Survey: What’s next for business travel

 

During SAP Concur’s recent Travel Industry Summit, industry leaders discussed important changes coming to travel in light of COVID-19, including increased flexibility, enhanced end-to-end safety and security measures, and new mobile and touchless technologies. In fact, American Airlines just released an updated app that enables a touchless check-in experience. But travelers have expectations for when business travel resumes as well.

A SAP Concur commissioned survey of nearly 5,000 global business travelers revealed findings that may dictate the road to business travel recovery:

• Ninety-seven percent of global business travelers expect to adopt new behaviors when they start to travel again, including wearing facemasks, carrying hand sanitizers in shared spaces, and travel-enforced social distancing.
• Ensuring personal health and safety while traveling is most important, with 65 percent of business travelers placing it in their top three considerations.
• The most stressful stage of business travel is the trip itself, according to 45 percent of business travelers - a 50 percent increase from last year.
• Thirty-six percent of business travelers will hold themselves most accountable to protect their health and safety when they can travel, 18 percent will hold their employer most accountable, and 13 percent will hold their government most accountable.
• Ninety percent of global business travelers expect increased discrimination against certain groups, including those who display cold/flu-like symptoms (59 percent), those from countries with greater than average infection rates (53 percent), and travelers of Asian descent (40 percent).

Tags:  SAP Concur

Jersey launches new safety measures ahead of winter season

 

The government of Jersey recently announced important changes to the Safer Travel Policy on the island ahead of the winter season as staycations remain at the forefront of bookings. Authorities have introduced the latest safety protocols with the hope that the move will allow the destination to continue providing travelers with confidence to enjoy the island, without being worried about their own safety.

Jersey would be following the changes to the green, amber and red classification provided by the U.K. local authority areas based on current infection rate per 100,000 population data. The island would now be moving to the European benchmark of 50 cases per 100,000 as the green to amber threshold.

All visitors and islanders returning from a Green area will be required to be tested on arrival as well as on day five if they are still in Jersey. However, at present there is no requirement of self-isolation at the moment. Travellers will also be able to have a verified PCR test up to 72 hours before travelling to Jersey. In addition, the Visit Safe Charter, in partnership with the government of Jersey and Jersey Hospitality Association, has been developed to instill confidence in islanders and visitors to explore ‘theislandbreak’ as part of the ‘new normal’.

Tags: Coronavirus, Covid-19, Jersey, Jersey Tourism

New survey shows new users and business travel will bolster private jet travel for the Fall

 

MIAMI, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES - Private Jet Card Comparisons has released the results of a new survey that reveals 90% of new and existing private aviation users are expecting to travel by private jet this fall. According to the survey, 51% of respondents are planning to increase their use of private aviation, with 31% reporting their companies are expanding usage of private aviation services. The survey analyzed individuals' upcoming plans to fly private between September and the festive period, with 36% of respondents identifying as new or returning users and 64% representing existing users who were flying private prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Fundamentally, it looks like a combination of new users to private aviation and steady, continued usage from existing users will offset an overall drop in business travel between now and the Christmas holiday season," said Doug Gollan, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Private Jet Card Comparisons. "What's more, at least half of new users are planning to continue using private aviation after the COVID-19 pandemic is over."

One respondent noted that private travel "was always more a curiosity than a reality until COVID-19, but now flying private is the only way we travel", while another commented, "I never used private aviation before COVID... now I will not fly commercial." One newcomer added, "The convenience and efficiency have caused me to consider purchasing a jet of my own for regular use."

Key highlights from the survey include:

• 51% of respondents are planning to increase their use of private aviation, while 28% expect to make the same number of flights, and 21% anticipate decreasing their private flight usage
• Among respondents who are either new or returning users of private aviation services, 89% are planning to fly privately
• Of those who were already existing private aviation users prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 38% expect to make the same number of flights while 30% are planning to increase their private travel usage during this timeframe, and 32% plan to decrease their use of private aviation
• 72% of all respondents are flying privately to reduce possible exposure to COVID-19, including 87% of new or returning private aviation users and 63% of existing users
• 29% of new/returning users expect to fly privately for business travel, compared to just 13% of existing users who plan to increase private flights for business
• Of the respondents whose companies are expanding private jet access for business travel, 92% report their companies are expanding the type of trips for which private aviation is being used, with 28% saying their companies are expanding the number of employees who can use private aviation and 20% expanding both.
• 53% of new and returning users expect to continue to use private aviation after concerns about the pandemic recede
• Respondents reported their top destinations for leisure trips as Florida (38%), followed by mountain destinations (34%), the Caribbean/Central America (17%), and big cities (16%)
• The majority of respondents (69%) cited second homes as their primary accommodations for leisure trips as well as resort hotels (31%), city hotels (20%), rental villas (17%), owned/charter yachts (10%) and Airbnb (6%).

