Monday, September 16, 2024
Home Blog Page 4

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Unveils Plans for Growth in Business

By
Editor
-
Geoff Ballotti, President & CEO, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

World’s largest hotel franchising company highlights efforts to elevate brands, serve owners, drive global growth and innovate for guests as part of its mission to make hotel travel possible for all

Dolce by Wyndham Hanoi Golden Lake in Hanoi, Vietnam

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,200 hotels across more than 80 countries – outlined plans to advance its position as the world’s leading provider of select-service hotel brands before thousands of its franchisees at its first global conference as an independent hotel company.

With a focus on enhancing returns for its nearly 6,000 franchisees, the Company unveiled several initiatives designed to elevate its brands, deliver incremental resources to its owners, grow its presence and meet the needs of today’s travelers.

“As the world’s largest hotel franchisor, our commitment to making hotel travel possible for all starts with our franchisees,” said Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Together, we are elevating our family of iconic brands through innovation in quality and design, operational efficiency, strategic growth and guest experience to shape not only the future of Wyndham but the legacy of our owners around the world.”

Elevating Economy
Wyndham continues to democratize travel by elevating the economy segment with distinct, meaningful experiences for guests – at an affordable price point – for some of its most iconic brands. On the heels of recent brand-wide redesign efforts for Super 8® by Wyndham and Howard Johnson® by Wyndham, the company unveiled a new look for Days Inn® by Wyndham.

  • Dawn of a New Days Inn: With its 50th anniversary approaching in 2020, Days Inn – one of the largest brands in the economy segment – unveiled a new interior design package for its 1,400 hotels in the U.S. The new design, aptly named Dawn, takes inspiration from the sun with bright and airy rooms and sun-centric art celebrating the brand’s roots with a modern flair. The brand expects to implement the design standard across its U.S. portfolio in several phases.

Revolutionizing Design and Construction
The Company is prioritizing new-construction growth with the launch of both new and refreshed prototypes designed to lower development costs and capture greater efficiencies, taking a page from the best practices of La Quinta® by Wyndham and the success of the recent Moda prototype launch from Microtel by Wyndham®.

  • Growing Garden: The Company announced plans to reposition its Wyndham Garden® brand for growth with a new interior and exterior prototype called Arbor, which offers a streamlined, modern aesthetic inspired by nature that is designed to reduce cost-per-key to build.
  • Dual-Branding La Quinta and Hawthorn Suites® by Wyndham: Wyndham is introducing a new prototype combining its extended-stay Hawthorn Suites brand with La Quinta, designed to streamline development and operational costs while appealing to multiple types of travelers. The dual-brand prototype leverages the newly refreshed room of La Quinta’s Del Sol prototype, which continues to draw developers, with seven new-construction agreements signed in the second quarter.
  • Reimagining AmericInn® by Wyndham: The Company also debuted a refreshed interior design for AmericInn inspired by the modern lodge look, updating the brand’s contemporary exterior prototype while celebrating its heritage. Together, the interior and exterior designs represent the brand’s fourth-generation prototype.

Driving Global Growth
As international tourism continues to grow, Wyndham is positioning its well-known brands to capitalize on the rising demand for trusted lodging options for all travelers, particularly everyday travelers and the growing global middle class.

  • New Brands in New Markets: Five Wyndham brands have opened in new markets this year, including Days Inn in New Zealand; Microtel in China; Ramada® by Wyndham in Armenia; Wyndham® in Malaysia; and Wyndham Garden in Argentina, Australia and the Philippines. The Company also signed agreements to introduce Dolce Hotels and Resorts® by Wyndham in Denmark and Vietnam this year, and La Quinta in the Dominican Republic in 2021.
  • Making its Mark: Since launching just over two years ago as the first soft brand geared toward midscale and upper-midscale hotels, Trademark Collection® by Wyndham continues its rapid growth around the world, adding six new hotels in Canada and its first hotel in Latin America, in Belize, to its more than 100 hotels in North America and Europe.
  • Growth in Asia: Wyndham is the largest international franchisor in Greater China and recently announced plans to open approximately 500 hotels in China over the next three years, bringing its total to more than 2,000 hotels there by the end of 2022. The Company is also growing rapidly in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim, its fastest-growing region, and plans to open three new hotels in Thailand later this year. Additionally, Wyndham added three Ramada hotels in South Korea this year, surpassing 40 hotels in the country.

