BTA Industry Partner Newsletter - March 2024

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Hello!

Ihopethisnewsletterfindsyouwellaswediveintoanothermonthofnavigatingtheworldofbusinesstravel It'sbeena bustling start to the year for us at the BTA, with our team diligently crafting content, hosting discussions, and orchestrating conferences tailored to meet your needs. I was delighted with the engagement and attendance at our recent accommodation and aviation conferences, which have sparked meaningful dialogue and offered actionable insights.

In the corridors of Westminster, our advocacy for business travel continues to gain traction. We've had productive discussions with MPs from all parties and esteemed representatives from the House of Lords, underscoring our commitmenttochampioningyourinterestsatthehighestlevelsofgovernance.

OurrecentGenerationBTApopeventwasmetwithenthusiasm,andwe'reeagertoexpandourreachandengagewith abroader,TMCaudience,thanksinparttotheongoingsupportofourvaluedpartners

To those who have recently joined our community in Q1 2024, a hearty welcome Your participation enriches our collectivemission,andwe'rethrilledtohaveyouwithus

Looking forward, we have an exciting lineup of events on the horizon, including the highly anticipated Spring Conference.I'meagertoreconnectwithfamiliarfacesandforgenewconnectionsaswecontinuetoshapethefuture ofbusinesstraveltogether

ThankyouallforyourcontributionstotheBTA–yourinvolvementiswhatpropelsusforward

Warmregards,

BTAPARTNERS
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At AirPlus we understand that great payment solutions come with great responsibility We constantly look for ways to live up to this with the most sustainable business practices – for the environment, our customers, partners, and employees, and all along the value chain

For more than 15 years, AirPlus has been investing in the development of sustainable solutions and has been certified as a climate-friendly payment and settlement provider via the Impact label of non-profit organisation myclimate

Our AirPlus Green Reports, deliver a detailed report for flight emissions to customers using AirPlus payment solutions For each flight paid for with the AirPlus Company Account, the emissions are automatically calculated in cooperation with our partner atmosfair Our Green Reports are continuing to be developed in accordance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)

Since December 2023, AirPlus has enabled customers to easily record their CO2 emissions when booking hotels via the hotel booking platform Corporate Rates Club (CRC). By using the centralised AirPlus payment solutions, the CO2 value of hotel stays can easily be recorded during the entire booking and payment process. The CO2 calculation is carried out by SQUAKE, a climate-tech start-up company.

In addition, we offer a global climate-friendly payment solution We have implemented targeted measures that reduce emissions and leverage our efforts to continue minimising our ecological footprint Considering all remaining emissions that are currently caused by our business processes and are unavoidable, we finance our entire carbon footprint through a certified climate protection project run by myclimate

With the usage of our payment solutions our customers also automatically contribute to a reforestation project through Plan Vivo The project reduces greenhouse gases and contributes to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Our ambition is to continue to further develop our payment solutions to support our customers on their journey to a more climate-friendly future and to comply with local regulatory requirements and the CSRD

Find out more here - Committed to a better future

Business Travel Trends – What you need to know about the changing landscape of Business Travel in 2024

Globetrender and Cytric Easy by Amadeus unveil the latest trends in this year's Business Travel trends.

Business travel is undergoing a major transformation in 2024, as new technologies, sustainability goals, and employee preferences shape the future of corporate trips. From AI personal assistants to executive field trips, from objective stacking to power networking, the latest trends reveal how business travelers are seeking to optimize their time, money, and impact on the road In this article, we will explore the findings of a new report by Globetrender and Cytric Easy by Amadeus, which unveils the seven key trends that will elevate business travel in 2024.

