SEPTEMBER 14, 2022

AMTRAK CANCELS SELECT TRAINS AHEAD OF POTENTIAL STRIKE


Amtrak is canceling multiple long distance trains nationwide ahead of a potential rail strike that would disrupt service, reports Travel + Leisure. The affected routes are mostly centered from Chicago to the West Coast, including those that stop Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. Services will be canceled on the California Zephyr route, the Empire Builder route, the Southwest Chief route, and on parts of the Texas Eagle route. A “small number of Northeast Regional” trains would be impacted, and most trains between Boston and Washington would be unaffected. The potential strike, which does not directly involve Amtrak, could kick off Friday after a 30-day moratorium ends; it involves members of the two largest US freight rail unions. Amtrak stated, “While we are hopeful that parties will reach a resolution, Amtrak has now begun phased adjustments to our service in preparation for a possible freight rail service interruption later this week.” Passengers on canceled trains can reschedule their trip or are entitled to a full refund.

AMSTERDAM'S SCHIPHOL AIRPORT ASKS AIRLINES TO CANCEL FLIGHTS


Amsterdam's Schiphol International Airport has asked airlines to cut the number of flights at one of its terminals to reduce continuing congestion and chaos, reports Travel Pulse. Schiphol is the fourth-largest airport in Europe and home to KLM Airlines, with very high travel volume at times. While most airlines are short-staffed, airport officials said issues are stemming from a current lack of airport security workers, noting there is a chance that travelers will miss their flight due to long waiting times. The airport said in a statement, “There is a shortage of security personnel and the number of waiting travelers is increasing, especially in Departures 3 (terminal).” As such, airport personnel have asked “several airlines with passengers departing from Departures 3 to cancel flights (Monday) between 4:00 pm (1400 GMT) and 11:00 pm (2100 GMT).”

NEW ZEALAND LIFTS COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS FOR INCOMING TRAVELERS


The Government of New Zealand has removed its COVID-19 Protection Framework, ending mask and vaccine mandates, reports Airport Technology. As of September 12, travelers arriving in the country no longer have to meet vaccination requirements; however, the government has retained an isolation requirement for those that test positive for COVID-19. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stated, “It’s time to safely turn the page on our COVID-19 management and live without the extraordinary measures we have previously used. Vaccination requirements for all travelers arriving into New Zealand, including aircrew, also ends, and the requirement to test on day 0/1 and 5/6 will now just be encouraged. Our seven-day isolation period for COVID cases will remain.” In response, Auckland Airport announced that wearing masks within the airport terminal is no longer mandatory, and Wellington Airport similarly ended the mask mandate in the airport terminal and on domestic flights.

PORT AUTHORITY BREAKS GROUND ON $9.5B JFK AIRPORT IMPROVEMENTS


The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has started work on the $9.5 billion John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) New Terminal One project, reports Transportation Today. The project includes a 2.4 million-square-foot international terminal built in phases on the site of three other terminals; it will be the airport’s largest terminal with 23 gates. At the groundbreaking ceremony, New York Governor Kathy Hochal said, “We need a world-class hub to welcome people from around the world and let them know who we are […] This is our identity. So today, we’re here to announce that we are finally after years of delay breaking ground on phase one of Terminal One. That’s extraordinary. It’s serving a number of international airlines.” The terminal is part of an $18 billion Transformation Project at JFK and is expected to open in 2026.

UNITED AIRLINES INVESTS $15 M IN EVE AIR, ORDERS 200 AIR TAXIS


United Airlines has announced that it is investing $15 million in air-taxi maker Eve Air Mobility (Eve) and ordering 200 aircraft from the Embraer (EMBR3.SA)-owned startup, reports Reuters. Eve's four-seater air taxi, or electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle (eVTOL), has a range of 60 miles. The airline said it is investing in the company in part due to Eve’s relationship with aircraft maker Embraer, which provides access to services and parts. Electric air-taxi makers have pitched themselves as transportation alternatives for travelers in cities suffering from congested roads, but they have not yet received clearance to fly passengers. United’s conditional deal includes an option for 200 additional eVOLs, although they did not specify the conditions. Delivery of Eve's first aircraft is expected as early as 2026.

CAPITAL HILTON

1001 16ST 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 Metro steps from the hotel as well. All Ovation clients receive complimentary Wi-Fi and access to the onsite fitness center with their stay. 

CONCORDE HOTEL 

NEW YORK

127 EAST 55TH STREET

NEW YORK CITY

Concorde Hotel is a secret gem nestled in the heart of Manhattan in Midtown East. The rooms provide unobstructed views of the city skyline, while allowing guests to escape the hustle and bustle of the outdoors and having only 3 or 4 rooms per floor provides an oasis during their stay. Guests can enjoy the aromas of freshly baked breakfast treats from the Bonsaii Café and Lounge or unwind after a long day with mouthwatering tapas in the evening.

FONTAINEBLEAU

MIAMI BEACH

4441 COLLINS AVENUE

MIAMI BEACH

A revered Miami Beach landmark for more than half a century, Fontainebleau’s iconic design is a spectacular blend of Miami’s glamorous golden era and stylish modern luxury. Guestrooms offer luxurious comfort, elegant amenities, and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. Guests enjoy an expansive poolscape features 11 pools and luxurious cabanas and indulge in 12 restaurants, bars and lounges including signature restaurants StripSteak by Michael Mina, and AAA Four-Diamond award winning Hakkasan and Scarpetta by Scott Conant, as well as the high-energy nightclub, LIV. Guests can also relax and explore the 40,000 square foot Lapis Spa, The Shops at Fontainebleau, and miles of pristine beach.

