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Dave

Marriott Bonvoy connects Manchester United fans with unforgettable experiences at Old Trafford

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Marriott Bonvoy, the award-winning travel programme from Marriott International, is offering Manchester United fans extraordinary opportunities throughout the 2024-2025 season, including the chance to play on the iconic Old Trafford pitch, enjoy stadium sleepovers, and even travel alongside the team.

These exclusive experiences can be accessed through Marriott Bonvoy Moments, where fans can bid with points or enter a sweepstakes for an unforgettable matchday experience.

This exciting partnership is particularly relevant for Global Travel Management customers, as it highlights the potential for unique and tailored travel experiences that enhance corporate trips. By understanding such offerings, business travellers can combine their professional journeys with leisure opportunities that resonate with their personal passions, thereby creating a more enriching travel experience.

As part of the season’s offerings, Marriott Bonvoy and Manchester United have announced a sweepstakes where ten lucky fans and a guest will have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to play at Old Trafford. Winners will enjoy a weekend mimicking the life of a Manchester United star, featuring a behind-the-scenes stadium tour, an exclusive dinner with club legends, and hospitality at the Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly. The experience also includes round-trip flights to Manchester, accommodations, and tickets to a Men’s match, with entries open until 31 March 2025, at ManUtd.com/MarriottBonvoyCompetition.

In their sixth year of partnership, Marriott Bonvoy will provide a variety of exclusive Moments that fans can redeem using points accrued from travel and everyday activities. Highlights include:

  • Travel Like the Team: Fans can join Manchester United on away matches to Plzeň and Bucharest, enjoying pre-match hospitality and match tickets.
  • Seat of Dreams: Experience a VIP matchday alongside a club legend at Old Trafford, complete with complimentary food and a pre-match Q&A.
  • Suite of Dreams: An overnight stay at Old Trafford’s Marriott Hotels “Suite of Dreams”, offering unique experiences like kit preparation and dining with a legend.
  • Mascot Experience: Young fans can take the pitch with the first team, watching the match from general admission seats, alongside a stay at the Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel.
  • M Club Suite: VIP seating with complimentary hospitality in the exclusive M Club Suite during matches.
  • Ambassadors’ Lounge: Access to VIP tickets and complimentary hospitality at Old Trafford with legends.
  • Play on the Pitch: Members can bid points for a chance to play at Old Trafford, coached by Manchester United legends.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, stated,

This partnership illustrates the growing trend of blending business travel with unique leisure experiences, allowing UK-based travellers to make the most of their trips and fulfil their passions.

In addition to these offerings, fans can explore The Lobby Phone installation at the new Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly. This unique audio experience lets guests hear never-before-told stories from club legends and current players, further connecting them with Manchester United’s rich history.

To discover more about these exciting opportunities and how they can enhance your travel experience, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager today.

Dave

UK airspace modernisation to deliver faster, cleaner flights and reduce travel disruptions

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The UK government has launched a consultation on the largest reform to airspace design in 70 years, aimed at reducing flight delays, cutting emissions and supporting economic growth by modernising UK airspace.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has unveiled plans to establish a UK Airspace Design Service, a dedicated team of aviation experts tasked with updating the way planes fly in and out of the UK, starting with London’s congested airspace.

By upgrading these “highways of the sky”, the government aims to reduce bottlenecks, improve efficiency, and enhance sustainability.

The consultation, open until 17 December 2024, seeks views on how to modernise UK airspace, a key manifesto commitment. The DfT and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) are exploring how the proposed UK Airspace Design Service could deliver significant improvements, such as shorter flight routes, fewer delays and reduced noise pollution.

With over 2.6 million flights passing through UK airspace each year, the need for modernisation is clear. A particularly busy July saw over 8,239 flights on some days, putting a strain on outdated systems designed in the 1950s.

Mike Kane, Minister for Aviation, highlighted the need for modernisation:

UK airspace is one of the nation’s biggest invisible assets, but it’s been stuck in the past – a 1950s pilot would find that little has changed. Our once-in-a-generation creation of a UK Airspace Design Service will not only drive forward airspace modernisation and create a system that’s fit for the future, but it will help create quicker routes, ease delays and reduce harmful emissions – making air travel a better experience for all.

Modernisation will leverage advanced navigation technologies, reducing the need for planes to hold in the air and allowing more continuous climb and descent paths. London – the UK’s busiest airspace region – is a focal point for these reforms due to its impact on the rest of the country.

