Dave

Taste of Scotland: world’s first Walker’s shortbread vending machine at Edinburgh Airport

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Edinburgh Airport has unveiled a groundbreaking addition to its amenities: the world’s first interactive Walker’s Shortbread vending machine.

This innovative machine offers travellers a delightful taste of Scotland’s beloved treat while they explore the airport.

The vending machine, situated in the World Duty Free area, features a digital display that allows passengers to delve into the rich 125-year history of Walker’s Shortbread.

Scottish Treats: capturing the attention of global visitors

Travellers can take an engaging quiz to discover which shortbread product best matches their taste preferences. Upon completing the quiz, users are rewarded with a complimentary shortbread finger – a delightful treat whether you’re setting off on your journey or need a crumb of comfort as you head home.

In addition to the interactive quiz, the vending machine stocks a variety of Walker’s products. This makes it an ideal stop for those looking to bring a taste of Scotland home, pick up some treats for their travels or find a special gift to share with friends and family.

This unique offering at Edinburgh Airport highlights the fusion of tradition and technology, providing a memorable experience for travellers.

Whether you’re a seasoned business traveller or on a leisurely trip, this innovative machine adds a touch of Scottish charm to your journey.

For further information on flights from Edinburgh Airport, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Heathrow Airport reintroduces Fast Track security

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Heathrow Airport has announced the reopening of its Fast Track Security service for all passengers starting 1 June, just in time for what is expected to be its busiest summer ever.

With over 30 million passengers anticipated between June and September, this service will facilitate a smooth start to journeys across all Heathrow terminals.

Available daily from 06:00 to 22:00, Fast Track Security enables passengers to breeze through security checks, allowing more time to shop, dine and relax before their flights.

The service, which costs £12.50 per person and travellers can select a one-hour window for security clearance.

Fast Track is already included for those with a business first Heathrow Express ticket, eligible frequent flyer cardholders or passengers travelling in premium cabins.

Ross Baker, Chief Customer Officer at Heathrow Airport, commented,

We’re thrilled to bring back our Fast Track Security booking service for all passengers ahead of the summer getaway. Fast Track offers a premium security experience, cutting down queue times, getting journeys off to smooth starts and giving passengers extra peace of mind ahead of their trips.

Fast Track Security is part of Heathrow’s broader commitment to enhancing the passenger experience. In the first quarter of the year, almost 99% of passengers waited less than 10 minutes for security clearance, underscoring the airport’s efficiency.

In addition to Fast Track Security, Heathrow offers several airport lounges for passengers to relax before departure. To ensure a hassle-free experience, Heathrow advises passengers to check-in online, wear comfortable clothing, keep travel documents easily accessible, and fully charge electronic devices.

For long-haul flights, arriving at least three hours before departure is recommended, while two hours is sufficient for domestic and European flights.

For more information on Heathrow’s Fast Track Security and other services, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Milestone for Travelodge as 600th hotel launches at iconic cricket venue

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Travelodge, the UK’s pioneering budget hotel chain, has proudly opened its 600th hotel, situated at the iconic London Oval Cricket Ground.

The significant milestone was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Travelodge Chairman Martin Robinson, CEO Jo Boydell, ex-England Cricket Captain and Surrey County Cricket Club Director Alec Stewart OBE and Surrey County Cricket Club CEO Steve Elworthy.

The new London Oval Cricket Ground Travelodge is a 95-room establishment developed in collaboration with Surrey County Cricket Club. Positioned conveniently for both business and leisure travellers, the hotel is just a minute’s walk from the Oval Underground Station.

This opening not only marks Travelodge’s 600th hotel but also its 81st in London, creating over 30 new jobs in the process.

Featuring Travelodge’s new premium look and feel design, the London Oval Cricket Ground Travelodge includes a redesigned reception area, next-generation rooms and the new restaurant concept, 85 Bar Café. This ensures that business travellers, leisure guests and cricket fans have a comfortable and relaxing stay.

Sustainability has been a critical focus in the hotel’s design, achieving a BREEAM Excellent rating and an Energy Performance Certificate rating of A. The hotel boasts numerous sustainable features such as Air Source Heat Pumps for water heating, EV car charging points, roof-mounted solar PVs, green roofs, low energy lighting with motion sensors, and aerated showers and taps to reduce water usage.

