TCT 46

The

Corporate Traveller

Spring 2013 No. 46

Singapore Airlines strengthens position in Brussels

 How can a business travel agency help companies cut back costs?  Corporate Traveller Best Hotel Room Awards 2013  Brussels Hotel Industry stable despite crisis. For how long?  Belgian architect designs new Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche

THE

BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS

MAGAZINE

FOR

THE

CORPORATE

TRAVELLER

IN

THE

BENELUX

Corporations

Discover total travel control and a world of new opportunities Managing global and local corporate travel requirements efficiently and effectively has always been a challenge. Until now‌ Amadeus delivers everything you need:

Look forward to total control of your corporate travel programme; intelligent solutions that are compatible with the service, technology and content providers of your choice; superior duty of care and enriched traveller experience; intuitive IT that sources, searches and books all the content you need; plus unrivalled competence and a proven track record in migration, support and security.

Discover a Brighter, Bolder, Better world of corporate travel today!

To find out more, contact us or visit www.amadeus.com/corporations tdebruijn@benelux.amadeus.com - M: +31 (0)62 383 2269

content Singapore Airlines

The

Corporate Traveller

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER IN THE BENELUX

Industry News

Air Ports

005 The Journal

037 Brussels Airport Aviation Awards 2012

News from the travel industry

www.thecorporatetraveller.be

Hotels

CIRCULATION 26.000

020 Keeping things in perspective

DIFFUSION Belgium, France, Luxemburg and The Netherlands PUBLICATION FREQUENCY 4 issues per year PUBLISHED BY LEO bvba 1, rue des Ixellois, 4000 Liège, Belgium Tel: 0032 (0) 4 224 7871 Fax: 0032 (0) 4 226 9484 E-mail: jp@eventbox.be PUBLISHER Erik De Ridder – E-mail: edr@eventbox.be MANAGING EDITOR Jean Paul Talbot – E-mail: jp@eventbox.be EDITORIAL TEAM Joanna Pays, Angela Antrobus, Jeroen Coteur, Jacques Legros, Dimitri Van Moerkercke ART DIRECTOR Bert Wagemans SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions to The Corporate Traveller cost € 150 per year (excluding VAT).

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ISSN 1387-2400

Last summer, Sofitel Luxury Hotels opened its first venue in Casablanca - the Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche. The venue was designed by Patrick Genard, a Belgian architect based in Spain.

022 Mövenpick Hotel Lausanne’s Christian Kramer, ‘General Manager of the Year’ Christian Kramer is currently General Manager of the Mövenpick Hotel Lausanne and was recently awarded the prestigious title of General Manager of the Year, in the upscale hotel category at the Worldwide Hospitality Awards.

024 The Corporate Traveller Best Hotel Room Awards 2013 At the beginning of this year, the Corporate Traveller Magazine launched its first edition of the Award for Best Hotel Room. The winners have now been announced!

028 Close to home or far away, wellness is the trend everywhere Wellness is completely “in”, and is no longer limited to hotels with a spa or sauna. We went looking for the most important developments in this sector that is becomimg ever more interesting.

029 Brussels Hotel Association reports higher occupation rates, but lower revenues “For the second consecutive year, activity remains stable despite the crisis. However the future of the industry is in danger” says Fred de Deken, President of the Brussels Hotel Association

Travel Management 030 The Rail Journey to 2020 On the basis of a comprehensive study, Amadeus wanted to focus on the most important factors that will be influencing the rail market in the coming years.

033 Saving money by working with a business travel agency: contradictio in terminis?

There are numerous ways in which a business travel agency can help companies cut back costs.

034 Corporates increasingly choose the train The Corporate Traveller talked to Bernard Fontenelle, Travel Trade & Corporate Sales Manager for NMBS/SNCB Europe, about the growth of rail traffic and the various programmes tailored for corporates.

036 AirPlus has ambitions for Belgium AirPlus International, the second largest European provider of business travel management solutions, has presented its results for 2012 and ambitions for the Belgian market.

Brussels Airport has announced the winners of its sixth annual Aviation Awards. bmi regional, Aegean Airlines and Thai Airways International were nominated the bestperforming airlines, while Jetairfly and Brussels Airlines were winners in the network and route development categories.

Air Ways 038 Multiple choices from Brussels to Singapore in style Singapore Airlines has strengthened its position in Brussels with more flight options.

040 Malaysia Airlines introduces A380 on Paris route Malaysia Airlines is modernising its fleet with new fuel efficient aircraft which offer greater passenger capacity and comfort.

042 Delta Air Lines makes Brussels key focus in transatlantic growth Within its transatlantic development strategy, Delta Air Lines’ daily services from Brussels to New York and Atlanta are a key focus.

044 Delta Air Lines new Manager for Belgium, Frederic Schenk Delta Air Lines appointed Frederic Schenk as country manager for Belgium. Frederic talked to us about his work at Delta.

045 Etihad Airways launches BusinessConnect Etihad Airways has expanded its loyalty program for small to medium sized businesses onto seven key markets, including Belgium and France.

046 BlueBiz: save on business travel BlueBiz is the loyalty programme from Air France, KLM, Alitalia and Delta Air Lines. The programme is exclusively designed for businesses regardless of their sales volume.

048 TAP Portugal surprises with technical innovations and extra comfort TAP Portugal is again cossetting its business travellers with a number of technological innovations.

050 A new way of travelling The interiors of the entire fleet of Austrian Airlines aircraft are undergoing a makeover from December of 2012 though autumn 2013.

Destinations 052 Ljubljana – a stylish city, 200 years on the congress map and excellent business hotels Since hosting its first congress in 1821, the city has built up an excellent infrastructure for hosting events. Its numerous hotels for business meetings range from boutique-style to larger convention hotels.

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spring 2013 | 3

EXPERIENCE MEETINGS MEETINGS DESIGNED WITH SPACE TO THINK, FAST FREE WIFI AND FOOD FOR THE MIND. ALL THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESSFUL MEETINGS.

HOTELS DESIGNED TO SAY YES! radissonblu.com/meetings

LOBBY, RADISSON BLU HOTEL, FRANKFURT

EXPERIENCE SUCCESS

The Traveller Journal News from the travel industry

Air France

more enhancements in long haul La Première and Business Thalys selects Amadeus to expand distribution through the travel agency channel Amadeus and Thalys have announced a partnership agreement to distribute Thalys’ services through Amadeus’ global distribution system, starting in Germany.

Users of Amadeus Selling Platform, Amadeus’ point of sale for travel agents, and Amadeus e-Travel Management, the company selfbooking tool for corporate users, will have access to the full range of Thalys’ fares, including corporate negotiated fares, schedules and availability to effectively compare Thalys high speed rail services with flights on specific routes. Thalys will be presented as a real alternative to air travel, giving the railway better market exposure, and ensuring that travellers have greater choice and transparency of options.

Travellers will also benefit from additional advantages, such as the possibility of booking a complete ticketless train travel experience using Thalys Ticketless – or collecting Miles on Thalys’ loyalty programme TheCard.

The addition of Thalys into the Amadeus booking flow will permit travel agents to benefit from a more simple and faster booking process as well as from increased productivity and efficiency, thanks to automatic integration into the Amadeus Passenger Name Record (PNR1) and IATA’s Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP).

Air France continues to innovate on board, with the aim of offering its customers products and services that represent the French art of living. Since the beginning of the year, La Première and Business customers travelling on Air France long-haul flights have been able to discover a range of new in-flight services adding to their comfort, pleasure and relaxation.

Since 1st February, and for a period of 8 months, on all long-haul flights departing Paris, Air France Business customers have been able to enjoy the gourmet creations

of the Michelin-starred chef Michel Roth, winner of the Bocuse d’Or award and the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France, offering six unique hot dishes, renewed twice a month for the pleasure of frequent travellers.

As from March, Air France’s long-haul La Première and Business customers will be able to enjoy a range of delectable Vaucluse jams at breakfast.

Air France and Servair have signed a two-year contract for the annual supply of 1.5 million jars of jam with ESAT, a French organization which helps disabled people. Business and La Première customers will be able to enjoy a delicious range of strawberry, raspberry,

apricot and orange jams and honeys produced by disabled workers at La Roumanière, who have been manufacturing these gourmet delicacies for over 30 years.

Since February 2013, Air France La Première customers have been able to discover a range of new amenity kits along with an exclusive line of face and body care products

by Biologique Recherche, an internationally renowned French family-run company.

Passengers will find specially designed creams to freshen up and moisturize their skin. In the Business cabin, the amenity kits are also being renewed.

Virgin Atlantic launches UK domestic services with ‘Little Red’ Virgin Atlantic’s first-ever domestic flight service, to be known as Little Red, was launched on 31 March in Manchester, 5 April in Edinburgh and 9 April in Aberdeen Little Red operates 26 daily flights between London Heathrow and Manchester, Edinburgh and Aberdeen bringing more choice to passengers who have faced monopoly prices on UK domestic flights from Heathrow. Bringing a splash of red to the sky, Branson’s Little Red service will offer four daily round-trips between London Heathrow and Manchester, six daily round-trips to Edinburgh and a further three daily round-trips to Aberdeen.

Little Red offers free 23kg luggage check-ins, preassigned seats, complimentary snacks and drinks and hot breakfasts on early morning flights.

Nearly 30 years after launching Virgin Atlantic to bring a new challenger to long-haul flying from the

UK, Sir Richard Branson is now bringing the fight to home turf – with the launch of the brand new ‘Little Red’ domestic service. “Virgin Atlantic has been on an incredible journey since we started with a single plane 29 years ago” said Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Atlantic founder and president. “Little Red represents the next step on that journey as we go head to head with British Airways to provide domestic flights that deliver Virgin Atlantic’s rock and roll spirit as well as real value for money.”

The schedule of the new flights is timed to maximise connections for passengers travelling onwards from London across Virgin Atlantic’s global network. Little Red flights will operate to and from Heathrow Terminal 1 but will have excellent connections with Virgin Atlantic’s international flights from Terminal 3. There will also be early flights to serve business fliers reaching morning meetings in each city.