The survey was conducted online from September 18 to 22, 2020 via Survey Monkey to subscribers of Private Jet Card Comparisons, a buyer's guide that enables users to compare over 250 private aviation membership options in order to identify the programs that best fit their needs in minutes, saving weeks of research.

Subscribers also have unlimited access to Quick Compare Pricing, enabling them to view flight costs between various options. Its news blog features both educational articles, tips, and breaking news about private aviation jet card and membership providers.

Tags: Private Jet Card Comparisons

Austrian Airlines tests in-flight shopping platform SKYdeals

 

Austrian Airlines is now testing a new in-flight shopping service for passengers. Via FlyNet, the internet portal on board the Austrian Airlines Airbus fleet, guests have free access to the SKYdeals shopping platform during their flight within Europe. With just one click via the personal mobile device on the online marketplace, information such as destination and flight route is transmitted to SKYdeals and the so-called “shoppertainment” can begin.

On the in-flight shopping platform, passengers will find a selection of products related to the respective destination or route. There are two categories:

• FLY OVER: Passengers receive exclusive discounts on typical products of the country just flown over, for example Swiss chocolate.
• QUICK SALES / PRIVATE SALES: Passengers have access to exclusive fashion, beauty and accessories offers. 

Ordering and payment is contactless online directly via the SKYdeals platform. The purchase is conveniently delivered by post to the desired address. At the start of the test phase, passengers will receive a FlyNet Mail&Surf voucher after the sale is completed. Lufthansa, like Austrian Airlines, is also testing the new in-flight shopping experience.

Tags: Austrian Airlines

Southwest Airlines committed to increasing diversity in leadership

 

Southwest Airlines Co. reinforced a continued commitment to putting People first and championing an inclusive workplace for all Employees.

In a video message for the Company’s Employees, Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer Gary Kelly shared, “Our diversity & inclusion journey began long before this summer’s increased focus on racial injustice and has always been rooted in our Southwest Way Values: specifically, how we show up individually, how we treat each other, how we work as a Team, and how we will succeed as a Company.” Southwest long has been committed to diversity and inclusion, having been founded and guided across five decades by the Golden Rule to “Treat others as you would like to be treated,” since our founding.

Kelly continued, “While our diversity imperatives across the years laid a good foundation, we know we must commit to closely focusing in areas like diversity in Senior Leadership and supplier diversity. We continue to look for opportunities to better reflect in our organization the diverse demographics of the communities we serve.” Specifically, the Company has set the following goals:

Evolving hiring and development practices to support diversity goals, including posting all open Leadership positions (Supervisor to Vice President) and requiring diverse candidate slates for each role

Measuring progress in increasing diversity in Senior Leadership

Doubling the percentage of racial diversity and increasing gender diversity in Senior Management Committee by 2025

Engaging breadth of community partners to ensure the Company is leveraging those relationships as it sources diverse talent

Additionally, the Southwest Airlines Board of Directors has committed to increasing its diverse representation by 2025. 

Pursuing Racial Equity

To continue its commitment to inclusion, the Southwest Airlines Diversity and Inclusion Team has completed workshops with much of the Company’s workforce, thus far, including Flight Attendants, Mechanics and Engineers, Finance Employees, and Pilots, with other conversations planned. These workshops are part of an effort to encourage productive conversations on racial equity. Many workgroups from throughout the Company have initiated dialogue and discussion about these important topics.

Employee-led Solutions

The Southwest Airlines’ Diversity Council—comprised of a diverse group of Employees with various job roles, in locations across the country, and with varying levels of experience—was founded more than 10 years ago. It serves as an asset, dedicated to a mission that promotes a work environment that appreciates different backgrounds, experiences, and traditions, while also fostering inclusion, and leveraging diversity to enhance performance and shape Company strategy.

Tags:Southwest Airlines Co.

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts to Debut in Dana Point, California, With Conversion of Monarch Beach Resort

 

MCLEAN, Va. - Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Hilton’s (NYSE: HLT) iconic luxury hotel brand, today announced the upcoming debut of the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, a distinctive 400-room AAA five-diamond hotel in Dana Point, Calif. Purchased by Ohana Real Estate Investors in November 2019, Monarch Beach Resort is a celebrated coastal retreat in relaxed, sun-splashed Orange County. 

“The Monarch Beach Resort’s impeccable product, unmatched service standard and enviable location make it a perfect addition to the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts portfolio. We are incredibly excited about welcoming the resort and its team members to Hilton,” said Danny Hughes, Executive Vice President and President, Americas, Hilton. “We are already partnering with the team at Ohana Real Estate Investors as we transition the resort management, and we look forward to welcoming guests and members to Southern California’s premier luxury destination.”

