As we wrap up another busy year, I wanted to extend our heartfelt thanks for your outstanding support throughout 2024 From our Autumn Conference in Gibraltar to our various industry events across London your engagement and commitment have helped make this a truly memorable year for the BTA community
As we look ahead to 2025, please take some time to explore what we have planned for next year by taking a peek at our calendar of events on the BTA website, where we'll continue to create valuable opportunities for collaboration and growth
On behalf of everyone at BTA, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year Thank you for your continued partnership, and we look forward to working together in 2025
Best wishes
Clive
The Company Dime Interview with Decius Valmorbida November 5, 2024 1
Decius Valmorbida, President of Travel for Amadeus joined Jay Campbell for an exclusive interview on LinkedIn Live.
Among other topics, Decius spoke to the future of distribution, adoption of NDC, the Amadeus Travel Platform and much more
Download the PDF to read the full article or listen to the audio here.
View the PDF here
A Symphony of Heritage at the new luxury hotel in Vienna
Located on the famous Ringstrasse boulevard in the heart of Vienna, the Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel is a stunning 5-star retreat surrounded by theatres, museums, and historical landmarks
Designed by renowned architect Theophil Hansen in 1873, who also created iconic buildings like the Parliament and the Musikverein, the hotel is a masterpiece of Neo-Renaissance architecture For over 150 years, it has been a symbol of grandeur and luxury, seamlessly blending Viennese charm with world-class hospitality
Recently renovated, the hotel offers 152 luxurious guestrooms, including 60 suites, each designed for maximum comfort and elegance
Guests can enjoy exceptional dining at EDVARD, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, or unwind at the Anantara spa, featuring six treatment rooms, a hydropool, and 800 square meters of serene space
With ten versatile meeting and event spaces, accommodating up to 265 guests, the Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel is the perfect destination for both leisure and business travelers Whether indulging in its fine dining or relaxing in its luxurious spa, this historic hotel offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of Vienna
Click here for more information
Fly in comfort this Winter with ANA's Business Class - THE Room
Are your clients traveling to Japan this winter? Long-haul flights, especially for business travellers, demand exceptional quality. ANA, Japan's largest 5-star airline and the most punctual in the Asia Pacific, ensures your customers a relaxing and comfortable journey
ANA's London-Tokyo flights feature their flagship Business Class product, 'THE Room', offering unparalleled privacy and comfort The spacious seat includes a private door, movable partition for paired seating, direct aisle access, and a 24-inch 4K personal monitor.
Complimentary Wi-Fi in Business Class allows passengers to stay connected, ensuring essential communications remain uninterrupted
Onboard, travellers can savour exquisite cuisine and a selection of wines and sakes curated by a sommelier, along with a collaborative offering from London-based brewery Two Tribes, featuring METRO LAND TOKYO Session IPA, available on the London to Haneda route until February
Clients in Business Class and Premium Economy also have access to the ANA Lounge at Haneda Airport, a bright and beautifully designed spacious area While departing from London, they can enjoy the United Airlines, United Club lounge.
January and February present ideal opportunities to book Business Class at attractive rates. For clients heading to Japan this winter, ANA is the perfect choice for a comfortable and enjoyable experience
Click Here for more informaiton
Hello Evero!
Avanti West Coast’s new fleet brings feel good travel to new routes.
New Evero trains are now bringing more comfortable and sustainable travel to more places on the West Coast Main Line The result of a £350m investment, the brand new fleet is running alongside Pendolino trains, recently upgraded in the UK’s largest ever refurbishment programme
So what’s it like onboard? Evero trains have plenty of space plus extra leg and luggage room. Ergonomic seats, tabletop mobile charging, seat back lights and handy charging points will transform your business journey with bi-mode technology cutting carbon emissions significantly
New
AVIS self-service kiosks - The smart way to travel
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-ofthe-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 and be on their way in less than 30 seconds
At Avis, customers enjoy a seamless and efficient car rental experience
Discover more: https://www avis co uk/your-avis/avis-self-service
Celebrate the Season with Blue Orchid Hospitality
On 7th December join Blue Orchid Hospitality for an exclusive rooftop Christmas Party at The Skyline London Set against the iconic backdrop of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge with stunning panoramic views, this is a Christmas party not to be missed.
Enjoy a sumptuous 3-course festive meal, drinks and mince pies and celebrate with a live DJ as they set the tone for a perfect evening of socialising, networking and celebration Whether you ’ re attending solo, with a plus one, or as a group, be sure to secure your tickets
Book your tickets
Complement your evening by staying at Tower Suites or Tower Residences, offering elegant suites and apartments with fully equipped kitchens and lounges, together with luxurious bathrooms and stunning views of the Tower Bridge and the River Thames. Transport links could not be better with Tower Hill, Tower Gateway and Fenchurch Street stations just a gemstone’s throw away.