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spring 2013 | 5

The Traveller Journal | News from the travel industry

Air France increases services to the Ivory Coast, Gabon and Nigeria Air France is continuing its strategy to develop its services to Africa from its hub at Paris-Charles de Gaulle.

To meet the growing needs of its customers for services to the Ivory Coast, Air France increased the number of weekly flights to Abidjan from 7 to 10, as from 15 April. Services to Libreville have risen to daily flights, as from 31 March. By operating larger aircraft (Boeing 777-200) on its routes to Port Harcourt and Abuja, Air France will increase its capacity to Nigeria by 18 percent.

Air France and KLM operate flights to 42 destinations on the African continent and more than 1,000 destinations worldwide with their SkyTeam partners.

New ideas for meetings and events in Ghent at the Sandton Grand Hotel Reylof For organisers looking for a setting for incentives, team-buildings and meetings in Ghent, the Sandton Grand Hotel Reylof offers 9 meeting rooms, each with their own authentic atmosphere.

The Sandton Grand Hotel Reylof is a four star property situated in the heart of Ghent. The hotel’s meeting rooms are equipped with Wifi and audiovisual facilities, and benefit from natural daylight. Depending on space and set-up requirements, capacity is available for events from 5 to 100 participants. The hotel’s pleasant inner courtyard can be used for breakfast, lunch, dinners and even barbecues.

Themed events can be personalised by the hotel’s dedicated team, who are also available to provide ideas and information on activities in the city and surrounding areas of Ghent.

Within the hotel, possibilities include casino nights and a range of different workshops, such as chocolate or wine tasting. ‘Knabbel&Babbel’ tours give participants a fun and original way to taste all kinds of delicious typical Ghent food.

Guided tours of the city, by foot or by bike, can be arranged as teambuilding activities. The hotel collaborates with a range of events partners to optimize service delivery.

Delta begins final phase of works on JFK Terminal ready for opening in May Delta has begun the final phase of expansions to its new terminal at New York’s JFK Airport, with an additional $175 million project that will add 11 gates and 75,000 square feet to Terminal 4’s Concourse B.

Terrace pampering in Ghent by Belga Queen The Belga Queen, with its fantastic Romanesque façade, offers one of the most attractive terraces in Ghent.

Situated beside the River Leie, in the centre of Ghent, the Belga Queen was designed by the hand

6 | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

of renowned architect Antoine Pinto. As soon as the sun appears, until late after midnight, the Belga Queen’s elegant and comfortable terrace is the meeting spot for the people of Ghent. Guests can enjoy lunch, snacks, fine cocktails and Belgium’s premier beers, while the

spring 2013 |

chef pâtissier is on hand to prepare sweet delicacies. In addition, the terrace also serves fresh seafood including oysters, lobsters, langoustines and clams - from the Belga Queen’s Oyster Bar. Upon reservation, seafood platters can also be requested to take away.

The new project is in addition to the previously announced $1.2 billion redevelopment at Terminal 4 set to open in May and will feature a new 24,000 sq ft flagship Delta SkyClub with the first ever SkyDeck outdoor terrace. With the new expansion, Terminal 4’s Concourse B will house 27 Delta gates and completely replace Delta’s current Terminal 2 regional jet operation.

The Traveller Journal | News from the travel industry

LATAM Airlines Group chooses oneworld as its global alliance LATAM Airlines Group, which includes TAM Airlines and LAN Airlines, has announced that TAM Airlines will become a member of oneworld, joining LAN Airlines and 11 other member airlines. TAM will withdraw from Star Alliance during the second quarter of 2014, on a date to be announced later this year.

TAM Airlines plans to officially join oneworld as soon as it leaves Star Alliance. From that date, TAM passengers will be able to accumulate kilometers/points by flying on any oneworld member airline. Until then, they will continue to receive the benefits offered by Star Alliance.

Frequent flyer passengers will retain the kilometers/points accumulated from flying with Star Alliance member airlines as well as maintain their respective frequent flyer status during and after the transition period, provided they are registered with the TAM Fidelidade program. LAN and TAM will proactively inform their passengers of any changes in the process.

“We evaluated all the existing possibilities and chose the alliance that offers the best benefits to our passengers, in addition to the best connectivity and products, as well as the greater synergies for LATAM Airlines Group” said Enrique Cueto, CEO, LATAM Airlines Group.

“We are delighted that, after its comprehensive review of alliance options, LATAM not only decided to have LAN remain on board oneworld, but also to include TAM and all the other passenger airline subsidiaries in the LATAM group as well” said oneworld’s CEO, Bruce Ashby. “This solidifies oneworld’s long-standing position as the alliance leader in Latin America and provides an even more attractive proposition for frequent international travellers the world over. We look forward to working with LATAM Airlines Group to ensure a smooth transition to oneworld.”

LAN Colombia is also to join oneworld as an affiliate member, during the fourth quarter of 2013, when it will join other LAN affiliate airlines LAN Argentina, LAN Ecuador and LAN Peru, reaffirming LAN’s 13 year membership in oneworld.

Best Western Travel Card celebrates its10th anniversary March marked the tenth anniversary of the Best Western Travel Card, the card that can be redeemed in the 4200 hotels of the World’s Largest Hotel Chain.

The Best Western Travel Card is a prepaid card that can be charged with any amount and in the currency of choice. It is a method of payment that can be used in the 4200 Best Western hotels worldwide, including 50 in Belgium.

It can be redeemed for any of the hotel’s goods and services and is available with different designs. The Travel Card is valid for an unlimited period of time and can be recharged with amounts between 25 to 1,000 euros.

Best Western Travel Cards can be purchased at travelcard.bestwestern.com and then printed directly, or sent by mail. Designs can be chosen for every celebration or event. Just choose the currency and the amount wished. The cards can even be personalised with a special message.

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SNCB Europe Greenpoints Get rewarded for travelling green! www.sncb-europe.biz

The Traveller Journal | News from the travel industry

WestJet and Air France launch enhanced partnership WestJet and Air France have entered into a code-share agreement enabling Air France to offer its customers 15 new Canadian routes operated by WestJet. This is the ninth codeshare agreement for WestJet who, additionally, has twenty-one interline relationships.

The ‘AF’ code is now on select WestJet flights connecting from Toronto to Vancouver, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina, Thunder Bay, Ottawa, Quebec City, Saint-John’s, Moncton and Halifax.

Winnipeg and Calgary flights also bear the French carrier’s code for both Toronto and Montreal connections to Air France’s direct flights to Paris.

“WestJet and Air France have had an interline arrangement since July 2009 and we are very pleased to see this evolve to a code-share” said Chris Avery, Vice-President, Network Planning, Alliances, and Corporate Development at WestJet. “With an extensive worldwide network, Air France is one of the world’s premier airlines. We look forward to welcoming Air France’ codeshare guests on board our WestJet flights. We remain committed to bringing top-quality airlines on board as part of our airline partnership strategy. The success of this strategy has contributed to WestJet’s strong results.

“With this enhanced partnership we are delighted to offer at the same time a larger choice of Canadian destinations to our customers flying from Europe, Asia and Africa-Middle East to Canada and excellent connections to Air France global network to Canadian customers” said Dominique Patry, Vice-President, International Affairs and Alliances.

Reservations for travel can now be booked online via the airline’s website at airfrance.ca, via its booking centre at 1 800 667 2747, or through travel agencies.

Delta Air Lines to bring Westin Heavenly in-flight bedding to BusinessElite Delta Air Lines is transforming the sleep experience in the air by offering Westin Heavenly In-Flight bedding, designed and manufactured exclusively for Delta, in all of its BusinessElite cabins throughout the world.

The new Westin Heavenly In-Flight bedding product will be available on all BusinessElite International flights, as well as BusinessElite flights between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle and between Atlanta and Honolulu, beginning in June 2013.

BusinessElite customers will receive a Westin Heavenly sleeping pillow and a comforter with extra luxurious loft.

Passengers on flights over 12 hours also will receive a lumbar pillow.

“Delta is committed to providing our customers with the best possible sleep experience in the skies and we’re excited to partner with another leader in the travel category, Westin Hotels and Resorts, who shares this goal” said Joanne Smith, Delta’s senior vice president – In Flight Service. “In recent surveys, customers have told us that the most important part of the in-flight experience is sleep. The new Westin Heavenly In-Flight bedding product is just one of the new amenities Delta is introducing to ensure customers achieve a restful, rejuvenating in-flight experience.”

“Getting a good night’s sleep is the number one priority for our guests and

we are renowned for providing travellers with the best bed and sleep experience in the business” said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader for Westin Hotels.

“Westin Heavenly In-Flight bedding will ensure Delta’s customers will be renewed and refreshed when they land. Now consumers can experience the brand’s Heavenly sleep experience in-flight, in our hotels and even in their homes.”

In addition to the new Westin Heavenly In-Flight bedding, Delta is making investments in several other products and services to revamp the in-flight sleep experience. These include a white noise channel on Delta Radio, and new BusinessElite amenity kits featuring Tumi and Malin+Goetz products.

Delta is also enhancing the sleep experience by expanding full flat-bed seating. Delta is introducing full flatbed seats in the BusinessElite cabin of all transcontinental flights operating between New York and Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle beginning this month. All of Delta’s Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft serving these transcontinental markets will offer the flatbed seats over the next 24 months. Delta’s decision to install full flat-bed seats on its transcontinental flights complements the airline’s current investment in full flat-bed seats on its entire international widebody fleet of more than 140 aircraft.

By the end of 2013, 70 percent of all Delta aircraft will have flat beds and, in early 2014, Delta’s entire widebody fleet is scheduled to be complete.

Crazy Casseroles at Hotel BLOOM!’s SmoodS Pots and pans are flying around in Hotel BLOOM!’s SmoodS, with the ‘Crazy Casseroles’ new food concept.

pear and Speculoos). Or for dessert, why not a tiramisu with Kahlúa coffee liqueur?

