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EUROPEAN UNION DELAYS LAUNCH OF ETIAS UNTIL 2024
The European Union (EU) has officially delayed the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) until at least 2024, reports Travel Market Report. ETIAS has been delayed several times over the past few years, most recently in August 2022. The previous postponement pushed the launch date from May 2023 to November 2023. An updated launch date has yet to be determined, but the EU has confirmed that it will not take effect in November 2023 as planned. “It is expected that the ETIAS will be operational in 2024,” said the EU in its latest update. The ETIAS, which has been in the works since 2016, will require all non-Europeans, including those in the US, UK, and Canada, to obtain an electronic travel permit ahead of arrival to any of the 26 European countries that make up the Schengen area. This requirement applies to all travelers who do not need a visa prior to travel.
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UNITED, AIR CANADA TO ADD MORE THAN 260 DAILY TRANSBORDER FLIGHTS
United Airlines, in partnership with Air Canada, has announced that they will offer new routes between Canada and the US for summer 2023, including new service between Washington, DC, Calgary, and Vancouver. Through their enhanced transborder joint business agreement, the two carriers plan on adding over 80 transborder codeshare routes and more than 260 daily flights, subject to applicable government and regulatory conditions. "We're proud of our continued work with Air Canada to provide customers with even greater transborder connectivity, including adding more flights and new direct service to Calgary and Vancouver from Washington Dulles," said Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances at United Airlines. Air Canada and United will offer business class seats on every flight between their respective hubs. All eligible travelers will be able to utilize Air Canada's Maple Leaf Lounges and United's lounges, as well as the benefits of the carriers' Aeroplan and MileagePlus loyalty programs.
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FAA ALLOCATES NEARLY $1 BILLION TO IMPROVE AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is allocating nearly $1 billion in funding for 99 airports across the US as part of President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, reports Airport Technology. The aim is to help US airports handle increasing traffic, which is expected to reach or surpass pre-pandemic levels this year. The financing will support investments in new baggage systems, ground transportation, and larger security checkpoints. It will also be used to meet the needs of ageing air traffic control towers at airports in 47 states and two territories. The grant will further be used to build new or expand terminal facilities, improve access to other modes of transportation or enhance roadways, and strengthen accessibility for individuals with disabilities. It will also go towards upgrading airport access in smaller communities and terminal sustainability. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg praised the grant stating, “Americans deserve the best airports in the world, and with demand for air travel surging back, this funding to improve the passenger experience couldn’t come at a more urgent time... These grants will make it faster and easier to check your bags, get through security and find your gate, all while creating jobs and supporting local economies.”
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O'HARE AIRPORT RELOCATES TERMINAL 5 RIDESHARE PICK-UPS
Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) has relocated its Terminal 5 rideshare pick-ups in an effort to consolidate rideshare to one location, reports NBC Chicago. As of February 27, travelers who arrive at Terminal 5 now need to transfer to Terminal 2 using the Airport Transit System to access rideshare pick-ups. The Airport Transit System takes approximately five minutes and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The airport said the change reflects an effort from Chicago aviation officials to condense rideshare pick-ups to one location. Despite the change, taxis and black car pick-ups, as well as passenger drop-offs from rideshare vehicles, will continue to be available at all five terminals.
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INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL VOLUME TO US SET TO RISE 20 PERCENT IN 2023
The US is expected to see roughly 62.8 million international travelers in 2023, up from 51.8 million in 2022, reports Skift. According to the National Travel and Tourism Office, that’s a 21.2 percent increase year-over-year, but still below its 2019 level of 79.4 million. Next year, the agency predicts that international traveler volume will be around its pre-pandemic level. Volume is expected to surpass 2019 levels and be fully recovered with 82.4 million in 2025. By 2027, the total will reach 91 million. Inbound travel from the US’s overseas markets, which excludes Canada and Mexico, will be 29.2 million in 2023, down from 40.4 million in 2019. Overseas volume isn't expected to reach its pre-pandemic volume until 2027.