Digital Technology Evolution
Following its strategic initiative to endorse all of its brands with the “by Wyndham” moniker – one of the largest name changes in the industry’s history – and the evolution of Wyndham Rewards, which brought about innovative, first-to-market partnerships such as DoorDash, Wyndham is leveraging new technology to expand its digital efforts to drive brand recognition and contribution and enhance the guest experience across its portfolio.

  • Wyndham Wi-Fi: Addressing the ongoing challenge of providing great guest Wi-Fi, Wyndham franchisees now have access to a new bundle of wireless and network services featuring high-quality hardware and equipment at lower costs called Wyndham Wi-Fi. Hoteliers will have access to best-in-class wireless and network equipment, a professional home page, superior Wi-Fi services with consistent signals capable of handling guests’ multi-screen needs, and one-stop shopping for support.
  • Mobile First: To meet guests where they are – literally, in the palm of their hands – the Company will launch a new mobile app in the spring of 2020 offering streamlined bookings, account management, gamification, and exciting on-property features enabling guests to make the most of their stays. This intuitive, anticipatory app also will provide Wyndham Rewards members with personalized moments woven throughout their journey.

Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau highlights alternative destinations at IMEX America 2019

By
Editor
-
Susan Robertson (right), CAE, Interim president and CEO of ASAE, and Nichapa Yoswee, senior vice president of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau

Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is promoting events in alternative destinations beyond Bangkok and Pattaya through its new campaign – Meet Now.

TCEB is inviting buyers and planners to select regional Thai locations for their events. All these locations are fully equipped with meeting facilities, accommodation and attractions for MICE groups. A wide range of exclusive activities and authentic local culture is designed to enrich experiences and generate maximum return on investment.

Hua Hin, a seaside resort southwest of Bangkok, has over 10 four and five-star hotels, as well as numerous attractions including salt spa treatments, palm sugar production and herbal treatment products (part of a comprehensive reforestation program).

Other ‘off the beaten track’ destinations promoted by the new campaign include Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai in the North, Rayong in the East, Phuket and Samui island in the South, each with unique setting, character and culture. Chiang Rai has particular expertise in premium coffee and tea production in Thailand. 

TCEB’s campaign “Meet Now” puts the spotlight on the varied conferences and events facilities of alternative cities. The bureau offer planners series of dedicated support schemes, suitable for groups of a minimum of 30 people and who are staying for at least three nights.

Another element of “Meet Now” is designed for planners holding events in either of the two ‘big sister’ cities – Bangkok or Pattaya, where minimum pax requirement is 50 and minimum 3 night stay.

The “Meet Sustainable” support scheme rewards events of 50 pax at minimum 3 night stay which exercise at least two out of seven elements of sustainability practices, such as offering reusable badges or donating leftover food and souvenirs produced by the local community. 

Mrs. Nichapa Yoswee, Senior Vice President – Business of TCEB, says: “While we enjoy great success in our major cities, we’re keen to promote alternative locations that are not as widely known to global business event planners. There’s plenty for planners to discover in these ‘off the beaten track’ destinations – from sea cruises, luxury spas to indigenous textiles, Thailand has something for everyone”. 

Thailand is ready to redefine business events with new ideas, using locations beyond its key cities. TCEB has been promoting these new locations and helping them to curate local activity programs to offer to MICE groups. ,

“Thailand is a unique partner for planners looking to exceed client expectations”, states Mrs. Yoswee. “We keep planners’ requirements to maximize return on investment and resources front of mind.”

About TCEB  The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has been the country’s official government agency supporting, promoting and developing global and regional business events (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions – MICE) in Thailand since 2004. As a strategic partner and sanctioned liaison, TCEB co-creates successful solutions with companies and organisations to realise MICE events of every scale and type.    

The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai Ranks No.1 in the World in Guest Satisfaction

By
Editor
-
Hotel Taj Mahal Mumbai

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), South Asia’s largest hospitality company’s iconic hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai has been accorded the highest guest satisfaction score amongst its hospitality peers globally for the year 2018-2019 by TrustYou; the world’s largest guest feedback platform. The top global ranking reiterates the legendary hotel as one of the finest in the world.