Customers can now discover crazy and tasty casserole dishes at SmoodS, at accessible prices.

SmoodS is the restaurant and bar at Hotel BLOOM! A casual hang out, with different atmospheric islands that feels like a living room. The open kitchen allows guests to see the chef in action. In addition, on Friday and Saturday nights at SmoodS, disco and house music is provided by some of Brussels’s best DJ’s. More information about the Crazy Casseroles menu can be found at http://www.smoods.net/

They can experience unique combinations such as nutty Risotto with oriental merguez ragout and Parmesan espuma.

Main courses include a slowly-cooked lamb with prunes, roast figs, dried fruits and SmoodS Flemish beef stew (with

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The Traveller Journal | News from the travel industry

Vueling to open new routes from Brussels to Alicante and Malaga this summer Vueling, the leading airline at Barcelona-El Prat Airport, is strengthening its position on the Belgian market with the launch of two new routes - to Alicante and Malaga.

Since the launch of its flights to Brussels in 2004, Vueling has carried over 2 million passengers to the Belgian capital. Vueling currently connects Brussels with Barcelona-El Prat with three daily flights and Valencia with five weekly flights on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. The two new routes, Brussels – Alicante and Brussels – Malaga, commenced on April 24. The Alicante service is operated five times a week on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Flights to Malaga will commence with a four times weekly schedule, increasing to five in July during the peak holiday period.

“Our commitment to bolstering our services out of Belgium is in line with our consistent expansion plans in Europe these last two years - a growth strategy which consolidates our position in captive markets” said Julio Rodriguez, Vueling’s Chief Commercial Director. “We are delighted to add Alicante and Malaga to the network from Brussels” Vueling is also improving services for the business traveller with its new Excellence class, a competitively priced product which offers more flexibility, convenience and a faster process through airports.

Travellers on Vueling’s Excellence class also have access to lounges, preferential boarding, on board snacks and extra loyalty points.

New destinations and codeshares for Etihad Airways and Garuda Indonesia Etihad Airways and Garuda Indonesia have announced a number of new codeshare destinations in Indonesia, Europe, the Middle East, Singapore and Australia.

In another significant move, from 21 June 2013, Etihad Airways will re-time its flights

Abu Dhabi and Amsterdam. Garuda Indonesia has placed its GA code on Etihad Airways’ flights to five new cities – Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich, Bahrain and Brussels – bringing the total number of codeshare destinations to 10.

between Jakarta and Abu Dhabi to offer seamless connectivity to and from even more destinations in the airline’s global network. This will include Amman, Basra, Erbil, and Kuwait in the Middle East; Athens, Istanbul and Larnaca in southern Europe; Astana, Almaty, Moscow and Minsk in eastern Europe; Nairobi and Johannesburg in Africa; and Sao Paulo, Washington, New York JFK, Chicago and Toronto in the Americas.

Etihad Airways and Garuda Indonesia customers will benefit further from June 21, when Garuda Indonesia increases frequencies between Jakarta and Abu Dhabi and onwards to Amsterdam to six flights weekly, from four previously.

This will bring to 13 the total number of weekly flights between the capital cities of Indonesia and the UAE.

Also in June, Garuda Indonesia will commence services between Jakarta and Perth, which will be operated with the EY code. These flights will be timed to connect with services to and from Abu Dhabi, giving customers of both airlines in the Middle East, Europe and beyond new access to Western Australia.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline’s EY code is now on Garuda Indonesia flights between Jakarta and Singapore, Denpasar Bali, Manado, Surabaya, Balikpapan and Makassar and between

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spring 2013 |

Rogier Hurkmans

Rogier Hurkmans appointed General Manager of Crowne Plaza Brussels – Le Palace The Crowne Plaza Brussels – Le Palace, located at the Place Rogier in Brussels, has appointed Rogier Hurkmans as its new general manager.

Dutch-born Hurkmans arrives in Belgium from Germany where, since 2001, he was first general manager of the Hilton Bremen, followed by the Steigenberger Hotel Berlin and, since 2007, the Fairmont Raffles Swissôtel Bremen. In 2011 Hurkmans was elected Hotel Manager of the year by the German publication ‘Der Hotel Guide’.

“Rogier Hurkmans has great experience in managing hotels with a large meeting capacity for premium hotel chains, and we are convinced that the Crowne Plaza Brussels – Le Palace will benefit from this experience” said Aldert Schaaphok, Vice President Operations Pandox AB who welcomed Hurkmans to Brussels on his first day.

“I was ready for a new challenge and wanted to continue my career outside Germany” says Rogier Hurkmans. “The fact that I had never before worked in Belgium, made this position even more attractive. And I’m not sure if this is a local custom, but to name the square on which the Crowne Plaza Brussels – Le Palace is situated after me, is a really warm way of welcoming me!”

The Traveller Journal | News from the travel industry

Airlines unite in reaction to WEF report showing UK is world’s worst for flight taxes IAG, easyJet, Ryanair and Virgin Atlantic have united in their reaction to the World Economic Forum’s report which showed the UK ranks 139th out of 140 countries on the competitiveness of its airport and aviation taxes.

Willie Walsh, chief executive of British Airways’ parent company, IAG; Carolyn McCall, chief executive easyJet; Michael O’Leary, chief executive Ryanair and Craig Kreeger, chief executive of Virgin Atlantic have issued the following joint statement.

United Airlines expands baggage delivery service to 36 arrival cities United Airlines has expanded its new baggage delivery option which enables customers to skip baggage claim upon arrival and have their checked bags delivered directly to their final destinations within 100 miles of their arrival airports.

United’s Baggage Delivery by BagsVIP is now available to customers departing from any domestic airport and arriving in 36 cities.

“Following positive customer response after our first month, we’re pleased to expand our baggage delivery service to 30 additional cities” said Scott Wilson, United’s vice president of merchandising and eCommerce. “Just in time for Spring Break, the service is now available for customers flying on 80 percent of United’s domestic flights.”

Standard rates for bag delivery within a 40-mile radius of the arrival airport are 29.95 dollars for one bag, 39.95 dollars for two bags and 49.95 dollars for three to eight bags. Delivery is available up to a 100-mile radius for an additional charge that varies by distance.

Delivery pricing is in addition to any standard checked-bag charges that might otherwise apply.

In the future the airline plans to expand the service to more than 190 domestic airports. Customers can order the service online, or by calling 1-877-8470045.

“The WEF report shows that Britain has the highest aviation taxes and charges in the world, ranked 139th out of 140 and rubbing shoulders with countries like Chad, Senegal and the Dominican Republic. It’s hard to find another comparable table on a key measure of international competitiveness which shows the UK to be trailing the rest of the world. This isn’t just a blow to our national pride but demonstrates the unjustified level of Air Passenger Duty and, following the recent PWC report, provides further evidence that the Chancellor must take action in the Budget on this destructive tax.”

“The PWC report highlighted the critical role that aviation plays as an engine of economic growth for both international commerce and tourism. It confirms that abolishing APD would provide the UK economy with a GDP boost worth at least £16 billion in the first three years, generating enough extra revenue from other taxes to give the Treasury a net gain and resulting in almost 60,000 new jobs in the UK. “We call upon the Chancellor to use the forthcoming Budget to remove APD to stimulate economic growth and create jobs.”

B-Aparthotels puts Montgomery in the spotlight B-Aparthotels is a chain of serviced apartments.

With five residences in different key locations in Brussels, they represent an added value on the Brussels corporate traveller market.

This month the B-Aparthotels is highlighting its B-Aparthotels Montgomery property. With its 32 accomodations, B-Aparthotels Montgomery offers comfortable and spacious solutions for short and long term needs. The property houses different

styles, from charming studios to modern two bedroom apartments. Guests can park their car safely in the covered garage, before having dinner in a cosy restaurant in the residential neighbourhood.

B-Aparthotels Montgomery is located at the Montgomery roundabout, just across from the metro stop, with easy access to the highway.

More information can be obtained from info@baparthotels.com

Delta investments to improve customer experience on transcontinental flights Delta Air Lines is adding new elements to its transcontinental service, offering customers travelling between New York-JFK and Los Angeles, San Francisco and, soon, Seattle, more dining and entertainment options across all cabin classes. All transcontinental flights out of New York’s JFK will depart from T4, Delta’s new international terminal, as from its opening in May. New offerings being introduced on transcontinental flights include sparkling wine, newspapers and express meals in BusinessElite. Complimentary headsets will be given to all customers seated in Economy Comfort and Economy cabins, while complimentary beer, wine, spirits and premium snacks will available in Economy Comfort.

Upgraded food for purchase menus will include more kid-friendly and healthy options.

On board entertainment will see an expanded movie and on-demand TV library, with up to 100 movies to choose from. Complimentary movies and on-demand TV shows will be available in Economy, plus free HBO selections and new release movies for customers seated in Economy Comfort.

“We are always working to make the coast-tocoast travel experience more comfortable and productive for our customers” said Joanne Smith, Delta’s senior vice president – In-Flight Service.

“In addition to product elements such as full flatbed seats and in-flight Wi-Fi, sometimes it is the smaller, more personal touches that really make the flight experience an exceptional one.”

Adding to these investments, the airline is launching Ideas In Flight, a program through which Delta will test new products and services and gather real-time feedback from customers on board and via Facebook. Customers may participate by accessing the Ideas In Flight website for free while onboard transcontinental flights via in-flight Wi-Fi and through the dedicated tab on the Delta Facebook page.

“Ideas In Flight puts customers at the heart of our process. They know better than anyone what it takes to make flying better and their valuable insights and feedback will help shape new initiatives as we continue to innovate and improve the travel experience” said Tim Mapes, Delta’s senior vice president – Marketing.

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B C Services Business & Ceremony Services

Your partner in going the extra mile BCServices’ mission is to provide excellence.

Top-of-the range cars and well trained, tactful and punctual chauffeurs will make your short or long journey with BCS comfortable and pleasant.

