DECEMBER 28, 2022

US CALLS FOR PROBE INTO SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CANCELLATIONS


The US government is seeking answers from Southwest Airlines as to why it lagged behind other airlines in recovering from the impact of the winter storm that swept through the nation over the holiday weekend, reports Airport Technology. Southwest cancelled over 12,000 flights around the aftermath of the storm, and disruption continued for the carrier even as other airlines rebounded. As per tracking platform FlightAware, of the nearly 3,200 flights cancelled on December 27, almost 2,691 were Southwest flights. In comparison, Alaska Airlines and United Airlines cancelled 10% and 3% of their flights. Southwest has cancelled 2,500 flights for Wednesday and approximately 1,400 flights for Thursday and is looking to fly only a third of its schedule for the “next several days.” US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called this a complete meltdown of the airline’s systems, adding that his department will hold the carrier accountable. “I made clear that our department will be holding them accountable for their responsibilities to customers, both to get them through this situation and to make sure that this can’t happen again,” Buttigieg said in an interview. He also added that the department would look into the factors leading to the widespread cancellations, and whether the airline was complying with its legal obligations.

CHINA TO DROP QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS FOR INBOUND TRAVELERS


China has announced that it will stop requiring inbound travelers to go into quarantine beginning January 8, 2023, reports Travel Pulse. The announcement comes amid concern for the country’s economy and the large amount of scrutiny from its citizens over its strict zero-COVID policy. Immediately following the announcement, interest in traveling internationally among the Chinese skyrocketed, as these rules will not only help international travel to China, but Chinese nationals reentering the country from abroad. China will resume processing passport applications for Chinese nationals and resume visa-free transit up to 14 hours for travelers. Extensions and renewals of foreigners’ visas will also restart.

TRAVELERS FLYING TO UK WARNED OF DELAYS AS PASSPORT CONTROL STAFF STRIKE


Travelers at British airports have been warned of delays after passport control staff walked out last week as part of a strike that is due to last until New Year, reports Reuters. The Public and Commercial Services Union said more than 1,000 Border Force staff, who are employed by the government, were expecting to strike. Border Force apologized for any disruption for travelers entering Britain and said it was working with partners across the travel industry to support the inflow of travelers and goods. "During the periods of industrial action, travelers should be prepared for disruption," chief operating officer Steve Dann said. So far, neither of Britain's two largest airports, London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Gatwick Airport (LGW), have reported any major disruptions.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL IS POISED 'FOR A BIG COMEBACK' IN 2023


Americans are poised to travel overseas in 2023 as interest in international trips continues to rise, reports CNBC. Thirty-one percent of Americans are more interested in international travel than domestic travel, according to a recent poll by tourism market research firm Destination Analysts. That is a six-point increase from February and a year-to-date high, according to the survey. Meanwhile, 62% of 2023 flight searches in the first week of December were for international destinations, up from 55% the same time last year. In 2022, the share of international trips for which Americans bought travel insurance was on par with 2019 levels, the first time that had occurred in the pandemic era. The trend has continued for trips booked for 2023. The Asia-Pacific region is set for the biggest increase in 2023 due to its broad reopening in the latter half of 2022, with Japan expecting perhaps the biggest boost in interest. However, Europe has remained the most popular destination in terms of total volume, with European cities capturing a third of all international flight searches.

ARCADIAN HOTEL BROOKLINE

1200 BEACON STREET

BROOKLINE

Just as Brookline is a pleasant departure from the Boston scene, the newly renovated Arcadian Hotel Brookline is a delightful break from standard hotel experiences. Cohesive rooms with well-made finishes look out over historic Beacon and St. Paul streets, inviting guests to unwind at night and get some work done in the morning. Bar 1200 is a neighborhood spot to grab a drink and a bite with friends before exploring the city.

ARIZONA BILTMORE, A WALDORF ASTORIA RESORT

2400 EAST MISSOURI AVENUE

PHOENIX

Escape the winter weather at the Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. While other destinations hunker down in the cold winter season, Arizona blossoms. Even in the chilliest of months across the country, the average winter temperature in Phoenix is 72 degrees. The sunny desert climate is the ideal place for recreational pursuits, off-season sunbathing, patio dining, and serious shopping.


