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TRAVEL
WATCHER
Insider news & notes from your business travel authority
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UP IN THE AIR
Real ID deadline extended to January 2018
States that have yet to comply with the Real ID Act are getting a major break. The Secretary of Homeland Security, announced a new timeline for implementing the more-secure ID plan. Just a short time ago, Washington had granted states that had not yet complied with the Act an extension beyond a vague Jan. 1, 2016 deadline. These states expected to have to rush a plan though their legislatures early this year. Read the Homeland security statement
here
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American Airlines to add 'Premium Economy'
American Airlines has announced plans to create a new class fare. The fare, to be billed as "premium economy service," is for international flights. It's being marketed as being somewhat better than a regular economy-class ticket, but not quite as good as business-class. The new service will start late next year, American officials said. Premium Economy will offer wider seats, more legroom, on-demand entertainment, noise reducing headphones, priority check-in and boarding, complimentary alcoholic drinks, and two free checked bags. Other Premium Economy features include: Adjustable leather seats with extendable foot, leg and head rests; an enhanced dining experience; AC power and USB ports at every seat and amenity kits.
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U.S., China agree to expand travel, tourism
HotelsMag--Leaders from the United States and China announced the U.S.-China Tourism Year for 2016, a new initiative that celebrates the recent reciprocal extension of visa validity and supports increased travel and tourism exports. Throughout the year, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the China National Tourism Administration, in collaboration with Brand USA and other partners, will design and execute a year of events and activities that will promote and further open travel between the United States and China, expand market access, and advance initiatives to ensure a quality visitor experience for increasing numbers of travelers to and from both nations. China was the number two country for visitor spending to and within the United States in 2014 with an estimated US$23.8 billion spent on travel and tourism. China accounted for 2.9% of total international arrivals in the United States in 2014, with an estimated 2.2 million travelers (a 21% increase over 2013).
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JFK deploys facial recognition software
John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City has started using new face recognition technology. The biometric readers match a person's face to their passport to help reduce human error. Initially, the readers will be used to screen passengers arriving from countries where visas are waived and to randomly check on returning U.S. citizens.
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Sneak peek at Peninsula Chicago's
'magnificent' makeover
The Peninsula Chicago's current renovation aims to establish its guestrooms and suites as the "most technologically advanced in the world." The updated guestrooms and suites will feature a variety of complementary technologies. Designed with the luxury traveler in mind, the guestrooms and suites will be able to transform into any one of 11 languages at the touch of a button, feature tablets, and also offer complimentary long-distance and international VOIP calls and WiFi. In addition to the technology upgrade, the rooms will feature a refurbishment inspired by the Peninsula Chicago's French Deco style in the public spaces. Booking through your Protravel agent entitles you these exclusive VIP amenities: Upgrade on arrival (
subject to availability)
; daily continental breakfast for two;
early check-in/late check-out;
and a $100 hotel credit.
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Peninsula Chicago bedside charger
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What's Hot: Restaurant re-opens at luxurious Dubai hotel
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah has re-opened its Bab Al Yam restaurant this month following a substantial upgrade to its interior and exterior design. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that offer expansive views of the Arabian Gulf and downtown Dubai, the all-day dining restaurant has a contemporary look and offers a spacious terrace and shisha lounges
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US to add more than 100,000 new hotel rooms in 2016
According to hotel research firm STR, approximately 865 hotels comprising roughly 103,230 rooms are currently under construction and scheduled to open in 2016. New York, Houston and Dallas are the top cities for hotel room construction in 2016. The Big Apple has 13,583 rooms under construction this year and is poised to add to its 117,367 existing rooms. Los Angeles-Long Beach, California; Washington, D.C.; Las Vegas; Miami-Hialeah, Florida; Chicago; Orlando and Boston will be the next busiest U.S. destinations this year in terms of hotel construction, each with between 2,339 and 4,240 rooms under construction in 2016.
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TECHNOLOGYCORNER
Mobile app highlight: LiveTrekker
A dream for walkers who love to wander without a map and later want to see where they've been. The app logs how far you walked, draws a red line up and down each street, and through every park and museum you visit. Before setting off, tap the "tracker" button and then "start." When you've returned to your hotel hours later, you'll have a detailed, zoomable map (the satellite version allows you to see trees and landmarks) of where you've walked that you can share with friends. Get the app
here
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YOURLIFE
8 of our favorite wellness spas
for getting 2016 off to a healthy start
If your New Years' resolution includes de-stressing, wellness and fitness, look no further. Your Protravel agent can find you the perfect place--anywhere on earth--to rejuvenate, with exclusive VIP amenities and unique experiences.
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Parrot Cay and COMO Shambala Estate, Turks & Caicos
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Southwest
- Miraval Resort, Tucson, Arizona: An exclusive all-inclusive wellness experience located just outside of Tucson, Arizona. From the moment you arrive, you are cared for by a team of dedicated professionals who have your personal wellness in mind. Miraval is the place to pause, reflect and escape your stress while channeling the mysticism of the Southwest.
- Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa, Pueblo, NM: embodies the mystical ambiance of the Southwest, where a rich cultural history and beautiful landscapes set the stage for an unforgettable getaway. For those seeking a relaxing desert retreat, there are nature trails, an on-site spa and yoga studio. Families love the arts and crafts classes and cultural seminars, and foodies savor the locally sourced dishes, which blend traditional New Mexican flavors with exotic touches.
