APRIL 14, 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.

New York has lifted its COVID-19 quarantine and testing requirements for international travelers, reports USA Today. The move follows New York's recent decision to end its quarantine on travelers coming from another state or US territory. "Asymptomatic travelers entering New York from another country, US state, or territory are no longer required to test or quarantine as of April 10, 2021," the state Department of Health announced on its website. The state said that a quarantine, consistent with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is still recommended for all travelers who are not fully vaccinated or have not recovered from laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 during the previous three months.

American Airlines has announced that it will operate more than 150 new routes this summer, as the airline expects to fly more than 90% of its domestic seat capacity compared to summer 2019 and 80% of its international seat capacity compared to 2019. “Throughout the pandemic, our trademark has been to build a schedule based on what customers tell us they want and need,” said Brian Znotins, American’s Vice President of Network Planning. “And today, they are telling us they’re eager to get back to travel. With our summer schedule, we can offer customers the best network and continue welcoming them safely back to the skies." Orlando (MCO) will see a boost in service, as the carrier is introducing eight new routes, operating on Saturdays, including nonstop service from: Birmingham, Alabama (BHM); Dayton, Ohio (DAY); Indianapolis, Indiana (IND); Louisville, Kentucky (SDF); Memphis, Tennessee (MEM); Nashville, Tennessee (BNA); Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (PIT); and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina (RDU). Additionally, American is launching widebody service from Miami (MIA) to Los Angeles (LAX) and New York (JFK). All flights will operate on Boeing 777s this summer to match the increased demand.

The UK Government has announced plans to set up a traffic light system to classify international travel destinations based on COVID-19 risks, reports Airport Technology. The system will assign foreign destinations into three categories - Green, Amber, and Red - based on which varying degrees of quarantine and testing requirements will be determined for arriving travelers. For the Green category, the travelers need to take a pre-departure test and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on or before day two of their arrival in the UK. However, they will not need to quarantine on return, unless they test positive for COVID-19. Travelers arriving from destinations in the Amber category need to quarantine for a period of ten days. They are also required to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on day two and day eight. They can also opt for Test to Release on day five. All arrivals from the Red category will be subject to restrictions that are currently in place for those countries. The factors that will be assessed to determine the color code of a particular country will include the rate of infection, the prevalence of COVID-19 variants, and the percentage of the population that has been vaccinated. The list is expected to be finalized early next month.

United Airlines, in partnership with the air travel IT solutions provider SITA, has begun the first US trial of an end-to-end biometric solution for domestic travel, reports Travel Weekly. The trial, which is scheduled to last 60 days, is being conducted at San Francisco Airport (SFO) on United flights departing out of gates E5 and E6. Participants will take part in what SITA called a "low-touch, biometric-enabled airport experience." Travelers who are participating in the trial scan their driver's license and pose for a photo at a check-in kiosk. Once the traveler's identity is confirmed, their face becomes their boarding pass. Flyers pass through remaining touchpoints, including bag drop, TSA security and boarding, simply by stepping up to a biometrically-enabled camera. Biometrics are already in use for international arrival and departure in dozens of US airports and have been deployed for end-to-end journeys on international departures at airports such as Atlanta and Los Angeles, using biometric data stored in passports.