Experience Authentic Indian Cuisine
Be the first to experience Blue Orchid’s latest addition to London’s dining scene, TIFFIN TREE In the heart of Westminster, TIFFIN TREE celebrates the rich traditions of Indian Punjabi cuisine. Guests can savour authentic home-cooked meals presented in classic tiffin service, featuring fragrant biryanis, rich curries, and warm, hand-rolled Indian bread
Perfect for private dining or family gatherings, TIFFIN TREE offers carefully created menus, personal and attentive service, and a memorable dining experience that balances tradition and good taste.
Cathay Pacific Unveils the All-New Aria Suite – A New Era of Luxury Travel Takes Flight
Cathay Pacific has recently announced the launch of the brand-new Aria Suite, their latest addition to redefine luxury air travel. This highly anticipated debut marks a new chapter in their commitment to providing an unparalleled flying experience, blending sophistication, privacy, and comfort like never before
The Aria Suite, available in Business Class, introduces a whole new level of exclusivity with fulllength privacy doors, transforming your space into a personal sanctuary in the sky. The suites offer spacious, lie-flat seating with luxurious bedding, creating the perfect environment to rest, work, or enjoy world-class entertainment on our state-of-the-art personal screens.
Launching alongside the Aria Suite is a refreshed dining experience that promises to elevate every journey. Savor a new à la carte menu featuring gourmet cuisine crafted from premium ingredients, accompanied by a curated selection of fine wines and exclusive beverages Each detail is designed to deliver the highest level of comfort and service, setting a new benchmark for luxury in the skies
The launch also reflects their commitment to sustainability, with the Aria Suite incorporating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient features, ensuring that luxury and responsibility go hand in hand.
Experience a new level of luxury in the skies with Cathay Pacific's Aria Suite, soon available from London Heathrow on selected flights*, and discover the future of refined air travel
*New Boeing 777-300ER cabins will be progressively introduced on selected Cathay Pacific operated flights only
Click here for more information
Heavenly experiences in the Arabian Gulf
We are Celestyal, an award-winning and year-round cruise company, setting the standard for unmissable travel experiences in the Greek Islands, the Adriatic, and the Arabian Gulf. Built on a foundation of unique Greek heritage, we excel in delivering exceptional hospitality, and ensuring genuine cultural immersion both onboard and onshore
With a boutique fleet of just two proudly mid-sized ships, Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery, we can take you closer to the destinations on your bucket list. We always adapt our schedule to beat the crowds, making sure you get priority access to the highlights across the Mediterranean and the Arabian Gulf
Onboard our ships, you’ll find a range of beautifully refreshed rooms, from interior cosmos cabins all the way to stargazer suites. Whatever kind of trip you ’ re looking for, you can be assured you’ll be sailing the seas of the Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf in an impeccable level of comfort
Our brand new 3- and 4-night itineraries in the Arabian Gulf, sailing from Doha, are the perfect place to host a conference - with all the facilities you need onboard - or to offer as an incentive, with a fantastic blend of sightseeing, adventure and culture in the winter sun Get in touch now and see what we can do for you
Maximising Corporate Travel Efficiency with Essential Technology
CEfficient travel management hinges on embracing innovative technologies. CMAC’s recent insights highlight five key tech tools reshaping corporate travel: AI-powered management platforms, advanced booking tools, expense management systems, mobile travel apps, and risk management solutions These technologies streamline booking and expense tracking, but also ensure traveller safety and enhance their experience
For a seamless and cost-effective travel program, it’s imperative to align technology with organisational needs, whilst prioritising scalability and the user experience
Explore these solutions further via CMAC’s blog, Essential Technology for Corporate Travel Managers
Find out more here: https://www.cmacgroup.com/blog/integrating-business-travel-into-office-culture
DA new cabin interior is on the horizon at Delta Debuting this fall ahead of Delta’s centennial anniversary, the modern new design will bring substantial improvements to the airline’s aircraft interiors From fresh seating materials, enhanced lighting and a renewed color palette, to new decorative motifs and signature branding, every aspect of the cabin interior has been carefully planned and thoughtfully redesigned to elevate the travel experience
A PREMIUM DESIGN FOR ALL CABINS
The new cabin design features an interior uniquely and intentionally designed to make Delta customers feel at home during their travels Breathable materials, comfortable memory-foam cushions on widebody jets, and lighting that promotes relaxation will span the fleet
Each design feature was carefully thought out with a focus on the details that matter most to our customers As always, Delta customers and employees are at the heart of everything we do; this nose-totail transformation of our cabin interior is based on extensive feedback and research to create a cabin experience that reflects our customers’ changing expectations and lifestyles
