APRIL 13, 2022

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is extending the federal transportation mask mandate for another two weeks, reports CNN. The mask mandate on public transportation will now extend through May 3, 2022. A Biden administration official said the goal of the extension is to gather more information and understanding of the recent COVID-19 variant. “Since early April, there have been increases in the 7-day moving average of cases in the US. In order to assess the potential impact, the rise of cases has on severe disease, including hospitalizations and deaths, and health care system capacity, CDC is recommending that TSA extend the security directive to enforce mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs for 15 days, through May 3, 2022,” said the official.

Online traffic to travel websites continues to rise and points to strong business in the coming months across multiple sectors, reports Travel Weekly. According to digital intelligence platform Similarweb's 2022 Travel Industry Insights Report, online traffic to top domains in the car rental, hotel, and vacation rental sectors in January 2022 has been at or above levels seen in those months during 2019. As of March, the top cruise domains are also on par with 2019 levels, while airline sites are getting close to pre-pandemic levels. "We are still seeing a lot of growth and a lot of optimism for the summer of 2022," said Alisha Kapur, Similarweb's senior manager for travel and e-commerce. "It will be significantly busier than the past two summers ... levels that at least rival 2019 bookings and traffic, if they don't exceed them." Since air travel is generally booked far in advance, Similarweb cites airline website traffic as a "good proxy for demand" in that sector - American Airlines, Alaska, Southwest, and United all had higher conversions in March 2022 compared to April 2019, on average 18% higher, "signaling strong renewed confidence in the industry," Kapur says.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has lowered its travel warning for several Caribbean islands this week, reports Travel + Leisure. The agency reclassified Saint Kitts and Nevis and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines under "Level 1," its lowest travel warning, indicating that there is a "low" level of COVID-19 at those destinations. Destinations are classified as a "Level 1" if there are fewer than 50 new reported cases per 100,000 people in the past 28 days. The CDC recommends travelers ensure they "are vaccinated and up to date" with their COVID-19 vaccines before traveling to any destination, and advises that, "Even if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, you may still be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19." In addition to the Caribbean Islands, the CDC classified Bangladesh, Haiti, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, and the Philippines under "Level 1."

Uber has come to an agreement with San Francisco taxi operators Yellow Cab SF and Flywheel Technologies to add taxicabs to its app, reports Business Travel News. The news comes two weeks after Uber made a similar arrangement with New York City taxis. The San Francisco cabs will begin to show up in the app in the coming months, according to Uber. "We're excited to partner with taxi software company Flywheel and Yellow Cab SF as we continue to update our taxi offerings through the country," Uber VP of mobility for the US and Canada Dennis Cinelli said in a statement. "San Francisco taxi drivers will have more access to demand, and cities will get fewer empty miles driven, which is a win for drivers, riders and the cities we serve." With Uber's existing partnership with Creative Mobile Technologies, the deal with Yellow Cab SF and Flywheel eventually will make up to 100 percent of San Francisco's 1,075 taxis available on the Uber platform, according to the company.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced new standards for screening transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming travelers at TSA checkpoints to improve the screening experience for all individuals. “On this internationally recognized day for the transgender community, TSA is proud to announce significant initiatives as a direct result of close partnership with community stakeholders,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “Over the coming months, TSA will move swiftly to implement more secure and efficient screening processes that are gender neutral, as well as technological updates that will enhance security and make TSA PreCheck® enrollment more inclusive. These combined efforts will greatly enhance airport security and screening procedures for all.” TSA launched the Inclusion Action Committee as an executive priority in August 2020 to review the agency’s internal and external policies, practices, and procedures, and to make recommendations for improvement. This task force has been instrumental in helping expedite various efforts throughout TSA that directly benefit minority and LGBTQIA+ communities. As new standards become operational, TSA will continue to remain in close coordination with key community stakeholders and will continue to announce updates.

