NOVEMBER 8, 2023

THE CDC EXPANDS ITS AIRPORT SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM


The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is expanding its airport surveillance program to include more than just COVID-19, reports Travel Market Report. The CDC said that it will begin monitoring the flu, RSV, and other respiratory viruses among arriving international travelers at four airports – Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and Washington, DC’s Dulles International Airport (IAD) – as part of traveler-based Genomic Surveillance (TGS) program. The program, which launched in 2022, is voluntary and samples taken remain completely anonymous. Data from the program is shared with the country that a traveler came in from. The goal of the TGS program is to give health officials data that could act as an “early warning system” to detect respiratory viruses, including new COVID-19 variants, RSV, the flu, and more. The CDC said that TGS provided early detection of the BA.2.86 variant within days of its identification last summer. According to the CDC, more than 360,000 anonymous travelers coming in from 135 counties have already participated in the program.

UNITED AIRLINES LAUNCHES WINTER SERVICE EXPANSION


United Airlines has announced the launch of its international winter schedule with 50 additional daily nonstop flights compared to last winter. Beginning in December, United will become the first US carrier to fly direct from the continental US to Manila, Philippines, and the only carrier to fly between the US and Christchurch, New Zealand. Additionally, United will be the first US airline to return to Beijing when service from San Francisco resumes on November 9. In total, United will fly to more than 110 international destinations and grow its schedule by more than 25% versus last year. “United's industry-leading international network has always set it apart from the competition, and we continue to find new ways to bring our customers the locations and schedules that they want,” United Senior Vice President Patrick Quayle said. 

AMTRAK AWARDED NEARLY $10 BILLION FOR NORTHEAST CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS


Amtrak has announced that it has been awarded nearly $10 billion in Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) funding to modernize critical infrastructure, improve stations, and support future ridership growth on the Northeast Corridor (NEC). This funding comes at a time when NEC ridership continues to rise, consistently exceeding pre-pandemic levels. “These grants will help advance Amtrak’s plans to modernize the Northeast Corridor and unlock major bottlenecks on the busiest passenger rail corridor in America,” said Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner. “I want to thank President Biden, USDOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg and FRA Administrator Amit Bose for their continued support as Amtrak and our partners rebuild this critical infrastructure asset.” In September, the FRA awarded Amtrak nearly $200 million through the CRISI grant program. Amtrak has also submitted additional federal grant applications to improve Long Distance and State Supported services through the FRA’s Corridor ID Program and separate Fed-State Partnership Program funding for projects outside the NEC.

AMERICAN AIRLINES ANNOUNCES FLIGHT NETWORK SHAKE-UP


American Airlines has announced a significant network shake-up, cutting 21 routes from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), reports Travel Pulse. The flight cuts from Austin include routes to the Bahamas, Kansas City, Tampa, and Washington, DC. “Austin remains an important market for American as we continuously evaluate our network. Together with our partners, American will continue to offer customers service to 15 of the top 20 markets from AUS, while continuing to offer one-stop connections across our comprehensive global network to more than 350 destinations around the world,” American officials said. American will still have connecting flights to most of its hubs, with the exception of Ronald Reagan Airport in Washington, DC, and LaGuardia in New York. American also said that while the number of cuts is significant, it still plans to offer 19 more flights than it did in 2019 out of Austin. Almost all the flights cut out of Austin were on American Airlines regional planes.

US TO LEAD SAF PRODUCTION BY 2030


A new report from information services company GlobalData forecasts a significant increase in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production capacity in the US over the next decade, with North America as a whole also leading the sector, reports Airport Technology. The Global SAF Production Capacity Outlook report by GlobalData’s oil and gas intelligence team put North America as the leader of the projected SAF production capacity levels compared to the rest of the world, with the US forecast to have an upcoming capacity of more than 1,200 million gallons per year by 2030. North America, Asia, and Europe were highlighted as the upcoming overall leaders in SAF production, with most of their upcoming capacity to come from new standalone renewable refineries. Additionally, while some growth in the global capacity is projected for 2024, the most significant increase is projected for 2025 and 2026 when most planned or announced SAF production projects are expected to come into operation, with the global production capacity set to stay level after 2026.