Monarch Beach Resort, long renowned for its unforgettable experiences and unparalleled standard of hospitality, aligns perfectly with the Waldorf Astoria brand ethos, which invites guests to Live Unforgettable.

“It’s fitting that the storied Waldorf Astoria brand is coming to Dana Point—which is one of the most iconic beachfront communities in California,” said James Cole, Ohana Real Estate Investors partner. ”The Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club is a welcome addition to the Ohana portfolio of luxury properties. This partnership will elevate the entire resort experience.”

With its picturesque setting just 60 miles south of Los Angeles, the resort is nestled hillside along the coast of Dana Point and offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Equal parts sophisticated, approachable and intimate, Monarch Beach Resort has a personality that fits perfectly with the playful coastal lifestyle of the area.

Guestrooms and Suites

A coastal palette of cool blues, greens and crisp whites distinguish the exquisitely appointed 400 guest rooms and suites. All rooms feature lavish textiles, comfortable chaise lounges, ocean-inspired artwork, and marble top armoires to complement the full marble baths. Modern patio furniture adorns the balconies off every room and suite, and first-floor patios feature fire pits for true beach lifestyle. Bluetooth-enabled alarm clocks and flat screen televisions allow guests to seamlessly sync phones or tablets to play music and stream movies. 

Amenities

Offering an unmatched level of world-class amenities, resort guests and club members can access coastal paths leading to seaside bluffs and exclusive access to the private beach club, via a scenic Monarch Beach Resort tram ride. An expansive outdoor pool area includes the Monarch Pool, a family pool and two infinity-edge ocean view Jacuzzis that seamlessly spill into the stunning seascape, private cabanas with built-in music, stocked outdoor mini-bars, and outdoor fire pits for evening relaxation. An award-winning, oceanfront 18-hole golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., welcomes golf enthusiasts.

The 30,000 square foot Spa at Monarch Beach Resort provides guests and members with an expansive wellness and spa experience inspired by the resort’s oceanfront location and rooted in practices that deliver a healthy lifestyle. With 24 treatment rooms and suites, the spa offers more than 70 signature treatments and wellness programs, a lap pool, boutique, Dana Point’s only Drybar salon and Deborah Lippmann nail studio.  More than 40 weekly fitness, yoga and meditation classes are offered, including beach yoga. 

Culinary Delights

A one-of-a-kind Southern California escape, the resort boasts seven culinary options, perfect for every palate:  

• Bourbon Steak Orange County is Michael Mina’s acclaimed restaurant concept, known for its modern, seasonal take on the classic steakhouse dining experience.
• AVEO Table + Bar features a Mediterranean concept that embraces the seasonal bounty of the Californian coastline, including a “Farm-to-Bar” approach and ocean views.  
• The lobby lounge area 33˚North offers a bar, a living room salon and an ocean view outdoor patio.
• Exclusive to resort guests and members, the Monarch Bay Beach Club is an oceanfront bar and restaurant that showcases a refined yet approachable menu of seafood and coastal cuisine.
• Part & Parcel Market is a marketplace perfect for guests on the go with its wide selection of gourmet coffee, delectable pastries, freshly-made juices, smoothies, gelato and savory snacks served in a casual atmosphere and convenient location.
• Club 19 offers a Gastro Pub dining experience located at the 1st tee on the golf course, with an outdoor terrace warmed by a large fireplace and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
• The poolside Mexi-Cali cantina Sombra serves authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine, such as fish tacos, inventive healthy salads and citrus-y ceviche.

Meetings & Events

With more than 30,000 square feet of indoor event space, Monarch Beach Resort offers meeting, event and wedding planners innovative and integrated technology capabilities, elegant venues and personalized menu options. The resort’s expansive 60,000 square feet of outdoor event space includes a lush botanical garden, gazebos, spacious verdant lawns, and ocean view terraces.

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts guests can access additional benefits of Hilton Honors membership, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 distinct hotel brands. Members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive Member discount, and free Standard WiFi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app.

For more information about Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, please visit newsroom.hilton.com/waldorfastoria.

Tags:Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Hilton

GCB German Convention Bureau partners with PlanetIMEX

 

FRANKFURT/MAIN – The virtual PlanetIMEX returns from 12 to 16 October with five days of learning and networking and a series of headliners from the global business events community. The GCB German Convention Bureau, strategic partner of IMEX from the very beginning, contributes to the event’s rich and diverse programme – from an update on Germany’s meetings market to a fun fact quiz on Monday Funday.