One of the defining landmarks of Mumbai’s cityscape, ‘The Taj’, as it is fondly called, is the great and lasting legacy of its founder, Jamsetji Tata, who envisioned a hotel that would set the benchmark for Indian hospitality. Ever since it opened its doors in 1903, The Taj has blazed a trail of innovation and excellence that continues, even today, to make it India’s most widely-known name in luxury hospitality world over.

The strong customer validation is a testament to the universally acclaimed warm and personalised service that is characteristic of The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai.

City hotels with over 250 rooms across the globe were considered for the assessment and The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai scored the highest from approximately 18,000 reviews. The score is an evaluation of guest services and experiences.

About TrustYou
TrustYou, the world’s largest guest feedback platform, empowers hotels with solutions to drive more bookings and improve their hotel product. Through each phase of the guest journey, hotels can utilize guest feedback to enhance review marketing and achieve operational excellence.

IHCL announces a new Taj Hotel in Ahmedabad and Vivanta in Greater Noida

By
Editor
-

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), South Asia’s largest hospitality company recently announced the signing of a Taj hotel in Ahmedabad. This will be the fourteenth IHCL branded hotel in the state of Gujarat.

Commenting on the signing of this agreement, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL said, “We are delighted to partner with Sankalp In to introduce the iconic Taj brand in Ahmedabad. With this announcement, IHCL reaffirms its commitment to Gujarat. The signing highlights the growth momentum of the company and is a great addition to our domestic portfolio.”

Strategically located on Sindhubhavan Marg, the hotel is spread over 1.4 acres of land. Slated to open in early 2020, it will be the city’s exciting new destination with 315 spacious rooms, an all-day-diner, a speciality restaurant, a tea-lounge along with large banqueting and conferencing spaces to cater to the growing market needs. Additional facilities will include a spa, swimming pool and a fitness centre.

Mr. Kailash R. Goenka, Director, Sankalp In said, “Ahmedabad is the economic powerhouse of Gujarat and one of the major industrial cities in the country. We are proud to partner with IHCL and welcome its luxury brand – Taj to the city.”

Vivanta in National Capital Region

IHCL also announced the signing of a new Vivanta hotel in Greater Noida.

Commenting on the signing of this agreement, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, and IHCL said “We are delighted to partner with the reputed Mahagun Group to expand our presence in Greater Noida. One of the most modern cities in India, Greater Noida is a commercial hub with presence of some of the world’s largest international companies. This signing is aligned to Aspiration 2022 with its focus on aggressive domestic growth.”

The new Vivanta branded hotel is a Greenfield project and will be a part of the landmark Mahagun Marina Walk – a large mixed use project with destination retail and commercial spaces. The hotel will comprise 261 spacious guest rooms and suites, a host of dining options, large meeting and banqueting facilities, fitness centre, spa and a temperature controlled swimming pool. It is ideally located close to the Yamuna Expressway.  It is slated to open in 2023.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Amit Jain, Director, Mahagun Group said “We are proud to partner with The Indian Hotels Company Limited for a Vivanta branded hotel. It is befitting that one of the first hotels to come up in this part of Greater Noida is in association with the pioneers of Indian hospitality.”

With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have a portfolio of 17 hotels across brands in the National Capital Region with an inventory of over 2600 rooms.

BA-Future of Flying competition

By
Editor
-

Startups to Takeoff with Founders Forum Competition

Founders Forum, a global community for digital and technology entrepreneurs, is giving start-ups the chance to pitch their business ideas on the future of air travel. On June 12, with support from British Airways, a panel of leading investors and CEOs will be 30,000 feet in the sky while ideas are pitched from the ground via on-board WiFi.

The competition is looking for start-ups that are building next generation travel tech products or services which have the potential to transform customers’ air travel experiences through innovative technology solutions. The competition is open now and full details to enter are available here [https://thefutureofflying.com/?forum=founders]. Entries will be whittled down to a shortlist of businesses that will face a unique challenge of pitching from the ground to judges on board a British Airways aircraftfull of leading investors and CEOs. Entrants will take part in a live question and answer session using the airline’s inflight new WiFi all while the aircraft is 30,000 feet over the atlantic. British Airways is introducing industry-leading streaming WiFi on its long-haul flights. It currently has more than 50 aircraft with this service, and 80 per cent of the airline’s 134-strong long-haul fleet will be fitted by the end of 2020.

