Posts

Dave

Eurostar sets the stage for athletes and fans at Paris 2024

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Eurostar, the European high-speed rail service, is primed to play a pivotal role in transporting athletes and enthusiasts to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and Paralympics.

With over 415,000 tickets already sold for travel to the Games across its network, Eurostar anticipates welcoming a multitude of passengers, including more than 2,000 Olympic and Paralympic athletes from esteemed teams such as Team GB, Team Belgium, Team Netherlands and Team Germany.

In preparation for this monumental event, Eurostar is ramping up its services and bolstering its staff presence in stations to ensure customers receive a medal-worthy experience.

The company is even enlisting volunteers from within its ranks to adopt a ‘Games Maker’ style role, reminiscent of the London 2012 Olympics, as travellers embark on their journey to Paris.

On peak Olympic days, up to eight additional services will run between London and Paris compared to the usual timetable, ensuring seamless connectivity for passengers.

To commemorate the countdown to the Games, Eurostar recently welcomed two Team GB athletes to St Pancras International. Among them was Adam Burgess, a qualified Olympian and Great Britain’s first-ever canoe slalom U23 World Champion, alongside Team GB Breaker B-Boy Kid Karam, who is making history as the first to represent Team GB in Breaking, a sport making its Olympic debut at Paris 2024.

Reflecting on the significance of Breaking’s inclusion in the Olympics, Kid Karam remarked,

We’re breaking into the Olympics, quite literally. The sport is something the world hasn’t seen before, it’s a sport without equipment or coaches which means the onus is entirely on you as an athlete.

Beyond providing sustainable transport for athletes and spectators, Eurostar is committed to minimising the carbon footprint of the Games, aspiring to make Paris 2024 the greenest Olympics yet.

Eurostar trains boast a remarkable 95% lower carbon footprint than flying, emitting only 5.5g of CO₂ per passenger kilometre.

Moreover, the company has been lauded by the Sustainable Restaurant Association’s Food Made Good standard for its dedication to serving locally sourced, seasonal ingredients on board.

Commenting on Eurostar’s pivotal role in facilitating travel to the Paris 2024 Olympics, Gwendoline Cazenave, CEO of Eurostar, expressed her enthusiasm, stating,

As we mark the 100-day countdown to the Olympics, we prepare to welcome spectators to celebrate values and to create memorable experiences. We’re providing the greenest games yet for over 2,000 athletes and their staff. Only Eurostar can deliver this with our extensive network of 5 countries. On the way back, I am sure our trains will be full of gold. Paris 2024 will start before the official opening ceremony on-board Eurostar: we are excited to be the official travel partner not only for one, but four Olympic and Paralympic teams: Team GB, Team Belgium, Team Germany, Team Netherlands.

For further information about travel arrangements to the Paris 2024 Olympics, readers are encouraged to contact their Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

ITA Airways boosts fleet with four new Airbus aircraft

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ITA Airways, hot on the heels of revealing its financial statements for 2023, is forging ahead with its expansion plans by adding four state-of-the-art Airbus aircraft to its fleet in just one week.

This rapid expansion brings the total number of NewGen aircraft in ITA Airways’ fleet to 44 out of a total of 87.

Efficiently integrating the new aircraft into service during the last week of March was a testament to the company’s dedication and the collaborative efforts of ITA Airways personnel, ENAC and other regulatory bodies involved in the authorisation processes.

The aircraft were swiftly made available for operations within a day of being registered in the Company’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC).

The four new additions to the fleet include an A330-900 owned by ITA Airways, alongside an A321neo, an A320neo, and an A220-100, all leased by the company.

Francesco Presicce, Accountable Manager and Chief Technology Officer of ITA Airways, expressed his satisfaction with the achievement, stating,

Investment in our fleet, which has grown by more than 60% since our inception, lies at the heart of our strategy. Today, announcing the entry into service of four new-generation Airbus aircraft in just one week is highly gratifying for us.

Presicce highlighted the company’s commitment to efficient and safe operations, emphasizing the success of their Entry Into Service procedures. He revealed ambitious goals for 2024, aiming to introduce 26 new aircraft into the fleet, reaching a total of 96 by year-end, with 67% belonging to the new generation.