PlanetIMEX was first launched in May 2020 after the cancellation of IMEX Frankfurt and counted well over 40,000 visits within three weeks. The October edition has been redesigned with a whole new look and feel as well as new features and will provide a full week of learning and networking with interactive experiences. “IMEX and the GCB German Convention Bureau have been trusting partners from the very start. In challenging times like these, we are more than happy to support team IMEX in further developing their renowned portfolio and meeting new needs,” says Matthias Schultze, GCB’s Managing Director. “With its dual focus on digital networking while at the same time planning for future face-to-face encounters, IMEX is a perfect match to the GCB’s recovery strategy ‘At the heart of future events‘".

Market insights and the path to recovery
In cooperation with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), PlanetIMEX’ session “From response to recovery: Africa, Asia, Europe, Germany, Latin America, Middle East, USA” on 15 October takes an in-depth look at current progress, regulations and the state of business readiness across seven regions. Together with the Dutch, Danish and Catalan convention bureaux, the GCB will discuss the coronavirus’ impact on the European convention sector and different scenarios for recovery. Another GCB-session on 15 October will provide participants with an update on Germany including an outlook on different scenarios for market development based on recent study results. Representatives from German hotels, destinations, venues and event agencies will share their perspective and solutions for future meetings and events as well. The “new now” is all about embracing new opportunities and creating novel concepts that enhance personal encounters with new technological innovations.

Scientific foundation for the new now 
This concept of a dual focus on face-to-face and virtual formats was brought to life with the hybrid multi-site congress “BOCOM – Experience Borderless Communication” on 3 September 2020. Initiated by the GCB, it was accompanied by Fraunhofer IAO to scientifically evaluate the characteristics, benefits and limitations of the different elements of a hybrid format. In a live webinar on PlanetIMEX’ Community Day (Friday 16 October), the GCB’s Sarah Skavron and Birgit Pacher will present first research results, providing insights into a scientific and holistic examination of the hybrid event format. Participants will learn, for example, which formats are most suitable for different audiences.

The GCB’s PlanetIMEX week kicks off on “Monday Funday” (12 October) with an entertaining Germany fun facts quiz. Have you ever wondered how many litres of beer are consumed during Oktoberfest? Or how many herbs are part of Frankfurt’s culinary highlight “Grüne Sosse” (green sauce)? Join the GCB on a fun journey through Germany and get to know several destinations from a new perspective.

Tags: GCB German Convention Bureau,PlanetIMEX 

Disney in COVID-19 trouble?

 

Disney announced today, Tuesday, September 29, 2020, it will be laying off 28,000 employees at both its Disneyland and Walter Disney World parks in the United States. This information was disseminated to employees via a letter from Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro.

The layoffs will occur at Disney’s theme parks, cruise lines, and travel planning and consumer products division.

“In light of the prolonged impact of COVID-19 on our business, including limited capacity due to physical distancing requirements and the continued uncertainty regarding the duration of the pandemic — exacerbated in California by the State’s unwillingness to lift restrictions that would allow Disneyland to reopen — we have made the very difficult decision to begin the process of reducing our workforce at our Parks, Experiences and Products segment at all levels, having kept non-working Cast Members on furlough since April, while paying healthcare benefits,” D’Amaro said in a statement.

Disneyland in Anaheim and Disney California Adventure has been closed for 6 months now since mid-March. Disney theme parks in China, France, Japan and Florida have reopened with attendance capacity limits following extended coronavirus closures.

“We initially hoped that this situation would be short-lived, and that we would recover quickly and return to normal,” D’Amaro said in a letter to employees. “Seven months later, we find that has not been the case. And, as a result, today we are now forced to reduce the size of our team across executive, salaried and hourly roles.”

According to D’Amaro, Disney theme parks have cut expenses, suspended capital projects, furloughed employees with benefits and modified operations in an effort to avoid layoffs.

“As you can imagine, a decision of this magnitude is not easy,” D’Amaro said in a letter to employees. “However, we simply cannot responsibly stay fully staffed while operating at such limited capacity.”

About two-thirds of the 28,000 laid off employees are part-time workers. D’Amaro said Disney will look for opportunities to bring back the laid off employees at a later date.

“As difficult as this decision is today, we believe that the steps we are taking will enable us to emerge a more effective and efficient operation when we return to normal,” said D’Amaro, chairman of Disney’s Parks, Experiences and Products division. “As heartbreaking as it is to take this action, this is the only feasible option we have in light of the prolonged impact of COVID-19 on our business.”

Tags: Disney’s theme parks,COVID-19,Disneyland

ICAO Council President encourages solidarity and a focus on building back more sustainably at ATAG 2020 Global Forum

MONTREAL - In his virtual remarks to industry leaders attending the Air Transport Action Group’s (ATAG’s) 2020 Global Sustainable Aviation Forum, ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano drew attention to how COVID-19’s impacts on global mobility had tragically impacted the lives of the hundreds of millions of economically vulnerable men and women around the world, with further negative effects on intercultural exchange and the peace and economic prosperity of many developing and developed societies.