Atriis, as a leading provider of travel technology solutions, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully integrating Sabre NDC into its unique collaborative travel platform This integration allows Atriis’ customers to access even more content, more offers, and more personalization options when booking their travel

Some key points about this exciting development:

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Full NDC Inventory: With Atriis, travel consultants and online corporate users can seamlessly access, manage, and service NDC inventory

Increased Efficiency: Atriis’ robust Agent desktop and OBT are designed to increase bookings while reducing operational complexity, the integration offers complete post-booking services

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Side-by-Side Comparison: No more switching between screens! With Atriis, agents can compare NDC via the airline, NDC via the GDS and classic GDS rates on the same screen, making smarter recommendations faster

Best Prices: NDC content ensure similar prices as in the airline com website, plus travellers can earn the perks and loyalty benefits like booking directly with airline, but with their TMC service Less friction, no leakage, more credibility and stickiness

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Full Order Management: Easily book, reissue, exchange reservations all in one place Atriis’ deep integration enables the full management and service of orders

Built for servicing corporates: Atriis's robust agent desktop allows the upload of corporate agreements, integrates CO2 data, travel policy and approval workflow into the agent’s workflows. Providing a 360 view for smart booking decisions with automations enabled for enhanced efficiency across the TMC operational backbone.

Transform Your Managed Travel with Atriis

Blue Orchid Group expands with the acquisition of two prestigious London landmark properties

Integrity International Group, owned by award-winning hotelier Tony Matharu, has acquired Atlas House, an iconic London landmark in the heart of the capital, together with the Crescent buildings, Tower Hill, for the Blue Orchid Hospitality brand

The acquisition of Atlas House and Crescent add to the group ’ s portfolio of luxury multi award-winning independent hotels, apartments, suites, residences, and venues in central London, including 55 Broadway, the iconic Grade I listed building identified as London’s first skyscraper, set to be repurposed into a 526-room leading hotel in St James’s Park

Atlas House is an elegant Grade II listed building situated at the core of the historic City of London, between the Guildhall, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Bank of England – on the junction of King Street, Queen Street, and Cheapside

The Crescent, a stunning collection of Georgian buildings, adjoins Blue Orchid’s multi award-winning Tower Suites hotel and benefits from views of the Tower of London and the historic Roman Wall, in a prime City location

Tony Matharu, Founder and Chairman of Integrity International Group and Blue Orchid Hospitality, commented: “The recent acquisition of Atlas House and the Crescent portfolio provides exciting opportunities to transform landmark properties into world-leading hotels, whilst retaining, restoring and enhancing spectacular heritage sites We look forward to continuing to make a positive difference to business travellers and operating first-class hospitality facilities ”

To discover Blue Orchid Hospitality’s complete portfolio, visit www blueorchid com

Fly to Southwest Pacific and Japan with Cathay Pacific

In 2024, Cathay Pacific continues connecting the United Kingdom to Southwest Pacific and Japan via Hong Kong It is now offering up to five daily flights between London Heathrow and Hong Kong with quickest 1hour* connection time onward to other destinations. The enhanced schedule will provide UK travellers with greater flexibility when planning their trips.

Latest flight frequency*

Before departing from London Heathrow, travellers can unwind at the Cathay Pacific lounge – a supremely comfortable environment of understated luxury Also, they can enjoy a variety of Western and Asian dishes at The Dining Room in our First-class lounge and a signature selection of freshly prepared noodles at The Noodle Bar in our Business class lounge

During the stopover in Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific offers a world of amenities in five premium lounges at its hub - to help travellers recharge, relax, and catch up with work Besides, they can enjoy the city’s flavour and home comfort at your own pace: the lounge’s signature features include a unique and elegant Teahouse and our popular Noodle Bar

*connection/schedules are subject to change Please check your GDS for latest updates

Into the world of global business jet travel with

Chapman Freeborn

Chapman Freeborn is an industry-leading global air charter broker and has been at the forefront of the business and commercial aircraft travel sector for over 50 years

We partner with many of the world’s leading TMCs, corporations, HNWIs and travel industry specialists, including iconic names from the sports, music, television, film and entertainment industries

To meet the positive growth projections recently presented by IATA at the BTA Aviation Conference, Chapman Freeborn has made significant investments in its people, processes and sustainability practices and policies

With a global team and network available 24/7/365, Chapman Freeborn offers the widest range of aircraft and operator options for its clients, taking advantage of real-time access to the latest information on aircraft availability and operator options

Chapman Freeborn creates bespoke solutions for every journey, sourcing the best options for its clients’ schedules and requirements, including airport, aircraft and catering preferences

Chapman Freeborn’s dedicated global charter team understands what it takes to create memorable experiences for product launches, corporate travel, key industry and MICE events.

