ITM has completed the first phase of its Payment Services Directive (PSD2) campaign to help members navigate the complexities of Strong Customer Authentication (SCA). Phase one saw the formation of a dedicated taskforce and a webinar with experts. In phase two a second webinar is scheduled for April 15 to share further insight into SCA exemptions alongside actionable steps travel managers can take to prepare their travellers for the new rules coming into force on September 14.
Sunways has launched a sustainable brand, inspired by its recent partnership with carbon offset company Trees4Travel. Sunways Sustainable Business Travel will be the first TMC in the UK to actively contribute to the offsetting of its clients’ carbon emissions by donating a tree to an accredited rewilding project for every flight they book. Existing clients can switch to the TMC’s Sustainable Travel service and instantly benefit from Co2 reporting capabilities and offset their travel through tree-planting projects.
WIN Global Travel Network has welcomed a new Italian partner, Rome-based Alma Travel. The TMC, which specialises in SME clients, will provide flexible online booking support, direct reservations via a consultant and destination support for Advantage members and other WIN worldwide partners. WIN, of which Advantage Travel Partnership is a majority shareholder, has over 75 partners globally.
Emirates is operating a special flight on April 10 to celebrate progress in the UAE’s vaccination programme. Carrying only fully-vaccinated crew and passengers, Flight EK2021 will depart Dubai International Airport to cruise over various areas of the region for two and a half hours. Passengers will have the opportunity to experience Emirates’ newest A380 aircraft featuring new Premium Economy seats and refreshed cabin interiors across all cabin classes.
Advantage Travel Partnership will re-appoint James Beagrie, owner of Meon Valley Travel, to its Board in May. He previously served on the Board from 2013 to 2018. Advantage is also re-appointing two of its current non-executive member directors, Sharon May, Worldwide Travel Solutions and Christopher Marks, Baldwins Travel Agency.
Surrey-based TMC travelharbour has acquired Destinations Travel Norwich. Michael O’Mara, Managing Director at travelharbour, said it was a “strategic move to strengthen the long-term prospects of both companies” by expanding and diversifying travelharbour’s client base while “delivering enhanced service and technology offerings” to legacy Destinations customers.
Hyatt has reopened the Hotel du Palais, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand. The majority of the hotel’s 86 guestrooms and 56 suites have been restored to reflect its iconic part in French history. The hotel was first built in 1854 by Napoleon III for his wife Eugénie de Montijo. It is now open for reservations until November 1 2021 when it will close again for further renovations before reopening in summer 2022.