Rob Bishton, Chief Executive of the CAA, added:

Modernising our airspace is crucial to delivering a more efficient, sustainable and resilient system. The proposals we’ve outlined today set out the next steps in our ongoing efforts to progress the modernisation of UK airspace.

This reform will align with the government’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, aided by reductions in the time aircraft spend in the air. The airspace updates will also complement other sustainability initiatives, such as the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented on the benefits for business travellers:

The modernisation of UK airspace promises to transform the experience for business travellers, making flights quicker, quieter and greener. UK-based businesses can look forward to more efficient journeys, fewer delays, and a reduced environmental footprint.

The consultation represents an opportunity for stakeholders, including passengers, airlines, and local communities, to shape the future of air travel in the UK. Martin Rolfe, CEO of NATS, welcomed the initiative:

Any initiative that can help speed up the modernisation programme for UK airspace is very welcome, especially in London and the South East. This is the next big step in modernising UK airspace following the work we have already completed in other parts of the country.

With strong support from the aviation industry, including AirportsUK and Airlines UK, the government is positioning the UK as a global leader in airspace modernisation. Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, said the move “marks a positive step forward” and demonstrates the UK’s commitment to staying at the forefront of aviation technology.

You can respond to the consultation from 9am on 22 October until 11:59pm on 17 December 2024.

Dave

Eurostar transforms onboard dining with Michelin-starred chefs and sustainable menus

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Eurostar is revolutionising its onboard dining experience by introducing a new, innovative culinary offering for its Premier passengers, available from 4 November 2024. For the first time, three renowned food and beverage experts – Two Michelin-starred Chef Jérémy Chan, award-winning pastry chef Jessica Préalpato and natural wine connoisseur Honey Spencer – have collaborated to create a unique dining experience on high-speed trains.

This gastronomic innovation coincides with the launch of Eurostar’s new travel classes: Eurostar Standard, Eurostar Plus and Eurostar Premier. The new menu is designed with sustainability at its core, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from countries within the Eurostar network. Eurostar is taking further environmental steps by removing an additional two million plastic bottles from its trains from November.

Jérémy Chan, Executive Chef of London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant Ikoyi, brings his expertise in blending bold, global flavours with locally sourced ingredients. His dishes, such as Baked Salmon with Coconut Rice and Tangy Potatoes, reflect a modern, daring approach to European travel dining.

Jessica Préalpato, known for her natural approach to pastry, offers desserts like Citrus Delight infused with green cardamom.

Honey Spencer curates a wine list featuring sustainable, organic wines, including Champagne Fleury and Domaine De La Dourbie, Oscar.

Eurostar CEO, Gwendoline Cazenave, emphasised the transformative nature of this new dining experience:

Eurostar is more than just a train: it’s a promise of new discoveries and unique moments. Our new chefs bring this vision to life, making the journey as indulgent as the destination.

Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, highlighted the benefits for UK-based business travellers:

Eurostar’s new culinary offering adds an exciting dimension to business travel. For those travelling in Eurostar Premier, this elevated dining experience provides a chance to enjoy high-quality, sustainable cuisine, helping make even the busiest work trips more pleasurable.

The menu is composed of four courses, beginning with amuse-bouches and extending to main dishes, a cheese course, and dessert. For example, passengers might begin with Curried Cauliflower Mousseline, followed by a choice of hot or cold main courses such as Roasted Pumpkin with Honey and Cashew Miso. These dishes are complemented by carefully selected wines, with the list refreshed every three months to ensure a variety of choices.

Passengers can expect a “journey through flavours”, developed through collaborative workshops between the chefs and Eurostar’s in-house teams.

Eurostar Director of Development, Matthieu Quyollet, explained,

For the first time, we’ve brought together three visionary chefs to create a perfectly harmonised menu. This is a bold, modern concept designed to elevate the onboard dining experience to new heights.

With sustainability at the forefront, Eurostar’s new dining experience also aligns with the company’s broader environmental goals, reinforcing its commitment to being the backbone of eco-friendly travel in Europe.

For more information on how this new dining experience could enhance your next business trip, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Virgin Atlantic unveils new seasonal menu and wellness offerings for business travellers

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Virgin Atlantic has launched a new Autumn/Winter menu, offering a range of seasonal, comforting dishes across all cabins, complemented by feel-good beverages in Upper Class and wellness amenities at the London Heathrow Clubhouse.

