SEPTEMBER 15, 2021
OVATION OFFERS TRAVEL RESOURCES GUIDE REGARDING COVID-19


At Ovation, we remain committed to providing excellent service to our valued clients throughout the COVID-19 global pandemic. Click the link below to view our travel resources guide which includes traveler health & safety information, interactive risk maps, client communications, travel management best practices, webinar recordings, and more regarding COVID-19.

House Representative Don Beyer (D-Va.) introduced a bill that calls for all airline and train passengers in the US to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test in order to travel, reports The Hill. The legislation, called the Safe Travel Act, advocates for all travelers on Amtrak and commercial airlines to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or provide a negative coronavirus test taken within 72 hours of traveling. The bill also seeks to require that employees, contractors, and subcontractors of Amtrak and commercial airlines either show proof of a completed vaccination series or present a negative COVID-19 test at least once per week. While the Biden administration has implemented a federal mask mandate for all public transportation, which the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) extended last month through January 2022, the federal government has not made testing or vaccinations for travel mandatory.

As the House of Representatives proposes vaccine and testing mandates for air and rail travel, a recent Gallup poll has found that the majority of Americans support vaccination mandates on airplanes, hotels, dine-in restaurants, and to attend large events, reports Travel Pulse. Using data from three different polls on the same subject over the months of April, May, and August 2021, the data suggests that the number of Americans who would feel safer and even prefer vaccination mandates or verification is increasing. The most recent data is from an August 16-22 survey included in Gallup's ongoing COVID-19 probability-based web panel, consisting of more than 80,000 members. Of the August survey respondents, 61 percent want a vaccination requirement for air travel. This percentage has grown steadily since April when that number was at 57 percent. On the hotel side, 53 percent of Americans now favor a vaccination requirement to stay in hotels, up nearly 10 percent from April.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is doubling fines for first-time offenders who fail to wear masks, reports Skift. The White House said President Joe Biden is directing the higher fines to “ensure that masking requirements remain in place on the other modes of transportation as we continue to battle COVID-19.” TSA stated the new fines will “be $500-$1,000 for first offenders and $1,000-$3,000 for second offenders.” TSA extended requirements for travelers to wear masks on airplanes, trains, buses, and at airports and train stations through January 18, 2022, to address ongoing COVID-19 risks. TSA said that operators throughout the transportation network have reported over 4,000 face mask-related incidents. To date, almost 4,000 warning notices have been sent and 126 have been referred for civil penalty.

Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism Dan Tehan has announced that the Australian government will begin trials of a new vaccine passport program with select countries this week, reports CNN. Among the countries chosen for the trial were the United States, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, as well as Australia's neighboring Pacific islands. Tehan said that the vaccine passport system would utilize QR codes that are linked to the vaccination records and passport information of inbound or outbound travelers. Any inbound travelers vaccinated overseas must have received shots approved by Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which to date only includes AstraZenica (not in use in the US), Janssen/Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and Pfizer.

Ovation clients can make their return to travel count and fast track to Hilton Honors Gold Status with this special offer. All travelers need is 4 nights within 90 days of registration to qualify.

Automatically enjoy Member Perks like:
  • Contactless Travel
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Points towards Free Nights

Here’s what Gold Status unlocks:
  • Free Continental Breakfast
  • Space-Available Room Upgrades
  • 80% Bonus on All Base Points Earned

To sign up today, click here. For Terms and Conditions, please visit HiltonHonors.com.

Click "Read More" for full details.
APEX TEMPLE COURT HOTEL
1-2 SERJEANTS' INN
LONDON
Nestled in the heart of London’s Fleet Street, just moments from Covent Garden, a new type of luxury awaits. Stylish interiors are matched by a beautiful historic façade, and guests can choose from majestic suites or chic city center hideaways.

From luxurious stays in a two-bedroom suite to cozy hideaways in the heart of the capital, the hotel's got the perfect room waiting. Chic interiors, plenty of space, and lots of little luxuries to give that home away from home vibe.
BILTMORE HOTEL MIAMI CORAL GABLES
1200 ANASTASIA AVENUE
CORAL GABLES
Graced with effortless beauty and sophistication, the Biltmore Hotel is located in the exclusive Miami-Coral Gables area with close proximity to Miami Beach and Downtown Miami. The 273-room resort includes 174 suites and features spectacular Mediterranean architecture with classic Italian, Moorish, and Spanish influences spread over 150 acres of tropical landscape. The hotel offers a restored Donald Ross 18-hole, 71-par championship golf course; tennis courts; an iconic swimming pool with private cabanas; a European spa; and state-of-the-art fitness center. The hotel’s dining destinations Fontana, a traditional Italian restaurant surrounding the Biltmore lush courtyard and fountain; the poolside Cascade and the 19th Hole golf-centric restaurant. The Biltmore is one of South Florida’s ideal sites for leisure and business travel, high-level corporate briefings, and public policy conferences, and is an extraordinary wedding destination. The Biltmore is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts.
FAIRMONT CENTURY PLAZA
2025 AVENUE OF THE STARS
LOS ANGELES
Experience the re-emergence of Los Angeles’ icon, Fairmont Century Plaza, stepping onto the center stage September 27th. The Fairmont Century Plaza is pleased to offer Ovation clients a complimentary room upgrade, subject to availability. Valid for stays September 27, 2021 – December 30, 2021.