It recently announced its Jet Membership Program, which marries unmatched luxury with exceptional service. Designed for those who frequently charter private jets, the Program grants members access to over 2,500 aircraft worldwide, whilst optimising on price, transparency, exclusivity and convenience

As a proud partner to the BTA, Chapman Freeborn strives to add value to its members whilst continuing to build long term, sustainable business relationships

Emirates First Class

Flying First Class with Emirates is an unforgettable experience where passengers indulge in exceptional service, luxurious surrounds and thoughtful, premium amenities

From complimentary Chauffeur-drive to world-wide airport lounges, including a First Class Lounge with direct boarding at Dubai International, First Class passengers will enjoy their journey from the very beginning Onboard the Emirates A380, travellers can close the privacy doors and be in a world of their own in a fully enclosed private suite, with an onboard Shower Spa and the iconic Onboard Lounge just a short walk away

Dining in First Class is always a unique experience; from gourmet bites and fine caviar served with Don Perignon Champagne to a fine multicourse meal or a movie snack, passengers will savour fine dining whenever the mood takes them – complemented with a limited edition vintage champagne, wine or a refreshing cocktail

Our award winning entertainment system ICE offers 6,500 channels as well as live sports on a personal full HD LCD screen up to 32'' in size A set of premium Bowers & Wilkins noise cancelling headphones are also provided to give our passengers the best quality sound

And when it is time to get some sleep, the cabin crew will happily convert the seat into a fully flat-bed complete with sheets and a pillow and a kit of bedtime comforts including a set of Hydra Active pyjamas

Eurostar network now available in GDS Air

The joining of Eurostar and Thalys brings a new era for high-speed rail travel and exciting opportunities for agents booking through GDS Air With an expanded network and newly established dedicated sales teams, working with us is easy and rewarding

Seamless bookings with GDS Air

All Eurostar routes are now bookable under the 9F code for travel agencies based in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, the UK, Germany and the USA, giving access to seamless connections between our 28 destinations

Dedicated support for Eurostar partners

Our new TMC Sales Team is focused on working directly with Travel Management Companies to meet the unique needs of our partners This includes providing commercial assistance and guidance to business travel agents and creating a new dedicated offer aimed at rewarding loyalty and successful partnerships

Our GDS helpdesk has also been established to provide ongoing technical assistance for GDS Air bookings, alongside our revamped eurostarforagents website where you can find useful information about working with us, as well as manuals and FAQs for all GDS systems

With these initiatives we aim to enhance the experience of our partners and strengthen our relationships as we embark on this exciting journey together

For any inquiries or further information, contact our team at direct agencies@eurostar com

Grant Thornton and The BTA Academy Apprenticeship Programmes 2024

“Unleash the power of YOU! Start developing your own skills today.”

Grant Thornton is delighted to once again partner with The BTA in offering exceptional skills development programmes to all BTA members and partners for 2024 We understand the critical role that training and development play in driving business success, and we are committed to supporting our clients and their teams in achieving their goals through high-quality, practical, and results-oriented programmes

This year, we are excited to offer even more flexibility in our programmes, enabling you to enrol at any time that suits you and your organisation. This means that you can take advantage of our training and development opportunities at a time that best suits your schedule, without the need for minimum enrolment numbers.*

At Grant Thornton, we are dedicated to helping businesses of all sizes and across all industries succeed through the development of their people Our programmes cover a wide range of topics, including leadership and management, data analytics, coaching, and accountancy, among others and we look forward to supporting you in your journey towards business success

(*except for our travel data level 3 and programmes which is a fixed date and min numbers apply)

You can find the details of all the Grant Thornton and BTA Academy programmes here: Future Skills Brochure and for further information on any of these, please contact:

Sue Ledgard

Corporate Account Manager | Grant Thornton

D +44 (0)161 214 3694

E Sue.K.Ledgard@uk.gt.com

Green Horizon: The Rising Imperative of Sustainable Hotels

In recent years we have witnessed sustainability of hotels and meeting venues evolving from niche concern to a critical imperative, driven by business stakeholder preferences, regulatory pressures, and a growing awareness of environmental challenges Today, we see that travellers are more conscious than ever of the ecological footprint of their accommodation, seeking out hotels and venues that not only provide comfort and convenience but also uphold principles of sustainability

But how can travel bookers and meeting organisers ensure their selected hotels are truly sustainable?

