| April 2011 |
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Concur Fusion Conference - No Limits |
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Travel Leaders was proud to have partnered with Concur last month for one of the world's
largest gatherings for travel and expense management. The goal of this event was to
share expertise, learning, information and innovative ideas between industry experts and
clients located around the globe. Travel Leaders sponsored the social event at Concur's 8th
Annual Client Conference at The Joint in Las Vegas' Hard Rock hotel with amazing entertainment
 provided by The Spazzmatics. Proving that NOT "everything that happens in Vegas,
stays in Vegas", enjoy the following video! |
Book your Hotels Reservations through Travel Leaders to Ensure Savings |
All companies are keeping a close eye on their bottom line. Make sure you get the most bang for your buck by booking your hotel reservations with a Travel Leaders agent or via your company's online booking tool. Travel Leaders has harnessed our buying power and can offer savings between 5% - 40% at more than 17,000 properties in 150+ counties! Some properties offer value-added amenities (i.e. breakfast, upgrades, late/early check in/out), last room availability and has blocked space for certain sold out periods. Also, by booking your hotel through Travel Leaders, you are ensured that your company is getting a true "picture" of your travel spend which is essential for budgeting and for use in company-specific negotiations.
In the event of a crisis anywhere in the world, Travel Leaders will be able to advise your company on your whereabouts. Frequent stay hotel membership numbers are stored in your Travel Leaders traveler profile, so you will always get the benefits and recognition you deserve!
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New Premium Lounge in MIA |
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American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia combined  forces to open a premium lounge at Miami international airport. The lounge is open daily from 1 pm to 9 pm and features a multifunctional Business Center as well as complimentary food and beverages. The lounge welcomes oneworld eligible International First Class, Business Class and Emerald and Sapphire customers. Customers traveling on an AA-operated transcontinental full fare First Class or full fare Business Class ticket, as well as Admirals Club members departing from Concourse E, may also access the lounge.
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Delta SkyMiles…Some things DO Last Forever!
Delta Air Lines has announced that, as of January 1, 2011, mileage accrued through its frequent-flyer program will no longer expire. This makes Delta the only major U.S. carrier without mileage expiration. Previously, "SkyMiles" expired 24 months after a member's last qualifying mileage activity. "We know how much customers value their miles, so eliminating mileage expiration is a major win for them," Jeff Robertson, Delta's Vice President–SkyMiles, said in a press release.
The Best of the Best in Hotels
Business Travel News recently published results of their 2011 U.S. Hotel Chain Survey. Please see below for the top ranking properties in their respective categories. Click here for complete Survey Results.
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Todays Travel Term: Cuddle Class
Slang. A cute marketing term for a new style of coach seating introduced by Air New Zealand that has a footrest-like extension that can be raised to create a sleeping area three seats long and wide enough to accommodate two adults in close proximity (hence the "cuddle" in the name). Couples would have the option of purchasing, at half price, a third seat in a three-across seating configuration, allowing them to stretch out during a long flight. |
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Travel Industry Metrics |
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Average daily U.S. hotel rates in 2011 will increase 5.1 percent year over year, according to a PricewaterhouseCoopers forecast, triggered by increasing demand and slow supply growth. The firm projects occupancy will reach 59 percent this year, up from 57.6 percent in 2010, and revenue per available room to increase by 7.8 percent. Meanwhile, average U.S. hotel rates fell 0.1 percent in 2010 from 2009 levels as occupancy rose 5.9 percent and RevPAR grew 5.5 percent, according to STR.
The average price to fly one mile increased 6 percent year over year in December, according to Air Transport Association data on the largest U.S.-based airlines. Passenger revenue last month grew 9 percent year over year, making December the 12th consecutive month of such revenue growth and 2010 the first year since 2006 to witness such growth every month. ATA reported particular strength in international passenger business, with revenue up 16 percent year over year in December, while domestic revenue increased 6 percent
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Did you Know? |
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Why they turn the lights out on takeoff and landing?
Believe it or not, they do this so your eyes will adjust to lower levels of light. If there's an accident and they have to deploy the emergency slides, studies have shown that you'll be able to see better and thus be able to evacuate more quickly and safely.
Why 10,000 feet is the cutoff for electronic devices?
Most of the communication between the pilot and the tower of departure or landing point happens below 10,000 feet. Additionally, if there were an emergency to deal with prior to landing, it would be easier for the flight attendants to communicate with everyone.
What that seemingly random "BING" noise that we hear is?
When you hear one single "BING," it's a passenger who rang his/her button for the flight attendant to render assistance (or another drink). When you hear two-tone "BING-Bong," it's the pilot, ringing the flight attendant's phone because he/she wants to talk to them. When you hear two full "BING-Bong… BING-Bong…quot; tones, it means you've been cleared for landing and it's time to put up your tray table and seat back.
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For feedback or article requests, please contact Travel Leaders Strategic Marketing Team at strategicmarketing@travelleaders.com