ITA Airways is not only focused on expanding its fleet but also on fitting out its next-generation aircraft with cutting-edge technology and onboard Wi-Fi to enhance efficiency and service quality while reducing environmental impact.

The airline aims to make significant strides towards environmental sustainability, with a target for approximately 90% of its fleet to be environmentally friendly by the end of its 2023-2027 Strategic Plan.

The expansion of the new generation fleet underscores ITA Airways’ commitment to growth while aligning with its sustainability objectives for the benefit of the environment and the community. 

For further information on ITA Airways’ fleet expansion and sustainability initiatives, business travellers are encouraged to contact their Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Accor unveils ambitious plans for further expansion in India’s hospitality sector

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In the wake of a groundbreaking year for Accor in India, marked by the signing of eleven strategic hotel deals and the inauguration of six key properties across the nation, the renowned hospitality group is poised to make further strategic announcements in 2024, solidifying its position as one of India’s leading international hotel chains.

Among the notable signings in 2023 were prestigious establishments such as the Fairmont Agra, Pullman Amritsar, Novotel Bengaluru Airport Varun, Grand Mercure Jaipur Kukas, and ibis Styles Bengaluru Airport Varun. These developments underscore Accor’s commitment to meeting the diverse preferences of travellers. Additionally, Accor expanded its Indian footprint by nearly 1,000 rooms through the launch of Novotel Mumbai International Airport, Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre, Novotel Jodhpur ITI Centre, Grand Mercure Agra, ibis Mumbai Thane, and ibis Styles Goa Vagator.

Pullman Amritsar: the exquisite hotel will offer 200 well-appointed rooms, three exceptional food and beverage outlets and a magnificent 1,200+ sqm banqueting facility. Guests will have access to a state-of-the-art fitness centre and spa alongside a relaxing swimming pool.

Accor currently operates 62 hotels under a range of iconic brands, including Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, ibis, and ibis Styles. The group’s dedication to innovation and excellence continues to shape India’s hospitality landscape.

Looking ahead to 2024, Accor plans to open six hotels across premium, midscale and economy segments, along with three luxury and lifestyle properties, further enriching its diverse portfolio.

In the luxury segment, the highly anticipated opening of Raffles Jaipur in the second quarter of 2024 promises to redefine grandeur and opulence in the heart of Rajasthan’s largest city.

Bengalaru Airport: Accor announced the signing of Novotel Bengaluru Airport Varun and Ibis Style Bengaluru Airport Varun, in collaboration with Varun Hospitality Pvt Ltd. The two hotels offer 180 well-appointed rooms each.

Catering to the premium sector, the unveiling of Grand Mercure Goa Candolim in the second quarter of 2024 will offer discerning travellers a harmonious blend of comfort and cultural immersion.

Accor’s commitment to providing quality and affordable accommodation options is underscored by the openings of Mercure Chandigarh and ibis Styles Mysuru in 2024, catering to the evolving needs of budget-conscious travellers.

Mysuru ibis: scheduled for opening in Q1 2025, ibis Styles Mysuru will offer 130 rooms, each with a unique character. The food and drink offerings at the property will be designed to cater to diverse tastes, featuring an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant and a relaxing lounge bar.

Scheduled for the third quarter of 2024, Accor’s Novotel brand will expand its footprint to key cities with the launch of Novotel Goa Panjim, Novotel New Delhi City Centre, and Novotel Bhubaneshwar.

Sébastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO of Accor, expressed his enthusiasm, stating,

India holds a strong place in Accor’s global vision, embodying not just a market, but a place of opportunity and growth. We, at Accor, are resolute in our commitment to this dynamic and rapidly changing nation, where every hotel opening and signing stands as a testament to our unwavering dedication and desire to help positively shape a prosperous future for the country. We stand poised, brimming with excitement, to shape India’s vibrant hospitality landscape, offering not just accommodation, but meaningful experiences that resonate with both business and leisure travellers alike.

For further information on Accor’s offerings, business travellers are encouraged to contact their Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Air France elevates in-flight dining experience with new culinary partnerships

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From this month, Air France is set to elevate the culinary experience for its passengers with the introduction of new in-flight menus crafted by distinguished names in the world of cuisine.

As an ambassador for French fine dining, the airline continues its tradition of showcasing French haute cuisine to travellers around the globe.

