UK & US Travel Headlines — May 17, 2024

TAG Nominated for Two Business Travel People Awards We're delighted to be shortlisted for TWO awards at The Business Travel People Awards 2024! TAG's Events and Supplier Relations Teams have once again proven their commitment to providing one-of-a-kind service and are finalists for Meetings & Events Team of the Year, and TMC Above & Beyond - Team. Congratulations to all the finalists, we can't wait to see everyone on 17 September!
Delta Unveils "Major Upgrade" to Mobile App Delta has unveiled the 6.0 version of the app featuring a new Help Centre view, with information on flight options and tracking baggage. From early summer, customers will also be able to log on to the inflight Delta Sync Wi-Fi service directly through the app. Delta said that 85% of Delta SkyMiles® Members use the Fly Delta app when travelling, with more than one billion unique app engagements recorded in 2023.
Hard Rock International Launches Loyalty Programme Hard Rock International has launched a new loyalty programme covering its portfolio of hotels, casinos, cafes and shops. Members of the Unity by Hard Rock scheme can earn Unity Points, which can then be redeemed against free nights, upgrades, dining experiences, merchandise and free play rewards at casinos.
Emirates to Refurbish Additional 71 Aircraft Emirates announced plans to retrofit an additional 43 Airbus A380s and 28 Boeing 777 aircraft with features, including a refreshed first class, new business class seats and the addition of premium economy. The first retrofitted A380 entered service in January 2023, and 22 superjumbos have so far been refurbished.
Prague Remains Among World's Most Sought-After Meeting Destinations The Czech capital has improved year-on-year, not only in terms of the number of meetings and conferences held, but also the number of delegates who arrived for such events. In an international comparison, Prague landed a sixth place ranking of the most sought-after meeting destinations in the world, surpassing Madrid, Seoul, London, Berlin and Tokyo.
Regulations Could Be Coming to Airline Credit Card Reward Programmes Credit cards that offer airline rewards could be subject to new transparency rules, following a public hearing co-hosted by the Department of Transportation and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. "Many customers cultivate points or miles balances just like savings accounts, but unlike the dollars in our savings accounts, the value of points and miles is completely up to the companies that issue them," Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.

GREEN NEWS

Emirates Adds SAF on Flights from London Heathrow

Emirates has taken delivery of more than 3,000 metric tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from Shell Aviation at London Heathrow. The neat SAF will be blended with conventional jet fuel and supplied into the airport's fuelling infrastructure network until the end of the summer season. This is the first time the carrier will use SAF to power 'some' of its flights at the London hub, and represents the largest volume of SAF it has purchased to date—following a recent deal with Neste to provide SAF to its flights from Amsterdam Schiphol.

Virgin Atlantic Reveals Findings from 100% SAF Flight

Virgin's 'Flight100' flew from London Heathrow to New York JFK in November 2023, operated by a Boeing 787-9 aircraft, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, and using 100% SAF. The aircraft did not require any modification to its engine, airframe or fuel infrastructure, and operated on safety standards equivalent to every other commercial flight. Virgin's report reveals the flight saved 95 tonnes of CO2 compared to a standard Virgin flight from LHR to JFK—equivalent to a 64% reduction of emissions.

Justine Liddelow, TAG's Director of Commercial, recently attended a conference and had the pleasure of spending a few nights at Naviva, a Four Seasons Resort nestled within 48 acres of jungle, right on the Pacific beachfront. This natural haven is burrowed within a lush forest and features spacious tents that offer modern comfort amid nature. From the moment you arrive at this peaceful retreat, your individual transformation of self-discovery and adventure begin.

Read more about the luxury experience and how to make the most of your stay at Naviva.

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The Standard, London

London, England

London sets the perfect stage for The Standard's first hotel outside of America. The property is located on the doorstep of London's most exciting exhibitions. With panoramic views of London, the hotel has plenty of mouth-watering food options and cosy spots to have a cocktail. Enjoy live music, shopping hotspots, and the historic architecture that makes London one of the best cities to visit.

Beckett Locke

Dublin, Ireland

Beckett Locke is where hotel meets home in Dublin. The spacious apartments are designed for seamlesss living, each with a kitchen and cosy lounge area. Guests can spend an afternoon in the coworking and lounge spaces, there to use as they please. The property is just steps away from the 3Arena, Convention Centre Dublin, and a host of cafes and bars.

Hôtel Swexan

Dallas, Texas

Hôtel Swexan strikes the perfect fusion of its familial Swiss heritage with quintessential Texan hospitality and charm. Situated in the heart of Dallas, Hôtel Swexan offers unique and enchanting suites, five independent hospitality concepts, a private social club, and rooftop pool with panoramic views of the Dallas skyline.

Faena Hotel

Miami Beach, Florida

Conceived by Alan Faena, Faena Hotel Miami Beach features 179 guest rooms evoking Miami's golden age of glamour, with stunning Art Deco appeal and old-world grandeur. Enjoy the Florida sunshine from a poolside cabana, take in the sounds of Miami's culture with live music in the Faena Theater, or spend time at the spa with a relaxing massage.

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