“Given the importance of air travel to so many of our fundamental collective aspirations, and to every global citizen’s quality of life, aviation leaders have a great responsibility upon them today as we confront the existential threats of the ongoing pandemic,” he emphasized.

“Health and safety, and the fundamental economic viability of operators must be assured, and as medical conditions permit we must also work better together to see that traffic recovery proceeds on the basis of continuously improving international alignment,” he continued. “But we must also recognize the opportunity this crisis provides to build back commercial aviation greener, and more sustainably, including in terms of its overall role in the social and climate impacts of international travel and tourism.”

The ICAO Council President also drew the leaders’ attention to the fact that, to achieve this higher degree of sustainability, it would require “the vision and strong commitment of everyone attending this summit today, and a heavy reliance on innovation going forward.”

He underscored that ICAO is placing a strong focus on innovation Organization-wide, and noted the green aviation innovations recently explored at the CO2 Emissions Stocktaking event ICAO conducted earlier this month.

“I was very much encouraged to see the level of excitement on hand there for what could be possible for our sector going forward,” Sciacchitano noted, “and particularly so by the announcement there by the oneworld alliance on its new commitment to net-zero aviation emissions by 2050.”

Alongside the upcoming ICAO Seminar on Aviation Green Recovery this November, Mr. Sciacchitano drew attention to how these latest events were providing an important platform for exchanging ideas, and that the insights and perspectives emerging from the ATAG forum would be appreciated by ICAO’s global audience.

He also noted, where aviation and the UN Sustainable Development Goals are concerned, that the inter-relationships between aviation, tourism, and the natural environment and civil societies are complex and symbiotic, and “not simply a matter of carbon emissions from commercial jets.”

In concluding, Mr. Sciacchitano assured his audience that the ICAO Council and Secretariat will continued to move forward on the key objectives of the Environmental work programme States have assigned them, and on “tackling even the most challenging diplomatic aspects of the pandemic’s impacts on that programme – as the Council recently achieved with the CORSIA baseline adjustments.”

“All of us must recognize today that this is a time not only for strong leadership and commitment, but also deeper collaboration and progress founded in the solidarity called for in the Council’s CART Report,” he said. “Fortunately, there is no other global community more capable in those capacities than our own.”

In his virtual remarks to industry leaders attending the Air Transport Action Group’s (ATAG’s) 2020 Global Sustainable Aviation Forum today, ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano drew attention to how COVID-19’s impacts on global mobility had tragically impacted the lives of the hundreds of millions of economically vulnerable men and women around the world, with further negative effects on intercultural exchange and the peace and economic prosperity of many developing and developed societies. He assured his audience that the ICAO Council and Secretariat will continued to move forward on the key objectives of the Environmental work programme States have assigned them, and on tackling even the most challenging diplomatic aspects of the pandemic’s impacts on that programme – as the Council recently achieved with the CORSIA baseline adjustments.

Tags: ICAO,Air Transport Action Group

New analysis details aviation climate pathways

 

GENEVA – In new analysis released yesterday, the aviation sector details how it can meet its climate goal of cutting CO2 emissions in half by 2050, compared with 2005. It also highlights that net-zero emissions from air transport across the global could be achieved a decade or so afterwards. The plan will rely on a significant shift away from fossil fuels, the introduction of radical new technology and continued improvements in operations by the sector.

Executive Director of the cross-industry Air Transport Action Group, Michael Gill said: “A decade ago the aviation industry became one of the first to commit to a long-term climate action plan. We are now able to provide detailed analysis of different pathways to achieve the goal of halving net aviation CO2 emissions by 2050 and, with the right support from governments and researchers, be on our way to net-zero emissions a decade or so later.

“We should be under no illusion that the decarbonisation path for aviation is an easy one. Without the ‘off-the-shelf’ technology available to most other parts of the economy, reaching our climate goals is going to be a significant challenge. But our Waypoint 2050 analysis shows that decarbonisation is possible, and in a number of different ways. We now need the commitment from governments, the energy industry, researchers and from the aviation sector itself to make it happen.”

The prospect of new technologies such as radical aircraft designs, electric and hydrogen powered aircraft is factored into the analysis and these are expected to be able to enter the fleet from around 2035-2040 for short-haul flights. Operational improvements such as more efficient air traffic management and better use of existing aircraft play a fundamental early role and help reduce emissions further. Most importantly, the nearly complete shift to sustainable aviation fuels – up to 450-500 million tonnes of this low-carbon energy source – will be required to meet the industry’s climate goal.