The airline’s entire short-haul fleet will be WiFi enabled by summer 2019, all part of British Airways’ £6.5bn investment for customers. Alex Cruz, Chairman and CEO of British Airways, said: “The competition, which ties in closely with our centenary activity looking to the future of flight, is a unique opportunity for some of the most innovative start-ups to put forward their ideas for travel in the future. We’re excited to be supporting Founders Forum in the pitch process, which is set to be an exciting challenge using our inflight WiFi.” Greg Kennaugh, Chief Operating Officer of Founders Forum, said: “We are thrilled to be hosting this competition, fostering new ways of thinking about travel and directly supporting early-stage entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas to a community of leaders in digital. Connecting seasoned West Coast investors with the most promising European talent midflight on their way to our event is a new milestone for Founders Forum and we are delighted to work with British Airways to deliver this unique initiative.”

The top three finalists selected on board will be invited to attend Founders Forum London on June 13, 2019, to pitch in person to a judging panel of top CEOs. The lucky winner will receive 100,000 On Business points in British Airways’ business loyalty programme, equivalent to four return flights in World Traveller Plus (long-haul premium economy) to New York (JFK) from London Heathrow. The prize also includes 100,000 Avios, a profile in Business Life magazine, a presentation at the Founders Forum London event attend by hundreds of investors and a business meeting with Brent Hoberman founder of lastminute.com and the Founders network.

Diverse speakers at PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart 2019

By
Editor
-

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has gathered a diverse line-up of thought leaders, innovators and pioneers to share their insights and knowledge on one of the fastest growing tourism sectors of travel at the upcoming PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart 2019 (ATRTCM 2019) in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India.

The event, generously hosted by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, will be held at the Ganga Resort GMVN from February 13-15 with the theme ‘Rejuvenate Your Soul Through Travel’.

“Adventure travel has become one of the fastest growing tourism sectors as travellers look for new, out-of-the ordinary experiences. In addition, tourists are also seeking to incorporate healthier activities into their travel itineraries. This year’s event will examine both adventure travel and wellness tourism and how best to capitalise on these growing industries,” said PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy. “Rishikesh, India with its backdrop of tall mountains amidst the gushing sounds of crystal-clear waters provides the perfect setting for this event, encompassing both excitement and tranquilly.”

Tourism has the power to rejuvenate and to transform but in the age of overtourism and mass tourism, rejuvenation does not necessarily happen organically. It is the result of careful planning by destinations, thoughtful experience design by tour operators and mindfulness by tourists. This year’s conference programme explores the themes of niche tourism, especially those unique to Rishikesh – a place of rejuvenation through its wellness and adventure travel products.

Confirmed speakers include Ajay Jain, Speaker, Writer and Owner – Kunzum Travel Cafe; Apoorva Prasad, Editor-in-Chief and Founder – The Outdoor Journal; Mariellen Ward, Digital Storyteller, Content Marketer and Traveller – Breathedreamgo; Dr. Mario Hardy, CEO – PATA; Daw Moe Moe Lwin, Director and Vice Chairperson – Yangon Heritage Trust; Mohan Narayanaswamy, Managing Director – Travel Scope; Natasha Martin, Managing Director – Bannikin Asia; Paul Brady, Editorial Strategist – Skift; Philippa Kaye, Founder – Indian Experiences; Rajeev Tewari, CEO – Garhwal Himalayan Explorations Pvt. Ltd.; Robin Weber Pollak, President – Journeys International; Rohan Prakash, CEO – Trip 360; Shradha Shrestha, Manager – Brand Promotion and Corporate Marketing, Nepal Tourism Board; Trevor Jonas Benson, Director of Food Tourism Innovation – Culinary Tourism Alliance; Vivienne Tang, Founder – Destination Deluxe, and Yosha Gupta, Founder – Meraki.

