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FEBRUARY GLOBAL DOMESTIC AIR TRAFFIC NEAR 2019 LEVELS
February global domestic traffic increased 25.2 percent year over year and was at 97.2 percent of February 2019 levels, while international traffic was up 89.7 percent for the month and reached 77.5 percent of 2019 levels, reports Business Travel News. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), total February global air traffic increased 55.5 percent versus February 2022 and now is at 84.9 percent of February 2019 levels, a slight increase from January's 84.2 percent. "Despite the uncertain economic signals, demand for air travel continues to be strong across the global and particularly in the Asia-Pacific region," IATA director general Willie Walsh said in a statement. "The industry is now just about 15 percent below 2019 levels of demand, and that gap is narrowing each month." Additionally, North American total demand increased 25.1 percent, with the US being the only domestic market to show demand above February 2019 levels, by 0.7 percent.
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MANY HOTELS ARE PERMANENTLY ENDING DAILY HOTEL ROOM CLEANING
Major hotel chains and independent hotels are continuing to end daily hotel room cleaning, reports The New York Times. During the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic, many hotels decided to only clean rooms after guests checked out. Even as travel and hotel occupancy levels have climbed closer to pre-pandemic levels, many hotels are continuing to forgo daily housekeeping, only offering the service if requested by guests. The majority of hotels have switched to an opt-in method for daily room cleaning in order to reduce health risks and as a cost-cutting measure. This trend, said Chekitan Dev, a professor at the Cornell University Nolan School of Hotel Administration, is the start of a shift in the way services are delivered at hotels, from an operations-focused approach to a more guest-friendly model, in which travelers’ requests drive the service. Shifting to the guest-friendly approach “can lower complaints, increase satisfaction, decrease price sensitivity, increase intent to return and boost intent to refer,” Dr. Dev said, explaining that the changes are mostly positive since the guests can still request the service. Dr. Dev also believes that some hotels may even offer rooms at reduced rates if guests opt out of housekeeping services, transforming housekeeping into almost an à la carte option.
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FAA CAUTIONS STAFFING SHORTAGE COULD DISRUPT SUMMER TRAVEL
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has cautioned that a shortage of air traffic controllers at a New York facility could hinder summer travel, reports USA Today. The FAA is working to mitigate potential disruptions, and has held a meeting with airlines, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, and other industry representatives to discuss plans to minimize the impact to travelers. "The FAA discussed efforts to reduce the air traffic controller training backlog at many FAA air traffic facilities, but pointed out that staffing levels at the New York Terminal Radar Approach Control (N90) continue to be below targets," the agency said. While Certified Professional Controller staffing is about 80% nationally, N90 staffing is at around 54% of its goal. The New York facility provides air traffic control services for the Northeast corridor and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). American, Delta, JetBlue, and United have all indicated that they would temporarily cut flights while increasing capacity on existing routes through those airports as much as possible in order to reduce delays and minimize the impact to travelers.
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UNITED, ARCHER SELECT CHICAGO FOR SECOND AIR TAXI ROUTE
United Airlines and electronic air taxi producer Archer Aviation have selected the route between Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Vertiport Chicago as its next air taxi route, reports Business Travel News. In November, the two companies announced their first route, between New York's Manhattan heliport, located just above Battery Park on Pier 6, and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Flights between Vertiport, located in the Illinois Medical District, and ORD will take approximately 10 minutes, according to the companies. Flights currently are scheduled to begin in 2025.
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Situated in the heart of London, Conrad London St. James seamlessly blends historical charm with modern elegance. The 19th-century building is located just a stone's throw away from iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and St. James’s Park. Home to 30 luxurious suites, each with Executive Lounge access, guests can enjoy additional space to work or relax. Complimentary breakfast and afternoon tea is served by day, with cocktail hours and canapés in the evening. Glamorous and elegant, The Pem Restaurant is winner of the National Restaurant Awards’ One to Watch 2021. The menu displays an elevated style of food created by Michelin-starred Chef Sally Abé. The Blue Boar Pub, Best Pub & Bar in Greater London Winner at The National Pub & Bar Awards 2022 is a modern take on the classic London pub where Chef Sally has put a contemporary twist on much-loved classics. | |
EAST Miami offers 352 guest rooms, including eight suites and 89 one, two, and three-bedroom residence suites, fully equipped with kitchen and laundry. Guests can enjoy floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies in every guest room, health and wellness offerings, and an array of other happenings. The hotel boasts its signature South American restaurant Quinto with a poolside bar and outdoor terrace, Hong Kong-inspired speakeasy Tea Room, lobby café & bar Domain, and a rooftop destination bar Sugar. EAST Miami also has 20,000 square feet of meeting and banquet rooms with bay and city views, a large outdoor pool deck, which can be used for private events and BEAST, a 24-hour fitness center. The hotel is centrally located in Brickell City Centre with a 15-minute drive from the Miami International Airport (MIA), and in close proximity to popular districts such as Wynwood, the Design District, and South Beach. | |
HALL ARTS HOTEL DALLAS, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON | |
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1717 LEONARD STREET
DALLAS
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Welcome to Dallas Arts Month at the award-winning HALL Arts Hotel Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton, the only hotel in the spectacular Dallas Arts District. Enjoy world-class art pieces at every corner of this boutique, while being steps away from Pritzker Prize-winning architecture, exceptional art museums, and performing arts centers. The highly designed guest rooms and suites seamlessly blend beauty and practicality with thoughtful touches throughout the high-tech spaces. The Experience Curator elevates the guest experience by performing exclusive in-house art tours, organizing house car rides, securing exclusive Dallas Arts District moments, and going above and beyond any request desired. | | |
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1200 MARKET STREET
PHILADELPHIA
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Lunch is back at Bank & Bourbon in Loews Philadelphia Hotel. Loews Philadelphia Hotel believes that when people travel, they want good old-fashioned service combined with the newest amenities. So, at Loews Philadelphia Hotel, guests will find the perfect balance of both and that includes 581 freshly renovated rooms and suites. And while service is top drawer, it’s never intrusive. That makes Loews Philadelphia Hotel the perfect option of any luxury hotel in Philadelphia when traveling for business or leisure.
Ovation clients can enjoy 10% off their food order of starters, classic salads, sandwiches, and more through June 1, 2023.
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70 PINE STREET
NEW YORK CITY
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Mint House at 70 Pine is expanding with the addition of 33 brand-new studio apartments. The creative and thoughtful design speaks to the “modern townhouse” aesthetic – offering a calming escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Unique furniture, natural wood finishes, and modern fixtures bring warmth to the space and embody the beauty of a classic New York studio apartment. Mint House at 70 Pine’s rooms feature ambient lighting, custom bed frames equipped with wireless charging and alarm clocks, designated workspaces with ring lights, and elegant wet bars perfect for a late-night snack.
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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. | | | | |