Customers will feel more at home thanks to unique touches throughout the cabin, including thoughtful choices of materials at customer touchpoints as well as Delta widget logos and seat tags that create subtle distinctions between cabins
TAKING FLIGHT
“Delta has taken the time to develop every detail of our new interiors; the team was intentional in creating an experience that mimics our customers’ lifestyles and puts them at ease as soon as they board our aircraft”
Click here for more information
Delta Unveils new Cabin Interior across entire Fleet
Premier Inn is now seamlessly connected via DerbySoft, offering TMCs the most efficient and powerful way to collaborate with the UK’s leading budget hotel chain, benefiting corporate clients and travelers This integration streamlines processes like configuring electronic central payment (eCNP), managing central billing (with invoices automatically sent to the correct client email), and pre-setting travel allowances like dinner, drinks, premium WiFi, and parking – all personalized at the client level
TMCs can also benefit from advanced billing functions using level three folio data and a new API for invoice collection Other enhancements include city tax management, corporate rate mapping, and DerbySoft’s Content Suite, which ensures up-to-date, high-quality content for a smoother booking experience
"Through our partnership with DerbySoft, we can significantly extend our reach and provide our TMC partners with a greater choice of booking options, helping them enhance traveler satisfaction while simplifying corporate travel management,” states Stephen Addison, Head of Sales and Distribution for Premier Inn “Extending our availability will also enable more guests to experience the high standards of convenience, service, and affordability that Premier Inn is known for "
With this connection, TMCs gain a competitive edge, offering better efficiency and a more tailored experience for corporate clients when booking with Premier Inn
DerbySoft's Business Travel Suite connects TMCs and hotel organizations directly, offering comprehensive rate options for business travelers To learn more, contact Giles Leather or visit DerbySoft com
Contact Information:
Giles Leather
Giles Leather@DerbySoft net
Premier Inn Partners with DerbySoft for Business Travel
Distribusion Technologies launches new OSDM-Connector, allowing simplified cross-selling amongst European rail carriers.
Distribusion recently won the tender to support the development of a new multi-carrier sales solution for Deutsche Bahn, enabling them to supplement their portfolio with international rail connections outside of Germany such as SBB, Trenitalia, SNCF, and ÖBB
The new interface leverages the Open Sales and Distribution Model (OSDM) standard to provide the necessary services such as price, booking and ticketing cancellation
The solution is based on Distribusion’s new OSDM-Connector, which allows simplified cross-selling amongst European rail carriers Utilizing the OSDM standard promotes greater standardization while its feature depth greatly improves the booking and post sales process for customers It intends to streamline processes and access to ground transportation content without fare restriction
Additionally, whilst reducing the complexity of ground transportation sourcing for TMCs and OBTs, Distribusion's content provides access to worldwide hundreds of rail, bus and public transportation offerings All carriers and offers can be sourced via Distribusion’s own standardized JSON API which is accessible for our TMC and OBT partner with a single development at limited efforts
Click here for more information on Distribusion Technologies
Our London Stansted Lounge is now open
We have opened the doors to a new lounge at London Stansted. Located at Satellite 1 and offering direct boarding to the aircraft, customers can look forward to a spacious lounge with elegant furnishings and dedicated seating areas to dine and unwind in before their flight.
The new lounge is Emirates’ sixth dedicated lounge in the UK, complementing Emirates’ world-class facilities available in London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Manchester
Read more
Fly Better from Edinburgh
We have now resumed our daily service from Edinburgh The flight will operate daily and complement our current A380 daily service from Glasgow, offering 14 weekly flights from/to Scotland
Edinburgh is our eighth destination in the UK, which we currently serve with 133 weekly flights across seven gateways including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and Glasgow –utilising a fleet mix of Emirates A380 and B777 aircraft.
Read more
More flights, more choices to Australia
We have relaunched our daily service between Adelaide and Dubai, flying a Boeing 777-200LR between both cities, offering a two-class service with Business Class and Economy Class On 1 December, a second daily flight from Dubai to Perth will also be resumed, operated by our B777-300 aircraft, in addition to the current A380 service Emirates now operates 70 weekly services to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide from Dubai, making it ideal for a stopover en route
Read more
Frequency increases from Manchester & Australia
Etihad Airways flight schedule is changing from 16 December 2024 as we progressively increase our flight frequency between Manchester and Abu Dhabi, which will become double daily from 01 August 2025
From the 16th December we will have an additional 3 flights per week taking our schedule to 10 per week 2nd June an additional 2 flights per week will be added followed by a further 2 on 1st August where we will operate with a double daily service This will give your customers more frequency and connectivity to our network including the far East, Australasia, Indian subcontinent, and Africa!