  • Must book the Ovation Preferred Rates to receive complimentary room upgrade.
  • Upgrade assigned at the time of check-in & subject to availability. Excludes Fairmont Gold unless Gold is confirmed at the time of booking.
HILTON BOSTON DOWNTOWN - FANEUIL HALL
89 BROAD STREET
BOSTON
Travelers can discover modern comfort in the heart of downtown Boston at Hilton Boston Downtown-Faneuil Hall. Located in a 1920's Art Deco skyscraper, this AAA Four Diamond hotel is just minutes from the area’s most popular attractions. Travelers will be staying in the heart of the Boston Financial District, one block from the waterfront and 10 minutes from Logan International Airport when they choose Hilton Boston Downtown-Faneuil Hall. After a busy day in the city, guests can retire to one of the hotel’s unique guest rooms or spacious suites.

Guests can also enjoy Fin Point Oyster Bar and Grille which features a full raw bar, New England classics, an elegant dining room and a bar area to create an inviting atmosphere in historic downtown Boston for power lunches, after work drinks, celebrations, and private events.
SOFITEL LE SCRIBE PARIS OPERA HOTEL
1 RUE SCRIBE
PARIS
Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opéra Hotel has been beating to the vibrant rhythm of Paris for over 150 years. A key player in Parisian life, Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opéra Hotel is now writing a new page in its history. The new design combines faultless service within the intimacy of a haussmann residence in the heart of the capital.

Nestled in the heart of the right bank, the hotel is ideally just located steps away from the Opera Garnier, Place Vendôme, and exclusive department stores. At the center of one of the most beautiful and prestigious districts of the capital, the hotel's location is second to none.
PARK HYATT CHICAGO
800 NORTH MICHIGAN AVENUE
CHICAGO
Park Hyatt Chicago, the founding Park Hyatt hotel, boasts sophisticated design, an impressive private art collection and award-winning cuisine just steps from the Magnificent Mile.

Park Hyatt Chicago offers 198 luxurious rooms, including thirteen elegant suites, each appointed with deep soaking tubs and sleek window benches with views of the Water Tower, Lake Michigan, or Chicago’s Gold Coast. Suites offer apartment-style layouts with separate living areas and a range of residential features such as a kitchenette and powder room, so travelers can feel at home in downtown Chicago.
ST. GREGORY HOTEL
2033 M STREET NW
WASHINGTON, DC
Unlock one of The St. Gregory Hotel’s 156 completely refreshed studios and suites in Washington, DC. The hotel has the right balance of timeless design, fashionable mid-century style, and a relaxed sense of comfort guests would expect. The rooms have everything guests need to work, rest, and rejuvenate. Guests can stay productive with high-speed Wi-Fi and an oversized work desk and treat themselves after with a flat screen LED television, L’Occitane bath products, and plush robes.

The St. Gregory has been awarded Trip Advisor's top honors in their Travelers Choice Awards. The hotel is in the top 10% of hotels selected by Travelers Worldwide. Considering how challenging and turbulent this year has been the hotel is more than humbled to receive such honors.
THE LANGHAM, LONDON
1C PORTLAND PLACE, REGENT STREET
LONDON
With a history of delighting guests and providing personalized service since 1865, The Langham, London is truly a London icon. With the recent addition of deluxe suites, British tavern, The Wigmore, and a new spa, Chuan Body + Soul, the reimagining of Europe’s first Grand Hotel is ever evolving.

380 fully refurbished and elegantly appointed rooms and suites that evoke a welcoming, residential ambience, while offering the conveniences of today. Enjoy the option to upgrade to a room or suite with Langham Club Lounge access with a wide range of all-day privileges.

The hotel’s unique partnership with legendary icon - Michel Roux Jr., can be enjoyed in all the restaurants and bars, meetings, and events and from the comfort of your own guestroom.
THE SAVOY
THE STRAND
LONDON
Located in the cultural heart of the city, The Savoy offers 267 luxury guest rooms and suites that are decorated in either an elegant Edwardian or Art Deco style.

The Royal Suite is The Savoy’s flagship suite, running the length of the fifth-floor riverside. Floor to ceiling windows frame unparalleled views of the river Thames and London landmarks. To mark the 100th anniversary of the celebrated fashion house, Gucci, the interior of the Royal Suite has been redesigned to be a reflection of the Gucci world, featuring art and antiquities specially curated by auctioneers Christie’s to harmonize with the Gucci aesthetic and the design and heritage of The Savoy.

Gucci's founder, Guccio Gucci, worked at The Savoy as a luggage porter when a young man. Seeing the luxurious luggage and elegant clothes of guests was a major impetus in his desire to start his own leather goods company, shortly after his return to Italy from London.
THOMPSON DALLAS
205 N AKARD STREET
DALLAS
Thompson Dallas is a luxury hotel located within The National, Dallas’ newest urban luxury mixed-use project. The 51-story tower has been curated by a team of award-winning designers and will showcase Thompson’s unrivaled level of personalized hospitality with an edge. Thompson Dallas, located downtown, will offer bespoke journeys centered around world-class culinary and nightlife offerings as well as refined art and entertainment in a way that only Thompson can curate.

The 219-room hotel includes 52 suites, two penthouse suites, and several world-class restaurants as well as two acres of indoor-outdoor space on the ninth floor that’s home to a full-service spa, a fitness and wellness center, and a resort-style pool with private cabanas. Other Thompson Dallas amenities include Tondeo Hair Lounge, a three-chair barbershop helmed by Derek Ortiz, as well as a floral design studio and workshop, The Botanical Mix, both located in the hotel’s lobby.
Ovation Travel Group is wholly owned by American Express Global Business Travel (GBT). GBT is a joint venture that is not wholly owned by American Express Company or any of its subsidiaries (American Express). “American Express Global Business Travel”, “American Express", and the American Express logo are trademarks of American Express and are used under limited license. “American Express Meetings & Events” is a division of GBT.