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HIGHER AIRFARES CHANGE THE WAY BUSINESS TRAVELS
(source: The Wall Street Journal)
Ovation Corporate Travel’s Executive Vice President, Michael Steiner was recently interviewed by The Wall Street Journal’s Christopher Hinton.
In the past three reporting months, businesses increased their air travel spending by 12% from a year ago while the number of tickets purchased decreased by 1%, according to a cross sample of more than 80 clients with Ovation Corporate Travel, an independently owned travel management company.
"The trends we're looking at here for March, April, May actually make a lot of sense considering that recent airfare increases have come hand-in-hand with an overall economic downturn," said Michael Steiner, Ovation's executive vice president. "We're seeing our clients' policies tightening around certain criteria such as approvals for trips, class of service, etcetera."
The article, which discusses how businesses are coping with rising travel costs, ran in The Wall Street Journal’s “MarketWatch” on Saturday June 21, and can be viewed by clicking on the following link:
www.marketwatch.com/news/story/higher-airfares-change-way-business/story.aspx?guid=%7BC7F3B77B-987D-4B64-9CD0-57B7C095FE1E%7D
AMERICAN AIRLINES TESTING IN-FLIGHT INTERNET
(source: Crain’s)
Customers flying from JFK to Los Angeles International on Wednesday, June 25 will be able surf the Web while they are in the air. American Airlines will be testing Internet service Wednesday—the first U.S. carrier to do so—on a flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport and back.
Customers will be able to use their laptops or PDA devices to access the Internet and send e-mail, but cell phone calls and voice-over-Internet calls will be prohibited.
Next month the service will go live on all of American Airlines’ cross-country flights for a three-month trial period. American Airlines travelers will be charged an estimated fee of about $13 to connect. The fee will cover the length of the flight.
In-flight Internet connectivity has lagged in the airline industry due to high costs and Federal Aviation Administration restrictions. The company supplying the broadband service, Itasca, Ill.-based Aircell, gained FAA approval for its device, which involves a series of antennae affixed to the plane, earlier this year. American Airlines has installed the technology on all 15 of its Boeing 767-200 jets, which are used for transcontinental flights.
AT AIRPORTS, LINES MADE FOR SPEED
(source: The New York Times)
The Transportation Security Administration is trying to speed up airport screening by asking passengers to choose a line based on their familiarity with checkpoint procedures. But human nature being what it is, this approach may hit its own snags: people typically opt for the shortest line, and all think they are experts.
The system, which has been introduced at 21 airports and is coming soon to New York, has a black diamond line for expert travelers, defined as those who fly more than twice a month and are skilled at security procedures, always ready with items removed; a blue square for casual travelers, who are familiar with the screening process; and a green circle for families and those needing assistance or more time. The agency has noticed a decrease in alarm rates at checkpoints and fewer employees calling in sick at airports using the system.
The idea is that passengers will select appropriate lines for their situations. The reality has been mixed, according to travelers who have used the lines, which were introduced in February in Salt Lake City and Denver.
It is up to each airport to decide whether to adopt the self-select lines, but it is expected that the three New York area airports would make the switch, beginning with Kennedy International and La Guardia this month.
E-NEWSLETTER READERS SHARE OPINIONS ON CLEAR TRAVEL
(source: Ovation Club E-Newsletter Weekly Survey)
With the Clear Registered Travel Program being implemented in more and more locations, we asked Ovation Club E-Newsletter readers to share their opinions on whether or not they are willing to pay for a membership for expedited passage through security. One reader said, “If you are hesistant about this you've never seen it in action. I generally cut at least 30 minutes of waiting time using the Clear lane. Besides saving time, the peace of mind of not worrying over whether the security line will be huge or if I'm cutting it too close - priceless. In my opinion, $128 is cheap. My only complaint is that they are not in more locations.”
25% of readers feel that Clear is worth it and would like to sign up, but 25% also said they are not sure and would like to wait until the program is offered in more locations. 20% of readers who voted are currently Clear members, while 15% said they were not interested in the program. 15% also said they would sign up for business travel as long as their company covered the membership fee.
OVATION CLUB E-NEWSLETTER WEEKLY SURVEY!
The Ovation Club E-Newsletter Weekly Survey gives you the opportunity to weigh in by voting your opinion on hot topics in business travel. You can also post comments online on the topic of the week.
Question of the Week: What's your top priority when choosing a hotel for business travel?
- Being as close as possible to where I'm doing business is definitely my top priority.
- I'm a points fanatic. I stay where I can accrue my loyalty points.
- I work around the clock. A business center and in-room wifi are a must!
- Staying within budget is important to me. I always try to find a preferred property and/or the best value when booking my hotel.
- Choosing green hotels whenever possible is key so I can do my part to help the environment.
To cast your vote go to: https://ovationtravel.com/enewssurvey/
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
ICON
220 Main
Houston
 Hotel ICON A Boutique Hotel Indulgence in Houston
Elegantly discreet yet boldly contemporary. Grandly romantic yet personally comforting. Whimsically amusing yet seriously functional. Expect the unexpected at Hotel ICON, a recipient of Conde Nast Traveler's esteemed Gold List 2007, and the Houston destination of choice for discerning guests seeking a respite from the conventional hotel experience.
See and be seen by captains of industry, fashionistas, well-heeled international travelers and neighborhood locals lured to Hotel ICON for its many charms. An elusive blend of grand Neo-Classical architecture and dynamic contemporary appointments invite lavish comfort, intimacy and modern efficiency at the confluence of downtown Houston’s dynamic business, theater, legal and sports districts.