HOTEL ZAZA AUSTIN

400 LAVACA STREET

AUSTIN

Guests can find themselves exactly where they want to be: in the vibrant heart of downtown Austin. Surrounded by world-class restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, Hotel ZaZa Austin offers both business and leisure travelers unparalleled comfort, style, and convenience in an ideal location.


Amenities include high speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, daily coffee and tea service, neighborhood car service, a destination-worthy spa and fitness center, and access to the 7th floor outdoor pool - all complimentary. 


Committed to cleanliness and luxury, the full-service restaurant and bar is open and serving breakfast lunch and dinner 7 days a week. The hotel creates distinct occasions, large or intimate, in the 8,500 square feet of meeting and event space, a backdrop to allow guests to mix leisure and business travel for their next group getaway in an energetic and creative atmosphere.

THE CHURCHILL HOTEL

NEAR EMBASSY ROW

1914 CONNECTICUT AVENUE NW

WASHINGTON, DC

The Churchill Hotel Near Embassy Row is a luxury, boutique-style property nestled between Dupont Circle & Adams Morgan neighborhoods. Guests enjoy being within walking distance of the metro and many trendy restaurants and art galleries that the community offers. As a member of Historic Hotels of America, guests delight in the old-world charm of the Churchill while appreciating the modern and luxurious amenities. Experience the art of personalized service and the history of Washington, DC.

THE DARCY

1515 RHODE ISLAND AVENUE NW

WASHINGTON, DC

Enjoy the season with Gerrard Street Kitchen, located inside of The Darcy. The Darcy announces the re-opening of Gerrard Street Kitchen. Gerrard Street Kitchen’s menu features a curated blend light fare where the complex flavors of Japan, Morocco, and South Asia sit side by side with British and Indian culinary tradition. Mixologists enhance the meals with seasonal creative craft cocktails, mocktails, and the bar offers a robust beer and wine selection. The restaurant, bar, and patio are the perfect space to relax and unwind after long day of exploring or working in the nation’s capital. In addition to an expansive heated patio space, Gerrard Street Kitchen’s interior décor is a nod to the literary clubs and jazz hangouts of early 20th century London.

THE PLAZA

768 FIFTH AVENUE

NEW YORK CITY

The Plaza has welcomed guests from around the world to enjoy its magic at the castle on Central Park South for more than 100 years. Located on Fifth Avenue, The Plaza’s prestigious address defines elegance with unmatched service and an ever-evolving modern sensibility. Revel in the magic of Afternoon Tea in The Palm Court, and savor lite fare in the elegant Champagne Bar. Offering 282 distinctive guest rooms, including 102 luxurious suites, The Plaza showcases its limitless future with its Legacy Suite collection.


The Plaza is proud to offer its new Executive Boardroom, located on the 11th floor. The Boardroom provides the perfect space for high-level meetings, offering our guests both privacy and comfort. The boardroom accommodates up to 16 executives and features a large conference table with padded executive chairs, the latest AV equipment, customized catering menu perfect for conference lunches, and more. A dedicated Meeting & Events Specialist will assist with all planning details.

THE RITTENHOUSE HOTEL

210 WEST RITTENHOUSE SQUARE

PHILADELPHIA

Travelers can experience the invigorating charm and rich history of Rittenhouse Square, one of Philadelphia’s most beloved destinations. The Rittenhouse Hotel is a standout among luxury hotels in Philadelphia’s Center City, offering visitors a Forbes Four-Star experience with well-appointed rooms and suites, world-class service, and the most desirable location in town. This Rittenhouse Square luxury hotel offers personalized experiences and provides the perfect balance of sophistication and relaxation. Welcome to the Rittenhouse Hotel, a true gem among Center City, Philadelphia hotels.

THE ROYAL HORSEGUARDS

HOTEL

2 WHITEHALL COURT

LONDON

An impressive historic building in London, The Royal Horseguards Hotel is situated on the River Thames at the Embankment. The Royal Horseguards Hotel encompasses two iconic London buildings which have played host to historical icons including Churchill and Lloyd-George and the club’s magnificent apartments which was previously the home of the first chief of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service.

Inside guests will find Victorian grandeur combined with elegant, first-class contemporary comfort and 5-star service which sets The Royal Horseguards Hotel apart as one of the finest hotels in London.

With The Royal Horseguards Hotel as a base, guests are within easy walking distance of Embankment, Covent Garden and The Strand. After a busy day, enjoy dinner at the restaurant, One Twenty One Two or the intimate Equus bar, before heading back to the room for a perfect night’s sleep in a sumptuous Hypnos® bed.

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GBT Travel Services UK Limited (GBT UK) and its authorized sublicensees (including Ovation Travel Group and Egencia) use certain trademarks and service marks of American Express Company or its subsidiaries (American Express) in the “American Express Global Business Travel” and “American Express Meetings & Events” brands and in connection with its business for permitted uses only under a limited license from American Express (Licensed Marks). The Licensed Marks are trademarks or service marks of, and the property of, 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.