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AIRLINES’ ON TIME PERFORMANCE IMPROVES
(source: Associated Press)
U.S. airlines' on-time performance and baggage handling improved in March compared with a year ago, but was worse than in February of this year, government data released Tuesday shows. The rate of cancellations and number of complaints to the government was lower year-over year, but higher than in February.
The DOT's Bureau of Transportation Statistics said the 19 carriers reporting on-time performance recorded an overall on-time arrival rate of 78.4 percent in March, better than the 71.6-percent on-time rate of March 2008 but down from the 82.6 percent recorded in February of this year.
In March, the carriers canceled 2.1 percent of their scheduled domestic flights, a lower rate than the 2.6-percent cancellation rate of March 2008 but higher than the 1.2-percent rate posted in February of this year.
The airlines overall had a mishandled baggage rate of 4.12 reports per 1,000 passengers in March, an improvement over March 2008's rate of 6.66 reports per 1,000 passengers but higher than the rate of 3.56 reports per 1,000 passengers posted in February of this year.
The DOT said that in March it received 705 complaints about airline service from consumers, down 30.3 percent from the 1,011 complaints filed in March 2008 but 22.4 percent more than the total of 576 complaints received in February of this year.
HIGH-SPEED RAIL GROUNDWORK WILL AID AMTRAK IN THE SHORT TERM
(source: Travel Weekly)
The Obama administration has begun to develop a long-term strategy for high-speed rail service in the U.S., and while it’s not yet clear where this service will emerge, Amtrak and its passengers are almost certain to be short-term beneficiaries as the process begins to unfold.
The term "high-speed rail" is getting all the attention, and most of that attention is focused on California, which is further along than other states in planning for the construction of a dedicated high-speed rail line.
Much attention has also focused on the potential for a network of fast trains radiating from Chicago to points such as Detroit, Cleveland, St. Louis, Milwaukee and Minneapolis/St. Paul.
As a practical matter, however, the first fruits of Obama’s $8 billion in stimulus funds for rail service will likely be seen in the form of relatively mundane improvements on existing Amtrak routes, such as signaling and traffic control upgrades, the elimination of grade crossings and other incremental enhancements.
Amtrak’s chief of corporate communications, Cliff Black, cited the Chicago-St. Louis market as an example, noting that Amtrak serves the 284-mile route with four trains a day, plus a long-haul service to Texas. Rail planners have long identified it as a potential market for high-speed service.
Between Chicago and St. Louis, Amtrak’s current five-and-a-half-hour elapsed time is not competitive with auto travel. But with track and signal improvements and the elimination of grade crossings, Black said, Amtrak should be able to boost the top speed on the route from 79 mph to 110 and shave an hour off the trip.
CHINA REOPENS NORTH KOREA BORDER TO TOURISTS
(source: Associated Press)
China has reopened its land border to tourists traveling to North Korea after a three-year break, with a group of 71 tourists visiting the isolated country, state media reported Thursday.
The Chinese tourists left the city of Dandong in northeastern Liaoning province this week for a one-day tour of Sinuiju, on the other side of the Yalu river that marks the frontier, the official Xinhua News Agency reported.
It was the first tour group to cross the border since February 2006, when crossings were suspended following rampant gambling by Chinese tourists, the report said.
The frontier is a sensitive area and the point where most Koreans fleeing the regime pass through.
OVATION SHUTTLE DISCOUNTS – DELTA AIR LINES
(source: Ovation Corporate Travel)
Delta Air Lines offers great deals between Boston and Washington DC as well as the shuttle markets LaGuardia to Boston and Washington. Ask your travel consultant to book your next flight on Delta Air Lines and discover for yourself what everyone is talking about.
Sample Fares:
Boston to Washington DC
$250.97 each way (including taxes, fees and surcharges)
La Guardia to Boston or Washington DC
$224.45 each way (including taxes, fees and surcharges)
Boston to Philadelphia
$249.27 each way (including taxes, fees and surcharges)
All fares are subject to availability and may change at any time. Lower fares may be available. Please call your dedicated travel consultant.
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
BALZAC
6 Rue Balzac
Paris
 Built for the director of the Paris Opera in 1853 and once home to Balzac himself, the hotel is reminiscent of town houses of that period. Still a haven of peace and a shining example of Parisian chic, the Balzac Hotel is a blend of the elegant and the modern - an aesthetic feat deftly carried out by interior designer Anne-Marie Sabatier, who re-looked the sumptuous neo-Classical decor with precious and vibrant tones. Today, with personalized service provided by the majordomo and "Golden Key" concierges, the latest in modern technologies, splendid fabrics and period furniture, the Balzac Hotel invites guests to share in its elegance and French art de vivre.
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
HYATT REGENCY CENTURY PLAZA
2025 Ave of the Stars
Los Angeles
The landmark Century Plaza hotel is one of Hyatt Hotel Corporation's newest properties. The 726-room hotel is located in Century City, on Los Angeles' chic Westside. Set amidst seven acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza is the ideal location to experience the sights of this vibrant city.
The Hyatt Regency Century Plaza offers a number of amenities designed with the business traveler in mind, including high-speed Internet access in every guest room and meeting room, and an international business center. Additionally, a $30 million renovation is underway featuring newly renovated deluxe accommodations, with private balconies and sweeping views of the Los Angeles skyline and the Pacific Ocean.