Savor mouthwatering dishes at the award-winning VOICE restaurant. Vamp openly in the city's most flirtatious lounge. Relish a relaxing massage or other indulgence at the Balance day spa or in the suite's lavish bathroom. Challenge oneself with custom equipment in an expansive 24-hour executive fitness center. Host an exquisite, mesmerizing event or meeting in the ICON's nearly 7,000 square feet of elegantly appointed meeting and event space.
Defy conventional expectations. Expect more from a hotel, not less. Expect Hotel ICON to delight, surprise and reward one at every turn.
The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at ICON is $215 (compared to a corporate rate of $292).
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
STANDARD DOWNTOWN
550 South Flower Street
Los Angeles
 The grand lobby with mezzanine at The Standard, Downtown LA has a rich, corporate aesthetic. Inventive design features include a 125 foot fuchsia "Omnibus" sofa by Vladimir Kagan, a billiards table, photo strip booth, Calder inspired mobile and a conceptual art installation by Jenny Holzer, offset against 50's era architectural details such as a 15 time zone clock encased in stainless steel.
With water beds, a rooftop pool and bar, a 24-hour fitness center and restaurant, and complimentary high speed Internet access, this hotel redefines standard. The hotel is pure modern luxury and excess at its finest. Located in Downtown Los Angeles, this accommodation is minutes away from local attractions. There is a 24-hour eatery, the Standard Downtown Los Angeles Restaurant ("The"), on the premises so one can have their meal there anytime without having to step out.
The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at The Standard Downtown LA is $150 (compared to a corporate rate of $196).
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
GANSEVOORT SOUTH
2377 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach
 A 1920’s playground for the rich and famous is reborn as a magnet for trendsetters. Gansevoort South Hotel is the new southern outpost of New York City’s Hotel Gansevoort.
Gansevoort South boasts 334 guestrooms averaging over 730 sq ft. Sporting spectacular views of the ocean, bay, and shining city skyline, the guestrooms offer state-of-the-art technology, oversized bathrooms with separate shower and bath, and a blend of modern and dramatic design with suede walls punctuated by splashes of magenta and yellow, custom designed tables, sofas, lounge chairs and oversized mirrors in a range of materials from wood to leather.
Adding a playful air and a one-of-a-kind vibe to the spacious sun-filled rooms are custom 1930’s and 40’s style pin-up photographs. The 3,400 sq ft two master bedroom suite, the “Grande Dame,” features two balconies with ocean views, a gourmet kitchen and dining room, an entertainment room equipped with Sony’s finest electronics, Italian pool and fooseball tables, oversized jacuzzi baths and hand-picked custom designed furnishings.
Gansevoort South’s landscape showcases three oceanfront pools including a 110-foot rooftop pool, an expansive infinity-edge pool on the plaza level, a family friendly south pool, a mezzanine with private cabanas, and an exclusive oceanfront beach club. The outdoor areas are adorned with Gandia Blasco furniture, cabanas, and tee-pees which provide a perfectly unique setting.
With fine boutiques, restaurants, lounges and the first ever DavidBartonGym+Spa spread over more than 100,000 sq ft of luxury retail space, few shopping, dining and entertainment experiences in Miami Beach compare to Gansevoort South. STK by The ONE Group and Philippe by Philippe Chow offer a combination of the sexy New York steakhouse and exquisite Asian cuisine, while the 50-foot long shark tank dramatically divides the hotel lobby and Opium Group’s exclusive VIP lounge, Louis.
Gansevoort South is a sun-drenched paradise with playful amenities, family friendly surroundings, indoor and outdoor activities, spectacular views and a South Beach oceanfront location that is second to none.
The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Gansevoort South is $195 (compared to a corporate rate of $399) mid-week through October 31 and $225 (compared to a corporate rate of $455) for the weekend through October 31.
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
BALZAC
6, rue Balzac
Paris
 The epitome of French art de vivre.
Built for the Director of the Paris Opera in 1853 and once home to Balzac himself, the hotel has retained a feeling of private manors of the time. Still a haven of peace and a shining example of Parisian chic, the Balzac Hotel now combines elegance and modernity — 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 ‘Golden Key’ majordomos and concierges, the latest in modern technologies, splendid fabrics and period furniture, the Balzac Hotel invites you to share in its elegance and French art de vivre.
The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Balzac is €270 (compared to a corporate rate of €375).
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
LODEN
1177 Melville Street
Vancouver
 In Modern by Nature
Opening Summer 2008
Loden Vancouver hotel is poised at the edge of Coal Harbour, downtown Vancouver's premiere luxury neighbourhood. Inspired by the area's dynamic mountains and waterways, Loden uniquely captures the surrounding environment and fuses it with modern design and cultivated service-rendering it the perfect setting for an urban, waterfront Vancouver hotel retreat.
Guest Accommodations
Awash in an earthly palette of caramel, coral and chocolate brown, Loden's 77 meticulously appointed guestrooms provide stylish repose and premium amenities for business nomads and leisure seekers alike. Select from spacious guestrooms, one-bedroom suites or the luxuriant two-bedroom penthouse suite.
Dining and Cocktails
Voya, Loden's destination restaurant and bar, features West Coast cuisine and libations perfectly suited to its signature setting. Epicurean city dwellers and Loden guests intermingle daily in downtown Vancouver's most intriguing meeting place.
Business Travel
With its coveted location on the edge of Coal Harbour and Vancouver's financial district, Loden is ideal for the business traveler seeking a refined urban retreat hotel steps from the lively streets of downtown Vancouver. Loden offers sophisticated communications technology and full-service business amenities to make every moment as productive as it is enjoyable. Learn more about business travel and Loden's complete list of creative office essentials and comforts.
The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Loden is $299 through October 31 (compared to a corporate rate of $499).
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Ovation Corporate Travel
www.ovationtravel.com
info@ovationtravel.com
800.431.1112 |
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