This hotel is Travelodge’s first new UK opening of the year, with six more hotels currently under construction in Rotherham, Colchester, and Bristol, and three additional locations in London – Bermondsey, Beckenham and Chiswick. The company also plans to commence construction on a new hotel in Stratford, London later this year.

Travelodge is committed to expanding its UK network, with over 300 target locations identified for new hotel sites, including more than 100 in London.

This expansion aims to drive investment and create local jobs, supporting local economies.

Darren Bennett, the hotel manager at the new London Oval Cricket Ground Travelodge, has been with the company for seven years. He began as an Assistant Hotel Manager at London Stratford Hotel and has since managed several Travelodge hotels across London.

Jo Boydell, Chief Executive of Travelodge, commented:

London Oval Cricket Ground Travelodge is a special opening for us, as our 600th hotel. Since opening our first hotel in the UK in 1985, Travelodge has grown across the UK, Ireland, and Spain, and we now operate over 46,000 rooms, employ 13,000 colleagues and welcome over 22 million business and leisure customers to our hotels each year.

We are very proud to open this hotel at the iconic Oval Cricket Ground, in partnership with Surrey County Cricket Club. This hotel has been built to high standards, with sustainability an important factor of the design. It features our new premium look and feel design with our redesigned reception area and next generation rooms, as well as our brand new restaurant concept, 85 Bar Café. We are already receiving great feedback from guests, and we look forward to welcoming lots of new guests through a busy cricket season this year.

We are focused on continuing to grow our portfolio, with over 300 locations identified for new hotels across the UK as well as 20 target locations in Spain – which would create even more jobs and provide further choice and great value to more business and leisure travellers.”

Steve Elworthy, CEO at Surrey CCC, added:

It’s great news that the brand new London Oval Cricket Ground Travelodge has opened its doors to the public. The partnership between ourselves and Travelodge will provide cricket fans and visitors to the area with a quality option to stay in the area that is minimising its impact on the environment.

For further information about the new London Oval Cricket Ground Travelodge or any other Travelodge locations, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Air France introduces premium concierge services at Paris-Charles de Gaulle

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Starting 11 June 2024, Air France will be enhancing the travel experience for its customers at Paris-Charles de Gaulle with the introduction of new concierge services.

These services will be available for all bookings on Air France-operated flights or those code-shared with partner airlines.

Air France Conciergerie will offer a variety of bespoke services for travellers in Economy, Premium Economy and Business classes. The aim is to provide a smooth, stress-free journey through the airport, from departure to arrival and even during layovers.

For those departing from Paris-Charles de Gaulle, the concierge service includes a private transfer for journeys within a 40km radius of Paris-Charles de Gaulle to the airport; assistance upon arrival outside the terminal; porter services for baggage handling; and priority lane access. Eligible customers will also be guided to the lounge and subsequently to the boarding gate, ensuring a seamless transition through the airport.

Upon arrival, a concierge will greet customers at the aircraft door, accompany them through priority lanes, and assist with baggage collection. Customers will then be escorted to their pre-arranged private transfer vehicle*, offering a swift and hassle-free exit from the airport.

Travellers with connecting flights will benefit from assistance right from the jetway. They will be guided to the lounge, if eligible, and then escorted through priority lanes to the boarding gate of their next flight.

For those not normally eligible for lounge access, the concierge service offers the option to purchase lounge entry at Paris-Charles de Gaulle. This ensures that even more passengers can enjoy a comfortable and relaxing environment while waiting for their flight. When it’s time to board, the concierge will escort them from the lounge to their gate.

These services are available to book today for flights from 11 June 2024 onwards. Travellers can make reservations via the Air France website, airfrance.fr, or by telephone up to 18 hours before departure.

The private transfer service is available for journeys within a 40km radius of Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport.

For more information about these new concierge services and how they can enhance your business travel experience, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

New British Airways route to Tromsø

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British Airways has announced the launch of its first-ever flight to Tromsø, Norway, set to commence on 1 December 2024.