Our corporate travel focussed hotel certification, ECOsmart, provides reassurance to anyone booking a hotel or venue displaying the ECOsmart award that the property has been carefully and objectively assessed They will have implemented a range of eco-friendly steps that demonstrate commitment to environmental sustainability and CSR And, uniquely, ECOsmart is a dynamic system that allows venues to be rewarded for improvementmoving up a category if they demonstrate more sustainability measures have been put in place

For hotels and conference venues, it signifies a commitment to excellence, setting them apart as leaders in sustainable stewardship. With the ECOsmart certification, hotels gain access to a discerning market of ecoconscious business travellers and organisations enhance their brand reputation through doing the right thing.

We believe that in a world where sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity, the ECOsmart certification stands as testament to a venue's dedication to a greener, more sustainable future, resonating with the values of discerning travellers and organisations alike

https://www greengage solutions/about-ecosmart/

HotelREZ has over 2,500 independent properties worldwide in 100+ countries We are proud to present to you Greene King Inns, a collection of over 130 inns across the UK that draw on a heritage that stretches back to a bygone age.

We’re delighted to share details of the 15 most recent refurbishment projects within the Greene King estate. All of the hotels are attached to Greene King pubs, which offer an excellent variety of value for money food options for your clients, with menus changing every three months WiFi and free parking are also included in all of their rates

The Longshoot: Galileo: HO C3853, Worldspan: HO 28062, Amadeus: ΗΟ XNVAAB, Sabre: HO 263002

Carnwood Arms: Galileo: HO AH522, Worldspan: HO 28101, Amadeus: ΗΟ QEWAAR, Sabre: HO 309765

The Highwayman: Galileo: HO 30397 Worldspan: HO LTNHI Amadeus: ΗΟ LTNHIG Sabre: HO 74912

The Highfield Hotel: Galileo: HO 45127, Worldspan: HO 83850, Amadeus: ΗΟ MME850, Sabre: HO 5877

The Mill On Soar: Galileo: HO B6684, Worldspan: HO 27989, Amadeus: ΗΟ QEWMOS, Sabre: HO 283657

The Caledonian: Galileo: HO E1961, Worldspan: HO EDICH, Amadeus: ΗΟ EDICNH, Sabre: HO 317761

The Bay Horse: Galileo: HO C3905 Worldspan: HO 28070 Amadeus: ΗΟ XWIATY Sabre: HO 256927

The Ardencaple: Galileo: HO C4902, Worldspan: HO 28087, Amadeus: ΗΟ GLAAFC, Sabre: HO 413960

The Holmfield: Galileo: HO F7559, Worldspan: HO XWANR, Amadeus: ΗΟ XWDHAR, Sabre: HO 381211

The Ely: Galileo: HO 29173, Worldspan: HO XRETR, Amadeus: ΗΟ XRETRZ, Sabre: HO 74852

The Riverside: Galileo: HO 33845 Worldspan: HO BHXHB Amadeus: ΗΟ BHXTVT Sabre: HO 108950

The Red Lion: Galileo: HO 33724, Worldspan: HO EMARL, Amadeus: ΗΟ LBARLT, Sabre: HO 108357

The Feathers: Galileo: HO 31362, Worldspan: HO STNHW, Amadeus: ΗΟ STNFHW, Sabre: HO 108865

The Green Man: Galileo: HO C3834, Worldspan: HO 28060, Amadeus: ΗΟ LTNACO, Sabre: HO 249742

The Berkshire Arms: Galileo: HO C3901 Worldspan: HO 28066 Amadeus: ΗΟ XQBAAR Sabre: HO 307912

Read More https://www hotelrez net/Greene King Recently Invested Hotels

Visit the Website https://www greenekinginns co uk/

Summer 2024 at London City Airport (LCY)

London City Airport flies to major business hubs in Europe and beyond, with enhanced connectivity via Amsterdam (KLM), Frankfurt (Lufthansa), Rome (ITA Airways), and Zurich (Swiss) and is proud to launch Rome via ITA Airways and Guernsey via Aurigny for Summer 2024.