Three floors devoted to Regency Club guest accommodations, and a one-of-a-kind, ground level, Regency Club lounge.
To help weary travelers reduce the stress at the end of a busy day, the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza adds Equinox Fitness Club + Spa to its long list of amenities. Having just opened in February, Equinox Century City offers premium services the hotel's guests expect, with a professional team of therapists, aestheticians and on-site personal trainers. Pampering massages, from traditional to unique, body treatments, beauty salon, fitness center and group classes will be housed in a newly renovated $4.5 million setting. Guests will find themselves centrally located to world renowned shopping, vibrant nightlife and restaurants, and an abundance of entertainment opportunities, all perfect to entertain or help the business traveler to unwind after a long day.
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
LOEWS REGENCY
540 Park Avenue
New York City
In one of the most fast-paced and populous cities on Earth, sits an enclave of quiet elegance and luxury, the Loews Regency Hotel. Located in one of the most revered sections of Manhattan, the hotel is situated on a tree-lined avenue and neighbors upscale boutiques, antique shops and museums. Once inside, the lobby exudes warmth and friendliness: an exceptional quality that's just as inherent in the attentive staff. A recent multi-million dollar renovation has turned this hotel into a closely guarded secret getaway. The luxurious fabrics that grace the contemporary accommodations are enhanced with gold and wood accents. Sheets of the 200-thread variety and premier mattresses ensure that guests will sleep deeply even if the city doesn't. The polish and flair of the hotel isn't purely cosmetic. An impeccably attentive staff ensures that The Regency lives up to its refined Park Avenue address. Distinctive services range from individually designed workouts with personal trainers to the simple, welcoming gesture of a doorman that remembers and refers to guests by name throughout any visit.
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
MANDARIN ORIENTAL
222 Sansome Street
San Francisco
Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco is a legend in an iconic city; the unmistakable architecture towers right above downtown, with panoramic views towards the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay. Every sky high room has a bird’s eye view of San Francisco. The interiors are cleverly designed to make a bold statement against this extraordinary backdrop and at the same time amplify the views. Spacious rooms and expansive views in the center of the financial district; the convenience and luxury make business a pleasure. In the room one will find the level of comfort one of the most enjoyable aspects of any business trip. When it comes to work, the layout of every room gives guests adequate working space and the technical back up one needs while away from the office.
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
RITZ-CARLTON
181 Peachtree Street
Atlanta
The Ladies and Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta invite travelers to experience the first class transformational renovation of downtown’s only AAA Five Diamond luxury hotel. The polished transitional design—with a splash of glamour—redefines the luxury experience downtown, just as the traditional interiors did when the hotel opened in 1984. The city is undergoing its own revitalization, and the hotel's renovation perfectly parallels Atlanta’s ongoing vitality and renewal.
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
ROSEWOOD SAND HILL
2825 Sand Hill Road
Menlo Park
 Much awaited and long anticipated, Rosewood Sand Hill is the peninsula's newest luxury hotel, located steps from Stanford University and at the gateway to Silicon Valley.
Nestled amid 16 pristine acres, Rosewood Sand Hill melds the relaxed style and beauty of California Ranch architecture with lush courtyard gardens and stunning views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Rosewood Sand Hill is not a typical hotel, appealing to a varied guest experience with resort like amenities, lush courtyard gardens, superb service and local charm.
Boasting the largest guest rooms on the peninsula, the hotel’s 123 rooms and suites are outfitted with thoughtful furnishings, original art, sumptuous marble baths and state-of-the-art technology. All offer private balconies or terraces with views of the Santa Cruz Mountains or lush courtyard gardens. At Madera, the hotel’s signature restaurant, a comfortably elegant ambiance, picturesque views and outdoor terraces welcome guests and locals. Offering an open artisan wood-burning kitchen, rustic American cuisine and extensive wine list, Madera also features two private dining rooms with terraces and cozy fireplaces. Hours of indulgence may be spent at Sense, A Rosewood Spa TM which features 13 treatment rooms, fitness suite, salon, spa cafe, boutique, motion studio and heated outdoor pool, or enjoying nearby leisure pursuits such as golf, cycling, horseback riding, shopping and walking trails.
Whether relaxing in the largest guest rooms on the Peninsula, pampering in Sense Spa or delighting in the freshest of local ingredients and flavors at Madera, guests will enjoy unparalleled attention to detail and impeccable service creating memorable and personal experiences.
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
W DALLAS - VICTORY
2440 Victory Park Lane
Dallas
 Deep in the heart of Dallas, famed Texas hospitality meets W style. W Dallas - Victory defines the emerging it-spot, Victory Park, as a posh playground near Downtown, Uptown, Turtle Creek, the high-style Design District and the city's nightspots.
W Dallas - Victory will charm with sensory indulgences wrapped in cowboy cool. Indulge at Tom Colicchio's Craft, revel at Ghostbar, steam, de-stress at Bliss Dallas or get wet in the infinity pool.
From the Mega Texas-sized rooms to the Wow Suites, 252 sleek rooms invite guests to live large, Dallas-style with rainforest showerheads, 32" plasma TVs, W signature beds and the W-exclusive lemon + sage Bliss® Sinkside Six.
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Ovation Corporate Travel
www.ovationtravel.com
info@ovationtravel.com
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