Departing from Paris, passengers in La Première and Business cabins will be treated to culinary delights crafted by triple Michelin-starred French chefs Glenn Viel and Arnaud Lallement, alongside renowned pastry chefs Philippe Rigollot and Nina Métayer.

In the Premium Economy cabin, the culinary journey continues with dishes created by the single Michelin-starred chef Frédéric Simonin.

Collaborating with Servair, a leader in in-flight catering, Air France ensures that the menus are prepared using fresh, seasonal produce sourced locally.

Emphasising its commitment to responsible catering, the airline ensures that meat, poultry, dairy products, and eggs are of French origin, and the fish is sourced from sustainable fisheries on departure from Paris. Vegetarian options are also readily available across all cabins on every flight.

Glenn Viel, renowned for his innovative approach to French cuisine, has curated an exclusive menu for La Première passengers, showcasing a fusion of Breton and Provençal flavours.

Speaking about his collaboration with Air France, Viel expressed his pride in highlighting the French art de vivre, elegance, and refinement for La Première customers;

I am proud to be working with Air France, which has established itself as the flagship of French aviation and highlights our country and French gastronomy throughout the world.

For the company’s La Première customers, I wanted to highlight the French art de vivre, high standards, elegance and refinement.

Philippe Rigollot, Meilleur Ouvrier de France and world pastry champion, brings his expertise to the dessert menu, offering a selection of delectable sweet pastries that promise to tantalize the taste buds of passengers. He said,

For Air France, I worked on light treats made of cream and sugar. I wanted to introduce different flavours and textures to the travellers of our wonderful airline. It’s a pleasure to serve you!

In the Business cabin, Arnaud Lallement presents a contemporary and gourmet cuisine infused with emotion, featuring dishes that reflect the essence of each season. Complementing Lallement’s creations, Nina Métayer delights passengers with her signature desserts designed as perfect travel companions.

In the Premium Economy cabin, Frédéric Simonin continues to impress with his meticulous attention to detail, presenting dishes prepared with the utmost respect for the chosen ingredients, providing passengers with a special culinary experience.

Air France extends its exceptional partnerships on flights departing from international stations, offering menus signed by acclaimed chefs such as Dominique Crenn, Olivier Perret, Jean-Charles Brédas, Jofrane Dailly, and Julien Royer, showcasing a diverse range of culinary expertise from around the world.

As Air France continues to redefine the in-flight dining experience, passengers can indulge in a journey of gastronomic delights that celebrate the rich heritage of French cuisine.

For further information about Air France’s culinary offerings, travellers are encouraged to contact their Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Flying Forward: Malaysia Airlines joins forces with United

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Malaysia Airlines has taken a significant leap in expanding its global presence by securing a strategic partnership with Manchester United football club as its Official Commercial Airline.

With this collaboration, Malaysia Airlines aims to extend its exceptional services to Manchester United’s extensive community of over 1.1 billion fans worldwide, leveraging co-branded marketing initiatives to enhance brand recognition across diverse global audiences.

In tandem with MATTA Fair 2024, a major trade fair in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Airlines unveiled its plans to launch flights to three new destinations: Malé, Maldives (MLE), Da Nang, Vietnam (DAD), and Chiang Mai, Thailand (CNX). These new routes aim to enhance connectivity from its main hub in Kuala Lumpur and cater to the growing demand for travel to these destinations. Tickets for these flights are now available for purchase, with services commencing from August 2024 onwards.

The airline’s commitment to expanding its network reflects its ambition to strengthen its position as the gateway to Asia and beyond. As a member of the oneworld® alliance, Malaysia Airlines already offers extensive connectivity to over 900 destinations in 170 territories worldwide.

Malaysia Airlines also unveiled its new A330neo Business Class and Economy Class seats as part of its fleet modernisation plan.

The new A330neo cabin will feature the innovative Collins Aerospace Elevation Business Class seats, offering passengers an unparalleled level of comfort and privacy with individual suite cabins and wireless charging pods. This initiative reinforces Malaysia Airlines’ commitment to passenger experience and innovation, making it a leader in the industry.