For business travellers flying Upper Class, the menu presents a premium culinary experience with indulgent options such as chicken and mushroom pie with truffle, pan-roasted cod or pumpkin girasoli.

Virgin Atlantic’s pre-select service enhances this further with exclusive mains, including roasted duck breast with potato gratin. Travellers can also enjoy a delightful brunch on select UK departures, with choices such as smashed avocado with poached egg, red velvet pancakes, or a chicken and treacle beer bacon club sandwich.

Recognising the importance of rest and rejuvenation for business travellers, Virgin Atlantic has introduced a selection of wellness drinks in Upper Class.

These include the soothing Three Spirit Nightcap, kombucha by Lo Bros, and TRIP Elderflower Mint Mindful Blend – all designed to promote relaxation during and after flights. For an immune-boosting option, Perfect Ted Juicy Peach, powered by matcha green tea, is also available.

The Upper Class wine selection has been refreshed, featuring a curated list of elegant wines, including a 2022 Grillo Viognier Bio and a 2023 Diermersdal Sauvignon Blanc, with red and rosé options also available.

Wine choices: the new Upper Class wine selection has been refreshed

Premium and Economy passengers are not left out, with a variety of delicious meals such as honey and mustard chicken or Cumberland sausage in Premium, and sausage with colcannon mash or tomato mascarpone pasta in Economy.

Pre-flight relaxation has also been taken up a notch at Virgin Atlantic’s London Heathrow Clubhouse. Passengers can now access calming essential oils by Aromatherapy Associates, designed to help them unwind before boarding.

The Clubhouse has introduced a Yoga Retreat in collaboration with Peloton, allowing travellers to meditate, stretch or work out before their flight.

Commenting on the launch, Corneel Koster, Virgin Atlantic’s Chief Customer and Operating Officer, said:

By combining seasonality and comfort with premium ingredients, we’re offering our customers an elevated in-flight dining experience to enjoy and indulge, while also recognising the importance of relaxation during travel. Feeling well-rested and cared for can make all the difference for our customers, whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime holiday or a business-as-usual trip.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, added:

Virgin Atlantic’s new menu and wellness offerings are a fantastic development for UK-based business travellers. The combination of premium dining options and relaxation-focused beverages and amenities ensures that travellers can arrive at their destination refreshed and ready to do business.

For further information on how Virgin Atlantic’s new offerings can enhance your business travel experience, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Virgin Atlantic to open new Clubhouse at Los Angeles International Airport

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Virgin Atlantic has announced the opening of its newest Clubhouse at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in the first quarter of 2025, bringing its award-winning lounge experience to the Tom Bradley International Terminal.

The Los Angeles Clubhouse will offer a premium experience, complete with a spacious bar and social area, table service dining and exclusive spaces like ‘The Royal Box,’ a VIP booth.

Travellers can enjoy local artwork and lighting inspired by California sunsets, while amenities such as wireless charging, private pods and showers ensure business travellers can relax and stay productive before their flight.

Corneel Koster, Chief Customer & Operating Officer at Virgin Atlantic, said,

We’re thrilled to bring our award-winning Clubhouse to the vibrant, entertainment capital Los Angeles, where we know business and leisure travellers alike will enjoy our experience before their flight across the pond.

Designed to support a relaxing pre-flight routine, the Clubhouse will encourage mindfulness and rest, helping travellers prepare for a restful journey.

Business travellers will benefit from workspaces with Bluetooth connectivity, power outlets throughout and private areas to catch up on calls or emails. The space will also feature mixologists at the cocktail bar serving Virgin Atlantic favourites, including the iconic Virgin Redhead.

Access to the Virgin Atlantic LAX Clubhouse will be available to Upper Class passengers, Flying Club Gold members, and select SkyTeam travellers. The lounge will be open daily for those looking to unwind, work, or freshen up before departure.

Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, commented:

For UK-based business travellers, this is an excellent addition to the Virgin Atlantic offering. The new Clubhouse at LAX will provide a comfortable, productive space, ensuring travellers can relax or work right up to boarding.

For more information on Virgin Atlantic flights to Los Angeles, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

New Emirates lounge at London Stansted offers premium UK business travellers world-class amenities

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Emirates has opened its new, £4 million lounge at London Stansted Airport, providing First and Business Class customers, as well as Emirates Skywards members, with premium hospitality before their flights.

This new lounge, the airline’s sixth in the UK, marks an important expansion of Emirates’ dedicated lounge network, which now covers London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester and now London Stansted.