ANANTARA PALAZZO NAIADI ROME HOTEL

PIAZZA DELLA REPUBBLICA, 48

ROME

Stay at Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel and discover ultimate luxury benefits* when booking their Suites. Carefully crafted, their most exclusive rooms are designed to ensure ultimate comfort and an elevated luxury experience. Enjoy butler service, in-suite check-in & check-out, complimentary one-way transfer by luxury car from/to airport or train station per stay, private car at guest’s disposal for 3 hours per stay, free access to Naiadi Lounge, free access to Anantara Spa wet area, ironing service, tickets for Roman cultural attractions per stay, Rome walking tour for 2 people per stay, in-suite jacuzzi, separate living and dining room (Presidential Suite). 


*Benefits may vary according to the Room Category selected.

BITLMORE LOS ANGELES

506 SOUTH GRAND AVENUE

LOS ANGELES

This iconic hotel has been a beacon of elegance and sophistication for the past 100 years. Since 1923, the Biltmore Los Angeles has played host to countless dignitaries and celebrities, from President John F. Kennedy to The Beatles, making it a living legend in the world of hospitality. It was also the location for numerous films, music videos, award ceremonies, and more - one can only imagine the people and events these gilt walls and painted ceilings have lived through. As a testament to this, the hotel was designated a Los Angeles Historical-Cultural Monument in 1969.


Their luxurious rooms and opulent suites are meticulously designed to offer guests the perfect blend of classic style and modern amenities. Whether seeking a tranquil escape in one of their serene rooms or the ultimate indulgence in their lavish suites, every corner of the Biltmore Los Angeles exudes an air of sophistication that is simply unparalleled.

EAST MIAMI

788 BRICKELL PLAZA

MIAMI

Created for unconventional travelers looking for a fun, stylish, and relaxing place to stay, EAST Miami offers distinctive experiences and personalized service. 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 expect paperless check-in and check-out, floor to ceiling windows & balconies in every guest room. The hotel boasts its signature South American restaurant Quinto with a poolside bar & outdoor terrace, Hong Kong-inspired speakeasy Tea Room, lobby café & bar Domain, and a rooftop destination bar Sugar. It also has 20,000 square feet of meeting and banquet rooms and BEAST, a 24-hour fitness center. The hotel is centrally located within a 15-minute drive from the Miami International Airport, situated within Brickell City Centre – near popular districts such as Wynwood, the Design District, and South Beach.

FREEHAND NEW YORK

23 LEXINGTON AVENUE

NEW YORK CITY

Located in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, Freehand New York is housed in the former George Washington Hotel—once home to many storied writers, musicians, and creatives. Designed by Roman and Williams, all their rooms feature comfortable bedding, custom-commissioned artwork by Bard College students and alumni, plus all the necessities to make guests feel at home.


When working from the hotel, guests can stay well caffeinated at The Gallery, the spot to be when needing a little greenery and a communal workspace. All five of the hotel’s bars and restaurants are ideal for any type of meeting. The fitness center is 24-hour accessible, so hop on those Peloton bakes at any time. And when done with the day, their tranquil rooms will welcome guests to curl up in bed and recharge for what’s next.

HILTON TAMPA DOWNTOWN

211 NORTH TAMPA STREET

TAMPA

Experience superior service and refinement at Hilton Tampa Downtown. The upscale 520-guestroom recently completed a multi-year, multimillion-dollar property renovation of its public spaces, lobby, and restaurant further enhancing the guest experience. The hotel boasts a contemporary design and sophisticated amenities including a 24/7 fitness center, an outdoor rooftop pool and more than 30,000 square feet of flexible event space. 