Should you choose to travel with your own car but you don’t feel like driving, BCS will make sure that an experienced driver takes you to your destination safely.

See you on the road !

Patrick Buytaert Managing Director - BCServices

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The Traveller Journal | News from the travel industry

SIR Plantin Hotel Antwerp recognised

by Germany’s Geo Magazine The trendy SIR Plantin Hotel Antwerp, opened in 2011, has been recognised by renowned German Geo Magazine as one of their TOP 55 favourite Hotels in Europe under 100 €. The hotel has also introduced a new ‘SIR’s Cocooning Time’ Package.

The SIR’s Cocooning time package includes one overnight stay in a trendy double room, a bottle of Bernard Massard ‘Cuvée de l’Ecusson’ in

the room, a box of delicious Belgian chocolates, SIR’s breakfast buffet, a welcome drink in the elegant bar or living room, a Cocooning Time Lifestyle book, complimentary highspeed Wifi, complimentary minibar (6 bottles), complimentary 24/7 Hospitality Corner, city map and late check-out upon request and availability.

The double room package is available from 139 euros.

Qatar Airways inaugurates flights to Cambodia Qatar Airways’ inaugural flight to the Kingdom Of Cambodia has touched down in the capital Phnom Penh to further extend the airline’s reach in Asia Pacific.

With the launch of daily scheduled services between Doha and Phnom Penh, Qatar Airways becomes the only Middle Eastern airline flying to the South East Asian nation – and destination number 125 served worldwide.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said the latest route opened up a great new market for business and leisure travellers from around the world, while at the same time opening up air access from Cambodia to destinations worldwide. “Though Cambodia is one of the fastest growing economies in South

Bombardier’s ‘gamechanging’ CSeries aircraft soon to make first flight

East Asia, it has an air travel market that is highly underserved. Qatar Airways is here to fill this void and we look forward to working with the travel trade and our business partners to make this a hugely successful operation. We are sure Cambodian travellers will be highly impressed with Qatar Airways’ award-winning hospitality.”

Qatar Airways’ Doha – Phnom Penh route is being operated with an Airbus A330 in a twoclass configuration of up to 248 seats in Economy Class and up to 36 in Business. Flights operate via Ho Chi Minh City. The aircraft features seatback TV screens providing all passengers in both cabins with the next generation interactive onboard entertainment system – a choice of more than 800 audio and video on demand options.

Austrian Airlines launches fourth daily return connection between Brussels and Vienna Austrian Airlines is increasing flight frequencies between Vienna and Brussels.

The airline now offers passengers one more daily return connection between the Belgian and Austrian capitals. Austrian Airlines are providing return flights to and from Brussels anything up to four times a day.

The move creates extra transfer options via Vienna and Brussels,

including transfers from Brussels to Austrian towns and cities such as Innsbruck, Klagenfurt and Graz. It also creates smoother links between Brussels and Eastern Europe, and key centres such as Budapest, Zagreb, Sofia or Bucharest, than ever before.

Austrian Airlines’ own product range is complemented by cooperation flights with Lufthansa Group sister company Brussels Airlines.

Bombardier Aerospace has announced that the development of the CSeries aircraft is making excellent progress as the program readies to transition to the flight test phase in order to achieve first flight by the end of June 2013.

Designed for the growing 100- to 149-seat market, the 100 per cent new CSeries aircraft family expects to give airline carriers important reductions in fuel needs and operating costs.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1500G engines, the CSeries aircraft family will offer a 15 per cent cash operating cost advantage and a 20 per cent fuel burn advantage. With the extra capacity seating option, the CS300 aircraft’s productivity further improves, offering airlines an average of four per cent additional cash operating cost advantage per seat.

Bombardier also confirmed today that it has introduced an extra capacity seating option that will increase the CS300 aircraft seating to up to 160 passengers, providing customers with additional payload and range flexibility, as well as increased productivity. It also confirmed that Latvia-based airBaltic is one of these customers, having selected a 148-seat higher-density version.

“Our main focus continues to be the development, optimization and marketing of the CSeries family of aircraft in the 100- to 149-seat market segment” said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “The CSeries aircraft is a game-changer in a changing economic environment, and following keen customer interest and market trends, we have enhanced the productivity of the CS300 aircraft further by offering the extra capacity seating option.

Specifically adapted for airlines looking at further increasing the productivity of their aircraft, the extra capacity seating option enables the CS300 aircraft to offer the highest seating capacity in its market segment, with the best-in-class seat mile costs and comfort. We are pleased that airBaltic has selected to purchase this new option for its CS300 aircraft.”

As of December 31, 2012, Bombardier had booked orders and commitments for 382 CSeries aircraft that include firm orders for 148 CSeries airliners

| THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

spring 2013 | 13

The Traveller Journal | News from the travel industry

Red carpet route from Heathrow to LA gets first British Airways A380 The home of Hollywood will be the inaugural destination for the first A380 to be operated by a UK airline. The double-decker superjumbo is due to be delivered to British Airways in July and seats are now on sale for flights from October 15, 2013. The second A380 route will be to Hong Kong, and customers can book flights now for travel from November 15, 2013.

In celebration, the airline is launching with an offer to Los Angeles. Fares start at £499 return in World Traveller (economy) with a special £380 upgrade available for customers wanting to move up to World Traveller Plus. Club World return fares start from £1,900.

The A380 will be the largest aircraft in the British Airways fleet, accommodating 469 customers across four cabins. Customers in First will be seated at the front of the main deck. The cabin will offer 14 seats and is evolved from the current First class. Club World (business class) customers can choose from 44 seats on the main deck, or 53 seats on the upper deck. These upper deck seats will feature a new 2:3:2 configuration across the cabin. The 55 World Traveller Plus (premier economy) seats will be located on the upper deck while World Traveller (economy) customers can choose seats on both the main and upper deck. Both cabins will feature the airline’s current design, which is now flying on the new B777-300ER fleet.

“This will be a very special premiere” said Keith Williams, British Airways’ chief executive. “The A380 is a great aircraft that has been developed with huge amounts of British engineering ingenuity. London and Los Angeles are two world-leading cities, and we are proud to be the first airline to connect them with the A380.”

NHTV and Amadeus partner for Executive Leadership Program The University of Applied Sciences NHTV and Amadeus have announced their collaboration in the framework of the Executive Leadership Program in 2013.

Following the success of last year, a master class is again being organized in 2013 in partnership with the Pennsylvania State University. Delivered by eminent lecturers and professors, intensive training program in management takes place

Hartmut Mehdorn takes helm as CEO at Berlin Brandenburg Airport Hartmut Mehdorn is to take over as CEO of Berlin Brandenburg, the new airport that has suffered delays in its scheduled opening. Hartmut Mehdorn’s career includes previous positions as CEO of Air Berlin and as CEO of Deutsche Bahn, “With Hartmut Mehdorn, we have appointed a highly-experienced manager with an extensive track record in the aviation sector” said Matthias Platzeck, State Premier of the land of Brandenburg and Chairman of the airport’s Supervisory Board.

“I am certain that under his leadership, Berlin

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spring 2013 |

partly in the Netherlands and partly in the United States. This exclusive master class covers modules on strategic leadership, coaching, management quality, European legislation, the corporate culture, the imaginiérie, productivity and new media. The entire course is taught in English to a maximum of 15 participants with high potential from the travel industry and aviation. Amadeus will delegate five participants inviting two internal employees and three customers in this exclusive program.

Brandenburg Airport will be met with increased acceptance, and that as CEO he will put the airport back on track towards a successful opening.”

“I very much appreciate the trust of the Supervisory Board to task me with the leadership of the airport company and with the completion of BER in such difficult circumstances” said Hartmut Mehdorn.

“The most important task will be to regain the trust of the airport’s customers, the airlines, and to commence flight operations at BER in a dependable and reliable manner.”

The Traveller Journal | News from the travel industry

British Airways to extend new ‘Hand Baggage Only’ fares at Gatwick British Airways is to extend its range of ‘hand baggage only’ fares to all of its 32 short-haul routes at Gatwick Airport.

Additional hand baggage only routes now on offer include Genoa, Glasgow, Barcelona, Nice and Venice.

The new type of fare, which launched in February, is already proving popular with customers on the initial five destinations from Gatwick – Amsterdam, Dubrovnik, Jersey, Tunis and Turin.

Since March 11, customers can take advantage of the new fares on all of British Airways’ short-haul destinations from Gatwick.

“The new fares have been very well received by customers and we have now decided to make the discounted prices much more widely available” said Peter Simpson, director of Gatwick for British Airways.

“We are confident that they will prove popular during the busy summer season as short-haul customers continue to take advantage of our generous two-bag hand luggage policy. Those who still want to check in a bag will simply pay the same price they do now.”

Customers choosing the hand baggage only fare can continue to take advantage of the airline’s hand luggage allowance and carry on a good-sized case (56cm x 45cm x 25cm), plus a handbag or laptop bag.

SIA and Virgin America build on codeshare with new frequent flyer partnership Singapore Airlines and Virgin America have expanded their codeshare agreement to include a frequent flyer programme partnership. The tie-up will enable members of both airlines’ programmes to earn and redeem miles for travel on both airlines.

Since the launch of the codeshare agreement in December 2012, Singapore Airlines customers have been able to enjoy seamless travel on Virgin America-operated flights to more cities in the United States, including Chicago, Fort Lauderdale,

Las Vegas, Palm Springs, Philadelphia, Portland, San Diego, Seattle and Washington D.C. With the frequent flyer programme partnership, Singapore Airlines’ PPS Club and KrisFlyer members are now able to earn miles when travelling on all Virgin America flights and redeem miles for travel on all Virgin America routes. Similarly, members of Virgin America’s Elevate programme are able to earn and redeem points on Singapore Airlines flights.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts opening 50 hotels in Middle East and Africa within 5 years Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is strengthening its position as the leading hotel operator across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region by the addition of 50 new hotels over the next five years.