This new route will make Tromsø the airline’s most northerly destination, offering UK-based business travellers and holidaymakers alike a unique opportunity to explore this Arctic gem.

Tromsø, renowned for its spectacular views of the aurora borealis, is perfectly situated within the northern lights’ oval. With winter temperatures ranging from 0°C to -5°C, it promises a true winter wonderland experience, complete with skiing, mountaineering, and whale watching. The city’s festive charm is further enhanced by its popular Christmas markets, particularly the picturesque market in Stortorget, the main square.

Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, expressed his enthusiasm for the new route:

Those who missed the northern lights in the UK need not worry! We are excited to welcome Tromsø to our route network – it is a growing winter leisure market thanks to its abundance of cold-weather activities and we’ll be the only premium carrier operating there from the UK.

We’ve optimised the schedule for three- and four-night trips, which we know are perfect for a destination like this.

Return flights to Tromsø are now available from £153 and will run twice a week until 27 March 2025. Travellers can bring skiing or snowboarding equipment as part of their checked baggage, provided it fits within the dimensions of 190 x 75 x 65cm.

Tromsø, Norway: British Airways serves more than 190 destinations across more than 65 countries, including routes with its partnership airlines

Tromsø’s inclusion in British Airways’ network highlights the airline’s commitment to expanding its destinations and providing premium travel experiences. Whether for business or leisure, this new route offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in one of the world’s most enchanting winter locations.

For more information on how this new route can benefit your business travel plans, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

EU Travel Tech files GDPR complaint against Ryanair over biometric verification

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EU Travel Tech has officially lodged a complaint with the French and Belgian Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) against Ryanair, challenging the airline’s recent mandate for biometric data processing for customer verification.

This requirement, announced on 8 December 2023, necessitates that customers without an existing account, including those booking through Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), provide live self-images or signature images alongside passport details to manage bookings and check-in online.

EU Travel Tech, formerly known as The European Technology and Travel Services Association (ETTSA), represents and promotes the interests of global distribution systems (GDSs) and travel distributors to European stakeholders, advocating for a consumer-driven, innovative, and competitive travel industry based on transparency and sustainability.

EU Travel Tech claims the new procedure not only compromises individual privacy but also raises significant legal concerns under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

According to EU Travel Tech, Ryanair’s biometric verification process appears to contravene GDPR principles of lawfulness, fairness, and transparency, particularly in relation to the processing of special category data, such as biometric information.

The utilisation of biometric data for customer verification, especially without clear, necessary and proportionate justification, introduces substantial risks, including potential data breaches, identity theft, and unwarranted surveillance, claims the association. Unlike other personal data, once biometric information is compromised, it cannot be changed, potentially posing a permanent risk to individuals’ privacy and security.

In light of these concerns, EU Travel Tech has called on the DPAs to investigate Ryanair’s biometric verification process and to take immediate provisional measures to halt its application, as stipulated under GDPR Article 66. The urgency of this case and the potential harm to individuals’ rights and freedoms demand prompt action, claims the association, including the imposition of an effective, proportionate, and dissuasive fine in accordance with GDPR Article 83.

EU Travel Tech has voiced concerns about the slow pace of investigative processes. A previous complaint against Ryanair’s facial verification process, filed by NOYB, the European Center for Digital Rights, in July 2023, remains unresolved. This delay underscores significant worries regarding the efficiency of GDPR enforcement mechanisms, especially when such practices could broadly and adversely impact fundamental rights and freedoms concerning personal data.

EU Travel Tech, alongside organisations representing travel agents and tour operators (ECTAA) and European passengers (EPF), has also written to Vice-President Věra Jourová, urging the European Commission to consider measures to ensure the timely and adequate enforcement of the GDPR.

If you need to book flights on Ryanair routes, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

United Airlines celebrates Wrexham’s promotion with exclusive onboard amenities

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United Airlines has unveiled new, limited-edition Wrexham AFC amenity kits and pyjamas to mark the football team’s recent promotion to League One and their growing global popularity, fueled by the Emmy® award-winning show “FX’s Welcome to Wrexham” now available on Hulu.