In addition to the Business Class upgrades, the Economy Class will feature the award-winning Recaro CL3810 seats, designed for enhanced comfort and practicality. The cabin’s aesthetics will showcase Malaysia’s cultural heritage through the incorporation of the signature songket motif in the seat covers.

Commenting on these developments, Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), expressed his optimism for the future of Malaysia Airlines. He highlighted the airline’s resilience amidst challenges and its commitment to delivering excellence in every aspect of its service. He said,

Our partnership with Manchester United, the expansion of our flight network, and the introduction of our new cabin seats mark the beginning of an exciting journey for Malaysia Airlines. As we focus on elevating the customer experience, we remain dedicated to delivering excellence and fostering growth.

Malaysia Airlines’ Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group, Izham Ismail announced the partnerhsip with Manchester United at MATTA Fair 2024. To celebrate the announcement, former Manchester United defenders Patrice Evra and Wes Brown flew to Kuala Lumpur to attend the event, to share their experiences of travelling the world as both players and ambassadors for the club.

During the event the two United legends were asked about the significance of the new partnership. Evra said,

Manchester United has fans from all over the world, and the passionate support we have here in Asia never fails to impress me. I am pleased to be able to share our partnership with Malaysia Airlines with those fans and introduce them to the best-in-class service they offer.

Wes and I travelled here on Malaysia Airlines, and I would like to thank them for such a comfortable journey. From the food to the comfortable seats and friendly service, everything was perfect.

Wes Brown said,

I am fortunate enough to represent Manchester United at events all over the world. I have visited Malaysia many times, and I am always blown away by the warm welcome I receive. Malaysia Airlines is a true representation of Malaysia’s friendly culture, and I cannot wait to work with them to engage with our fantastic supporters.

Also speaking at the event was Manchester United’s CEO of Alliances and Partnerships, Victoria Timpson, who said,

Manchester United has a long-standing and proud connection with Malaysia, with a history of passionate support from across the country. We have three official Malaysian supporter’s clubs, with the Kuala Lumpur branch boasting one of the club’s largest supporter communities, reflecting the country’s love of all things United. We are very pleased to welcome Malaysia Airlines to our family of partners and look forward to sharing with our global fans its trusted, welcoming and hospitable service.

Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group, Izham Ismail, said,

We are delighted to announce this exciting partnership with Manchester United, a club synonymous with excellence and sporting passion around the world. This collaboration brings together two global icons, Malaysia Airlines and Manchester United, and will create unforgettable experiences for our fans and customers. Aligning with a globally recognised club like United places Malaysia Airlines in front of a massive worldwide audience, significantly boosting brand recognition, especially in Europe and Southeast Asia where United has a large fanbase. We look forward to the exciting opportunities this collaboration brings and the joy it will bring to football enthusiasts worldwide.

Business travellers and frequent flyers can experience the new offerings firsthand at the ongoing MATTA Fair, where the new cabin seats are on display until 24 March 2024.

For further information on these developments or to book your next business trip with Malaysia Airlines, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Immerse yourself in art: Radisson RED Madrid hosts inaugural contemporary exhibition

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Radisson Hotel Group’s vibrant lifestyle brand, Radisson RED, has forged an exciting partnership with this year’s ARCOMadrid contemporary art fair, debuting an inaugural contemporary art exhibition at Radisson RED Madrid.

Featuring works by two prominent figures in the world of contemporary art, Diana Larrea and Daniel Canogar, winners of the XIX edition of the ARCO/BEEP Award for Electronic Art, the exhibition is set to captivate visitors until 31 March.

Contemporary artists: Diana Larrea and Daniel Canogar

Diana Larrea’s contribution to the exhibition includes a selection of 23 works, showcasing her unique approach to art restoration through infrared reflectography. Larrea’s pieces reveal hidden layers of information beneath opaque pigments, inviting viewers into a world of discovery. Additionally, Larrea’s “Such a Day Like Today” photographs blend feminist activism with historical research, shedding light on forgotten women artists of the past.

Daniel Canogar, one of Spain’s foremost digital artists, presents three innovative projects at Radisson RED Madrid. His award-winning piece, “Scrawl,” reacts to real-time Twitter trends, capturing the essence of social media dynamics. “Wayward” revisits the tradition of postwar artists manipulating press photos, while “Chyron” uses news tickers to explore the complexities of today’s information ecosystem.