The hotel group’s presence in the region currently comprises a portfolio of 82 hotels, representing nearly 22,000 guest rooms, the majority of which are operated under Starwood’s world-renowned Sheraton and Le Méridien brands. With the addition of 50 new hotels, it will increase its MEA portfolio by more than 60%, adding more than 14,000 guest rooms to the region while creating thousands of local employment opportunities.

Further underscoring the importance of the region

as one of Starwood’s fastest growing hotel and travel markets, earlier this month the company relocated its global headquarters from Stamford, Connecticut to Dubai for a month-long immersion.

IATA statistics show continued upward trend in air passenger traffic The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released global air travel demand statistics for January showing a continuation of the uptick in passenger travel that began at the end of 2012. Overall, demand was up 2.7% on the previous January which is slightly ahead of the 2.2% expansion in capacity. Load factors stood at 77.1%.

Strong demand for air travel driven by the Chinese New Year has distorted the January figures. Chinese New Year fell in January 2012 and in February this year. The comparisons to such a strong month made January 2013 demand look weaker than the underlying trend would indicate. After adjusting for such seasonal factors, IATA estimates that the actual growth would have been 3.5%. This growth is still lower than the 5.3% 2012 average. However, air travel growth slowed sharply through the year and the results of the past few months represent an acceleration of demand growth.

“Passenger travel is growing in line with business confidence levels. Recent months have seen some positive economic signs emerge in both the US and China, and the Eurozone crisis seems to have stabilized. Of course risks remain; the impact of US budget cuts has yet to play out and fuel prices are high. But even with those headwinds—real and potential—we still see underlying support for continued and potentially even strengthened growth,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO. Middle East airlines posted the strongest growth rates for January with a 14.3% increase in demand. Latin American airlines posted the second highest growth in demand at 12.2%.

European airlines were among the weaker performers, with 2.1% demand growth on 0.4% capacity expansion.

“Starwood continues to see demand for growth of all of our brands across the Middle East and Africa despite economic and political uncertainty in some parts of this incredibly diverse region” said Frits van Paasschen, President and CEO, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “Rapid economic growth, rising personal incomes, a growing middle class and ever greater global connectivity are driving new travel patterns and demand for travel, and this region is at the center of these trends and a key focus of our growth strategy.”

| THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

spring 2013 | 15

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The Traveller Journal | News from the travel industry

New Eurostar website features bookings for hundreds of European rail connections Eurostar is launching a smarter, simpler and faster eurostar.com website. In addition the site will feature an enhanced booking process for connecting from over 300 stations in the UK to hundreds of destinations across France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany in just a couple of clicks.

In response to customer feedback and in line with industry best practice, the new eurostar.com will offer passengers a simpler and quicker booking experience, with a dramatic reduction in the number of booking steps. For example, customers who book Eurostar’s popular London to Paris tickets will be able to make the transaction in around half as many steps and twice as quick. A new ‘express check-out’ function will also speed up the booking process as customers can choose to save their card details and reuse them when purchasing a journey.

It will also be easier for Eurostar’s Frequent Traveller and Plus Points Members to manage their accounts as

the new website will display loyalty points as part of the booking statement.

“The transformation of eurostar.com is key to the future of our business” said Nick Mercer, Commercial Director for Eurostar. “We now live in a fast moving digital world where billions of online transactions are made worldwide every minute, so it’s essential that our digital offering meets changing customer needs.

The new eurostar.com marks the start of our investment into digital and over the coming months customers will see a raft of new features to the site. We are committed to offering excellence at every step of the journey from booking to onboard, and we will continue to invest in our service to ensure it offers customers the best possible travel experience.”

The transformation of eurostar.com is part of a wider investment into Eurostar’s business. This includes a £700m fleet investment programme including the refurbishment of the existing Eurostar sets and the purchase of 10 new trains, which is on schedule to be completed by 2015.

Delta named world’s most admired airline by Fortune World magazine Fortune magazine has ranked Delta the most admired airline in its World’s Most Admired Companies airline industry list. This is the second time in three years that Delta has been named the most admired airline.

The annual FORTUNE World’s Most Admired Companies airlines list is based on results of a global survey of airline executives, boards of directors and Wall Street analysts who rate companies in their own industry on a variety of criteria including innovation, financial soundness, social responsibility and quality of product and services.

“During the past year, we have widened the gap against our competitors thanks to a host of initiatives like our investments in employees, our expansion at LaGuardia Airport in New York, our new venture with Virgin Atlantic Airways – which will greatly expand our presence at London Heathrow Airport – the Trainer refinery, the growth of our Asian gateway in Seattle, and our focus on boosting our Latin America presence along with partners such as GOL and Aeromexico” said Richard Anderson, Delta’s CEO.

Ascott opens Citadines Suites Louvre Paris, its first boutique style residence in France The Citadines Suites label, which was created in December, has opened its first boutique-style serviced residence in the heart of Paris – the Citadines Suites Louvre Paris.

Citadines Suites Louvre Paris is located in one of the most elegant areas of Paris that is ideal for business and leisure trips. The serviced residence adjoins the Palais Royal and Comédie Française Theatre and is just a stone’s throw away from the Louvre museum, Opéra Garnier, Paris Stock Exchange and many of the city leading attractions. A wide variety of restaurants, top-end boutiques and antique shops are within a short walking distance.

Dating back to 1908, the seven-storey building has a striking Art Nouveau stone façade adorned with classic Parisian balconies, sculptures and colonnades. Following a significant investment of nearly €6 million, the property has undergone an extensive ninemonth transformation into a stunning serviced residence with 51 luxurious apartment suites, while preserving the historic building’s distinctive European features. The stylish interior décor has been designed by leading British designer BuckleyGrayYeoman, and enhanced by fine quality furnishings and amenities.

The Citadines Suites Louvre Paris has four suite categories - Première, Exclusive, Grande and Royale. Exclusive and Royale suites have balconies with views of the Comédie Française Theatre or Louvre museum. The fully-equipped kitchen in every suite comes with bone china dinnerware, a Nespresso® coffee machine, washing machine and dryer. There is also a special welcome set which includes coffee and tea capsules, mineral water, L’Occitane® bath and shower products, bathrobes and bedroom slippers. Each apartment has an iPad® / iPod® / iPhone® docking station and complimentary WiFi is available throughout the serviced residence.

In addition to an extensive range of services, guests are welcomed on arrival by a dedicated team of Citadines Suites Hosts who will be on hand 24-hours a day to assist with their requests. Guests can also enjoy extensive facilities including a gymnasium, chic lounge, avant-garde breakfast room that comes with sofas and low tables, and a high-tech business corner with a 27” iMac® and an AirPrint® printer.

The Citadines Suite label was created in December, to complement Ascott’s existing Citadines Prestige and Citadines Apart’hotel labels.

Designed as a boutique-style residence, Citadines Suites provides an exceptional location and intimate ambience, personalised services, quality facilities, and optimum comfort for guests away from home.

| THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

spring 2013 | 17

The Traveller Journal | News from the travel industry

Etihad Airways’ latest destination - Sana’a Etihad Airways will launch direct flights to Sana’a, Yemen’s political and commercial capital, as from September.

Sana’a will be the airline’s eighth destination on the Arabian Peninsula beyond Abu Dhabi, joining Bahrain, Dammam, Doha, Jeddah, Kuwait, Muscat and Riyadh. Flights to Sana’a will operate four times a week.

“The launch of direct services to Sana’a is consistent with our strategy of adding depth and scale to our network and targeting areas of growth in emerging markets” said James Hogan, Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer. “The ancestral, cultural and business ties between the two countries are significant, and we believe the new service will further facilitate Yemen’s economic development in the months and years ahead.”

More than 90,000 Yemini nationals live in the UAE, and the country is Yemen’s largest regional trading partner. The route will be operated by a two-class Airbus A320 aircraft with 16 seats in Pearl Business Class and 120 seats in Coral Economy Class. The new Sana’a schedule is designed to provide seamless connections over Etihad Airways’ Abu Dhabi hub to key European, North American, GCC, and Middle East destinations.

Austrian Airlines becomes partner of Joint Venture between Japan and Europe Austrian Airlines has become a partner of the Joint Venture between Lufthansa and Japan’s ANA. Together with SWISS, Austrian Airlines officially joined the Joint Venture between Lufthansa and ANA on 1 April. The Joint Venture was brought to life by Lufthansa and ANA in April 2012, and is the basis for their cooperation on flights between Japan and Europe. The Japanese competition authority granted its authorisation for this Joint Venture in September 2012.

“We will benefit from the strong sales of ANA in Japan in future, and ANA will do from ours” declared Austrian CEO Jaan

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Albrecht. “Becoming part of the Joint Venture, therefore, is another important building block on the way to a healthy Austrian Airlines.”

As a partner in the agreement, Austrian Airlines will be able to offer its customers a far broader range of flights between Europe and Japan. One significant benefit is that companies will no longer have to conclude contracts with each of the airlines individually, but with just one, to enable them to use the products of all four companies.

Customers will have a wider range of connecting flights between Japan and Europe and be able to fully combine fares on these routes.

spring 2013 |

Etienne Detré new Meetings & Events Sales Manager for Radisson Blu Astrid Hotel The Radisson Blu Astrid Hotel in Antwerp has appointed Etienne Detré as its new Meetings & Events sales Manager.

Etienne Detré has gained over 20 years experience in the hotel industry. Prior to joining the Radisson Blu Astrid Hotel, he was with the Radisson Blu Park Lane.

United’s New Terminal B South Concourse at George Bush Int’l Airport Huston United Airlines has previewed its new Terminal B south concourse at George Bush Intercontinental Airport to Houston Mayor Annise Parker and other civic and business leaders.

The $97-million south concourse is a new 225,000-square-foot facility dedicated to United Express regional flights. At nearly four times the size of the previous south concourse, the concourse will provide a better customer experience, featuring modern and expanded gate-lounge areas, 17 food and beverage and retail concessions and a spacious central passenger lounge with expansive tarmac views.