Emirates’ premium customers can now enjoy the airline’s world-class service across all London airports, underlining the airline’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its on-ground experience. This significant investment further strengthens Emirates’ offering in one of its key global markets.

The new 900-square-metre facility accommodates up to 125 guests and offers a range of exclusive services, from complimentary Wi-Fi to luxurious shower facilities and gourmet dining. In keeping with Emirates’ tradition of excellence, the lounge is conveniently located adjacent to the departure gates, allowing for a short 2–3-minute walk to board the aircraft.

Mohammed Mattar, Divisional Senior Vice President Airport Services at Emirates, commented:

Emirates has been serving London Stansted since 2018, and the airport remains a very important gateway for our customers across the southern region of the UK. The new lounge is a testament to our brand promise of always flying customers better – in the air and on-ground.

The lounge’s food and beverage offering will spotlight the best of British cuisine, thanks to a partnership with Sussex-based Full Circles Farms. Customers will be treated to a ‘farm to table’ menu, featuring organic, seasonal produce, along with an array of premium wines, spirits, and Moet & Chandon champagnes.

Stansted Airport’s Managing Director, Gareth Powell, praised the new development:

The opening of Emirates’ new world-class lounge is fantastic news for London Stansted and passengers using Emirates services to Dubai and beyond… Offering an experience of luxury and comfort for the airline’s First and Business Class customers, its location in Satellite 1 boasts excellent views over the airport and allows boarding access to the aircraft directly from the lounge.

Emirates’ decision to invest in this lounge reinforces its commitment to both UK business and leisure travellers, offering 133 weekly flights to the UK, including a double-daily service from Stansted.

Business travellers will benefit from seamless connections to over 140 destinations worldwide, making this lounge a significant upgrade to the travel experience for professionals flying from Stansted.

Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, highlighted the value this new lounge brings to business travellers:

The new Emirates lounge at Stansted is a welcome addition for UK-based business travellers. It provides a much-needed space to relax, dine, and work in comfort, ensuring a smooth and productive travel experience right from the moment they arrive at the airport.

To learn more about how this new Emirates lounge at Stansted can enhance your next journey, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager for further details.

Dave

Fiji Airways leads initiative to produce sustainable aviation fuel from sugarcane by-products

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Fiji Airways has launched a groundbreaking partnership with The Fiji Sugar Corporation Limited (FSC) and Lee Enterprises Consulting (LEC) to explore the feasibility of producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Fiji.

The collaboration, backed by funding from The Asian Development Bank (ADB), could significantly enhance sustainability in aviation and agriculture across the Pacific, while creating new economic prospects for local farmers and communities.

The project’s objective is to determine whether Fiji can sustainably produce SAF using its sugarcane industry by-products, such as molasses, bagasse, sugar, and biomass. The potential for this initiative is vast, not only for Fiji but for the wider region. It aims to create a fully integrated SAF production model that capitalises on Fiji’s agricultural resources and the expertise of international leaders in bioenergy and sustainable fuels.

Sweet success: The Fiji Sugar Corporation Limited is the largest sugar milling company in the South Pacific region and a significant contributor to the Fijian economy

Lee Enterprises Consulting (LEC), renowned globally for its work in biofuels and alternative energy, will lead the study to assess the technical and economic feasibility of converting Fiji’s sugarcane by-products into ethanol-based SAF. This process, known as alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) production, is a proven method of creating sustainable aviation fuel.

LEC’s CEO, Jason White, commented:

This collaboration is a testament to the power of partnerships in addressing global challenges such as climate change. By bringing together industry leaders and local stakeholders, we are not only advancing the production and use of sustainable aviation fuel but also promoting economic resilience and environmental stewardship in the Pacific.

The FSC, the largest sugar milling company in the South Pacific, plays a pivotal role in the project by providing the sugarcane-based feedstocks. These renewable and sustainable sources of biomass form the backbone of the SAF production effort. Meanwhile, Fiji Airways, committed to reducing its carbon footprint, sees this project as a significant step towards transitioning away from fossil fuels. As Fiji’s national carrier, it hopes to set a regional example for sustainable aviation.

Peter Seares, Fiji Airways’ Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer, said:

This is a landmark project for Fiji and the South Pacific Region. The feasibility assessment will lay a foundation for Fiji’s national airline to meet its sustainability goals while utilising local resources that will help to reinvigorate and transform the domestic sugar industry, create new jobs, and improve the lives of Fijians.