“For sustainable aviation fuel in particular, we need support from governments in the next decade to help set the stage for the future of low carbon connectivity. These new fuels are already flying today – over 270,000 commercial flights have taken off so far – but are still a tiny part of our overall fuel mix. We know that we can begin the energy transition away from fossil fuels in earnest, but we need support from governments to do so. Importantly, we know that this new fuel can come from completely sustainable sources and there is enough of it available without impacting on land or water use.”

The analysis released by the industry, alongside work by governments and researchers, will be used to inform United Nations negotiations towards a long-term climate goal for air transport. The aviation industry has encouraged this process, anticipated to be finalised at the next International Civil Aviation Organization Assembly in 2022.

“Air transport is a vital driver of global economic development, social cohesion, family connections and business opportunities. Governments can play a key role in helping to sustain a green recovery for aviation from the Covid-19 crisis and a path towards net zero emissions from air transport. But the next 10 years will set the sustainable aviation agenda out to 2050 and beyond. This is a crucial period,” said Gill

The industry believes that with the right support from governments, net-zero CO2 emissions from global air transport may be achievable by around 2060-2065, but it is likely that some regions will be able to meet this goal earlier with work underway in some parts of the world to identify those roadmaps. A number of individual airlines and companies in the industry have already set themselves net zero targets*.

“We are encouraged to see increasing awareness of this important milestone and we urge all parts of the industry to work on accelerating climate action and building sustainability into the heart of their business strategy. However, we recognise that for many parts of the global sector decarbonisation will be a significant stretch and they will need a little more time to make it a reality.”

The Waypoint 2050 analysis does not rely primarily on market-based measures such as offsets to pursue pathways to decarbonisation. However, it is likely market-based measures will be needed in the long term to deal with any remaining CO2 emissions or as sustainable aviation fuels ramp-up.

Tags: Air Transport Action Group

ANA Starts Offering Bookings Directly through “Google Flights”

 

All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest and 5-Star airline for eight consecutive years now makes it possible to book flights directly through Google.

Fully integrated with the company’s “Book on Google” *1 service, passengers will be able to find ANA flights and book them by using the ticket comparison search platform “Google Flights”*2. This capability was made possible by implementing a platform that adheres to New Distribution Capability (NDC)*3 guidelines.

Previously, when customers wanted to make a reservation for an ANA flight through “Google Flights”, they would need to enter flight information such as date and destination. After selecting the flight on “Google Flights”, the passenger would be re-directed to ANA’s official website to make a reservation and purchase a ticket. The introduction of the “Book on Google” service streamlines the process and allows for flights to be easily booked through the following steps:

• After conducting a search on “Google Flights”, customers can complete the reservation and purchasing procedure on the “Google Flights” page without going to the official ANA website.
• Travelers can view and purchase optional upgrade services such as securing seat reservations and additional baggage allowance in advance. These options used to be offered mainly on ANA reservation sites and call centers.
• Once customers log in to their Google accounts, their registered names and contact information will automatically be displayed when filling out travel details. In addition, if the customer has registered their credit card with Google PayTM their credit card information will also be displayed automatically to allow for a smoother transition from search to reservation to payment process.

*1 Book on Google

“Book on Google” helps complete airline ticket reservations on Google-owned platforms. Currently, users have to move from “Google Flights” to ANA’s official website, but with this launch it will be possible to search, reserve and pay on “Google Flights” without transitioning to the website.

*2 Google Flights

Please see below URL for details on Google Flights:

www.google.com/flights

*3 NDC (New Distribution Capability)

NDC is the latest communication standard established by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to deliver information on airline tickets and their ancillary services. Through platforms that comply with this standard, ANA's reservation systems are directly linked to those of our external partners. This enables us to obtain a wide range of information, including in-flight services, seats, and the number and size of carry-on baggage, and to purchase optional services, such as paid lounge services, which were limited to purchases by ANA’s official website and some travel agencies. As it is a global industry standard, we will collaborate with various partners around the world.

*There are some restrictions on optional services available for purchase.

*International flight tickets are available through the service. Tickets for domestic flights and/or tickets for domestic and overseas tours are not applicable.

*Google and Google Pay are trademarks of Google LLC.

Tags: All Nippon Airways (ANA)

A surge in demand for luxury villa rentals puts a heightened emphasis on safety protocol management

 

MIAMI, FL – A rapid surge in luxury villa rentals over the summer has resulted in an increase in new providers adding their inventory to meet the anticipated demand for the fall and winter travel season ahead. However, bad experiences among travelers related to misrepresented homes and poor safety protocols has prompted industry leaders to enforce a gold standard set of best practice rules and regulations that provide homeowners and clients with more than just peace of mind when contracts are drawn.