“Bush Intercontinental’s extensive connecting traffic makes it a premier international gateway and a key hub in United’s network” said Jim Compton, United’s vice chairman and chief revenue officer. “We’ve designed our newest terminal to offer travellers a more customer-friendly airport experience where they can relax in comfort, or work with greater ease.”

The new terminal has 15,000 square feet of food and beverage and retail concessions, a 500-percent increase in the concession space over the previous facility. The 17 concessions include two new celebrity-chef venues with local and regional ties, and other first-time dining concessions with Texas roots, as well as several familiar airport favourites.

“Terminal B south was built with more of the features our customers tell us they value – more seats, more space, more concessions, more outlets and Wi-Fi,” said Kate Gebo, United’s vice-president of corporate real estate. “The new space will offer United Express customers a travel experience consistent with that of United’s Terminals C and E at Bush Intercontinental.”

Terminal B will be the primary facility in Houston for United Express flights operated by regional partners ExpressJet, SkyWest, Trans States and Shuttle America.

Together, they operate more than 300 daily flights from Bush Intercontinental Airport to business and leisure destinations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. The airline will add 15 more gates at the terminal by the end of this year.

The Traveller Journal | News from the travel industry

Travelport and Alitalia complete merchandising deployment Travelport, a leading provider of critical transaction processing solutions and data for the global travel industry, and Alitalia, Compagnia Aerea Italiana, have announced the completed rollout of ancillary services to Travelport-connected agencies in Italy.

The content, which includes the distribution of bags, lounge access and insurance, will be fulfilled seamlessly through an electronic miscellaneous document (EMD). It forms part of Travelport’s strategy to enable airlines to sell their products in an efficient and integrated way through travel agents.

“Our travellers expect us to offer the full Alitalia product in a quick and efficient manner,” said Alfredo Pezzani, General Director of Cisalpina Tours, the leading Italian Travel Management Company, member and founder of RADIUS Global Travel Solutions. “Adding this content to Travelport has enabled us to meet that need and provide the best possible experience.”

“The sale of ancillary services is an important part of our growth strategy” commented Aldo Ponticelli, Alitalia Distribution Vice President.

“Our merchandising partnership with Travelport completes the Italian trade channel coverage for the distribution of our full offering to the travelling public, with particular focus on business travellers.”

“Completing this rollout with Alitalia delivers increased choice to both agents and travellers,” added Robin Ranken, Head of Airline Relationships for Europe at Travelport. “We are delighted to have worked successfully with Alitalia to enable them to sell their products more intelligently and grow their revenues through Travelport-connected agents.”

Over the past 16 months, Travelport and Alitalia have successfully integrated ancillary services seamlessly into agency points of sale in many other countries worldwide.

Hotel Warwick Geneva web portal now available in 5 languages The Hotel Warwick Geneva is adapting to the needs of its international customers by offering a variety of translations. The hotel has thus launched its web portal in five different language versions - English, French, German, Arabic and Russian.

The Hotel Warwick Geneva’s web portal offers more than just simple translations of its site.

Each language version has been given a personalized approach through language and cultural tools.

“This service allows the hotel to offer its international customers all the detailed necessary information for their stay,” commented Alain Rigazzi, General Manager of the hotel “Indeed, we welcome world travellers and we value our services in providing a multilingual web interface.”

Brussels’ Dinner in the Sky festival Following the success of Dinner in the Sky as part of Brusselicious, an ambitious gastronomic festival will be held in the sky over Brussels in partnership with VisitBrussels. The annual festival will see seven Brussels-based starred chefs invited to interpret the gastronomic culture of the country, from high above the Grand Place.

Dinner in the Sky, among the most surrealistic gastronomic concepts, is still a resolutely fixed item in the heavens. Over a period of six years, Dinner in the Sky has become world famous and has managed to build up a solid reputation among the community of top chefs, the most famous of whom have been creating meals in the kitchen of this unusual dining concept. Since its inception,

Dinner in the Sky has prepared thousands of meals in more than 45 countries including more recently Qatar, Morocco and the Las Vegas Strip.

The Hotel Warwick Geneva has 167 rooms and suites with wired and wireless internet facilities, tea and coffee making facilities and large LCD screen TVs. The Penthouse level offers rooms and suites with pleasant terraces to capture the Geneva skyline. Seven conference rooms can accommodate up to 200 delegates for seminars, banquets, receptions and cocktails. The hotel also offers a business center and a restaurant, The Téséo, with gastronomic cuisine created by Chef Jean-Baptiste Cassany.

This first edition of “Brussels in the Sky” will be held from 3 to 30 June 2013 at the Mont des Arts and will be welcoming 22 guests to partake of a lunch and two daily gastronomic dinners in the sky over the European capital.

The seven Brussels-based starred chefs are Yves Mattagne of Sea Grill, Lionel Rigolet of Comme chez Soi, Pascal Devalkeneer of Chalet de la Forêt, David Martin of La Paix, Giovanni Bruno of Senzanome, Gaetan Colin of Jaloa and Luigi Ciciriello of Truffe Noire.

| THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

spring 2013 | 19

Hotels

Interview with architect of the Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche, Patrick Genard

Keeping things in perspective Last summer, Sofitel Luxury Hotels opened its first venue in Casablanca - the Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche. The venue was designed by Patrick Genard, a Belgian architect based in Spain. Displaying a high degree of ingenuity, he successfully combined pure styling and Moorish ornamentation.

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spring 2013 |

T

he Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche is a 24 story white and glass structure with a magnificent facade which overlooks the ancient city.

The architect has successfully incorporated modern and local architectural elements to render an innovative and luxurious design. Classed as a 5 star superior hotel in January 2013, within a few months of its opening in the summer of 2012, it has become a favourite haunt in the Moroccan capital for business and leisure. The hotel has 141 guest rooms and 30 suites, two restaurants, a spa, meetings facilities and a ballroom.

Interior architecture and design throughout the hotel continue the theme of elegant and modern, with a nod to the city’s heritage. “In terms of creativity, we like to conceive our architectural projects so that they are in harmony with their surroundings and their historical, cultural and social context” underlines Patrick Genard.”

Patrick Genard is Belgian by nationality, but following his studies in architecture, he relocated to Spain 35 years ago. “I originally came on a six months trainee position with the architectural design firm Ricardo Bofill. The mission went so well, that I continued working with them for 15 years. Working with Ricardo Bofill gave me the opportunity to be involved in huge architectural projects, including hotels. Things have changed a lot in architecture since I began my career back in the 1980s - in those days every detail was designed manually as we did not yet have specialised design software to assist us.

I set up my own architectural and interior design firm, Patrick Genard and Associates, back in 1994. We are headquartered in Barcelona but we have international offices. Our company works on a wide variety of architecture and interior design projects including offices, retail spaces and hotels. The first hotel we worked on for the Sofitel group was back in 2003. Since then our company has worked on over 20 hotels, in many different countries, either for new constructions or interior design.”

Reinterpreting the city’s heritage in a modern language

“There were several aspects that inspired us for the design of the Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche” says Patrick Genard. “Casablanca is a very active city and the economic capital of Morocco. It has a glorious past with some fantastic art deco architecture and our designs for the Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche payed hommage to this. The white colour of the building is in harmony with the surroundings – as Casablanca is sometimes known as the ‘white city’. The detailed masonry and carpentry details throughout the building are a nod to the city’s skilled craftsmen. Finally, for me, the vertical proportion of the tower is reminiscent of a lighthouse, which fits well with Casablanca’s strong maritime connections. As with all of our creations, we are not just out to copy the past – the goal is to reinterpret it in a more modern language. We also added a French touch into the mix, to link it to the Sofitel brand.”

“From the first sketches to the final design, the Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche underwent several changes. It was a huge programme and sometimes a challenge.

For example, for the interior architecture, we wanted to have the maximum feeling of light and space in the lobby – but we had some logistical restrictions in terms of height space. Our solution was a series of doubleheight, suspended crystal ‘boxes’ overhanging the ground floor.”

Architecture should be socially responsible

“For me, an architectural project must be aesthetically attractive, constructively reasonable and socially justifiable. Some constructions do not stand the test of time – they become ‘old-fashioned’, or even worse, an eyesore. The true test of success is that local citizens and visitors really feel better with this building in the city than without it. 1980 to 2000 was a ‘show off’ period for architecture and some of these buildings really look stupid to my eyes. Architecture should not be about showing off your technical capabilities, it should socially responsible and in harmony with its surroundings. Today we are able to construct almost anything, but let’s not loose sight of beauty and perspective.” | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

spring 2013 | 21

Hotels

Mövenpick Hotel

Lausanne’s Christian Kramer, ‘General Manager of the Year’

Christian Kramer has been involved with the hotel industry all his life and is currently General Manager of the Mövenpick Hotel Lausanne. He was recently awarded the prestigious title of General Manager of the Year, in the upscale hotel category at the Worldwide Hospitality Awards.

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½½ Movenpick Lausanne

T

he Worldwide Hospitality Awards are organised annually by the MKG Group. The General

Manager of the Year recompense is accorded to hotel managers, in the categories of luxury, upscale and midscale hotels, for excellent management, inspired performance and valued community contributions. Christian Kramer was also recognised for his major contribution to sustainability in every aspect of the daily hotel operations, which resulted in a Green Globe certification of 91 percent.

A six months judging process

In order to be considered for the awards, candidates need to obtain nominations from their contacts in their professional networks. They then complete a dossier of information on their career path and achievements, with figures on aspects such as business development. The dossier and nominations for each candidate are then reviewed by a panel of some 40 experts from the travel trade. Shortlisted entries are invited to Paris for the awards ceremony.

“I had no idea that I was the winner, I just heard the announcement of my name and then I was up on stage!” said Christian Kramer. “It was a big surprise as well as an honour, as the ballroom of the awards ceremony was packed with 800 people from the hotel and tourism industry. For the judging of the awards the jury panel looked at all the financial figures and especially looked for a track record of improvement. Another challenge that we overcame at the hotel was that we added 72 new rooms last year, but during this construction work we still kept our customers happy.