This project is poised to deliver numerous benefits. Sugarcane’s rapid growth and high biomass yield make it an ideal feedstock for SAF, offering reduced carbon emissions, high productivity, and energy efficiency. By using sugarcane by-products, the production of SAF could significantly lower aviation’s carbon footprint, further supported by the energy efficiency of sugarcane ethanol production. Bagasse, a by-product of the sugar extraction process, can also be used as a bioenergy source, powering the SAF production itself, thereby minimising overall carbon emissions.

In the long term, this project could position Fiji as a leader in the production and use of SAF across the Pacific. The success of this initiative could serve as a replicable model for other regions, contributing to the global effort to reduce aviation emissions, promote sustainable agriculture, and create economic opportunities for local industries.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, remarked:

This project marks an exciting development for UK-based business travellers flying with Fiji Airways, as it signals the airline’s commitment to sustainability. The potential introduction of SAF aligns with the growing demand for greener travel options, benefitting not only Fijian communities but also our clients who are seeking more environmentally conscious choices in business travel.

To book flights on Fiji Airways, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

British Airways invests £9 million in carbon removals to accelerate net zero journey

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British Airways has announced a significant move in its journey to net zero by becoming the largest purchaser of carbon removals in the UK and the largest airline globally to invest in such projects. This comes as part of the airline’s wider strategy to reduce emissions by 2050, focusing heavily on carbon removal credits.

The initiative is part of British Airways’ commitment to accelerate climate action by 2030, and it includes £9 million in carbon removals purchases over the next six years.

One of the innovative projects includes capturing CO2 emissions from whisky distilleries in Scotland and repurposing them into building materials. Other schemes include enhanced rock weathering across multiple UK locations, storing carbon in trees and soils and carbon removal from rivers and oceans using alkaline rock particles in Canada.

Additionally, British Airways is supporting a biochar project in India that empowers female farmers while enhancing soil biodiversity and agricultural productivity.

In partnership with CUR8, a UK-based firm specialising in sourcing high-quality carbon removal credits, British Airways has purchased 33,000 tonnes of carbon removal credits. These projects, though small in comparison to the airline’s overall emissions, are crucial for advancing the carbon removal sector, which is seen as an essential tool in the fight against climate change.

Carrie Harris, Director of Sustainability at British Airways, highlighted the importance of the initiative:

Achieving net zero by 2050 requires bold, innovative action today, as well as long-term transformation, and our latest investments in carbon removals reflects this commitment. By supporting pioneering solutions, we’re not only contributing to immediate progress but also laying the groundwork for the large-scale changes needed to meet our climate goals. There is no pathway to net zero for aviation without carbon removals.

British Airways’ partnership with CUR8 and other companies is part of the airline’s strategy to source carbon removal solutions from both nature and engineered technologies. These initiatives complement other sustainability efforts, such as investing in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), flying more fuel-efficient aircraft and improving operational efficiency on the ground, where more than 90% of vehicles and equipment at Heathrow are now zero emissions or hybrid.

As part of its commitment to innovation, British Airways has also partnered with The Earthshot Prize, founded by Prince William, to discover and support scalable climate solutions. This partnership aims to highlight and invest in projects ranging from alternative aviation fuels to reducing single-use plastics.

The airline has previously worked with Earthshot Prize winner LanzaTech, which focuses on sustainable aviation fuel technology.

Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, commented:

For UK-based business travellers, British Airways’ pioneering efforts in carbon removal will make a tangible difference in reducing the environmental impact of air travel. This commitment not only supports the development of a vital market but also offers reassurance to businesses that their travel is aligned with a responsible, sustainable future.

Airlines like British Airways are forging ahead in the battle to protect the environment. And business travellers in the UK can play their part by participating in the GTM Carbon Offset Programme.

British Airways’ ambitious approach, including its focus on carbon removal projects and partnerships with innovators like The Earthshot Prize, marks a crucial step towards sustainable aviation. Roughly one third of the airline’s emissions reductions by 2050 will come from carbon removals, underlining the significance of these efforts in tackling climate change.

For more information on how this initiative could impact your business travel plans, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

London Gatwick firefighters tackle 110 floors to support vital local charities

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Firefighters from the London Gatwick Airport Fire and Rescue Service successfully completed a challenging stair climb event, raising £2,000 for the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) and the Fire Fighters Charity.