The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is praising the work of a bipartisan Congressional group that is working to exempt vaccinated travelers from the required inbound COVID-19 testing, reports Travel Pulse. According to ASTA, the inbound testing requirement is one of the biggest hurdles to the full recovery of international travel in the US. “While we understand the rationale behind the inbound testing order when it was put in place in January 2021, it continues to present a number of challenges to our constituents...whose livelihoods depend on a fully functioning international travel system,” the members wrote in an April 11 letter to President Biden. “As we enter the third year of the pandemic and reflect on how far the science related to COVID-19 mitigation has advanced since the order was first put in place, we respectfully request that fully vaccinated travelers be exempted from the order…Exempting fully vaccinated travelers, including almost 215 million Americans, from the order would be consistent with the scientific consensus that widespread vaccinations are the single most important element of the fight against COVID-19 while allowing the travel industry’s recovery to begin in earnest. It would also incentivize those who aren’t vaccinated to consider becoming so,” said the group.
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.
LOEWS ATLANTA HOTEL
1065 PEACHTREE STREET
ATLANTA
Spring is here and there’s no better time to visit Loews Atlanta Hotel. Located in the heart of Midtown, the AAA Four-Diamond hotel is steps from Piedmont Park and its expansive greenery, which celebrates the spirit of the season. Conveniently located near the ballpark, sports lovers can watch the reigning champs go for another World Series win. Back at the hotel, enjoy signature cocktails and seasonally inspired cuisine at Saltwood Bar. For those looking to relax, Exhale Spa has a full menu of therapies and award-winning fitness classes. With 414 guestrooms and 44 luxury suites, all boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, the hotel offers premier service and amenities in one of the country’s most dynamic destinations.

Ovation clients can enhance their Midtown getaway with exclusive perks including a complimentary upgrade and late check-out (based on availability) when staying at Loews Atlanta Hotel.
NEW YORK HILTON MIDTOWN
1335 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK CITY
Now is the perfect time to take advantage of savings at New York Hilton Midtown, ideally situated in the heart of Manhattan, surrounded by public transportation options and a short walk away from the major transportation hubs of Grand Central and Times Square, allowing business travelers to maximize their time and minimize their commute.

Whether guests have 2 hours or 2 days to explore the city while here on business, New York Hilton Midtown puts guests within a few short blocks to enjoy a morning walk in Central Park, find that perfect gift for a loved one (or themselves) on Fifth Avenue, take in a Broadway show, or transport their taste buds at one of the many neighborhood restaurants specializing in international cuisine.

Hilton Honors members can earn bonus points for stays through May 1st and signing up for Hilton Honors is fast and easy.
THE DUPONT CIRCLE HOTEL
1500 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVENUE NW
WASHINGTON, DC
The Dupont Circle, a part of the Doyle Collection Hotel Group, is superbly located between the historic and political centers of Washington, DC, and the exclusive neighborhoods of Georgetown and Kalorama. Newly renovated, this luxury property offers 327 guest rooms, including numerous suites with terraces offering sweeping views of the city.

Reserve a room for two nights or more, April 1, 2022 through May 31, 2022, and receive a $25 credit for breakfast (one credit per room, per stay).
THE LONDON
WEST HOLLYWOOD AT BEVERLY HILLS
1020 NORTH SAN VICENTE BOULEVARD
WEST HOLLYWOOD
The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills offers a tranquil urban oasis that epitomizes modern luxury for the most discerning guests. Voted one of “The Top 15 Hotels in Los Angeles” by Travel + Leisure, the all-suite hotel offers luxurious accommodations - including oversized bathrooms with walk in showers, deep soaking bathtubs, and private balconies. Overnight stays at The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills include a daily complimentary breakfast menu crafted by Executive Chef, Anthony Keene. Guests may soak up the Southern California sunshine on the expansive rooftop pool terrace, featuring private cabanas and unforgettable views of the city.
WALDORF ASTORIA CHICAGO
11 EAST WALTON STREET
CHICAGO
The Waldorf Astoria Chicago is a haven of exclusivity with classic Parisian charm. Unforgettable experiences begin the moment guests arrive through the lush, secluded courtyard entrance. An exceptional choice among travelers in Chicago, this iconic chateau-like hotel provides every guest with discreet yet anticipatory service. The hotel is fittingly located in the fashionable Gold Coast neighborhood, just one block from Chicago's Magnificent Mile.

The Waldorf Astoria Chicago is the premier luxury hotel in downtown Chicago. It boasts stunning interiors, expansive rooms and suites, and distinctive amenities.
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