Overseas Leisure Group, a leading luxury travel operator based in Miami, has offered luxury villa rentals across the globe for more than 27 years. Approximately 70 percent of its private villa inventory is off-market or exclusive. The company’s continued success is based upon implementing a resolute series of strict protocols and personal services to ensure those who are renting have utmost confidence that every detail has been carefully administered. As part of its unique concept in villa rental portfolios, clients are also offered a Field Service Manager to act as a full-time concierge who can remain on-site. Additional destination management practices include the following.

• All villas are personally visited by a member of the Overseas Leisure Group management team
• Clients are offered a virtual tour of the property on Zoom prior to signing a contract
• All rentals include remote concierge assistance available 24/7
• Safety protocols are implemented beyond CDC requirements, including deep cleaning services
• All staff use the Entrsafe health screening App (created for Covid-19 prevention) that is exclusive to Overseas Leisure Group
• All staff are tested within 72 hours of arrival by the client
• Private chefs and butlers are vetted by the field service team
• Home or villa rentals include a curated menu of local activities that are private for the group
• On-site or remote concierge assistance includes restaurant recommendations with outdoor or private room dining, as well as the option of grocery stocking for in-home dining

“As we near the end of a summer where domestic road trips were the preferred way to vacation, perceptions of safety for domestic travel, transportation and lodging are at their highest since the start of the pandemic,” says Felix Brambilla, Partner and CEO of Overseas Leisure Group. “We will continue to see a large portion of travelers journey to more remote, less densely populated locations during the next six months. Private villas have become an excellent option, especially for those wanting to get away and enjoy outdoor leisure activities within a safe environment. Unfortunately, we have seen bad stories spread about mismanaged homes, last minute cancellations, lack of safety protocol and the absence of on-site support. We have implemented a Best Practice management model that we hope will set a much-needed platinum standard for the private lodging sector.” 

Due to the rise in domestic travel resulting from the Coronavirus pandemic, attractive off-the-grid destinations that cater to affluent travelers have had to combine the privacy of high-end accommodations with a customized itinerary of unique leisure activities that are also offered with best practice protocols implemented with paramount importance. Off the beaten track retreats, with all the conveniences and comforts of a hotel, have gained popularity within rural and scenic locations that encompass outdoor adventure, such as Montana, California and the Caribbean for example. Staycations in a private home, villa or ranch resort have seen an increase in demand among couples, groups and families due to the described health and safety measures being implemented, giving confidence in the minimal risk of exposure among guests who enjoy the privacy these locations offer. Rather than accommodations for guests to seclude themselves indoors, private home and villa rentals have grown for the pursuit of outdoor adventure, allowing guests to be active and explore, seeking memorable activities that must essentially be provided in a safe environment.

Tags: Overseas Leisure Group

Royal Caribbean Group Extends Cruise with Confidence Program

 

Royal Caribbean Group is extending its “Cruise with Confidence” program.

For all bookings created by November 30, 2020, guests have the flexibility to cancel their cruise up to 48 hours prior to sailing and receive a full credit of the cruise fare paid for a future cruise through April 2022 and May 4, 2022 for Celebrity Cruises. The cruise company will also continue to offer their “Best Price Guarantee” and “Lift and Shift.”

• “Best Price Guarantee”: Guests can choose to change the price and promotional offer on their reservation up to 48 hours before their cruise.
• “Lift and Shift”: This option is ideal for those guests wishing to move their vacation plans to next year. Eligible between now and November 30, 2020, guests can protect their original cruise fare and promotional offering by shifting to a future sailing on the same itinerary type, sailing length, stateroom category, and within the same 4-week period of their original cruise date same-time-next-year. Bookings for 2021 sail dates may shift to 2022 only on current deployment open through 4/30/22 (5/4/22 for Celebrity).

In addition to easing concerns of booked guests, the policy enhances consumer confidence to schedule new bookings, knowing last-minute travel adjustments are allowed.

“We want our guests to feel they can safely keep their existing cruise bookings or schedule new sailings, because this policy gives them more freedom and flexibility,” says Royal Caribbean Group chairman and CEO Richard Fain.

The program applies to all cruises with sailing dates on or before April 2022 and across the company’s global brands: Royal Caribbean International, and Azamara. For Celebrity Cruises, the extension applies to sailings before May 4, 2020.

Tags: Royal Caribbean Group

Viparis Welcomes the Annual Conference of AIPC

 

On 24 and 25 September, Viparis will host the 2020 edition of AIPC's annual conference, which is set to bring together event venue professionals from Europe and around the world.

In light of the current global health and economic crisis, the goal is to work together to find timely solutions to address the sector’s future. For the very first time, the conference will be a hybrid one, offering both digital and in-person sessions so all AIPC members can take part in discussions.