Australia is also going to benefit from frequency increases, with Sydney increasing to 10 flights per week from 3rd July and Melbourne adding one additional flight from 30th March 2025 which will improve connections and schedule increases from Manchester and London
Eurostar is pleased to confirm that direct services from the Netherlands to the UK will recommence in 2025.
Sales are now open for direct travel between Amsterdam Centraal, Rotterdam Centraal and London St Pancras International from 10th February 2025
Direct services will be temporarily closed during platform works in Amsterdam between 30th March and 22nd April inclusive but will return on a permanent basis and at full capacity from 23rd April 2025.
A brand-new terminal
This exciting news comes with the anticipated completion of our brand-new cross-channel terminal in Amsterdam, which will offer more capacity and an improved experience for travellers, including a spacious and redesigned Eurostar Premier lounge More details to come in the new year!
30 years of travel with Eurostar
As we come to the close of our 30th year, we look forward to many more years of connecting people and cultures across Europe’s most exciting destinations We’d like to thank all BTA members for their continued support over the last 12 months and beyond, and wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and successful 2025!
As always, please feel free to reach out to our agencies team at direct agencies@eurostar com for any queries
Evolvi Rail Systems branching out into international rail
Evolvi Rail Systems are delighted to announce that we are currently integrating international rail services alongside UK rail, providing the ability to purchase e-tickets on a wide range of European carriers
The functionality is being added to our rich API and will provide online booking tools with the ability to combine both UK and international rail journeys in a single shopping basket It will be ready for third parties to start their development in Q1 2025
Where permitted by the carrier, online aftersales will be supported which will include both refund and exchange capability Added to that all the usual Evolvi functionality will apply to international bookings, such as policy compliance, cost centre validation, XML handoffs and reporting
To simplify the onboarding process all licensing will be managed by Evolvi, avoiding the need for TMCs to establish commercial agreements with individual carriers. Sales will be settled via a consolidated invoice from Evolvi.
To minimise the development effort for third parties already consuming our API, the new functionality is being eased into the existing message set, retaining the flow of the booking process
To find out more about the Evolvi API and website, contact us via support@evolvirail com
First Travel Solutions Celebrates 20 Years!
First Travel Solutions (FTS) are a part of the FirstGroup plc family, the leading ground transport services provider in the UK We provide private hire coaches and taxis for: meetings, events, conferences, corporate days out, group airport transfers, workplace transport, educational sector, sports events, music festivals, and so much more
This year, First Travel Solutions turned 20! Over these 20 years we have been evolving as a business, increasing our team members from 70 to 130, becoming a real living wage employer, and introducing new people policies, making FTS a truly great place to work
Our parent company, First Bus, has made a further significant investment in electric buses When these have been fully delivered, there will be 800 electric buses in the fleet; the largest of any ground transport operator in the UK. A tick in the box for sustainability and the environment!
Over the last 12 months, increasing demand for our award winning services has led to business growth of +30% That’s no surprise when you look at everything we have achieved!
We have been recognised for our outstanding service by gaining these amazing awards:
MIA Supplier of the Year 2023
BETA UK Best Transport Provider 2023
BETA UK Responsible, Sustainable Tourism Silver Award 2023
MEI Best Service Innovation 2023
If you ’ re not already engaging with us, you ’ re missing out on all of this! Your clients deserve the best, so why not take the advantage and let our team of experts plan your ground transport for your events
Click here for more information
Greengage Solutions acquires Responsible Futures
Greengage Solutions has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to enhance and expand its corporate sustainability offering with the acquisition of sustainability consultancy company, Responsible Futures
Responsible Futures has been integrated into the Greengage 360 Consulting division Sam Cande, Founder and CEO of Responsible Futures joins as Consultancy Director, leading the consulting division, supporting organisations to achieve their sustainability goals
Sam brings a wealth of knowledge to the role with a proven record of empowering businesses to embrace sustainability through training, consulting and content-driven webinars
Greengage’s 360 Consulting solutions are ideally suited for Travel Management Companies, corporates, hotels and other businesses within the corporate travel supply chain
Sustainability Training
Including in-person and online training workshops Live, online workshops are engaging and impactful, lasting 1 5 hours for up to 10 individuals. Topics include Sustainable Business Travel, Sustainable Events and Sustainable Hospitality and Accommodation.