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950 NEW YORK AVENUE NW
WASHINGTON, DC
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The Conrad, Washington DC boasts downtown elegance close to the National Mall and The White House. Enjoy restaurants helmed by top chefs, and our rooftop bar with unobstructed monument views. The Conrad, Washington DC and their restaurant, Estuary, is celebrating the annual blooming of the Cherry Tree blossoms all around Washington, DC. The Mayor of Tokyo gave 3,000 cherry trees to the United States in 1912. As a nod to the gift, during March, Estuary will showcase a Japanese 75 cocktail featuring cherry liquor and house-made cherry blossom syrup made with cherry blossom green tea. | | |
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101 RED RIVER STREET
AUSTIN
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Indulge in eclectic style and enduring Texas classics while experiencing the luxurious offerings and dedicated service that only Fairmont Austin can provide. Enjoy exquisite dining, a pampering spa, and state-of-the-art event spaces. Fairmont Austin is in prime proximity to hotspots in the heart of the downtown area. Just steps away guests will find vibrant Rainey Street, featuring a collection of eclectic bars and venues, plus nearby boutique shopping, delectable dining, outdoor adventures, and live music galore. Fairmont Austin’s courtesy car makes drop-offs within 1 mile of the hotel. | | |
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159 WEST 48TH STREET
NEW YORK CITY
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NYY Steak is an innovative and refined dining experience located at Hard Rock Hotel New York in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. At this restaurant, Mozambique wood-paneled walls are complemented by autographs from famed players while heritage-sourced steaks, local market seafood, and creative main dishes are served on fine china inscribed with player numbers within the iconic franchise insignia. Enjoy specialty curated menus such as the Pinstripe Cocktail Hour, Matinee/Pre-Theater, Valentine's Day, and Restaurant Week. | | |
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154 BERKELEY STREET
BOSTON
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Welcome to Hotel AKA Back Bay. AKA, a global leader in luxury hospitality, is thrilled to continue its exciting growth with the opening of Hotel AKA Back Bay. Formerly the Loews Boston, Hotel AKA Back Bay is a sophisticated retreat in a stately limestone building near Copley Square, Newbury Street, and Boston Public Garden. New England charm abounds throughout the elegant guest rooms and suites, making it easy to settle into life in one of Boston’s most desirable locales. Guests are invited to enjoy exquisite spaces that offer an inspiring, welcoming ambiance, including signature restaurants, high-tech fitness centers, flexible meeting and event space, business services, complimentary coffee and tea, and a 24/7 Guest Services team to assist with recommendations or special requests. | |
INTERCONTINENTAL MIAMI HOTEL | |
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With distinct Atlantic Ocean and glistening skyline views, InterContinental Miami Hotel has begun a $36 million renovation that will transform the resort’s 653 guest rooms—including 22 suites and two presidential suites—along with the enhancement of the hotel’s 29th-floor Club Lounge, delivering accommodations fused with the aquatics and arts of Miami. The refresh is slated to be complete by summer 2023.
Upgrades include enhanced technology in all new redesigned rooms, as well as completely reimagined guest bathrooms with white subway tile and oversized walk-in showers.
InterContinental Miami Hotel will debut the new DayLife Cabanas. The rooftop poolside oasis is being transformed to feature eight private cabanas, along with an exciting new pool bar experience at the property’s rooftop poolside oasis.
The hotel also released its new activity programming InterAct @ InterCon, including complimentary hotel events for the guests, like free Salsa Lessons, Noche de Arte (interactive art night) or a sunset yoga class on the rooftop greenspace.
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KIMPTON HOTEL PALOMAR PHILADELPHIA | |
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117 SOUTH 17TH STREET
PHILADELPHIA
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Old-school architecture and Art Deco - inspired décor go together like Hepburn and Tracy at Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia. This comfortably sophisticated retreat has all kinds of bragging rights: four-star rated LEED-certified, cityscape views, unabashedly grand suites, and location - right in Rittenhouse Square for easy access to the best of the city. Once home to the American Institute of Architects, Palomar Philadelphia comes with a high quotient of history and style - perfect for both leisure and business travel.
Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia is in walking distance to major center city businesses and offering complimentary upgrade for all Ovation clients’ stays until April 30, 2023.
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Welcome to London’s cultured, independent hotel. One Aldwych is one of the very few hotels in London, (or indeed the world) that can say it is truly independent, with everything within created and curated solely for the delight of its guests. Located in Covent Garden, London’s most exciting neighborhood, business travelers are within easy reach of The City and Square Mile, whilst the curious minded find themselves on the doorstep of the finest entertainment and cultural adventures.
Today, the historic building’s art nouveau curves sit easily with the modern luxuries of this contemporary, forward thinking hotel. Designed to be more than just a place to sleep, One Aldwych embraces a stylish character ready to host, cocoon, and enchant whether guests retreat to the Health Club, seek sanctuary in the Library, or indulge in exquisite dining. Styled as private residences, the 101 suites and bedrooms offer flexible configurations and interconnecting options for families and groups of all sizes.
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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. | | | | |
