DECEMBER 14, 2022

HOW MANY AMERICANS ARE PROJECTED TO TRAVEL THIS WINTER HOLIDAY SEASON?


AAA is forecasting that over 112 million Americans will travel during the 2022 winter holiday travel period, reports Travel Pulse. According to their new study, 112.7 million people will journey at least 50 miles from December 23 to January 2, an increase of 3.6 million people from last year. The 2022 totals are expected to be the third busiest since 2000, when AAA first began tracking these numbers. Air travel is expected to increase 14 percent over last year, with nearly 7.2 million Americans expected to fly during that period. That total would almost match 2019, when 7.3 million Americans traveled by air. The survey also found that 102 million people will drive to their destinations, a number on par with 2018 totals. AAA Senior Vice President Paula Twidale said, “With hybrid work schedules, we are seeing more people take long weekends to travel because they can work remotely at their destination and be more flexible with the days they depart and return.”

AMERICAN, JETBLUE TO ADD 10 CITIES TO NORTHEAST ALLIANCE


American Airlines and JetBlue have announced that they will expand their Northeast Alliance with 10 additional destinations from New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) in 2023, reports Business Travel News. Starting May 5, American will begin daily service between LGA and Birmingham, Alabama (BHM); Buffalo, New York (BUF); Columbia (CAE) and Greenville in South Carolina (GSP); Grand Rapids, Michigan (GRR); and Knoxville, Tennessee (TYS). The carrier is also expanding seasonal flights between LGA and Asheville, North Carolina (AVL), to year-round service, and will add an additional frequency between BOS and Louisville, Kentucky (SDF). JetBlue in spring 2023 will introduce four daily nonstop flights between LGA and Atlanta, Georgia (ATL), as well as a daily flight to Nassau, Bahamas (NAS). 

IATA UNVEILS NEW STANDARDS TO BRING ‘READY TO FLY’ CLOSER TO REALITY


The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has developed new industry standards to bring the ‘Ready to Fly’ option closer to reality for travelers at airports, reports Airport Technology. IATA’s new ‘Recommended Practice on Digitalization of Admissibility’ standards will allow travelers to digitally provide proof of entry upon arrival to an international destination without stopping at the check-in desk and boarding gate for document checks. This occurs through a system that will allow travelers to digitally obtain all necessary pre-travel authorizations directly from governments prior to their trip. Going forward, travelers will be able to create a verified digital identity using their airline app and send it as proof of all required documentation to destination authorities in advance. IATA Operations, Safety and Security Senior Vice-President Nick Careen said: “Passengers want technology to make travel simpler. By enabling passengers to prove their admissibility to their airline before they get to the airport, we are taking a major step forward.”

HONG KONG FINALLY REMOVES RESTRICTIONS ON INBOUND ARRIVALS WHO TEST NEGATIVE


Hong Kong has announced that incoming travelers will no longer be subject to home monitoring for three days, reports Skift. As of December 14, inbound travelers testing negative upon arrival are now allowed to move freely around the city. Previously, even travelers testing negative were issued an amber code on the LeaveHomeSafe health app and were not allowed to enter spaces such as restaurants and gyms for their first three days. Travelers are also no longer required to scan QR codes using the health app while entering venues around the city. Arriving travelers still need to take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test at the airport and on their third day, and a rapid antigen test for five days. “Any measures that we introduce to deal with Covid is based on actual figures, data, and risk assessment,” Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said.

DELTA WILL RESTART SERVICE TO CUBA NEXT YEAR


Delta Air Lines will resume flying to Havana, Cuba, in the spring, reports Travel + Leisure. Beginning April 10, 2023, Delta will fly two daily nonstop flights from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Havana (HAV); these will be the carrier’s first flights to the city since March 2020. “Delta made its return to the Cuban market in 2016 after a 55-year hiatus, but suspended service in March 2020 in response to COVID-19,” Delta wrote in a statement. “In line with continued strong demand, Delta remains committed to fully restoring its network by next summer, as shared on the September quarter 2022 financial results call.” The flights will include a first class cabin, Delta Comfort+, and a main cabin, and will feature Delta’s free mobile messaging for iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger.

