OCTOBER 12, 2022

VISA-FREE TRAVEL TO JAPAN STARTS


For the first time in roughly two-and-a-half years, Japan has opened its borders to travelers without heavy COVID-19 restrictions, reports Travel Market Report. As of October 11, individual travelers can now enter the country visa-free; international travelers no longer need to be part of a tour group and no longer have to test upon arrival unless, they are suspected of having COVID-19. Travelers will still have to provide proof of vaccination, defined as three doses of a WHO-approved vaccine, including Moderna and Pfizer. If they are not fully vaccinated, they must provide a negative COVID-19 test taken 72 hours prior to departure. The previous entry requirements had been some of the strictest international rules since the start of the pandemic; according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of travelers to Japan in June 2022 was 120,400, down 95% over 2019.  

UNITED PLANS 2023 TRANSATLANTIC EXPANSION


United Airlines has announced that it will add transatlantic service to three cities and increase service to six more in 2023, reports Business Travel News. On March 25, United will add service between Newark Liberty International Airport (Newark) and Dubai, India. United will also add service on May 27 between Newark and Stockholm, Sweden, and between Newark and Malaga, Spain, on May 31. Further, United will add service to currently served European destinations. Beginning May 25, the carrier will add daily service between Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Shannon, Ireland, as well as Barcelona, Spain. Also on May 25, United will launch daily service between San Francisco International Airport and Rome, Italy, as well as daily service between Washington Dulles International Airport and Berlin, Germany.

DELTA PASSENGERS WILL SOON BE ABLE TO FLY TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT IN AN ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT


Delta Air Lines has announced a new partnership that will allow customers to get to and from the airport by electric plane, reports Travel + Leisure. The carrier will partner with Joby Aviation (Joby), which operates all-electric, vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. To start, Delta expects to roll out this shuttle service in New York and Los Angeles beginning in 2024. Delta’s CEO Ed Bastian stated, “This is a groundbreaking opportunity for Delta to deliver a time-saving, uniquely premium home-to-airport solution for customers in key markets we’ve been investing and innovating in for many years.” Delta has invested $60 million in Joby up front and may expand its investment up to $200 million in the future. When it is ready, the Joby service will be integrated directly into Delta’s customer-facing channels.

US STATE DEPARTMENT UPDATES 98 TRAVEL ADVISORIES


The US State Department has issued 98 revised travel advisories worldwide, reports Forbes. The changes come in the wake of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) decision to end country-by-country COVID-19 travel health notices. A State Department spokesperson explained, “As a result, the State Department no longer includes CDC Covid-19 [travel health notice] information in our travel advisories.” The updates include six “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisories for Belarus, Burkina Fasso, Central African Republic, Mali, Russia, and Ukraine. The government also updated 11 “Level 3” travel advisories for countries where Americans should “reconsider travel” and 32 “Level 2” travel advisories for countries where travelers should “exercise increased caution.” A complete and detailed list can be found on the State Department’s website.

TRAVEL INDUSTRY SEEKING IMMEDIATE ACTION ON VISA DELAYS AMID SPENDING LOSSES


The U.S. Travel Association has called on the State Department to make first-time visitor visa processing an economic priority, following lawmakers’ push for visa processing improvements last month, reports Travel Pulse. The national, non-profit organization shared an economic analysis revealing that the State Department's visitor visa (B-1/B-2) processing is hampering economic recovery, preventing roughly 6.6 million potential visitors from traveling to the US in 2023 with a loss of $11.6 billion in projected spending. With low prioritization, wait times for visitor visa interviews currently exceed 400 days for first-time applicants. U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman stated, "Excessive visa delays are essentially a travel ban—no one is going to wait 1-2 years to interview with a U.S. government official to gain permission to visit the United States […] Our new research shows that millions of potential visitors will simply choose other destinations—destinations that effectively compete for their business.”

EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON

WASHINGTON DC

CONVENTION CENTER

900 10TH STREET NW

WASHINGTON, DC

The hotel is located in the new and upscale City Center area of DC with many restaurants and shops steps from its doors as well as access to multiple metro stops. Downtown's National Mall, home to the White House, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial, is a mile away. Guests will stay in spacious 2-room suites and receive complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, and access to the onsite fitness center. 