Amtrak will no longer block the sales of middle seats and will sell to capacity beginning May 23, reports Travel Pulse. This new policy will apply to the Acela (business and first-class) and business class on Northeast Regional, Vermonter, Carolinian, and Palmetto trains. Amtrak’s announcement comes days after Delta Air Lines became the last US airline to announce it would no longer block the sales of middle seats. Amtrak says when travelers are searching for travel, the percentage of seats sold displays next to each trip option and will adjust as travelers make reservations. However, travelers can book on a train that is less crowded, the company said.
BOSTON PARK PLAZA HOTEL AND TOWERS
50 PARK PLAZA AT ARLINGTON STREET
BOSTON
Whether traveling for business or looking for a getaway this spring, Boston Park Plaza is happy to welcome guests. Located in the heart of the city just steps away from local offices, green space, outdoor cafes, restaurants, and a variety of sights and attractions, the hotel is perfectly located to explore the city. With amenities like Lynx Fitness Club, Topgolf, Strega Italiano, and Off The Common right on property, guests can be comfortable staying in or going out.
CONRAD WASHINGTON, DC
950 NEW YORK AVENUE NW
WASHINGTON, DC
Located in the heart of DC’s newest business district, the Conrad is perfectly situated between the White House and the US Capitol. As part of CityCenterDC, the Conrad sits adjacent to the city’s most exciting neighborhood, featuring luxury retail shopping, and award-winning dining options. The Hotel offers 360 beautifully appointed guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and exquisite, naturally lit meeting space.

The Sakura Club at Conrad Washington, DC is open and accepting reservations. With a dedicated team of Ambassadors, Sakura Club is an experience unlike any other – one where guests can immerse themselves in exceptional care at every turn. Curated culinary offerings are crafted by the private Sakura Club chef and include freshly made breakfast and dinner to enjoy in the club or take away. Each day also brings a curated selection of beer and wine.
FAIRMONT CHICAGO, MILLENNIUM PARK
200 NORTH COLUMBUS DRIVE
CHICAGO
The Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park offers sophisticated, modern luxury in the heart of downtown Chicago. Overlooking Lake Michigan, Grant, and Millennium Parks and the legendary skyline, the Fairmont Chicago is the perfect backdrop for an urban escape. The Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park boasts some of the city’s most spacious and impeccably appointed guest rooms. This hotel features 687 guest rooms and suites, including hypoallergenic, allergy-friendly Fairmont PURE rooms.
GALLERIA PARK HOTEL
191 SUTTER STREET
SAN FRANCISCO
Galleria Park team members have been training on the new health and safety measures, including the American Hotel Lodging Association’s Stay Safe program, EPA, and GDC sanitization initiatives, Ecolab partnership guidelines and have been using Electrostatic Disinfectant Sprayers. Individual room heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units ensure that guests are only breathing their own air during their stay. While the hotel was prepping for guests to return, they achieved the accolade of a Top 10 Hotel in San Francisco for 2020 via the prestigious Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Award (two years in a row).
KIMPTON EPIC HOTEL
270 BISCAYNE BOULEVARD WAY
MIAMI
Gorgeously renovated and prepared to welcome guests with enhanced safety and cleanliness protocols, now more than ever Kimpton EPIC Hotel is the exquisite base camp for exploring Miami. EPIC artfully blends urbane sophistication with a playful lifestyle spirit offering the best of today’s modern-day resorts with the convenience of being close to the extraordinary attributes of Miami.
MILLENNIUM HILTON NEW YORK DOWNTOWN
55 CHURCH STREET
NEW YORK CITY
Located in downtown New York City, the hotel is equipped with private meeting space, suites, and floors to accommodate travel requirements for business travel needs. For short-term and long-term stay requirements this is the downtown hotel of choice providing travelers comfort, safety, and a great value.
THE POST OAK HOTEL UPTOWN HOUSTON
1600 WEST LOOP SOUTH
HOUSTON
The Post Oak Hotel is the only Texas Forbes Five-Star Hotel and Spa and Houston’s only AAA Five-Diamond destination boasting elegant accommodations masterfully blended with extensive conference space, prominent office space, designer fashion, signature dining, and sophisticated amenities - all in one tower. The 700,000-square-foot tower embraces every desire of savvy business and leisure travelers alike. Add commanding views of downtown Houston, the unmatched culinary excellence of Mastro’s, Texas' only Forbes Five-Star Spa and direct helicopter pad access, The Post Oak Hotel is sure to satisfy even the most discerning taste. The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston – a lavish experience so uniquely refined there can only be one.
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