JUNE 1, 2022

American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) began trading as a public company on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under ticker symbol “GBTG” on Tuesday. Apollo Global Management, Ares, HG Vora, Sabre, and Zoom are among a new group of investors joining American Express Company, Certares, and Expedia Group on the existing investor roster. This follows the release of Amex GBT’s Q1 financial results on 17 May, in which full year 2022 revenue guidance was raised, based on the strong momentum in business travel recovery and new wins. Paul Abbott, Amex GBT’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “[Yesterday] marks a significant milestone in the business travel industry recovery and for Amex GBT. With strategic initiatives over the last few years, including complementary accretive acquisitions, product and technology enhancements and lasting cost reductions, we have confidence that we are very well positioned to win a larger portion of the $1.4 trillion business travel market.”

Being a public company accelerates our existing growth strategy, while providing additional investment capacity and the flexibility to create more value, choice, and experiences for our clients. There are limited changes to the way we operate and to our client relationships. Ovation Travel Group's number one priority remains supporting our travelers with our people, technology, and ambition, as the recovery in travel gains momentum.

The US Justice Department has asked a federal appeals court to overturn a US District Court judge’s April order that proclaimed the government mandate requiring masks on airplanes, buses, and in transit hubs unlawful, reports Skift. Hours after the federal judge in Florida stated her ruling, the Biden administration said it would no longer enforce the mandate. In an appeal filed hours before a deadline on Tuesday, the Justice Department stated that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) masking mandate issued in January 2021 was indeed “within” the agency’s legal authority. “None of the district court’s quarrels with the CDC order comes close to showing that the CDC has acted outside the ‘zone of reasonableness,’” the appeal said. In May, the CDC said that it still recommends travelers continue to wear masks in airplanes, trains, and buses; it did not immediately respond to a Tuesday request for comment on whether it would reinstate the requirement if the ruling was overturned.

A substantial expansion by United Airlines in the transatlantic marketplace will make United the largest US airline in terms of US-Europe service this summer, reports Travel Weekly. This year, United is scheduled to fly 3.7 million seats in the marketplace, an increase of 12.8% compared with 2019. As the airline boosts its Europe offering, it will fly to five new destinations: Bergen, Norway; Nice, France; Ponta Delgada on Portugal's Azores archipelago; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands. Further, United is boosting its transatlantic service beyond Europe, including the addition of thrice-weekly service between Washington Dulles and Amman, Jordan, scheduled for early this month. In total, United is launching 10 new transatlantic routes between April and June.

Officials from the trade association group International Air Transport Association (IATA) have said that the recent travel chaos at airports worldwide is the result of temporary delays in getting clearances for new staff and pilot shortages, reports Travel Pulse. IATA director general Willie Walsh said that while the normal time period to get security clearance for new staff was around three or four weeks, the process was now taking up to three months, depending on the area. While the easing of travel restrictions and an increase in demand have helped the aviation industry bounce back, Walsh also warned of potential issues relating to pilot shortages in the US. While there were some initial concerns regarding the impact of inflation on future travel spending, Walsh said travel was now moving towards reaching 2019 levels in 2023, rather than 2024 as previously forecast.

The US Virgin Islands has dropped all remaining pandemic-related travel restrictions for domestic travelers, reports Travel + Leisure. As of May 31, the US territory has transitioned to an "Open Door Phase," dropping all COVID-19–related restrictions for domestic travelers, including no longer requiring them to fill out the USVI Travel Screening Portal. This applies to each of the US Virgin Islands, including the islands of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. The US Virgin Islands had previously dropped pre-arrival testing for vaccinated domestic travelers, however, unvaccinated domestic travelers were still required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within five days of travel. International travelers, including US citizens coming from abroad, are still required to show proof of vaccination and proof of a negative PCR test or antigen test, with relevant information entered into the travel portal. US travelers returning home after visiting are exempt from all testing requirements, as the US Virgin Islands is a US territory.
CAPITAL HILTON
1001 16TH STREET NW
WASHINGTON, DC
Located in the heart of DC, this historic hotel is less than 2 blocks from the White House. There are many restaurants and shops as well as the Metro steps from the hotel. All Ovation clients receive complimentary Wi-Fi and access to the onsite fitness center with their stay.
FAIRMONT CENTURY PLAZA
2025 AVENUE OF THE STARS
LOS ANGELES
Work and play at Fairmont Century Plaza. Indulge in world-class cocktails and nightly music, Tuesday through Saturday from 4-8pm at The Bar, located in the lobby. Guests can break away from their busy day with a visit to the 14,000 square-foot breathtaking Fairmont Spa, offering access to aromatherapy steam rooms, sanariums, a Himalayan salt room and top-notch treatments from a talented team of masseuses and estheticians. Enjoy access to the state-of-the-art fitness center, fully equipped with the latest Techno-Gym equipment, Pelotons, a private yoga/spin studio, and recovery station by partners at Three Sages.

