading now open for business & major refurbishments and extensions are underway

Village Hotel Reading is now open for bookings from 8th December 2025, our 34th hotel featuring newly designed bedrooms with in-room fitness equipment, plus enhanced amenities in our Club Rooms

We’re also thrilled to announce another opening coming in 2026: Village Hotel Sheffield opening early Autumn 2026 And that’s just the beginning!

Major refurbishments and extensions are underway across our hotels, including upgrades to bedrooms, Starbucks and our Village Health + Wellness clubs Guests can look forward to new Reformer Pilates studios, Padel courts, recovery lounges, outdoor fitness spaces and refreshed changing rooms Plus, EV chargers are now available at 21 locations, with more on the way

Just Meet is our new easy way to meet at Village and now has 15 day free cancellation for meetings up to 20 people Our new lunch offering feature five mouthwatering buffet themes to choose from, each packed with flavour and variety to keep your team energised all day long

610 The Avenue is our impressive new large event space located adjacent to Village Hotel London Watford Spread across two versatile floors, the venue offers flexible event spaces that can accommodate up to 300 guests. The ground floor features a spacious suite with premium catering options, a private self-catering kitchen and direct access. Upstairs you'll find a selection of stylish meeting rooms and a co-working spaceperfect for corporate event hire, team meetings and training.

For more updates and the latest news check out our website https://www.village-hotels.co.uk/village-forbusiness