In conjunction with the gallery Espacio Mínimo and the Max Estrella gallery, Radisson RED Madrid offers curated art tours, allowing guests to explore the rich cultural landscape of Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art. These tours highlight the role of women in museums and showcase the artistic treasures found in the city.

Radisson RED: The Madrid hotel is located on Calle de Atocha, one of the main bustling avenues in Madrid and in the heart of the Golden Triangle of Art, steps away from some of the world’s most renowned art museums, galleries, and UNESCO heritage sites

Situated on Calle de Atocha, in the heart of Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art, Radisson RED Madrid provides the perfect backdrop for this cultural extravaganza. Boasting 260 modern rooms, including 10 suites, the hotel embodies Radisson RED’s commitment to bold, cutting-edge design. Guests can indulge in culinary delights from 3-star Michelin chef Eneko Atxa while enjoying panoramic views from the rooftop.

For those eager to explore Madrid’s vibrant art scene, Radisson RED Madrid offers an unforgettable experience, blending contemporary luxury with artistic inspiration.

To book a stay at Radisson RED Madrid, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Heathrow and Heston Blumenthal’s café unveil Sustainable Aviation Fuel breakfast

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Heathrow Airport, in collaboration with renowned chef Heston Blumenthal’s Perfectionists’ Café, has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at raising awareness about Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and its pivotal role in decarbonising the aviation industry.

The initiative introduces a unique breakfast experience, named The Fly Up, which not only offers passengers a delicious start to their day but also showcases the innovative use of SAF in culinary applications.

The Fly Up breakfast, developed in partnership with Heston Blumenthal, is cooked using oil that is subsequently cleaned and recycled into renewable biofuels.

This innovative approach not only demonstrates the potential of SAF but also addresses the pressing need for sustainable solutions within the aviation sector.

Despite its significance, recent research reveals that only 14% of travellers are aware of SAF, highlighting the importance of initiatives like The Fly Up in increasing understanding and acceptance of this crucial technology.

Heston Blumenthal: the legendary chef’s T2 restaurant at Heathrow, Perfectionists Café has unveiled the groundbreaking initiative

SAF represents a significant opportunity for the aviation industry to reduce its carbon footprint and work towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Heathrow has been at the forefront of promoting the use of SAF, with ambitious targets to incorporate it into its operations. Currently, over 95% of the airport’s operational diesel fleet runs on HVO biodiesel, showcasing its commitment to sustainable practices on the ground. Additionally, Heathrow aims to have 11% of the jet fuel used at the airport derived from SAF by 2030.

In pursuit of its sustainability goals, Heathrow has implemented a pioneering Sustainable Aviation Fuel scheme, which incentivises airlines to use SAF by reducing the price gap between conventional jet fuel and SAF. This initiative has already seen significant success, with approximately 10% of the world’s SAF used at Heathrow in 2022.

Looking ahead, the airport aims to further increase the proportion of SAF used, with a target of 2.5% of all fuel used at Heathrow to be SAF by 2024.

Fly Up: The launch of breakfast coincides with Heathrow’s efforts to educate passengers about the benefits of SAF and encourage them to support sustainable aviation initiatives

The launch of The Fly Up breakfast coincides with Heathrow’s efforts to educate passengers about the benefits of SAF and encourage them to support sustainable aviation initiatives.

By partnering with climate tech company CHOOOSE, Heathrow offers passengers the opportunity to contribute to SAF or certified reforestation projects, regardless of their airline or destination.

This initiative aims to empower passengers to make more environmentally conscious travel choices and support the transition to sustainable aviation.

Matt Gorman, Director of Carbon at Heathrow, emphasised the significance of partnerships like The Fly Up in driving awareness and adoption of SAF. He stated,

We want people to understand how SAF is a real solution to decarbonise aviation and show how we’re continuing our mission to get to Net Zero by 2050.

Carlos Santos, Head Chef at The Perfectionists’ Café, expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting The Fly Up breakfast as a positive step towards a more sustainable future for air travel.

Karolien De Hertogh, Director Sales U.K. and Ireland at United Airlines, underscored the airline’s commitment to sustainability and praised initiatives like The Fly Up for raising awareness about SAF and its potential to decarbonise aviation.

