Expedia Group has been named as a preferred re-distributor of IHG Hotels & Resorts properties’ wholesale rates. Expedia Group’s Optimised Distribution programme aims to serve as a primary gateway solution for the hotelier and its B2B demand partners, ultimately reducing costs, generating incremental revenue for hotels, and providing accurate content and better rates to travellers.
Qatar has taken the UK off its red list, which means vaccinated British travellers will no longer have to quarantine on arrival. However, all visitors from the UK must submit a negative pre-travel PCR result valid within 48 hours from departure and complete an online pre-travel registration at least three days before arrival.
GlobalStar Travel Management has extended its network into Japan with the announcement of World Travel System (WTS) as its newest partner. James Stevenson, CEO at GlobalStar, said: “Like every GlobalStar Partner, WTS brings intimate knowledge of its local market, a reputation for meticulous service, agility and flexibility. Together we can now guarantee our clients that same degree of consistency and support for all their Japanese travel needs.”
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Blackfriars Hotels Limited for Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars. Anticipated to open in July 2022, the 204-room Hyatt Regency hotel will join nine additional Hyatt-branded properties in London, marking another milestone in Hyatt’s ambitious brand growth strategy for the UK in one of London’s busiest districts.
American Express is launching a series of limited-time offers on its Business Platinum and Gold Cards. Until March 31, new Business Platinum Cardmembers that sign up and spend £10,000 in the first three months of their membership will receive a substantial welcome bonus of 100,000 Membership Rewards points. New Business Gold Cardmembers are eligible for a welcome bonus of 50,000 Membership Rewards points when they sign up and spend £5,000 in the first three months.
Marriott International, Cola Holdings and The Westbury Hotel Limited have signed a management agreement to bring the storied St. Regis brand to Mayfair, London. Combining ‘timeless glamour’ with a ‘vanguard spirit’, this signing will bring the brand’s signature Butler Service, celebrated rituals, and rich heritage to one of London’s most exclusive neighbourhoods.
Private aviation group Vista Global Holding (Vista) has entered into an agreement to acquire Air Hamburg’s operating platform and maintenance services. Founded in 2006, Air Hamburg is the largest private jet operator by number of flights across Europe, organising over 18,800 flights for its clients in 2021, and it is second only to Vista in terms of hours flown, recording over 35,000 hours in 2021.