Sustainability Consulting
Bespoke consulting covers key areas like carbon measurement and reduction planning; Science Based Targets; social responsibility; and ESG regulation & reporting
Greengage’s other corporate solutions, include the award-winning ECOsmart certification for TMCs and hotels plus EVENTsmart carbon measurement for events
Don’t miss the BTA webinar on 4th December
Join Sam Cande for this webinar, Transforming Travel Management for a Sustainable Future The session will focus on sustainability in travel management, and especially emphasising understanding of travel carbon footprinting and setting of Net Zero targets
For more information on Greengage 360 Consulting contact: sam cande@greengage solutions or visit www greengage solutions
HotelREZ is proud to present Resident Hotels, a Specialist Management Company
The Resident is a personable brand of 6 distinctive city centre hotels, four in London, one in Liverpool and one in Edinburgh They have recently refurbished their lounges, & refreshed all rooms Each room has a mini-kitchen
Under the same management is the Sleeper & Cityroomz budget brand with hotels in Cardiff, Newcastle, Dundee and Edinburgh. All are located in the city centre.
Bookable on the GDS under the HO chain code
The Resident Covent Garden Amadeus: HO LONNCG | Galileo: HO E9405 | Sabre: HO 323002 | Worldspan: HO LHRNC
The Resident Soho Amadeus: HO LON187 | Galileo: HO 88982 | Sabre: HO 187020 | Worldspan: HO 18702
The Resident Kensington Amadeus: HO LONBAS | Galileo: HO E9405 | Sabre: HO 70982 | Worldspan: HO LHRBA
The Resident Victoria Amadeus: HO LONNVH | Galileo: HO B7203 | Sabre: HO 286246 | Worldspan: HO 27995
The Resident Liverpool Amadeus: HO LPL001 | Galileo: HO 228 | Sabre: HO 75591 | Worldspan: HO LPL01
The Resident Edinburgh Amadeus: HO EDITRE | Galileo: HO I0809 | Sabre: HO 605821 | Worldspan: HO EDITR
Sleeperz Cardiff Amadeus: HO CWLUKS | Galileo: HO B9454 | Sabre: HO 103368 | Worldspan: HO UKSZC
Sleeperz Dundee Amadeus: HO DNDSHD | Galileo: HO F0076 | Sabre: HO 324329 | Worldspan: HO DNDSH
Sleepers Newcastle Amadeus: HO NCLTYN | Galileo: HO 28446 | Sabre: HO 148176 | Worldspan: HO NCLRX
Cityroomz Edinburgh Amadeus: HO EDIAMM | Galileo: HO G2956 | Sabre: HO 389930 | Worldspan: HO EDICR
Click here for more information
JetBlue: Your Transatlantic Business Travel Partner
Discover JetBlue Mint and Our New Premium Lounges
We are excited to share some fantastic updates about JetBlue’s offerings, designed to elevate travel experiences. Our commitment to enhance customers journey is reflected in our Mint service and the introduction of our first ever airport lounges.
Mint Service
Our Mint cabins are crafted to provide the ultimate in comfort and convenience for long haul travellers
Key features include:
• Lie-Flat Seats: Enjoy a restful journey with seats that convert into fully lie-flat beds
• Direct Aisle Access: Each seat offers direct aisle access, ensuring privacy and ease of movement
• Enhanced Comfort: Ample storage space for all your needs, free High-Speed WIFI A pair of high-quality Master & Dynamic noise isolating headphones for use during the flight
• Curated Dining: Served tapas-style meals, with a choice of three out of five small plates, and a selection of fine wines, cocktails to enhance in flight experience
Being named the Best Long-haul Airline Partner of the Year 2024 by BTN Europe is a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional service and comfort to your clients
New Lounge Offerings
In late 2025, we will open our first airport lounges at New York’s JFK Terminal 5 and Boston Logan Terminal
C These lounges will offer a relaxed retreat with areas designed for work, play, and relaxation
Check out more https://news jetblue com/latest-news/press-release-details/2024/JetBlue-Plans-toIntroduce-Airport-Lounges-as-It-Expands-Premium-Offerings-and-Perks-for-LoyalCustomers/default aspx
£100 million terminal regeneration for Leeds Bradford Airport
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is celebrating progress of a £100m investment into a vital regeneration of its terminal facilities which will dramatically improve the passenger experience and help unlock economic growth for the region
Approved by Leeds City Council, the work is expected to complete in 2026 Farrans Construction has been appointed as the contractor to deliver Phase 1 of the project, the construction of the terminal extension
The regeneration will see a 9,500m2, three-storey extension to the existing terminal, alongside a significant refurbishment of the current terminal building Passengers will benefit from more seating, faster security, new shops and eateries, as well as the creation of additional aircraft stands and a larger baggage reclaim area and immigration hall
Vincent Hodder, Chief Executive of Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “This announcement marks the beginning of a new era for Leeds Bradford Airport This investment will give us the infrastructure needed to deliver an outstanding customer experience, support the growth of our airline partners, enhance connectivity for business, investment and trade and provide the airport that Leeds, Bradford and Yorkshire have been waiting for LBA is a key asset for our region and our community, our investment enhances and supports broader investments underway in Leeds and Bradford creating new jobs, new opportunities and shared benefits for our community ”
This year, the airport is expected to contribute a total of £460 million to the local economy, directly employing 2,100 people and indirectly supporting 4,500 jobs
Click here for more information
ME Malta is now open!