California
- The Ranch at Live Oak, Malibu, CA: provides a truly results-oriented transformative experience and is one of a kind. The setting is beautiful and it is designed for wellness (read: weight loss) rather than relaxed pampering. Guests are encouraged to unplug from the outside world. There are two shared phones and computers for those needing some connectivity. If one needs more connectivity, the shorter, hotel-based R4.0 program may be better suited. But if you're in the market for a serious health reboot, the Ranch is it. Plan on at least eight hours a day of exercise, detoxifying foods and plenty of sunshine.
- Golden Door, San Marcos, CA: A serene, Japanese-inspired oasis offering a seven-day, all-inclusive program. It is famed for its completely individualized programs organized around four courtyards and a sand garden, promoting an aura of spiritual peace from every angle.
Thailand
- Amanpuri, Phuket: The experience can be summed up as beach, boating, spa and cuisine on Phuket's only private beach overlooking the Andaman Sea, this palm-draped resort puts Thai culture front and center, focusing on elements such as pampering and elegant design. As Aman Resort's flagship property, you're assured of the very best of everything.
- Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui: Amid the gentle sights and sounds of the jungle, far from hectic urban life, experience a delicate balance of refreshment for mind, body and beauty. The Spa's nurturing treatments rely on centuries-old healing techniques and herbal and holistic remedies deeply rooted in Thailand's rich spa heritage. Individual spa treatment rooms are housed in five salas - covered verandas - each with two indoor and two outdoor Thai-style massage beds, an outdoor shower, an outdoor bathtub and a steam room or indoor rain shower.
East Coast & Caribbean
- Canyon Ranch, Lenox, MA: Like others in the brand, the Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Mass., is a wellness resort. So in addition to the usual cooks, concierges and reception staff, they also employ physicians, counselors, exercise physiologists, nutritionists, art and music therapists-essentially, every pro imaginable to help you get (or stay) in top shape, both mentally and physically.
- Parrot Cay & COMO Shambhala Retreat, Turks & Caicos: Rediscover yourself on this private island resort featuring more than just a mile-long white-sand beach. Guests will regain mental stability and find stress relief with a customized wellness program that includes relaxing therapies, outdoor pursuits, fitness training, well-being lectures, meditation and more. Pictured above.
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PRNewswire -- Results from
Travel Leaders Group's authoritative
2016 Business Travel Trends Survey indicate overall growth within the marketplace, along with substantial increases among those business travel clients who now enjoy expedited passage through airport security with TSA Precheck™ approval. A plurality (40.2%) of business-focused travel agents expects their 2016 corporate travel bookings to remain on par with 2015, with nearly as many (36.6%) expecting their bookings to increase year-over-year. By a wide margin, the top concern clients are expressing to agents is the proliferation of "delayed flights" -- directly reflecting this year's increased weather disruptions. "Almost in spite of headlines forecasting a global recession, the U.S. economy continues to show positive growth, and with that, our outlook for business travel in 2016 remains cautiously optimistic," noted Ninan Chacko, CTC, Travel Leaders Group CEO. "This past year proved to be a challenging one for air travelers as they faced extraordinary flight delays and cancellations. So it is no surprise the top concern agents are hearing from clients focuses on 'delayed flights.'" Click
here for the full report.
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THEGREATESCAPE
New Faena Hotel evokes glory days of Miami Beach
Part of a six-block cultural neighborhood reimagined by Alan Faena, Faena Hotel Miami Beach is a place like no other. Situated in the heart of Miami Beach, the hotel's artful visual language recalls the glamour of the 1950's. To make his vision come to life, Faena collaborated with film director/producer Baz Luhrmann and Academy Award-winning costume designer Catherine Martin to give the space stunning Art Deco appeal and old world grandeur. Transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, Argentine painter Juan Gatti created eight large-scale murals for the hotel's entrance, called the Cathedral, which invokes the epic themes of knowledge, love, war, passion and nature. Both Living Room and the Veranda dining room are lit by Storms, site-specific chandelier installations by Alberto Garutti, which flickers every time lightning strikes the Pampas region in Argentina. Two original Damien Hirst sculptures (see below) are found on the hotel's grounds for guests to enjoy.
Other features of the hotel include:
Tierra Santa Healing House: Relax and rejuvenate at the first South American-inspired spa in the United States, offering customized treatments that merge ancient healing rituals with contemporary techniques.
Dining: Dine at one of their signature ocean-view restaurants from award-winning chefs. Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann features an open Fire Kitchen with a menu offering a contemporary take on a traditional Argentine asado. Pao by Paul Qui offers the James Beard Foundation award-winning chef's renowned brand of modern Asian cuisine in a spectacular setting.
Butler service: Available to every room, your butler can arrange any request from morning coffee to in-room sunset cocktail service.
Saxony Theater: Discover exceptional entertainment in Saxony Theater, a breathtaking performance space featuring a nightly cabaret-style musical revue.
VIP amenities for Protravel clients:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily full breakfast, for up to two guests in-room
- US $100 Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
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Damien Hirst's extraordinary "Gone But Not Forgotten"--situated in the hotel's gardens--is a a gilded skeleton of a woolly mammoth presented in a steel and glass vitrine.
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