TRAVEL WATCHER
Insider news & notes from your business travel authority 
NOVEMBER 2016
UP IN THE AIR
Samsung Galaxy Note7 Warning
Effective immediately, any travelers with the Samsung Galaxy Note7 phone will be denied boarding unless willing to dispose of or divest themselves of the device at the security checkpoint. Passengers currently traveling with these phones should contact Samsung at 1-844-365-6197. Please also note that Amtrak and a growing number of Cruise Lines are also banning passengers from boarding with the device. 

Emirates named world's best airline in 2016
CNN-The world's best airline for 2016 is Emirates, according to a survey of millions of airline passengers conducted by Skytrax. The international airline, based in Dubai, won the top honors at Tuesday's Skytrax World Airline Awards ceremony at the Farnborough International Airshow in England. The survey underscores the consistency of the quality service among the world's top carriers, said Edward Plaisted, Skytrax CEO.

How to keep your road warriors happy
Travel Market Report-As companies increase the number of trips their most frequent flyers take, they need to monitor the quality of that travel experience and its impact on employees, says a new study. Titled "Traveler Friction: Insights from U.S. Road Warriors," the study found that travelers' levels of burnout are linked to how often they are allowed to stay at five-star hotels, how restrictive their companies' long-haul air travel policies are, and whether policies differ for different levels of employees. Asked to prioritize their most-wanted improvements, respondents chose:
  • The ability to take non-stop flights where available.
  • The option to choose more comfortable or convenient hotels.
  • The option to fly in business class on flights of more than six hours.
  • Additional paid time off following a long stretch of travel.
ROADLIFE
Booking through a Travel Agent = consumer satisfaction
In a first-of-its-kind study, in which travelers provided feedback on their recent trips to America's 50 most popular destinations, J.D. Power found that trips booked through a traditional travel agent generate a higher level of satisfaction than those that are not. Customer experience was based on six factors: activities; cost and fees; food and beverage; infrastructure; lodging; and travel/arrival.
Protravel President on travel trends & world peace
The trendiest travel destinations double as the world's most peaceful nations, which in turn has resulted in surging interest and appeal among affluent travelers, according to a new report from Travel Leaders Group.
Visa: astronomical growth in international travel
Visa estimates that the number of people making a cross-border trip will climb by 50% over the next 10 years, leaping from 2015's total of 1.2 billion to 1.8 billion in 2025.
HOTELNEWS
2016 Great Hotel Restaurants
Great Hotel Restaurant judge Jean-Luc Fourrier, an asset manager from Dubai, put it best: "As beautiful as a hotel room can be, great hotel restaurants and bars are the best way to express the genuine hotel commitment in making people feel amazing and connected." We are happy to see some of our favorite hotel partners on the list. Book through Protravel for best rates and exclusive VIP amenities:
  • Rosewood Beijing, China: Country Kitchen. Northern Chinese street cuisine at its best.
  • Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, Japan: La Locanda. Style and authentic Italian cuisine with locally sourced products.
  • Hotel Plaza Athenee, Paris: Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée. Finest place for breakfast, unmatched pastries and eggs with caviar, glamorous dining.
  • Cosmopolitan Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas: Jaleo by Jose Andrés. Best wood-fired paella and cocktails.
  • The Oberoi, Mumbai: Ziya. International ingredients and tastes of traditional India paired to offer modern preparations presented in a contemporary style.
  • Andaz Maui, Hawaii: Ka'Ana Kitchen. Pool terrace or inside, rooftop views over the city, super sushi.
  • Claridge's, London: Fera. Beautifully appointed, modern British cuisine, amazing detail in presentation.
  • Le Sirenuse, Positano, Italy: La Sponda. Traditional Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist.
THEGREATESCAPE
All Inclusive. All Suites. All Amazing.
Quark Expeditions Brings the first "premium all-inclusive" fly/cruise to Antarctica. Introducing the NEW Island Sky Fly-Cruise Antarctic Adventures.  Experience the thrill of Antarctica in as little as seven days.
The new all-suites, all-inclusive Island Sky is the perfect ship experience for travelers short on time but in search a premium expedition experience. It's also the only ship in Antarctica where the all-inclusive voyage price features flights from Santiago or Buenos Aires, as well as alcoholic beverages and all gratuities. Each of the suites on this small cruise ship boast exterior views and premium amenities.
Contact your Protravel agent to book

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