ME Malta has officially opened, primely positioned in the town of St Julian’s on the island’s north-eastern coastline Located on the water’s edge and designed by the globally acclaimed Zaha Hadid as part of the Mercury Towers development
Set across 20 floors, the 113 rooms, 27 suites and 35 residences offer a vibrant, modern environment, embodying ME’s signature avant-garde design An ideal choice for those travelling for both business and leisure, striking social and event spaces include three Thinking Labs, a Plenary Room and two Breakout Rooms
Located on the hotel’s 8th floor, Cabana Club is set to become Malta’s premier rooftop, poolside beach club Combining panoramic views over the rocky coastline of St Julian’s, modern Mediterranean menus, and a striking pool framed with plush cabanas and loungers, Cabana Club is the new destination to relax, dine, and party in style Hot on the heels of Cabana Club is new restaurant, Luciano by Gino D’Acampo The menu, designed by Gino and his expert team, incorporates a selection of classic Italian and experiential dishes, with a focus on high-quality ingredients
A signature ME by Meliá concept, the hotel’s crowning jewel is the Radio Rooftop bar, which will open in early 2025 Guests can indulge in a modern menu of Asian sharing plates and signature cocktails while soaking up unobstructed views of the Mediterranean, soundtracked by some of Malta’s top DJs
ME Lisbon is next in the pipeline, set to open its doors in 2025
Click here for more information
LAs a forward-thinking hotel company, we are always looking for new ways to embrace innovation So, we ’ re delighted to announce that we ’ ve partnered with the Sabre Corporation – one of the world’s leading technology providers Thanks to our integration into Sabre’s platform, made possible through DerbySoft’s technology, you will be able to experience a more streamlined booking process when you choose Premier Inn for your customers
Our partnership with Sabre means we can significantly extend our reach, providing you and your customers with a greater choice of booking options Integrating directly with Sabre’s lodging platform means we can ensure that our hotels are merchandised to the managed travel category in the best way possible, enabling our guests to experience the high standards of convenience, service and affordability that Premier Inn is known for
With 900+ properties across the UK and Ireland, and 10,500 rooms in Germany, we ’ re perfectly placed wherever your customers need to be We’ve also added more than 1,000 bedrooms to the Paddington area in three stunning new hotels:
London Paddington Basin
Hub by Premier Inn London Marylebone
London Paddington Station
We are continuing to expand in Ireland too; with a choice of six hotels (representing more than 1,000 bedrooms) with significant potential for more growth
Partnerships like this allow us to deliver an even more personalised travel experience to you and your customers –and we ’ re excited about what’s ahead To find out more about our partnership with Sabre, please contact your Premier Inn Account Manager
Premier Inn's partnership with Sabre
Promoting Delegate Travel by Rail
Rail is just one component within business travel and delegate travel may be booked closer to event dates
Rail Delivery Group (RDG) have created a toolkit which was designed with delegates in mind
Travel to and from a meeting or event is a priority for delegates and a key consideration for organisers
To support corporates, conference and event organisers, venues, agencies and TMCs with relevant information on the National Rail network, this toolkit can be used in everything from conference pitches and proposals to delegate packs
There are many considerations when choosing delegate travel, so this toolkit sets out the very many benefits of travelling by train and aims to provide you with the compelling messages for specific communications to promote a more sustainable travel option for meetings and/or events
RDG can also provide more specific messaging for National Rail services to/from specific destinations or for specific requirements (e g group travel), so please reach out to RDG if you require further informationenquiries@raildeliverygroup com
Click here for more information
RIU Hotels & Resorts has taken yet another important step forward in its Proudly Committed sustainability strategy with the approval of two key policies: the Sustainability Policy and the Procurement and Supplier Policy These two documents will guide hotel operations and the supply chain towards a more responsible, ethical and sustainable model
The purpose of the new Sustainability Policy is to establish the general action principles and commitments in this area, as well as the foundations of RIU's sustainability strategy As part of this new policy, RIU voluntarily undertakes to fulfil certain ESG commitments that go beyond legal obligations and will affect its hotel activity and operations
The new Procurement and Supplier Policy deals with the criteria governing the procurement policy and strategy, as well as the way the company works with suppliers throughout the entire purchasing process, from selecting and contracting suppliers through to the subsequent commercial relationship, all while maintaining RIU’s characteristic quality standards, depending on supply availability in each destination
RIU operates in 21 countries, and the various legal frameworks and sensitivities of local communities in different destinations will affect the speed of deployment Nonetheless, RIU has approved these policies as it believes they can be achieved, and the company is fully committed to working towards the established goals
Click here for more information
RIU's proudly committed sustainable strategy
Sabre Appoints Richard Viner as Head for Corporate Accounts for the UK & Ireland
Sabre Corporation announced the appointment of Richard Viner as Head for Corporate Accounts for the UK and Ireland