With daily flights ideally scheduled early and evening to most destinations, it couldn’t be easier to organise your business travels:

oUp to 17 daily flights to Amsterdam with BA CityFlyer and KLM

oUp to 11 daily flights to Frankfurt with Lufthansa and BA CityFlyer

oUp to 5 daily flights to Rotterdam with BA CityFlyer

oUp to 5 daily flights to Milan Linate with ITA Airways and BA CityFlyer

For speed and efficiency, there’s nowhere like London City Airport We’re consistently rated London’s best airport* and it’s easy to see why:

London City Airport is right in the heart of the city; easily accessible no matter where you are coming from in London In fact, over 80% of airport users have found it takes them less than an hour to get there We’re on the doorstep of Canary Wharf (10 minutes), City of London (20 minutes) and just under 30 minutes from Central London

London City Airport delivers a great customer experience: from door to gate in 20 minutes We’ve fully rolled out the new CT scanners in August 2023, removing the 100ml liquid limit and enabling processing of 30% more passengers per hour through security That means less time worrying about making your flight in time, and more time browsing duty-free goods, or sitting back and relax with a drink or a meal pre-flight Our departure lounge has gone through an extensive refurbishment (£12m) that will complete in June 2024

So, wherever you need to fly for business, you can get there fast thanks to our rapid transit times and great transport links And that’s why, once you discover the convenience of flying LCY, you won’t want to fly from anywhere else

Discover more at https://www londoncityairport com

*4 1 Google score, 6th February 2024

Exciting News: NH Hotels debuts in Paris with three new properties!

We are thrilled to announce the grand arrival of NH Hotels in the fascinating city of Paris, bringing three exceptional hotels to captivate your senses Prepare to be enchanted as we introduce three exquisite new hotels, each embodying the perfect blend of comfort and impeccable service

NH Paris Gare de l’Est: perfectly situated near the iconic Gare de l’Est train station, this hotel is housed in a beautiful Haussmann-style building that dates all the way back to the 19th century

NH Opéra Paris Faubourg: located on Rue La Fayette in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, nestled between Montmartre and the antiquarian district of Drouot This sophisticated hotel combines modern opulence with classic Parisian charm, which is reflected in all its 103 guest rooms

NH Paris Champs Elysées: situated in the prestigious Champs-Élysées district, it provides easy access to Parisian hotspots such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Élysée Palace Following a sophisticated renovation, this property with 90 guest rooms will be re-launched as NH Collection in 2025

Embark on an extraordinary journey with NH Hotels as we proudly open our doors to Parisians and global travelers! Come to visit us and be part of NH Hotels’ debut in the City of Lights!

https://www.nh-hotels.com/en/hotels/paris

Better for business, better for the planet

When it comes to business travel, we want to make sure your clients have the best stay ever Perhaps that’s why we won Best Budget Hotel Brand at the Business Traveller Awards 2023 But we never rest on our laurels That’s why we continue to open new hotels across the UK, including our very first all-electric Premier Inn in Swindon town centre.

Powered by 100% renewable energy, Premier Inn Swindon Town Centre is not only a great base for anyone doing business in Wiltshire – it’s also our first hotel to be built without any connection to natural gas. Renewable electricity and a thermally efficient design combine to reduce our impact on the environment and give our guests a carbon free alternative

Across our estate, all Whitbread-owned hotels in the UK have been powered by 100% renewable sources since April 2017 It’s all part of our commitment to building a sustainable future and driven by our Force for Good programme – which focuses on the three core pillars of opportunity, community and responsibility – as we committed to be net zero by 2040

We’re delighted to have recently won the edie Built Environment Project of the Year award, as Premier Inn Swindon Town Centre becomes the blueprint for all new build, 100% renewable energy Premier Inns to come Better for business Better for the planet Now you really can rest easy

Discover more

SilverDoor brings the most extensive global serviced accommodation portfolio to buyers with its powerful and agile API.

It’s historically been a challenge for serviced accommodation providers to fit seamlessly into the established processes and conventions of Travel and Relocation Management Companies.