As to the track record, we have been continually increasing occupancy over the last 10 years, so we had healthy figures to show the judging panel.”

“We are delighted for Christian as this is a well-deserved honour,” said Jean Gabriel Pérès, President and CEO of Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, “Not only did he manage to increase corporate account production and revenue per available room significantly in the past year despite challenging economic circumstances, but he also achieved impressive guest survey satisfaction results of 89.8 percent when his property was undergoing major construction of a new 72-room wing and additional meeting rooms.”

Born into the hotel industry

“The quality of contacts that nominate you for the awards is probably an important criteria” says Christian Kramer.

“I am now 54 years old and my connections with the hotel industry go back to my parents, who were also hoteliers.

In fact I was even born in hotel! After gaining my hotel management diploma from the École Hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland in 1983, I cut my teeth in the hotel industry in my father’s hotel in Lausanne. Following that, I started to gain my international experience in hotel management starting with Hong Kong, then Bangkok,

Beijing and Kuala Lumpur. In all I spent close to two decades in the Asian hospitality industry, in various hotel chains, but nearly always 5 star properties. After these years of globe-hopping, I received an excellent opportunity in Lausanne and moved back here, to my hometown.

I did once say that I would never move back here, but never say never! My advice now to younger colleagues is to use the first 20 years of your career to travel and gain experience before settling down.

Meetings and Events structure important to business development

Since 2002, Christian Kramer has been the General Manager of the 337-room Hotel Mövenpick Lausanne. “We are very much a corporate hotel, in fact 90 percent of our guests are here for business reasons” says Kramer. “Our hotel has a good range of meetings and events facilities, with a large ballroom and the possibility to provide 18 function or breakout rooms of different sizes. With our recent extension we have added three more meetings rooms, all equipped with the latest technologies. Some of the rooms have balconies or terraces and one of them has a beautiful view over the lake.

Our new ‘Meetings & Events’ structure, within our banqueting and catering departments, carries the customer through the full a to z process, and gives them one central point of contact here who is responsible for organising everything.

We are also using this structure for weddings, which is a big revenue driver in the Lausanne area. All within this optic for increasing our events activities, our catering has been developed so that we can provide services for up to 500 people throughout a 100km radius of the hotel. For example, we have seen demand from clients to provide upscale catering in settings such as Lausanne’s surrounding vineyards.”

Moving forward with new opportunities

“This award win is an achievement for all of the hotel staff, but we will not rest on our merits” says Kramer. “Moving forward, we have further renovation plans underway for the hotel. These concern enhancements to all three restaurants on the ground floor, the terrace and renovation of our reception and banqueting areas. Then it will be redecorating of our older rooms. My own personal ambition is to keep on performing and being the best in my category, keeping the hotel owners and customers happy. What I have learned in my career is that to succeed in this industry one needs to be a divergent thinker, know how to handle other people and have excellent decision making abilities. Above all, for business success, in whatever industry, it’s necessary to be alert to every new sign of business and have a nose for smelling problems and opportunities!” | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

spring 2013 | 23

hotels

The Corporate Traveller

Best Hotel Room Awards 2013 At the beginning of this year, the Corporate Traveller Magazine launched its first edition of the Award for Best Hotel Room. Hotels throughout Belgium were invited to submit their rooms and suites for judging by our panel of experts from the design, interior architect, meetings and travel sectors. The winners have now been announced!

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usiness travellers in Belgium have a choice of many excellent hotels to choose from, but it is their hotel room which is often the place where they spend most time working and relaxing. The awards were thus created in order to

recognise excellence in design and comfort of hotel guest rooms and suites. Hotels were invited to submit their rooms and suite entries for the awards in the three star, four star and five star categories. The contestants were then shortlisted to three hotels in each category, by our team of judges.

In March, the awards’ jury members travelled around Belgium to review the shortlisted hotel rooms. They then faced the difficult task of selecting their preferred hotel rooms from finalists, based on a number of criteria including Functionality, New technologies, Design & Ambiance, Quality, Bathroom and Amenities. Each jury member put their preferences to the vote, and after much deliberation, the results are as follows: 24 | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

spring 2013 |

Five star hotels Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo Brussels

5

The Amigo Brussels’ rooms and suites have been elegantly designed with a timeless quality. As with all Rocco Forte Hotels, the interiors were created by its design director, Olga Polizzi. All antiques and other furnishings have been locally sourced, giving each suite its own unique theme. The hotel’s spacious Royal Suite Armand Blaton is situated on the top floor of the hotel and has a large terrace with views over the rooftops of Brussels.

With its own entrance hall, bedroom, sitting room and dining room, the suite offers spacious working desks with two telephone lines and Broadband internet connection. The Amigo’s friendly and welcoming atmosphere, as well as its very high quality of service, were contributing factors to its first place award in the five star category.

Kempinski Hotel Dukes’ Palace, Bruges

5

The former palace of the Dukes of Burgundy during the renaissance, the Kempinski Hotel Dukes’ Palace has successful combined its impressive heritage with all the modern comforts and top of the range services a traveller could desire from a five star hotel. Its historically listed Mary of Burgundy Suite is a spacious suite with high ceilings, a 15th century fireplace and original frescoes in line with the castle’s history. The suite’s impressive marble bathroom with Jacuzzi overlooks the hotel’s large garden with its private outdoor sculpture museum. Besides elegant meeting rooms the Kempinski even has its own chapel which is used for privatised events such as candlelit concerts in a truly privileged setting. The hotel also has its own luxury spa, fitness centre and swimming pool.

Crowne Plaza Liège

Located in the city centre, the Crowne Plaza Liège hotel is a combination of a modern and a 16th century building. This blend of modern and antique has been continued through to the interior design.

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All rooms have working facilities, while Club rooms and suites (which range from 45m to 100m) have access to a specially reserved lounge. The suites, which are located in the older part of the hotel, have the charm and comfort of an exclusive private apartment. The Crowne Plaza Liège also benefits from its own meetings facilities, a gastronomic restaurant, sports club and beauty centre.

| THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

spring 2013 | 25

hotels

Four star hotels

4

The Hotel, Brussels

The Hotel’s newly refurbished rooms and suites are generously sized and afford views over the Brussels’ skyline. The sleek, modern design theme used throughout, make The Hotel a favourite with modern, tech savvy businessmen and women. Thoughtful design touches that particularly found favour with the panel of judges were the sofas within the window alcoves, complete with movable table, making them an ideal area for working – in addition to the desks also provided.

The Hotel’s Superior and Deluxe Panorama feature refined Egyptian cotton bed linen, large king size beds, lifestyle books, free drinks from the private bar and luxury personal care products by C.O. Bigelow, NYC apothecary. All rooms offer breath-taking views over Brussels, which are even visible from the large rain shower in the open bathroom “The elegant, stylish and spacious design was the work of ‘GCA Arquitectes Associats’ from Barcelonaé” explains Johan Joris, General Manager of The Hotel. “It epitomizes the unique hotel experience desired by modern, cosmopolitan guests and fits in perfectly with the fashionable Boulevard de Waterloo. Elegance, style and innovation are central to the design philosophy used for our newly refurbished rooms. In September, our full-scale renovations will be finished and we will unveil the restaurant, bar and lounge on the ground floor.”

4

Sandton Grand Hotel Reylof, Ghent

The Sandton Grand Hotel Reylof is a magnificent hotel situated in the historic area of Ghent.

Interiors throughout its guest rooms, suites, lounge areas and fine-dining restaurant have been beautifully created using designer and antique furniture, as well as soft furnishings from Christian Lacroix and Designer Guild. The ensemble gives a contemporary boutique flavour to this four star superior hotel. Service levels, even by the demanding standards of our jury, were found to be impeccable.

The Sandton’s rooms range from ‘Cosy Rooms’ with their own private terraces, through to large Executive rooms, Apartments and Suites.

The Presidential Suite, at 130 square metres has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large lounge with dining area that can be used for meetings and a private terrace. Business travellers will also appreciate the late opening hours of the Sandton’s exclusive spa, fitness centre and swimming pool, complete with mood lighting.

4

Crowne Plaza Brussels - Le Palace

The Crowne Plaza Brussels Le Palace was the first luxury hotel built in Brussels. The hotel was fully renovated in 2006 and its spacious guest rooms and suites blend modern style perfectly with its Art Nouveau heritage.

Although our competition was based on guest rooms and suites, the hotel’s inspirational meetings facilities to stimulate the 5 senses, the very latest in smart technologies throughout the hotel and its top class restaurant on the ground floor are worthy of any five star hotel.

26 | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

spring 2013 |

Three star hotels

3

Hotel Made in Louise, Brussels

The jury felt instantly at ease in this family owned, boutique hotel. The theme of the design, which could be described as New England, runs throughout the hotel, although every room has been individual styled.

Made In Louise’s Executive rooms are particularly generous in size, with large bathrooms equipped with luxury brand amenities and working desks with wired and wireless internet connection.

‘We are really happy with the results” said Martin Duchateau, General Manager of Made in Louise. “Its always been a family dream to have a hotel. We set out to prove that an independently owned and managed hotel can compete with the big chains, especially on the business and corporate market which has demanding expectations. Made in Louise offers a very personalised product but at the same time, all the services and amenities that the business traveller needs. During their visit, the awards jury seem to really feel the atmosphere that we want to project here. We have just 48 bedrooms, so we do not need to dilute the attention to detail and the passion that comes with a small boutique hotel.”

“Our designer created something original for every room” explains Martin Duchateau. “She took into consideration each room’s dimensions, character and the direction of sunlight in the morning when choosing the colour scheme. The executive rooms are charming, spacious and equipped with good amenities, products, large bathrooms and extra comfortable beds. Furthermore, we are proud to use the best of Belgian products. Nearly all our furniture and linens are sourced in Belgium, as are most of our food and drink.”