For the perfect sunset, head to the rooftop pool with unparalleled views of the cityscape. Guests can treat themselves to a French-inspired feast at the brasserie, Lumière, or morning coffee and treats from the patisserie.

For stays June 1, 2022 – June 30, 2022, Fairmont Century Plaza is pleased to offer Ovation clients a complimentary room upgrade, subject to availability.*

*Terms and conditions apply.
HILTON BOSTON DOWNTOWN - FANEUIL HALL
89 BROAD STREET
BOSTON
Perfectly situated in the heart of Downtown Boston’s Financial District, the Hilton Boston Downtown - Faneuil Hall is only 4 miles to Boston Logan Airport and walking distance to South Station Train and Bus terminal. Conveniently located within walking distance to Seaport Boulevard and Northern Avenue as well as accessible to public transit.

Guests can start their day with a cup of the finest local, same day roasted coffee at Tradesman. Find work-play balance in the hotel’s fitness center and end their day with renditions of classic New England fare at Fin Point Oyster Bar & Grille featuring a full raw bar and creative cocktail menu.

Take a quick stroll through the neighborhood to find best and boldest of Boston’s local restaurant scene at the newly opened High Street Place food hall offering live music and yoga classes. The hotel is just steps to historic Faneuil Hall featuring endless dining, shopping, and entertainment and one block from Boston’s Waterfront.
HUTTON HOTEL
1808 WEST END AVENUE
NASHVILLE
Located steps away from Nashville’s Music Row, Hutton Hotel immerses guests in the city’s thriving music scene and creative culture. Humming with energy, it is known for playing host to Music City’s most influential players over the years. With inspiration around every corner, it’s where Nashville comes to work and play. Creating an elevated experience that captures the excitement and energy of Music City, Hutton Hotel, with a modern aesthetic and laid-back style, is the ideal place for catching up with friends over cocktails, indulging in a memorable meal, or listening to live music in the expansive new lobby.
This creative enclave puts guests in the center of it all with Analog, an intimate entertainment venue showcasing some of the industry’s most inspired musicians, and the exclusive Writers Studios, which provide a special space for artistic expression. Feeling the energy of the creative spirits who stay here will captivate the imagination while also capturing the energetic vibe of Nashville. Here, guests will be surrounded by creativity in the making.
LOEWS REGENCY NEW YORK
540 PARK AVENUE
NEW YORK CITY
Experience the allure of Park Avenue at the iconic Loews Regency New York. The hotel’s 58 suites and six signature suites, exemplify the elegance and refinement guests expect in a first-class New York City hotel, offering more space, more seating, and more amenities. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s on-site restaurant, The Regency Bar & Grill and Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa along with all the amenities of the Upper East Side and Manhattan right outside the doors.
WALDORF ASTORIA CHICAGO
11 EAST WALTON STREET
CHICAGO
Enjoy the best in luxury at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago. Spacious rooms welcome guests with optional upgrades, including large terraces overlooking the Gold Coast cityscape. Divulge in luxury shopping steps away from the Waldorf Astoria’s private cobblestone courtyard. Take a walk down the Magnificent Mile or bask in the sun at Oak Street Beach.

After a day out, experience a bespoke treatment at USA Today’s 10Best, number one rated luxury spa in Chicago. Relax for a pre-dinner bite and drink at the newly opened Peacock Lounge in the lobby, or head to the remodeled Bernard’s for a unique high-end cocktail experience.
GBT Travel Services UK Limited (GBT UK) and its authorized sublicensees use the “American Express Global Business Travel” trademark under a limited license from American Express. “American Express” and the American Express logo are trademarks and the property of American Express Company or its affiliated or related companies (American Express). GBT
UK is a subsidiary of Global Business Travel Group, Inc. (NYSE: GBTG). American Express holds a minority interest in GBTG, which operates as a separate company from American Express.