The SilverDoor API brings serviced accommodation content into TMCs' own platforms, instantly available to search, compare and book – a first for our sector Not only does this allow serviced accommodation to be viewed directly alongside hotels, but ultimately means TMCs will no longer have to rely on the limited serviced apartment content available via their GDS

SilverDoor’s global corporate housing portfolio, aggregated from more than 2600 individual operators will sit on TMCs’ and RMCs’ platforms alongside hotel listings, allowing the most direct comparison between hotels and serviced accommodation, including between nightly rates, facilities and carbon emissions

SilverDoor’s Chief Information and Technology Officer, Hanish Vithal, said of the development:

"Our API is the most modern and powerful connection currently available in the sector It has been built with years of experience understanding clients’ needs and we can work with any client's own technology to craft a bespoke offering”

This announcement comes hot on the heels of the launch of SilverDoor’s Carbon Calculator tool; both developments, built entirely by SilverDoor’s in-house Technology team,will provide travel buyers with the most transparent information for informed comparison between accommodation options These are both huge steps for the widespread accessibility of serviced apartments for corporate travel and kicks off another year of innovation at SilverDoor

https://www silverdoorapartments com

Skycop: Transforming Flight Delays into Financial Rewards

Skycop advocates for you during flight disruptions, specializing in securing compensation for delayed or canceled flights Depending on the distance and delay of your flight, you could receive compensation between €250 and €600

Our Foundation

Established in 2017 by AviaSolutionsGroup (ASG) investors, Skycop quickly ascended as a leader in airline compensation management, ranking third in Europe and the UK, and first in the Baltics for our size and recognition ASG, our parent company, operates globally in over 100 countries with a partnership with Certares, a prominent travel-focused private equity fund

Our Services

Compensation Assistance: We help you claim compensation for flight disruptions, offering between €250 to €600

Extra Expense Recovery: Support in reclaiming costs due to flight delays

Skycop Care Membership: For €2 67/month, get extensive flight coverage, priority service, and SmartDelay benefits

SmartDelay: Free lounge access during long delays

Referral Program: Refer friends and receive a €50 reward

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Global Assistance

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We assist with compensation claims for flights disrupted up to 3 years in the EU and 6 years in the UK, including international departures

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Why Choose Skycop?

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Flight delays and cancellations are annoying, but Skycop turns these hassles into financial gains for you

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Choose Skycop for your travel disruptions – we make flight delays and cancellations work for you

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UK businesses gearing up their rail use in projected bumper year for business travel

9 out of 10 business travel decision makers for UK SMBs expect their employees will travel more for business (92%) and expect increased spending on corporate travel budgets (90%) in 2024

Over 4 in 5 (83%) said their organisations intend to bolster support for employees to choose lower carbon business travel options in 2024, with 48% expecting to increase the use of rail travel

Over half of businesses (52%) surveyed have already set targets for reducing their emissions from business travel, while two-thirds of the remainder (66%) think it’s likely a target will be set in 2024

London, January 15th, 2024 – UK SMBs are increasing their support for lower carbon business travel through corporate travel policies and budgets for 2024, according to new research from Trainline Partner Solutions, the B2B arm of Trainline

The survey of business travel decision-makers reveals 9 in 10 UK SMBS expect to boost travel expenditure (90%) and anticipate a growth in travel for business among their employees (92%) To balance this with increasing sustainability considerations, over 4 in 5 (83%) intend to bolster their travel policy and/or financial support for employees to opt for lower carbon travel modes in 2024 To this end, almost half (48%) are planning to use rail more to help reduce their emissions from business travel

Recent research from Trainline indicates medium sized companies represent many of the high frequency industries for business travel Over half of businesses surveyed (52%) have already set targets for reducing their emissions from business travel - of those SMBs that haven’t, two-thirds (66%) think it likely their company will set a target this year

More SMBs surveyed are considering working with a travel management company (TMC) in 2024 to help them track and reduce their business travel emissions, with 42% already doing so and a further 39% looking to partner with a TMC this year.