Complex Executive Chef James King brings his 20 years of culinary skills to 211 Restaurant and Bar, located inside the hotel. Chef King specializes in utilizing local ingredients procured from farm-to and port-to-table while focusing on regional and seasonal inspirations. Chef King’s respect for the integrity of ingredients is reflected in the new spring menu at 211 Restaurant and Bar.


This distinctive hotel located in the city center is steps away from the famous Tampa Riverwalk, Amelia Arena, Tampa Convention Center, and a 15-minute drive from Tampa International Airport.

KIMPTON FITZROY LONDON HOTEL

1-8 RUSSELL SQUARE

LONDON

Kimpton Fitzroy London Hotel opened in 2018, occupying a full block along the eastern side of Russell Square in the heart of Bloomsbury. Originally designed by Charles Fitzroy Doll in 1898, the luxurious hotel has 334 bedrooms and suites, and is defined by its elegant late Victorian heritage, while offering all the modern amenities of a contemporary hotel with warm, yet refined service. The landmark building boasts four restaurants and bars: Galvin Bar & Grill, Fitz’s, Burr & Co., and Palm Court, as well as a gym, eight naturally lit meeting and events spaces and a Grade II-Heritage Listed ballroom. 


Kimpton Fitzroy London Hotel is the flagship European location for Kimpton Hotels & Resorts (part of the InterContinental Hotel Group) – a leading brand of boutique hotels and restaurants known for its considerate amenities, bold, playful design, and sincerely personal style of service.

THE STEPHEN F. AUSTIN ROYAL SONESTA HOTEL

701 CONGRESS AVENUE

AUSTIN

Dive into the storied past and charm of Austin, amid the unbridled elegance of The Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel. Situated in the heart of downtown Austin, their historic hotel provides quick access to the city's renowned attractions. Experience the lively scene of Sixth Street and Rainey Street or discover the nearby Texas Capitol and the University of Texas.


Get comfortable in their beautifully furnished rooms and suites and enjoy their warm Texas hospitality. Indulge in upscale dining options, and sip on a refreshing drink at their historic bar. Get a heart pumping workout on a Peloton Bike in their state-of-the-art fitness center. Elevate an event with their 6,000 square feet of meeting space on one level, accommodating up to 400 attendees.

VICEROY CHICAGO

1118 NORTH STATE STREET

CHICAGO

Seek out Viceroy Chicago, a stylish retreat in the Gold Coast, on the site of a 120-year-old landmark building, representing one of the finest hotels near Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. As guests relax and reconnect in a neighborhood brimming with historic homes, they’ll get a feel for the city’s rich heritage. 


Inside, discover rooms that inventively redefine mid-century modern glamour. 180 guestrooms, including 18 suites, open to views of Lake Michigan and are just a short walk to Michigan Avenue, spectacular restaurants, and the shopping at Magnificent Mile that made Chicago legendary. Experience a stay at their exquisite hotel, near Michigan Avenue, and enjoy the best of Chicago.

WALDORF ASTORIA WASHINGTON, DC

1100 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE NW

WASHINGTON, DC

Bringing stunning design and unforgettable experiences to Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington’s iconic Old Post Office has been reimagined as Waldorf Astoria Washington, DC. The hotel features 263 elegant, restored guest rooms including a collection of luxurious one-bedroom Signature Suites. Surrounded by a soaring 9-story atrium sits the legendary Peacock Alley and The Bazaar by Josè Andrès offering a carefully curated theater of shared plates from the ground-breaking culinary artistry of Michelin-starred Jose Andres and his Josè Andrès Group team. Waldorf Astoria Spa invites relaxation and rejuvenation with six treatment rooms and a tranquil Himalayan salt therapy room. Just steps from the White House, Waldorf Astoria Washington, DC is conveniently set amid DC’s greatest cultural institutions and attractions.  

Facebook  X  Linkedin  

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 GBT 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.