FAIRMONT AUSTIN

101 RED RIVER STREET

AUSTIN

Fairmont Austin is a landmark hotel situated in the heart of the vibrant downtown area. The 37-story luxury property features 1,048 richly appointed guest rooms and suites, plus the exclusive Fairmont Gold “hotel within a hotel.” Named by the 2021 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as the No. 1 Hotel in Texas, Fairmont Austin offers unrivaled service and unparalleled views. Its array of amenities features stellar dining, including the acclaimed Garrison, an expansive rooftop pool, the luxe Fairmont Spa Austin, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

MODERNHAUS SOHO

27 GRAND STREET

NEW YORK CITY

At ModernHaus SoHo, style and substance go hand in hand. Enjoy all that the property has to offer: Veranda, the new signature restaurant from Michelin-starred chef George Mendes – with a fully retractable glass roof that allows for al fresco dining in the warmer months and indoor dining on colder days. Jimmy, the rooftop bar for breathtaking city views and seasonal cocktails. And Jumpin Jacks, the hotel’s living room, which offers a high-end coffee program, and at night turns into a destination for guests to unwind with a drink.

PAN PACIFIC LONDON

80 HOUNDSDITCH

LONDON

Welcome to a haven in the city. Pan Pacific London takes innovation and understated luxury to new heights. In the heart of the City of London, the hotel is the city’s new landmark tower just across from Liverpool Street Station.

 

With a seamless blend of Asian hospitality and contemporary British elegance, the 237-bedroom hotel will house a signature restaurant, two destination bars, a lounge serving afternoon tea, a patisserie, two private dining rooms and a dedicated wellbeing floor and 18.5m infinity pool. 

 

Starting from 398sqf, all accommodations have floor-to-ceiling windows with views across The City. Diptyque amenities, Dyson hairdryers, Nespresso coffee machines, and a hot and cold minibar are just a few of the touches which ensure guests’ comfort. For ultimate wellbeing, an innovative ChiliSleep™ Ooler Sleep Cooling System to aid better sleep via temperature regulation is available upon request, and rooms come complete with yoga mats and on demand virtual yoga sessions, as well as health-benefitting botanical planting.

SONESTA DENVER

DOWNTOWN

1450 GLENARM PLACE

DENVER

Lawyers Travel travelers, while in Denver, will receive a complimentary room upgrade, based on availability, and daily Full American Breakfast at Sonesta Denver Downtown. This exclusive offer is valid for stays through December 2022.

 

Guests can indulge in the warm, urban style and inviting boutique-feel during their stay at Sonesta Denver Downtown. Graced with city and mountain views, the spacious guest rooms and suites offer an inspiring space to work or unwind. Guests appreciate on-property amenities including collaborative workspaces in the lobby, dining in The Lockwood Kitchen & Bar, a 24-hour Market, fitness center, garage parking, and complimentary Wi-Fi.  

THE LONDON

WEST HOLLYWOOD

AT BEVERLY HILLS

1020 NORTH SAN VINCENTE BOULEVARD

WEST HOLLYWOOD

The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills offers a tranquil urban oasis that epitomizes modern luxury for the most discerning guests. Voted one of “The Top 15 Hotels in Los Angeles” by Travel + Leisure, the all-suite hotel offers luxurious accommodations - including oversized bathrooms with walk in showers, deep soaking bathtubs, and private balconies. Overnight stays at The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills include a daily complimentary breakfast menu crafted by Executive Chef, Anthony Keene. Guests may soak up the Southern California sunshine on the expansive rooftop pool terrace, featuring private cabanas and unforgettable views of the city.

THE ST. GREGORY HOTEL

DUPONT CIRCLE GEORGETOWN

2033 M STREET NW

WASHINGTON, DC

Located at the intersection of Dupont Circle, Georgetown, and the West End, The St. Gregory Hotel brings stylish accommodations, elevated dining, and inspiring meeting and event space to the nation's capital. The unassuming luxury with modern amenities makes this ideal for business and leisure travelers. Guests can elevate their stay by visiting the new restaurant concept "Ellington Park Bistro".

TRUMP INTERNATIONAL

HOTEL & TOWER CHICAGO

401 NORTH WABASH AVENUE

CHICAGO

Rediscover Chicago located in River North and steps to the exclusive shops of the Magnificent Mile and historic sites along the Riverwalk, Trump Hotel Chicago brings sophistication and elegance to the heart of downtown Chicago.

 

Lawyers Travel clients can make it a getaway to remember with a $25 food & beverage credit and a one category upgrade based upon availability at check-in.

COVID-19 TRAVEL RESOURCES GUIDE
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