These exclusive items are part of United’s extensive sponsorship of Wrexham AFC and will be available from 1 June to passengers flying in premium cabins on long-haul international routes.

Travellers can look forward to receiving complimentary Wrexham AFC-themed amenity kits stocked with travel essentials, including an eye mask, toothbrush and toothpaste, along with exclusive Therabody skincare products.

Additionally, United Polaris® customers on flights lasting 14 hours or longer will be treated to pyjamas designed to resemble the team’s kit, featuring a long-sleeve Wrexham red shirt and grey pyjama bottoms.

Polaris kits: a reusable toiletry case for business class passengers in Polaris

United Airlines and Wrexham AFC collaborated to design these unique amenity kits and pyjamas, taking inspiration from the team’s crest, jerseys and ‘overall aesthetic’.

Key offerings include:

  • United x Wrexham AFC Amenity Case: This reusable toiletry case, available in red, black or white, features the Wrexham crest and is equipped with a top handle, wrap-around zipper and a loop for convenient hanging. It is available to United Polaris business class travellers.
  • United x Wrexham AFC Amenity Pouch: For United Premium Plus® travellers, this slim, reusable zippered pouch also features the Wrexham crest and is available in red, black or white. It fits easily into a carry-on bag.
  • United x Wrexham AFC Pyjamas: Available to United Polaris business class travellers on flights of 14 hours or more, the lightweight pajama set includes a red, long-sleeve shirt with the Wrexham AFC and United logos on the front, designed to mimic the team shirt, along with grey pyjama bottoms featuring the United logo on the hip.

Each amenity kit includes United-exclusive Therabody hand cream, lip balm and a cleansing towelette, as well as essential travel items like a bamboo toothbrush, toothpaste, eye mask, ear plugs and socks. The United Polaris kit also contains Therabody eye serum, face spray, tissues and a United pen.

Amenity pouches: Wrexham’s colours and badge appear on the complimentary pouches

Peter Wolkowski, Director of Onboard Product Design at United, commented,

With our amenity kits, we always aim to provide customers with products that make their travel journey more comfortable as well as create one-of-a-kind keepsakes for them to enjoy well beyond their flight. Wrexham’s story is one that has been documented and celebrated these last few years, so we’re thrilled to now give United customers team-branded gear they won’t be able to find anywhere else.

As part of their ongoing partnership, United Airlines is offering fans even more access to Wrexham AFC during the club’s 2024-2025 season. United is the front-of-jersey sponsor for both the men’s and women’s teams, with the airline’s name and logo proudly displayed on the front of Wrexham AFC shirts during matches.

Furthermore, United will sponsor the club’s North American summer tour, flying the teams to their games and providing exclusive offerings to MileagePlus members.

For UK-based business travellers, these new offerings from United Airlines not only enhance the travel experience but also provide a unique connection to a rising football club with a passionate following. The partnership between United and Wrexham AFC is a testament to the airline’s commitment to supporting and celebrating global sports culture.

For further information about how United Airlines can enhance your business travel experience, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Celebrate International Tea Day with Emirates and Dilmah’s expert tea pairing tips

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In celebration of International Tea Day on 21 May, Emirates and their long-standing tea partner, Dilmah, share expert insights into the refined art of food and tea pairing, enhancing the experience for business travellers both onboard and at home.

Tea pairing is a sophisticated sensory experience that explores the interplay between the aromas and flavours of tea and food.

Emirates, serving over 33 million cups of tea annually onboard, provides ample opportunities for passengers to indulge in this culinary delight with a selection of twelve gourmet tea blends.

Emirates encourages its customers to enhance their inflight dining by pairing exquisite teas with their meals or recreating tempting Emirates & Dilmah recipes at home. For those looking to impress guests, these pairings extend to complementary teas or tea-infused cocktails.

Signature Pairings for a Premium Experience

Dilmah’s Breakfast Tea, a bright and full-bodied Ceylon tea, pairs perfectly with rich cheese and egg dishes. First Class passengers can enjoy it with scrambled eggs, chicken chipolatas, beans and crushed chive potatoes, while Business Class offers kale and spinach frittatas with roasted potatoes, spinach and portobello mushrooms. In Premium Economy, the charcuterie plate featuring grilled chicken, air-dried beef and a selection of cheeses pairs beautifully with Dilmah Ceylon Black Tea, and Economy Class passengers can savour it with a cheese omelette and grilled chicken sausage.