The agenda will include meetings, round tables and panel discussions on various topics of interest to event site professionals.

It will also feature a wide-ranging debate on how to emerge from the crisis with contributions from the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI). Discussions will draw on members' experiences and expertise, but also on contributions by major sector stakeholders such as Mark Gallagher, Managing Director of Performance Insights, André Schneider, CEO of Aéroports de Genève, and Franck Gervais, CEO of the ACCOR group.

"We are honoured to host AIPC's annual conference, and to bring together event venue professionals from many countries to share their experiences and jointly address many critical issues," said Pablo Nakhlé Cerruti, CEO, Viparis.

Aloysius Arlando, President, AIPC said, “Our community must come together as a whole to show that we can emerge from this crisis stronger. Let us make this event a tribute to the resourcefulness that AIPC members have always shown – and a giant step forward towards a new future for us all !

As a city that is re-inventing itself, Paris not only reflects the conference’s theme of re-generation, but in many ways illustrates how these issues are evolving. The vibrant French capital is at the forefront of cities that are looking to the future, and will offer an extraordinary learning experience. Our host venue, the magnificent Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild, located in the very heart of the city, will open its doors to our members.”

Tags:  Viparis ,AIPC's annual conference

Eastern Airways Launches Manchester-Newquay Year Round Service

 

Eastern Airways is launching a new year-round service from Manchester Airport linking the North-West with Cornwall Newquay in the South West of England, assisting with the recovery of UK regional economies.

The UK’s regional airline will introduce the new service on Friday 23rd October in time for school holidays with flights operating initially at four-weekly throughout winter and increasing to at least daily for the Summer season into Cornwall Airport Newquay.  Flights will take just over an hour, saving a road or rail journey of almost 7 hours and provides a quick and easy way to get to some of the UK’s best summer beaches. This replaces a route formerly operated by Flybe and adds to the Eastern Airways existing Leeds-Bradford and Teesside services which are also now extended to year-round. 

Flights are on-sale and bookable at www.easternairways.com with fares starting at £79.99 including 15kg of complimentary hold baggage as part of the quality service offered.

A little over a week ago the airline became the only UK regional airline to add a service into London-Heathrow from Teesside, which affirms the commitment to connecting regional airports to major hubs. The airline continues to try and ensure the UK economic recovery is supported for the key employment sectors including hospitality with route developments such as todays.

Roger Hage, Eastern Airways’ General Manager Commercial & Operations, said: “As the UK’s regional airline serving all four home nations, our ethos is to connect people and places, especially from regional airports throughout the UK which includes services to primary worldwide connecting hubs. This third Newquay service does exactly that, linking the South-West and especially Cornwall with Manchester, one if the UK’s major hub airports. We have carefully one-by-one added former flybe routes that we know are sustainable and where local support is positive and strong. The addition of Manchester compliments our Leeds-Bradford and Teesside services and ensures the north of England as a whole is now served by extensively by Eastern Airways from Newquay. The frequency and capacity will increase as demand dictates and especially as travel volumes return through into summer next year.”

Pete Downes, Managing Director, Cornwall Airport Newquay, commented, “This announcement by Eastern Airways of a third new route to Cornwall Airport Newquay from Manchester is fantastic news. It demonstrates a real vote of confidence in our region and of the potential for domestic air travel to continue its recovery.”

Julian Carr, Aviation Director at Manchester Airport, said, “It’s great to see Eastern Airways commence a service to Newquay from Manchester Airport, providing vital connectivity between the two regions and beyond. With a host of safety measures in place, the security of all our passengers and staff continues to be our number one priority, as we connect people to places domestically and internationally.”

As Covid-19 restrictions remain, services will continue to have extensive cleaning measures on-board and throughout all aspects of each airport. A full anti-bacterial wipe down of all touch points between every service operated and also a comprehensive aircraft night-stop sanitisation remains in-place.

Initially Eastern Airways’ usual complimentary on-board service will be limited to facilitate reduced customer contact. The health, well-being and safety of all customers and staff is a priority throughout the journey including airports and on-board the aircraft.

The independent operator was formed in 1997 and had moved quickly, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, to return back to its own standalone booking facilities after its former franchise partner, Flybe, went into administration earlier in March.

The Humberside Airport based carrier provides a network of routes from airports including Aberdeen, Alicante, Anglesey, Belfast City, Cardiff, Dublin, Humberside, Isle of Man, Leeds Bradford, London Heathrow, Manchester, Newcastle, Southampton, Teesside International in addition to an expanding charter and contract service offer including many premier league and Championship football club, rugby and major corporate customers.

Tags: Eastern Airways