The conference will explore various topics including ‘Rejuvenating Your Soul Through Travel’; ‘Storytelling to Sell Travel on Instagram’; ‘Using Sustainability to Future-Proof Our Destination’; ‘Trends to India’; ‘Creating Experiences that are Regenerative’; ‘Marketing to the New Adventure Travellers’; ‘Tourism as a Tool for Rejuvenation’; ‘A Special Story of Indian Rejuvenation’, and ‘Sustaining our Souls: Vision-Driven Leadership in Adventure Tourism’.

Nestled amidst lush greeneries guarded by the breathtaking hills of northern Uttarakhand, the tranquil city of Rishikesh is oft­en claimed as the `Yoga Capital of the World’. The city attracts tourists from all over the world for its numerous adventure sports such as white-water raft­ing, cliff-jumping, kayaking and camping. Known as the ‘Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas’, Rishikesh is also a designated starting point for treks to numerous Himalayan pilgrimage centres and shrines.

Hyatt Announces New Planning Tool for Meetings and Events

By
Editor
-

Hyatt Hotels recently announced the Hyatt Planner Portal, a comprehensive tool for meeting planners designed to enhance the overall planning experience at Hyatt. With this solution, meeting planners can work in one tool throughout the planning process to manage meeting details, including contracts, attendee information and costs throughout planning stages. Additionally, the Hyatt Planner Portal will contain information on current, upcoming and past meetings and events, giving planners the ability to review details, access event history and generate reports whenever needed.

New Tool Hyatt Meeting Planners

“At Hyatt, our purpose – we care for people so they can be their best – provides a lens for how we look at the challenges our customers face and the Hyatt Planner Portal is one way we are bringing this culture of care to life for meeting planners,” said Steve Enselein, SVP of Events at Hyatt. “Created with feedback directly from meeting planners, this solution aims to alleviate pain points planners face and it captures information in one place so they can spend more time focusing on what is most important for their attendees.”            

As part of the Hyatt Planner Portal, Hyatt is releasing a new proprietary technology tool to help planners facilitate attendee room reservations. Once the room block is confirmed, meeting planners will receive a custom reservation link on Hyatt.com with their group name, event dates and selected hotel to share with attendees. As attendees confirm their stay, they will automatically be added to rooming lists in the Hyatt Planner Portal for planners to view. Planners will also be able to get a full view of attendees with the option to generate reports in the portal about guest arrivals, cancellations and departures.

The Hyatt Planner Portal builds on Hyatt’s suite of planner-focused tools that are designed to support more seamless meeting and event experiences. In addition to the customized reservation link for attendees, the Hyatt Planner Portal will provide planners with banquet menus, event space floor plans and access to collaborative diagramming software. The tool will also be integrated with Hyatt’s Event Concierge App, a platform that allows planners to make requests directly to the hotel team via a mobile app, and Group Bill, which organizes all costs into a single invoice for easy payment.  

The Hyatt Planner Portal is invitation-only and will be available across Hyatt’s global portfolio in early 2019.

IHCL Signs its Fourth Taj Hotel in Dubai

By
Editor
-

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India’s largest and most iconic hospitality company recently announced the signing of a new Taj hotel at the Deira Creek in Dubai in partnership with Ithra Dubai LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD).

Commenting on the signing of this agreement, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) said, “The Middle East is a significant market for IHCL. We are honoured to partner with Ithra Dubai for this new hotel in Deira – the historical and cultural center of Dubai. IHCL has a long tradition of managing marquee hotels with rich heritage links   across the world.”

The new Taj hotel is a Greenfield project slated to open in early 2022, conveniently positioned 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport. This hotel will be part of Deira Waterfront Development – one of Dubai’s most significant rejuvenation projects. An urban oasis, the hotel will have approximately 200 spacious rooms and suites with a selection of rooms cantilevered over the water, with scenic waterfront views. The hotel will include all-day dining and specialty restaurants, a bar and lounge, banqueting facilities and a spa.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Issam Galadari, Chief Executive Director, Ithra Dubai LLC, said, “We are delighted to partner with The Indian Hotels Company Limited and look forward to working with them to bring the iconic Taj brand to the Deira Waterfront Development in Dubai.”

Deira is a culturally rich and vibrant part of Dubai which has been part of a major international trade route since time immemorial. Some of the popular attractions in Deira include the Spice Market, Gold Souk, Women’s Museum, Heritage House and the Dubai Dolphinarium.