Natural Green Tea from Dilmah, known for its mild astringency and sweet finish, complements green salads and seafood. First Class dishes like poached lobster tail and masala prawns or Business Class’s pan-seared salmon trout with beurre blanc sauce are ideal pairings. Premium Economy and Economy Class diners can enjoy it with an antipasti salad. Additionally, First and Business Class travellers can relish Moroccan Mint Green Tea with First Class caviar, citrus tarts or the regional favourite dessert – sticky date pudding.

For a caffeine-free option, Dilmah’s Pure Chamomile Flowers offers an uplifting aroma and delicate flavour that harmonises with apple pie, roast turkey, and chicken dishes. Emirates’ offerings such as vegan zucchini tart in First Class and chicken kebab in saffron sauce in Business Class are excellent matches.

Earl Grey Tea by Dilmah, rich and full-bodied with a hint of bergamot, pairs wonderfully with spicy dishes and dark chocolate. First Class travellers can enjoy it with anda masala, while Business Class passengers may opt for peshawari kebab, finishing off with a chocolate mango tart.

Exclusive Emirates Signature Tea

Emirates Signature Tea by Dilmah, available in First Class and Emirates lounges, boasts rose and almond aromas, balanced with spicy ginger and marigold. This bespoke blend pairs exceptionally well with savoury dishes featuring nuts or leafy vegetables and desserts with chocolate and caramel. First Class passengers can indulge in this exclusive tea with luxurious desserts and artisan chocolates.

Training for Excellence

Emirates Cabin Crew receive specialised training from the Dilmah School of Tea to recommend the best tea pairings to passengers. This training covers sustainable origins, unique flavours, perfect brewing techniques, and enhancing flavour with fresh mint, honey, and lemon.

For over three decades, Emirates has partnered with Dilmah Tea, a family-owned Sri Lankan company and the first producer-owned ethical tea brand globally. Dilmah’s commitment to quality and ethical practices ensures that every cup of tea served onboard is a testament to its natural goodness and unrivalled flavour.

To learn more about Emirates flights, schedules and fares, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager today.

Dave

IHG expands European footprint with New Staybridge Suites in Budapest, Antwerp and Belfast

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IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced significant growth in the European upscale extended stay segment with the signing of three new Staybridge Suites properties.

The new locations are Staybridge Suites Budapest – Parkside in Hungary, Staybridge Suites Antwerp in Belgium, and Staybridge Suites Belfast in Northern Ireland. This expansion underscores the rising popularity of extended stay accommodations among both owners and guests, and highlights the strength of IHG’s brand portfolio in providing spacious, home-like experiences for longer stays.

Staying true to the Staybridge Suites brand ethos, the new additions will feature spacious residential-style living that caters to the needs of guests looking to live, work and relax during their stays.

Each suite will include a fully equipped kitchen, allowing guests the flexibility to prepare their own meals. Additional amenities will include 24-hour fitness rooms, convenience stores, complimentary laundry facilities and secure storage lockers. Guests can also enjoy a daily breakfast buffet and “The Social”, an evening happy hour event hosted three nights a week, offering complimentary small plates and beverages to foster a sense of community.

Willemijn Geels, Vice President of Development, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts, commented:

The three latest signings follow the opening of Staybridge Suites Cannes Centre, France, in December 2023. This shows the great appetite for our all-suites offering across Europe as we meet a growing need for trips that blend business and leisure, or for guests staying multiple nights seeking both productivity and relaxation. Globally, the brand’s pipeline equals more than half its current open footprint, showing long-term confidence from our owners who are increasingly investing in this brand in new and dynamic markets. We are delighted to work with our trusted partners to bring these hotels to life, and we can’t wait to see them thrive.