Discover the Arizona Biltmore’s golden season as the grand lobby, shops, and manicured lawns magically fill with boutique holiday décor, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s ethos of nature in motion. For nearly a century, the hotel’s been delighting guests with the magic of hospitality, only amplified by the approaching holidays. As a guest, access a wide array of bespoke artisanal classes, learning to create winter wonders in various forms, or take to one of seven temperature-regulated pools. Whatever experience a guest chooses, it’s sure to be glamorous. 

CAPITAL HILTON

1001 16TH STREET NW

WASHINGTON, DC

Located in the heart of DC this historic hotel is less than 2 blocks from the White House. There are many restaurants and shops as well as Metro steps from the hotel. 


Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Capital Hilton has a proud tradition of welcoming the world’s travelers to Washington, DC for nearly 75 years. The hotel is central to top attractions, shopping, dining, museums, and historic sites, and it is located two blocks from the White House and three metro stops. All Ovation clients receive complimentary Wi-Fi and access to the onsite fitness center with their stay. 

FAIRMONT CENTURY PLAZA

2025 AVENUE OF THE STARS

LOS ANGELES

Work and play at Fairmont Century Plaza. Indulge in world-class cocktails and nightly music, Tuesday through Saturday from 4-8pm at The Bar, located in the lobby. Guests can break away from their busy day with a visit to the 14,000 square-foot breathtaking Fairmont Spa, offering access to aromatherapy steam rooms, sanariums, a Himalayan salt room, and top-notch treatments from a talented team of masseuses and estheticians. Enjoy access to the state-of-the-art fitness center, fully equipped with the latest Techno-Gym equipment, Pelotons, a private yoga/spin studio, and recovery station by partners at Three Sages.


For the perfect sunset, head to the rooftop pool with unparalleled views of the cityscape. Guests can treat themselves to a French-inspired feast at the brasserie, Lumière, or morning coffee and treats from the patisserie. 

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.

HOTEL CRESCENT COURT

400 CRESCENT COURT

DALLAS

Featuring undeniable charm that is quintessentially Texan, Hotel Crescent Court melds Dallas sophistication and heritage into an experience that truly represents a proud legacy.


Fresh from a $33 million renovation, the hotel has seen a complete overhaul, all while retaining landmark Southern style. Select from one of the 186 rooms or 40 suites, complete with custom-scented Molton Brown amenities and a contemporary blush, cream, and gray color scheme. Peruse art from Caroline Rose Hunt’s personal collection, including a 2,000-year-old marble sculpture of the Greek god Aesculapius. Pick from more than a dozen restaurants and bars, including Beau Nash cocktail lounge, offering more than 30 types of by-the-glass bubbly. Guests can pamper themselves at Hotel Crescent Court’s 22,000-square-foot spa with one of the hotel’s signature treatments. Plan a world-class event in the beautiful meeting and event spaces.


The opportunities are endless, but the choices are uniquely the guests at Hotel Crescent Court.

MARTINIQUE NEW YORK ON BROADWAY, CURIO COLLECTION

49 WEST 32ND STREET

NEW YORK CITY

Martinique New York on Broadway, Curio Collection has been exquisitely restored and reopened in December 2021 as the new crown of Manhattan. Located in Midtown Manhattan, the Martinique welcomes guests with entirely refreshed guest rooms, a new Art Deco inspired lobby, and a brand-new state-of-the-art gym. This award-winning historic hotel is a member of the Historic Hotels of America and is just steps away from the Empire State Building, Macy’s Herald Square, Madison Square Garden, and Penn Station. The Early Edition currently serves breakfast and all-day menu while six elevated dining outlets including The Press Club a New York style chophouse and gourmet doughnut shop are opening in early 2023. Completely renovated, the hotel has 10 meeting spaces totaling 7,800 square feet. Meetings from 10 to 400 are conducted with ease by the full-service banquet staff.  

NEW YORK HILTON MIDTOWN

1335 SIXTH AVENUE

NEW YORK CITY

Now is the perfect time to take advantage of savings at New York Hilton Midtown, ideally situated in the heart of Manhattan, surrounded by public transportation options and a short walk away from the major transportation hubs of Grand Central and Times Square, allowing business travelers to maximize their time and minimize their commute.

 

Whether guests have 2 hours or 2 days to explore the city while here on business, New York Hilton Midtown puts guests within a few short blocks to enjoy a morning walk in Central Park, find that perfect gift for a loved one (or themselves) on Fifth Avenue, take in a Broadway show, or transport their taste buds at one of the many neighborhood restaurants specializing in international cuisine.

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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.