IHCL also operates Taj Dubai in downtown Business Bay and has two new hotels, Taj Jumeirah Lake Towers and Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai opening in late 2018 and 2019 respectively.

Chief Minister of UP, Shri.Yogi Adityanath inaugurates ITM Lucknow, India Travel Mart

By
Editor
-
Shri. Yogi Adityanath, CM inaugurating ITM Lucknow, India Travel Mart

Shri Yogi Adityanath Ji, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh, inaugurates ITM Lucknow, India Travel Mart, India’s Prominent International Travel & Tourism Exhibition in the presence of Smt. Rita Bahuguna Joshi, Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Uttar Pradesh and other senior Dignitaries, Delegates, Exhibitors, Hoteliers, Travel Agents, Tour Organizers, Media from various parts of the country.  

Shri. Yogi Adityanath, CM with Mr. Ajay Gupta

Many Tourism Departments like: Host State – Uttar Pradesh Tourism, Partner State – Gujarat Tourism & Rajasthan Tourism, Himachal Tourism, Jharkhand Tourism, Uttarkhand Tourism, Madhya Pradesh Tourism, West Bengal Tourism, Delhi Tourism, Spiceland Holiday, Globewel Holidays Dubai, LLC, Club Mahindra, Country Inn Group of Hotels & Resorts,  Travel Mail, Hoteliers, Travel Agents & Tour Organizers participated.

“We have been the pioneer in tourism growth from tier 2 & tier 3 cities in India. With our efforts to promote tourism from smaller cities, domestic tourism from these cities had developed into a big market for all State Tourism Departments in India. From the past several years we have been organising ITM in tier 2 & 3 cities as we strongly believe that the real growth lies here. Lucknow has been our focus city this year”
Mr. Ajay Gupta, Chairman & Managing Director of ITM-India Travel Mart

Lucknow

ITM-Lucknow was a runaway successful event with record number of holiday takers visiting the travel exhibition. The annual event saw a great enthusiasm of visitors among the state tourism departments, specially Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Well Connected: British Airways focus on Connecting Customers

By
Editor
-
Premium Transfer Drive Taken: 16th August 2017 Picture by: Stuart Bailey
  • 123,000 customers travel with the airline every single day, with a large proportion transferring
  • The airline has invested in new technology and new vehicles in Terminal 5 to enhance the experience
  • Dedicated connections staff will help customers travel through the airport

The airline has come up with a number of innovations to make its customers’ journeys much easier.

Ease of connecting

New ideas include making sure flights with a large number of connecting customers are directed to arrive at the most convenient aircraft stands for the next part of their journey.

When the airline knows lots of customers are transferring to the same flight, it will now arrange for a vehicle to transfer them to their next flight, cutting out the need for extra legwork.

To help customers print out their boarding passes quickly and easily, new self-service kiosks have been set up in the flight connections area at T5.

Express connections

British Airways now employs dedicated connections managers, who monitor all flight arrivals and organises for customers with tight connections to be contacted while they’re in the air and given Express Connect status, and information packs, to fast-track them through flight connections and security checkpoints.

Travelling in style

Customers travelling in First, Club World or Club Europe, plus British Airways Gold and Silver Executive Club members who are at risk of missing their onward connection will be provided with a chauffeur driven executive car, where possible, to transfer them to their next flight. An initial trial has proved so popular that more vehicles are being added to the airline’s fleet.

Re-booking in the air

Customers who may miss their connection are now being re-booked with British Airways or any of the airline’s oneworld partners while they’re still in the air. This information is relayed to cabin crew who then reassure and help customers with their onward journey. They are then met at the aircraft door by connections staff who provide them with their new boarding pass, refreshment vouchers and, if overnight accommodation is necessary, their hotel booking.

Tom Stevens, British Airways’ head of Customer, at Heathrow said: “We know how important it is for our customers to transfer through the airport quickly and smoothly, and all of these additional initiatives show them we’ll always go the extra mile to provide excellent customer service.”

1...345...10Page 4 of 10
- Advertisement -

Don't Miss

Block title

Latest travel news, interviews, hotel reviews, resorts and destinations in India.
Outbound travel destinations including South East Asia, Middle East and Europe.


Send your Press Release to : editor@travelar.in

EVEN MORE NEWS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© Copyright 2022 - Perfect Media