Richard Viner brings extensive experience from his roles at major travel industry organizations, including Expedia, Egencia, TravelPerk, and PSNGR1 At TravelPerk, he led the company ’ s rapid expansion contributing to a5x growth during in annual revenue during his tenure He also led the go-to-market strategy for PSNGR1, positioning it as a key player in the UK market
According to Viner, “Sabre is driving innovation in corporate travel by offering solutions that address the evolving needs of the industry Its cloud-based technologies and AI-driven tools enable faster, more efficient collaboration between suppliers and buyers A key part of this is Sabre’s multi-source content strategy, which integrates NDC, low-cost carrier content, and traditional GDS content This ensures corporate travel buyers have the choice, transparency, and efficiency they need Sabre’s ability to solve the increasing complexity of the travel ecosystem makes it a critical partner for companies navigating this changing landscape”.
Richard Viner will focus on helping corporate travel buyers in the UK and Ireland access Sabre’s multi-source content, including GDS, NDC, and low-cost carriers, to improve booking transparency and operational efficiency. His role will ensure corporate accounts can offer a broader range of travel options while streamlining their processes
Click here for more information
Global Leader In Mobility
SIXT is a leading international provider of high-quality mobility services With our diverse range of products such as SIXT rent & SIXT ride on our mobility platform, we offer a uniquely integrated premium mobility experience This spans across vehicle and commercial vehicle rental (both short and long term) These services are seamlessly accessible through the SIXT App With a presence in over 100 countries worldwide, SIXT is synonymous with a large network and consistent customer orientation
Our SIXT app allows every driver to customise their profile and preferences, enabling us to deliver an exceptional personalised service with a wide range of benefits These include Mobile Check-In, Exclusive Counter & Parking, and an attractive loyalty scheme Additionally, our offerings feature a cutting-edge booking interface, digitalisation of vehicle take-over and return, and dedicated features for B2B travellers
We continue to invest in premium new locations across our network This includes locations inside Heathrow Terminal 2 and 5, making SIXT the only car rental provider located within the terminal, eliminating the need for a shuttle bus. We have also opened new branches in London Marylebone, Canary Wharf, Park Lane and Putney providing greater convenience, improved service, and a seamless experience for our customers across the city.
We are fully compatible with business travel agencies, offering a competitive commission structure with full integration on the most common booking channels It couldn’t be easier to register with us as a partner, scan the code to find out more today!
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Your travel navigator
Skycop provides comprehensive travel care solutions, empowering partners worldwide to offer comfort and security to travelers With a reliable B2B platform and innovative projects like TAL Aviation's flight claims, we aim to become the global leader in travel care
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Building Blocks of Leadership: Unlocking Potential Through Apprenticeships
In the dynamic world of business travel, building strong, confident leaders is key to staying ahead of the curve Empowering employees with leadership skills creates agile, high-performing teams that drive success
Apprenticeships like Team Leader Level 3 and Operational Manager Level 5 provide clear pathways to leadership, focusing on practical skills like communication, decision making and problem solving - all applied in real world scenarios
These programmes not only support individual growth but also boost team collaboration, ensuring managers can tackle challenges with confidence Apprenticeships pave the way for career progression, helping employees feel valued while building leadership capacity For organisations, this translates to a motivated, capable workforce ready to lead
At Talent Vista, working in partnership with ABM Training, we design apprenticeship programmes specifically tailored to the unique needs of the business travel industry, ensuring training aligns with sector demands Investing in apprenticeships creates a robust leadership pipeline that supports both your organisational goals and your team’s personal growth, cultivating a thriving culture of success across the board
Ready to shape your business’s future? Reach out to mandy@talentvista co uk today to discuss how we can help meet your talent needs
Don’t forget to join our exclusive LinkedIn group for BTA members and partners to share insights, discuss challenges, and discover innovative training solutions: Join Here - https://www linkedin com/groups/13071273/
The 2024 Modern Retailing Report
Combining international independent research, cross-industry comparisons and consumer insights, the headline of Travelport's 2024 State of Modern Retailing Report asserts that searching and booking travel directly from travel providers has become more time-consuming and complicated than ever
“Despite travel providers favoring direct-to-consumer connections, the sheer volume of options is overwhelming to travelers, making them less confident in their booking choices,” said Jen Catto, Chief Marketing Officer at Travelport “Our research found that instead of feeling excited after booking a trip, most travelers are left feeling anxious, wondering if they got the best deal. For the travel industry, this signals a growing need and opportunity for travel agencies. Their expertise in comparison shopping aids travelers in confidently booking the best option, based on their personal preferences.”