This inspiring initiative saw participants simulate the ascent of 110 floors in a high-rise building by climbing the central staircase in Gatwick’s South Terminal departure lounge, all while carrying a hefty 23kg of full firefighting gear, including breathing apparatus.

As the firefighters ascended and descended, passengers at the airport had the opportunity to learn more about the charities’ vital work and the impact of the funds raised.

Donations are still being accepted through the official fundraising page, underscoring the community’s ongoing support for these essential services.

Melanie Wrightson, Stakeholder Engagement Manager at London Gatwick, expressed pride in the firefighters’ achievement:

We are incredibly proud of our firefighters for completing such a demanding challenge in support of these two remarkable charities. Both KSS and the Fire Fighters Charity provide vital, life-saving services to our community, and the funds raised will help ensure they can continue their invaluable work.

KSS, one of Gatwick’s official charity partners, operates helicopters that respond to over 3,300 emergencies annually across Kent, Surrey, and Sussex.

The Fire Fighters Charity supports both active and retired fire service personnel and their families, offering face-to-face assistance at its three centres, including one in Littlehampton.

In addition to the remarkable efforts of the firefighters, Gatwick Airport has demonstrated its commitment to local communities by making a total of £250,000 available for worthy causes through the Gatwick Airport Community Trust this year. Furthermore, the London Gatwick Foundation Fund is set to distribute an additional £100,000 in its third round of grant funding in November, bringing the total available funding for 2024 to an impressive £300,000.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented on the significance of such initiatives for UK-based business travellers, stating,

Supporting local charities not only strengthens community ties but also highlights the importance of corporate responsibility. Business travellers can take pride in knowing that their travels contribute to positive social impact.

For information about flights from London’s second airport, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Kimpton announces new luxury hotel at Rockefeller Center, ideal for UK business travellers

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Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury portfolio, has announced plans to open a new boutique luxury hotel in New York City. Kimpton Rockefeller Center, set to open in late 2025, will be the brand’s third property in the city, offering business travellers a new stylish option in the heart of Manhattan.

Located steps away from the iconic Rockefeller Center, the 33-storey hotel will feature 529 guest rooms with panoramic views of the New York skyline. Developed in partnership with Extell Development Company, the hotel will be designed by SLCE Architects and INC Architecture & Design. In addition to its prime location, the hotel will boast two full-service restaurants, a rooftop bar, a lobby lounge, and social spaces, perfect for business and leisure travellers alike. The hotel will also cater to corporate needs with two dedicated meeting spaces, a fitness centre, and Kimpton’s well-known pet-friendly policies.

Leanne Harwood, SVP, Managing Director for Luxury & Lifestyle Americas at IHG Hotels & Resorts, expressed her enthusiasm, saying:

New York City has always been one of the world’s most exciting destinations, and we’re thrilled to be expanding Kimpton’s presence in this important market with Extell Development Company. With its unparalleled location in the centre of the city, Kimpton Rockefeller Center will welcome guests with an inspiring boutique luxury setting while opening the door to the endless expansive experiences the destination has to offer.

Situated on 48th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, Kimpton Rockefeller Center will provide an ideal base for business travellers looking to explore New York’s iconic landmarks, such as Radio City Music Hall, Central Park, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. For business visitors, the hotel’s proximity to premier shopping locations on Fifth and Madison Avenues and its easy access to New York’s transportation network make it an ideal choice for seamless travel around the city.

Elysa Goldman, Senior Vice President, Development at Extell Development Company, highlighted the collaboration with Kimpton, stating,

We are thrilled to be working with Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants… Extell and IHG are creating what will be one of the finest hotels with a robust food and beverage programme as well as iconic views of Rockefeller Center and the city skyline in one of New York City’s most visited neighbourhoods.

Kimpton’s global expansion continues, with 75 hotels currently open and an additional 57 planned across destinations like Riviera Maya, Lisbon, Riyadh, and Brisbane. Kimpton Rockefeller Center joins Kimpton Hotel Theta and Kimpton Hotel Eventi in offering UK business travellers even more accommodation options in the city.

Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, commented:

The announcement of Kimpton Rockefeller Center is great news for UK-based business travellers. Its central location, combined with luxury amenities, will provide a perfect base for corporate travellers visiting New York. We are excited to offer our clients another high-quality option for their business travel needs in this bustling city – one of the most popular destinations for Global Travel Management customers.

For more information on how Kimpton Rockefeller Center can enhance your next business trip to New York, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.