Corporate Travel News: March 2021
Coronavirus Travel Updates.
Red-list countries updated when arriving in the UK
On 19 March 2021, 4 new countries have been added to the red-list travel ban countries (Oman, Qatar, Ethiopia, Somalia) anyone arriving from or transiting through these countries must book the hotel package. Portugal (& Islands of Madeira & Azores) and Mauritius has been taken off the red-list. For more information, please check the government website here
Digital green certificates proposed for travel within the EU
The European Commission has proposed the introduction of a Digital Green Certificate to indicate the traveller’s COVID test and vaccination status as part of the bloc’s recovery plan. As well as proof of vaccination, the Digital Green Certificates will incorporate documents certifying a recent negative test result and documents declaring the traveller has recovered from previous COVID infections. The certificates are likely to be issued by hospitals, test centres and health authorities and will feature secure QR codes.
Paris goes into a month-long lockdown
French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced that a month-long limited lockdown for Paris and other regions of the country has been considered following a rise in the number of COVID-19 patients within intensive care.
Airlines/Airports.
British Airways starts to trial COVID-19 certification
British Airways’ customers eligible to travel to India are now able to upload their negative COVID-19 results and other travel documentation forms directly into their booking on the airline’s website in advance of travel. The new initiative is being trialled as part of the airline’s efforts to simplify the departure process as it prepares for the return for international travel. Read more
easyJet to launch flights from Bournemouth to Belfast and Edinburgh
easyJet plans to launch new services from Bournemouth airport from May 2021. The carrier continues to boost domestic networks to anticipate more summer staycations and easy commutes for business links. The routes will operate twice weekly to Belfast and Edinburgh. With easyJet’s protection promise, this also means customers can book with confidence knowing that they are unable to travel if their plans change so can their flights.
Virgin Atlantic launches a new spring menu
Virgin Atlantic is improving its onboard service in the Upper-Class area, providing an even more choice for its customers. Following the restart of passenger flying in July 2020, the airline has simplified its onboard service to minimise interaction between customers and crew. Passengers are now offered a welcome drink upon boarding, a choice of three individually hot plated meals as well as light bite options. Premium passengers also receive a bespoke meal service including hot meal choices also. Read more
Air France testing ISOS developed health passport app
On March 15 2021, Air France and Groupe ADP launched a new test programme of the ICC AOKpass solution for digitising COVID-19 test results developed by MedAire/International SOS. The four-week trial will focus on outbound and return flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Passengers flying on these routes can test the mobile app free of charge. Read more
British Airways protects tier status for loyal executive club members
British Airways has announced they will be protecting the tier status of Executive Club members for a further year, as a thank you to customers for their loyalty during a difficult period. This means that any member renewing in 2021 will enjoy their status for another year, irrespective of how many Tier Points they earn. Read more
Singapore Airlines to pilot IATA’s Travel Pass App
Singapore Airlines pilots the IATA Travel Pass mobile application for digital health verification, starting with passengers travelling from Singapore to London. Passengers with iPhone’s will be invited to download the IATA Travel pass app and create a digital ID comprising their profile photo, passport information, flight information and also register their pre-departure COVID-19 test from one of the seven participating clinics in Singapore. Read more
Cathay Pacific pursues the adoption of digital travel pass
Cathay Pacific has announced they are supporting the introduction of digital health platforms that securely validate compliance with the health-related entry requirements set by different governments, including the negative COVID-19 test and vaccination, enabling travellers to go overseas with reassurance and convenience. Read more
Qatar Airways launches a worldwide partnership with Diptyque
Qatar Airways has introduced a new line of luxurious toiletries for premium passengers. Created by the pioneering Maison Diptyque, the new range of toiletries will adorn the First and Business Class washrooms on board the aircraft and at the airline’s premium lounges around the world. Qatar Airways will be the first airline to launch the range of toiletries with worldwide exclusivity.
Delta debuts contactless payment onboard
From 16 March 2021, tap to pay technology will enable passengers to use contactless payment when onboard which includes earbud purchases, payment options to purchase food and beverage, which will also email receipts to passengers. Delta is also testing digital seatback menus on select international flights with plans to expand this feature across its fleet, this will reduce waste, streamline service and allow flight attendants to connect with passengers more safely. Read more
Dubai International becomes the world’s first smart reading airport
Dubai International (DXB) has become the world’s first ‘smart reading’ airport after partnering with Magzster. A fully contactless and paperless digital experience using geo-fencing satellite technology gives passengers travelling through DXB free access to more than 7,000 leading magazines, newspapers, journals and comics. This is accessed by logging onto the airports free Wi-Fi network.
Hotels.
Workspaces by Hilton
Workspaces by Hilton helps companies and their team members seeking a clean and convenient remote office space to take advantage of Hilton’s hospitality and service by booking a room for the day. This new concept offers a comfortable workspace with complimentary Wi-Fi, comfortable desk and chair facilities, convenient food and beverage options and all distraction-free remote office space. Read more
IHG strengthens presence with new Holiday Inn Express signing in Nepal
IHG has signed a management agreement with Swornim Hotel Pokhara Private Limited to develop a new Holiday Inn Express hotel – Holiday Inn Express Pokhra Lakeside, in Nepal. The new hotel will feature 110 rooms and will be operational by 2025. IHG currently has four hotels under development across the Holiday Inn brand. The hotel will be located close to the city’s main tourist hub, ‘Lakeside’ and is an ideal destination for both leisure and corporate travellers. Read more
Inside by Melia prepares its next hotel opening in Madrid
INNSiDE by Melia Madrid Gran Via is preparing its opening in Madrid at the beginning of Spring. The hotel will have 117 rooms designed to meet the needs of modern travellers and providing the brand’s sustainable attributes. The hotel will have an open living lounge on its 7th floor as a workspace or for other events, a rooftop bar, restaurant. Read more
Radisson Blu Hotel Rouen Centre opens in Normandy, France
Radisson Blu Hotel Rouen Centre has opened in Normandy, the hotel is the perfect base for business and leisure travellers, featuring 93 rooms and suites with balconies, the hotel features a restaurant, bar and social space as well as six meeting rooms with state-of-the-art technology and natural daylight to accommodate a range of meetings and events.
Information on this page is sourced from third-party sources. While effort is taken to verify the accuracy of this information, Corporate Travel Management (CTM) recommends that travellers seek independent advice and/or information from their CTM travel consultant, CTM travel tools, or direct from their chosen travel suppliers relating to the status of supplier services, schedules and booking conditions as information may change regularly.