To read the 2024 State of Modern Retailing report, visit https://www travelport com/difficult-to-compare
Important Legal Updates for your Business!
The Digital Markets, Competition & Consumer Act (DMCC)
Having received Royal Assent on 24 May 2024, the DMCC will be implemented in the UK over the next 18 months A landmark piece of legislation, the DMCC will create a new regime for regulating large businesses with a significant market presence in digital activities; expand the CMA's existing investigation and enforcement powers in respect of competition issues; and tackle illegal and anti-competitive behaviours to focus competition regulation on the areas of greatest potential harm With emphasis on online reviews, drip-pricing and dark patterns, travel businesses of all kinds will need to review and monitor their online presence so as not to fall foul of this legislation
The government is creating a new failure to prevent fraud offence to hold organisations to account if they profit from fraud committed by their employees This will improve fraud prevention and protect victims Whilst there are some existing powers to fine and prosecute organisations and their employees for fraud, the new offence will strengthen these, closing loopholes that have allowed organisations to avoid prosecution in the past
Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023
Sexual harassment at work has always been unlawful This new piece of legislation means employers are now under a mandatory duty to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace The new duty is to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of employees in the course of their employment
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Nico Nicholas, Keynote Speaker at COP29
Last month, Nico Nicholas CEO of ZEERO by Trees4Travel’s, was invited to speak at the first thematic Travel Industry Day at COP29 UN Climate Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan ZEERO incentivises climate action through a joint venture, shared investment approach, an opportunity of collaboration designed to propel businesses towards achieving their ESG and NET ZERO goals
The simply packaged holistic ‘CLIMATE CONTRIBUTION’ model, channels finance into key areas including clean energy technologies: a crucial blueprint pilot project is already in the making, which includes a pivotal biofuel development of sustainable fuel production and waste management in one, giving the potential of energy independence to communities This is then combined with support for high integrity nature restoration projects and finally a percentage goes into a first response disaster fund
Through small contributions per traveller, booking, travel insurance policy ZEERO helps to accelerate and scale up these important climate solutions. Each micro-investment of just £2.60 includes share points, where sustainability also becomes a balance sheet asset rather than a cost.
Alongside ZEERO, Trees4Travel and Trees4Events provide an end-to-end solution, cutting edge FREE technology to measure, report and reduce negative impact, allowing all businesses easy access to manage emissions We combine multiple internationally acclaimed calculation methodologies GHG Protocol, Google TIM, DEFRA, HCMI, plus granular aviation data analytics from Cirium We are ISO 27001, 9001 and 14001 compliant across all our products and services, we also align with ISO 14083 for transport and mobility standards, as well as ISO 20121 for meetings and events
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United Airlines
United Airlines is a force for good We are building the future of environmentally conscious aviation, diversifying our flight deck, and reimagining the entire flying experience to better serve all customers United flies up to 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 270 destinations across the Americas 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
Customers can now view all food and beverage items served during all flights for all cabins on a brand-new, industry-leading digital menu available on united com and in the United app
You can also see the menu without having a booked flight Simply go to united com or the United app and click "Flight Status” > “Inflight Menu" and explore the onboard experience for your next trip!
United customers will soon enjoy the same high-speed, low-latency inflight Wi-Fi in the air that they enjoy on the ground The new, gate-to-gate connectivity will unlock game-changing experiences in the sky which will provide free access to live TV and streaming services, social media, shopping, gaming and more, on seatback screens and personal devices simultaneously
United expects to have Starlink on all United aircraft – more than 1,000 planes – over the next several years Testing begins in early 2025 with the first passenger flights expected in late 2025