Heathrow’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its own operations, with initiatives like The Fly Up serving as catalysts for industry-wide change.

As the aviation industry transitions towards net-zero emissions, initiatives that promote awareness and adoption of sustainable practices will play a crucial role in shaping the future of air travel.

For flight bookings to, from or via Heathrow, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Hilton Honors golf fans: exclusive experiences await at Solheim Cup 2024

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The 2024 Solheim Cup, set to be one of the most prestigious international team competitions in golf, has announced Hilton as its Global Partner.

The renowned global hospitality company joins esteemed partners PING and Rolex in supporting this biennial international match-play competition, featuring top U.S. and European women golfers from the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour and the Ladies European Tour (LET).

Solheim Cup: US skipper Stacy Lewis prematurely puts her hand on the trophy, currently held by Europe

Scheduled to take place at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Va. in September 2024, this exciting collaboration solidifies Hilton’s commitment to delivering exceptional stay experiences to athletes, VIPs, and fans alike.

Mark Weinstein, Chief Marketing Officer at Hilton, expressed the company’s enthusiasm, stating,

Hilton is proud to partner with the 2024 Solheim Cup. We look forward to extending our signature Hilton hospitality to the remarkable golfers, their teams, and the devoted fans that will stay with us during the tournament.

Through this partnership, Hilton aims to provide world-class stay experiences for participants and fans, with a focus on unprecedented access for spectators and exclusive offerings for Hilton Honors members.

LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan welcomed Hilton to the team of esteemed Global Partners, stating,

The Solheim Cup is a celebration of excellence, teamwork and pride, and we are thrilled to welcome Hilton to our team for the 2024 edition.

A Unique Stay Experience: Hilton’s “Stay on the Green” Pop-Up Hotel

Adding a distinctive touch to the tournament, Hilton will introduce its award-winning “Stay on the Green” pop-up hotel. This fully functional Hilton hotel room will be strategically placed on the golf course, providing travellers with a unique opportunity to enjoy the competition from the comfort of a Hilton stay.

The well-appointed room will feature a private balcony, among other amenities.

Exclusive Hilton Honors Experiences for Loyal Fans

Hilton plans to launch exciting experiences and offers for its more than 180 million Hilton Honors members on the Hilton Honors Experiences platform. This ensures that the global community of golf enthusiasts can benefit from this partnership, receiving exclusive opportunities and perks.

Hilton as the Official Hotel: A World-Class Stay

Hilton’s Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. hotels will play a pivotal role in hosting fans, Hilton Honors members and athletes.

Hilton McLean Tysons Corner is designated as the Official Hotel of the event, providing exclusive accommodations for the U.S. and European teams as well as VIPs. This ensures a seamless blend of comfort and convenience for all participants.

Stay tuned for additional details about Hilton’s activations at the 2024 Solheim Cup, promising an even more engaging and memorable experience for fans worldwide.

For further information, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Luxury awaits: Marriott unveils The Park Lane Hong Kong and loyalty programme enhancements

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Marriott International, Inc. has recently unveiled two exciting developments set to enhance the experience for business travellers travelling to Hong Kong.

First, the hotel giant has partnered with Victoria Park Hotels Ltd. to introduce The Park Lane Hong Kong, Autograph Collection in early 2025. This addition, nestled on Gloucester Road in Causeway Bay, will offer 820 guest rooms, three dining venues, and over 1,700 square meters of event space, promising unparalleled luxury and convenience for guests.

Yibing Mao, President of Greater China at Marriott International, expressed delight in expanding their footprint in Hong Kong,

We are delighted to work with Victoria Park Hotels to bring Autograph Collection Hotels to Hong Kong. It further underscores our commitment to grow our footprint in Hong Kong, an iconic international destination known for its unique culture that connects east and west. We look forward to providing broader breadth of our best brands and experiences that appeal to travelers around the globe.

Meanwhile, Charles Chan, CEO of Victoria Park Hotels, hailed the collaboration as a celebration of Park Lane’s 50-year legacy and the city’s rich heritage. He said,

Victoria Park Hotels are excited to work with Marriott International for our flagship, The Park Lane Hong Kong. Joining the Autograph Collection brand is a perfect match, recognising Park Lane’s 50 years’ legacy in Hong Kong and celebrating its’ uniqueness, whilst enjoying the strong global distribution and loyalty strength of the world’s leading hospitality organisation.