The Latest Staybridge Suites Signings:

Staybridge Suites Budapest – Parkside, Hungary

Budapest, Hungary: Scheduled to open in 2027, this 152-room hotel is part of a mixed-use development project in Budapest’s 13th district. The location offers business travellers easy access to the bustling Vaci Road and leisure guests proximity to Margaret Island, Obuda Island, and City Park

Staybridge Suites Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerp, Belgium: Opening at the end of 2026, this 99-room hotel marks the brand’s debut in Belgium. It is ideally situated near the train station, city centre, and the diamond district, appealing to business travellers

Staybridge Suites Belfast, Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland: set to open towards the end of 2027, this 132-room hotel will offer stunning views of the city from the upper floors. Located in the Bedford Yard development, it promises convenience and comfort for all guests

In addition to these exciting new properties, Staybridge Suites will also debut in Spain with Staybridge Suites Malaga, opening later this year. This hotel will feature 105 suites and is part of the Urban Sky project, combining the best of apartment living with hotel convenience.

The Staybridge Suites brand is rapidly expanding across Europe, with nine properties in the pipeline set to join the existing ten hotels.

Worldwide, Staybridge Suites boasts 324 open properties and 171 more in development over the next 3-5 years.

This growth is a testament to IHG’s commitment to offering unparalleled extended stay experiences through its all-suites collection, which includes Candlewood Suites and Atwell Suites.

For more information about IHG’s properties, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

LNER’s annual Coffee Cup Run: a blueprint for improved business travel performance

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Rail industry experts have taken to the tracks to experience an LNER journey from a customer’s perspective as part of ongoing efforts to enhance performance and reliability in business travel.

This initiative underscores the commitment to improving the travel experience for UK-based business travellers who frequently use the East Coast route for their national and international trips.

Senior leaders, infrastructure experts, engineers, and operations specialists from the East Coast Partnership participated in the 09:00 LNER service from Edinburgh Waverley to London King’s Cross for the annual Coffee Cup Run.

This event, designed for networking and performance assessment, saw teams from Network Rail, LNER, Hitachi Rail and Northern Trains evaluating the journey to identify and address potential issues impacting performance, reliability and safety.

Customer’s perspective: the team monitoring infrastructure issues, including overhead lines, cable theft and the impact weather can have on services

Last year’s event led to over a dozen improvements being actioned, demonstrating the tangible benefits of this collaborative approach.

The Coffee Cup Run, a revival of a past practice on the East Coast route, originally involved placing a cup of coffee on a train table to gauge track quality by observing the movement of the cup.

Today, the approach is more sophisticated, utilising cutting-edge on-train monitoring systems and real-time data from the train’s CCTV cameras to identify issues affecting ride quality and safety.

This modern methodology enables the cross-industry group to develop and implement effective solutions collaboratively.

During this year’s journey, the focus areas included infrastructure issues such as overhead lines, cable theft and the impact of weather on services. The teams also explored the potential of technology to enhance performance further.

The Coffee Cup Run not only fosters cross-industry collaboration but also allows participants to witness the direct impact of their work on customer experience, thereby promoting a more customer-focused railway system.

John Grainger, Joint Head of Performance for the East Coast Partnership, stated,

We’ve taken an innovative approach to the issue of collaboration and engagement with the aim of improving performance on the East Coast route. By bringing together experts from different organisations, we’re helping to forge new relationships and, importantly, our teams get to see at first-hand how their actions can have a direct impact on the customer’s journey experience. We believe the Coffee Cup Run sets the standard for future industry collaboration and that initiatives such as this will be invaluable to ensuring we deliver the high-performing, customer-focused railway of the future.

Paul Rutter, Route Director for Network Rail’s East Coast route, added,

These initiatives are vital, allowing us to work effectively with colleagues across the industry to find ways to improve our rail network so that we can deliver better journeys for our passengers. The Coffee Cup Run is a unique event in cross-industry collaboration and recent iterations have already brought about positive change to our railway, such as improvements to ride quality at Colton Junction near York. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners on this event and finding ways to deliver more reliable, smoother journeys for our passengers.

For business travellers relying on the East Coast route, these enhancements signal a commitment to providing a more reliable and comfortable travel experience.

To learn more about LNER routes and journeys, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.