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Andrew Cruttenden, General Manager at Trainline Partner Solutions, said: “Businesses are telling us they expect to both travel and spend more this year as business travel continues to rebound post-Covid. We’re seeing a clear signal that sustainability considerations are a growing factor in setting travel policies and budgets, and rail is a great way to reduce the carbon emissions for travel versus flying and driving Carriers and travel partners must ensure they can meet this growing demand by innovating and investing in the right tech that helps make rail a simple and seamless option for business travellers ”

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About Trainline

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Trainline Partner Solutions – Trainline's B2B arm – provides innovative rail technology solutions to travel companies of all sizes and rail carriers Through Platform One, Trainline's technology platform, Trainline Partner Solutions enables travellers to seamlessly search, book and manage their trips Our goal is to simplify the complex world of business travel and train ticket sales so that more companies opt for a greener means of transport Trainline is a one-stop shop for train and bus travel that brings together millions of routes, fares, and travel times from 270 rail and bus carriers in 45 countries

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Debating the Promise of AI in Travel

Travelport’s chief product and technology officer Tom Kershaw recently shared his views on the hype around Artificial Intelligence (AI) in travel during a panel discussion with technology leaders from Lufthansa Group and MakeMyTrip at The Phocuswright Conference

“There’s lots of cool things we could do, but AI is very thirsty for data It drinks a lot,” Tom said when asked how others might apply AI to their business “We want to make sure the data that gets consumed is consumed in a protected format because we are dealing with sensitive information We’re not selling shoes I won’t tell what your shoe size is. We’ve got passport information, all kinds of data, so we have a fiduciary responsibility to protect that information.”

AI is the talk of the town, but it is not necessarily new to the world of travel. Long before Chat GPT, technology tools like Autopilot were implemented to assist airline pilots in doing their jobs Now with the growing appetite for data analysis, AI can assist travel companies with data in the pursuit of personalization

To hear more about AI exploits and explanations in travel, read the story summarizing the panel or watch the full video

We're thrilled to share an exciting update with you - Northern Training Academy Limited has hit the refresh button and will now officially be known as Talent Vista Limited!

We're all about growth, and this rebrand is our way of levelling up. The change signifies a pivotal moment in our journey of over 30 years within the education sector and reflects our commitment to revolutionising training experiences and providing a new standard of excellence

Rooted in the travel sector, Talent Vista Limited brings a wealth of expertise to the table From basic skills to insider knowledge, we've got what it takes to thrive in the dynamic world of travel.

Collaboration is key and we proudly align ourselves with esteemed industry partners such as the BTA and the ITT (Institute of Travel and Tourism) With these partnerships, we are able to maintain a cutting-edge training approach that adapts to trends and provides clients with unparalleled value

At the heart of our commitment and dedication to the travel sector is our Elite Travel Training Academy An online platform delivering essential skills and knowledge to passionate individuals new to travel

Talent Vista Limited is also your gateway to apprenticeships. Our training and development programmes provide a pathway to apprenticeships setting you on the path to success in the travel industry

Change is good, and this one's a game-changer Welcome to the era of Talent Vista Limited - where training meets transformation!

For more information visit our website: www talentvista co uk

Summer Schedule

United Airlines flies 24 daily flights from Edinburgh and London Heathrow to seven U S cities including Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington D C with connections to over 260 destinations across the Americas

Our departures from London Heathrow feature 6ft 6in lie-flat, all aisle access United Polaris℠ business class seats, kitted with Saks Fifth Avenue luxury bedding and skincare from Therabody. United has features, amenities, and products for every kind of traveller from basic and United Economy℠ to United Premium Plus℠ and our United Polaris℠ business class.

20-year anniversary connecting Edinburgh to USA

From the Highlands to the High line, fly United from Scotland to New York! This year, we are celebrating hitting a milestone of 20 years flying from Edinburgh to USA

With our Scottish service seeing flights to New York year-round and seasonal service to Chicago and Washington D C

United App

Award-winning, the United app gives customers quicker and easier access to information throughout their journey for a seamless travel experience The app allows iPhone users to receive real-time flight status updates right from the lock screen

The United app is an all-in-one travel partner, providing personal device entertainment, free messaging onboard*, bag tracking, live flight updates, interactive airport maps and navigating to the nearest business class lounge or United Club

For more information, download the United app

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