SKYE Roofbar: the breathtaking view from The Park Lane Hong Kong, Autograph Collection

In another significant move, Marriott Bonvoy, the company’s acclaimed travel programme, has joined forces with Cathay Membership program, Cathay’s loyalty scheme. This collaboration opens up exclusive benefits for members, including two-way points conversion and accelerated status upgrades.

Alison Yang, Vice President of Revenue Strategy, Loyalty & Partnerships for Greater China at Marriott International said,

As the travel industry continues to transform, we are committed to curating and delivering the best experiences to connect our members through the power of travel. Together with Cathay, the expansion of our global airline partnership program presents an opportunity to engage more members in the region as they go even further and explore new destinations around the world. By unlocking a new wealth of rewards and privileges with both loyalty programs, members are encouraged to partake in a broader variety of experiences and benefits, while forging genuine connections with people and places as they learn more and feel more deeply in their next adventures.

Paul Smitton, Director of Customer Lifestyle at Cathay, echoed the sentiment, emphasising the partnership’s commitment to enhancing member value and facilitating seamless journeys,

Strengthening our partnership with Marriott allows Cathay members to unlock benefits even when they’re not flying. Members can enjoy more ways to earn and redeem their points and miles, providing greater value add to the program. This enhancement reaffirms our commitment to building our Travel Lifestyle brand and exemplifies our approach to delivering a connected customer journey.

Among the new reciprocal benefits, members can elevate their status across both programmes through accelerated pathways, while enjoying enhanced points conversion for increased flexibility in redemptions. These initiatives are poised to redefine the travel landscape, offering unparalleled opportunities and rewards for business travellers globally.

For further information on travel to Hong Kong, flying with Cathay Pacific or staying at Marriott International hotels, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Eclipse in the air: Delta’s exclusive Flight 1218 takes you to the heart of totality

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Buckle up for a celestial adventure with Delta as the airline unveils an exclusive opportunity for umbraphiles – those enamoured by total solar eclipses.

On 8 April 2024, Delta is set to operate a special flight, Flight 1218, from Austin to Detroit, offering passengers a unique chance to witness the total solar eclipse from the sky.

Scheduled on an A220-300 aircraft, renowned for its extra-large windows, this flight promises an unparalleled viewing experience for eclipse enthusiasts. Departing from Austin at 12:15 p.m. CT and landing in Detroit at 4:20 p.m. ET, the timing has been meticulously planned to provide passengers with the best opportunity to observe the solar eclipse at its peak.

Eric Beck, Managing Director of Domestic Network Planning, expressed the collaborative effort behind this unique flight, stating,

This flight is the result of significant collaboration and exemplifies the close teamwork Delta is known for — from selecting an aircraft with larger windows to determining the exact departure time from Austin and the experiences at the gate and in the air.

But the celestial spectacle doesn’t end there. Even if you miss the special flight, Delta offers prime eclipse-viewing opportunities on five additional routes on 8 April.

Don’t forget your protective viewing glasses if you’re on these flights:

  • DL 5699, DTW-HPN, 2:59 pm EST departure, ERJ-175
  • DL 924, LAX-DFW, 8:40 am PST departure, A320
  • DL 2869, LAX-SAT, 9:00 am PST departure, A319
  • DL 1001, SLC-SAT, 10:08 am MST departure, A220-300
  • DL 1683, SLC-AUS, 9:55 am MST departure, A320

For ground-based spectators, Delta flies to many destinations within the path of totality, including San Antonio and Little Rock.

Warren Weston, Delta Air Lines Lead Meteorologist, highlighted the significance of the upcoming eclipse, stating,

The April 8 eclipse is the last total eclipse we’ll see over North America until 2044. This eclipse will last more than twice as long as the one that occurred in 2017, and the path is nearly twice as wide.

It’s important to note that while Delta’s plans are designed to maximise time within the path of totality, factors beyond their control, such as weather and air traffic control, could impact timing and aircraft.

As the rare celestial event draws closer, those eager to book this astronomical adventure should contact their Global Travel Management Account Manager.