LOEWS MIAMI BEACH HOTEL

1601 COLLINS AVENUE

MIAMI BEACH

Nestled in the heart of the Art Deco District, the renowned resort is an oceanfront paradise where sophisticated style meets beachfront chic. Spend the day at Loews Miami Beach Hotel’s iconic pool deck with direct beach access. Relax in the comfort of 790 beautifully appointed guestrooms, including newly redesigned presidential suites. Savor Miami-inspired flavors at five restaurants, with the award-winning Lure Fishbar serving exquisite seafood, American fare, and creative sushi dishes. Indulge at SOAK Cabana Deck or recharge at Exhale Spa. It’s all at guests’ fingertips at Loews Miami Beach Hotel, where the comfort and well-being of guests is always top of mind. Additional amenities include a fitness center, state-of-the-art Kids Club, and premium shopping at Splash and Splish boutiques.

MELROSE GEORGETOWN HOTEL

2430 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE NW

WASHINGTON, DC

Voted #5 in the TOP 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Washington, DC in 2019, Melrose Georgetown Hotel continues to be among the top notable hotels the Nation's Capital has to offer. Where traditional style meets contemporary classic in comfortability, décor, and creative culinary initiatives, this boutique style hotel offers immediate access to the city's top attractions. Check out historic Georgetown for shopping, the Potomac waterfront for dining or stroll up Pennsylvania Avenue. 


Just steps from the Foggy Bottom Metro Station and minutes from legendary attractions, Melrose Georgetown Hotel presents the ideal destination for travelers seeking an immersive DC experience.

MOSAIC HOTEL

125 SOUTH SPALDING DRIVE

BEVERLY HILLS

Mosaic Hotel’s coveted locale in the heart of Beverly Hills offers an array of attractions just steps from the front door. Once inside, the quaint setting and welcoming ambiance will make travelers feel at home. Mosaic Hotel presents 49 luxuriously designed rooms and suites that are furnished with the utmost attention to detail. Mosaic is perfectly situated for all business needs offering smart business amenities, including oversized workstations, USB charging stations, an in-house business center, and more.

ROYALTON PARK AVENUE

420 PARK AVENUE SOUTH

NEW YORK CITY

Ideally located in Manhattan's historically significant and popular NoMad district, Royalton Park Avenue creates a truly relaxed destination while maintaining the cachet of Manhattan’s most iconic address. Royalton Park Avenue combines luxury and trendiness, in the center of the city’s most influential happenings. Boasting 249 oversized luxury guestrooms and 36 remarkable suites, most with lofty ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, Juliet balconies, and 5 fixture bathrooms. Royalton Park Avenue’s most desired hidden gem, its 40-foot rooftop heated pool, is open year-round and has direct views of the Empire State building. The property perched on the corner of 29th Street and Park Avenue could not be more ideal for a travelers next New York City stay, whether for leisure or business, the hotel can accommodate all.  

THE BENJAMIN ROYAL SONESTA NEW YORK

125 EAST 50TH STREET

NEW YORK CITY

There are some exciting changes at The Benjamin. The property is now called The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York and is part of Sonesta, the 8th largest hotel company in the world. The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York is located at 50th and Lexington Avenue in midtown, where guests can walk to business areas and luxury boutiques on Fifth Avenue, Park Avenue, Rockefeller Center, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. With its classic décor and intimate boutique setting, The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York exudes old-world Manhattan with oversized rooms and suites, (many with kitchenettes, living rooms, and private terraces) providing a sense of sophisticated glamour in New York City.

THE BILTMORE MAYFAIR

44 GROSVENOR SQUARE

LONDON

Located in the prestigious Grosvenor Square, The Biltmore Mayfair offers opulent accommodations and a prime location for exploring the capital. Discover London’s top shopping destinations with Oxford Street and New Bond Street within walking distance. Take the Biltmore Bentley for a spin or sample delightful dining options designed by a Michelin-starred chef. Featuring 250 opulent rooms, 49 curated suites, and 8 signature suites with stunning views of London’s iconic skyline.


A place where every detail is thought through, where guests are known not just by name but by what makes them feel right at home. Located in an area where some of the most influential people in British history and culture lived, guests get to share in these stories while creating their own. Step inside and prepare for a truly exceptional luxury experience.

TRAVEL RESOURCES GUIDE
Facebook  Twitter  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 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.