Sir Plantin Hotel Antwerp

The guest room design at the Sir Plantin Hotel Antwerp was inspired by the city’s rich cultural and artistic heritage, leveraging Flemish works of art with a modern and graphic twist. All rooms are equipped with working desks, wifi and free minibar. The hotel also offers a well designed lounge, cocktail bar and meetings facilities.

The Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Midi

3

3

The Park Inn by Radisson Brussels’ Midi’s offers generously sized business friendly rooms in a convenient location, next to the international rail station. Rooms are decorated in a dynamic colour scheme and equipped with a desk, wifi and coffee making facilities, making them ideal for the working traveller. Other features corporate travellers will appreciate are the hotel’s quick check in desk, fitness centre and lounge area complete with grab and run snack bar.

“In our quest for the best hotel rooms for corporate travellers, we travelled to five different cities – Antwerp, Brugges, Brussels, Liège and Ghent” said Joanna Pays, Senior Editor of The Corporate Traveller Magazine and member of the jury panel. “We were very impressed with the high standards of comfort, design and originality in all three categories, and each one of the shortlisted hotels was a worthy winner in many respects. Sincere thanks to fellow jury members (Bart Canini, Managing Director of design and interior architects Creneau International, Maarten Demunster, product and lighting designer and Geert Behets, Director, Global Travel and Fleet Management for UCB) and congratulations to all of our finalists.”

More information about the winning hotels will be published in forthcoming issues of The Corporate Traveller magazine. | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

spring 2013 | 27

Hotels

Close to home or far away,

wellness

is the trend everywhere Until recent years, ‘wellness’ was simply something that formed part of a broad tourist package. Today we can no longer get around it: wellness is completely “in”, and is no longer limited to hotels with a spa or sauna. We went looking for the most important developments in this sector that is becomimg ever more interesting.

Health hotels

is increasing rapidly. In Tunisia and Portugal they are responding quickly with, for example, golf and wellness in a single package.

offer a much broader programme than the now classic whirlpool, sauna, and fitness area. Health hotels take health even further, and extend it into the culinary field with, for example, ample attention to vegetarian and even vegan menus. It is not unusual for more-specific subjects to be addressed such as Thai and Balinese massages, and meditation techniques such as mindfulness, every one of which has its origins in the ‘East’ where wellness has been the order of the day for much longer. With ‘mindfulness massages’ the treatments are even combined into a profound experience that is said to lead to even better and faster relaxation.

A relatively new concept that we kept hearing about is ‘preventive wellness’, and that fits seamlessly with the trend towards increased preventive health care. Preventive wellness combines movement, sport, and a healthy diet with relaxation and well-being.

T

oday, most hotels and saunas offer a wellness package, but, remarkably, the trend towards genuine ‘health hotels’ continues. These hotels

Medical wellness

So not only the physical health, but also the mental wellbeing of the client are right at the top of the wish list together with, for example, juice diets and sleep programmes. We are gradually moving in the direction of ‘medical wellness’ that goes even more deeply into the health aspect, while cosmetic medical spas and health centres are also growing in popularity. Those in the know point out that the further professionalisation of the wellness sector is causing an increasing need for well-trained staff. The tourist industry is also sensing opportunities, and would like a share of the cake, and this in turn leads to a new phenomenon in the form of ‘medical tourism’. And of course ‘ordinary’ wellness tourism continues to do well with both short close-to-home holidays and exclusive trips to exotic far-away places. Interest in a combination of wellness with an active holiday

½½ From sauna to swimming pool: Schoonheidsthermen Sens in Merelbeke (© Sens)

Age-old traditions

‘Earthing’ and ‘ayurveda’, two traditions that have long been established in countries such as Japan and India, show that wellness is nothing new, and they are now receiving increasing attention. Earthing focuses on the search for rest and balance through closer contact with nature and (literally) the ground. The Japanese call it ‘forest bathing’ and are only too happy to immerse themselves in the magnificence of mother nature. Ayurveda is a (non-religious) Hindu approach to health that aims to restore balance between mind and body.

Talking of ‘age-old’ treatments: Turkish and Roman baths, whether or not in a historical context, are also in again.

Go together

Not counting a trip to the Sauna, wellness has long been seen as the exclusive domain of the woman, but that monopoly has also come to an end. Today, men, too, pay more attention to a healthy and well-cared-for body, and can appreciate the value of a dose of relaxing wellness. Hotels are quick to take advantage of this trend, and offer two-person arrangements; and that applies not only to man and wife, but also to mother and daughter, two friends, etc.

»» Puur in Waregem: relax or work out in superb surroundings (© Gerald/Puur) 28 | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

spring 2013 |

Hotels

Brussels Hotel Association reports higher occupation rates, but lower revenues The Brussels Hotel Association gave its annual speech on 28 January and discussed some of the challenges the sector is facing.

“F

or the second consecutive year, activity remains stable despite the crisis. However the

future of the industry is in danger” says Fred de Deken, President of the Brussels Hotel Association “The Brussels hotel sector represents over 12,500 jobs – jobs that cannot be relocated or automated” says Fred de Deken, who associates difficulties in recruitment with a lack of competivity. “We will be happy when workers earn more, but without it costing more!” Belgium is at the bottom of the European table for gross operating profits per available room. “The occupancy rates remain despite the challenging environment. Let us underline the efforts, especially of the Region and the City of Brussels, as well as the actions and dynamism of VISITBRUSSELS. But we are wrong to be satisfied with the visitor figures and ignore the thresholds of profitability for hotels. It is becoming urgent to question the economic viability of our sector…”

In 2012, the number of visitors to Brussels grew by 1.2%, according to figures from VISITBRUSSELS. The trend for city trips was a contributing factor to visitor numbers. This, with the effect of lower room night rates, has not allowed us to contain the decrease in financial turnover (-1.3%). The BHA forecasts a similar scenario for 2013, with a rise in occupancy of 1.6% but a further drop of 1.2% in financial turnover. This reduction of turnover is accompanied by large increases in charges (energy 7%, water per cubic metre 8%, materials 2% and wages 4%).

For 2012 the sector clearly shows a drop in profitability. It is therefore primordial that the federal government takes in hand, immediately, the debate on the charges (and social charges in particular). Without this, the creation and maintenance of employment in this labour intensive sector will not be able to continue. The forecasts for 2013 show the urgency with which this important problem needs to be taken in hand.

“We would be able to recruit annually 350 further people trained in tourism and hospitality. But currently only 150 are available. With an unemployment rate of 22% in the Brussels region, this is inexcusable” says Fred de Deken, who called for a reinforcement of professional training programmes in the region.

The reduction of flat rate contributions for some workers, as scheduled in the horeca plan, is a good start that the BHA salutes, but it is absolutely not sufficient. Even more so as this measure excludes establishments of over 20 workers, who are equally affected, maybe even more so, by the challenge to profitability. The solution exists, it is simple – the putting into place of a unique forfeit for social charges.

The government has reached an agreement to allow Brussels Airlines to survive. Let us hope for the viability of our hotels, equally confronted with a highly competitive international environment, that a consensus is rapidly reached. | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

spring 2013 | 29

Management

The Rail Journey to 2020

The railway sector finds itself in the middle of a crucial decade.

Liberalisation and competition, internationalisation, a demanding consumer, these are but a few of the many challenges facing the sector. On the basis of a comprehensive study, Amadeus wanted to focus on the most important factors that will be influencing the market in the coming years. The findings were presented in the report “The Rail Journey to 2020”, that can be viewed on www.amadeusrail. net. The Corporate Traveller discussed this with Thomas Drexler, Director of Amadeus Rail, and discovered that a number of fascinating years lie ahead of us…

30 | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

spring 2013 |

The report speaks of a ‘rail renaissance’ that has already started. Why are people once again choosing the train?

T

homas Drexler: “I think that this could be related to the

construction of new railway lines. There has been a great deal of investment in the construction of long distance and high speed lines. We see this trend not only in Europe, but all over the world. Thanks to these new railway lines, travel times between cities have fallen substantially, and that is the reason why people are beginning to consider a train journey rather than going by air or by car. A further aspect is that the services provided by the railway companies keep improving. They are investing in new rolling stock and improved comfort, and this makes it much more practical to take a train than a plane, for which, of course, you have to go through all the compulsory procedures. This combination of circumstances is leading to a renaissance of the train.”

Is there also an ecological aspect?

Thomas Drexler: “Absolutely! The use of the train is almost CO2 neutral. In that area, the balance is certainly in favour of the train.

Our society is becoming increasingly sensitive to this issue, and that is certainly one reason why people choose the train.”

Where are these new travellers coming from?

From the car or from the plane?

Thomas Drexler: “I think both. It depends to a large extent on the destination. If there is competition between the train and the plane, such as, for example, between Frankfurt and Brussels, then increasing numbers of people will consider the train. Of course it is only a short, 45 minute flight, but it easily takes you three to four hours from door to door. The train, which also takes three hours, is

½½ To download the Rail Journey to 2020 report

»» Thomas Drexler

then an interesting alternative. And if the ticket prices are competitive, people will also choose the train over the car, particularly because of its practical convenience.”

The report also suggests that there will be increasing focus on the traveller...

Thomas Drexler: “True. This has a lot to do with the increasing level of service. Railway companies are investing heavily in their products: more attractive trains, faster trains, on board service,… Business travellers have the possibility to use phones and internet during their trip, which very important to them. But the pre-trip and post-trip experience is also important, with real-time information about delays, and the possibility of changing tickets. So the industry is placing the client much more at the centre. And as for distribution Amadeus can give a helping hand there as well.”

The report is titled ‘The Rail Journey to 2020’.

Can you explain why the next seven years are so important for the European railway sector?

Thomas Drexler: “Actually there are various factors at work here. First and foremost there is the completion of several new high speed lines. Some important links in Europe are still under construction, and these will be completed in the coming years. Examples here are Spain that is upgrading its high speed lines, and also France and Germany, where there is still substantial investment. And then there is the further liberalisation of the train market. The monopolies of the national railway companies are disappearing, leaving room for new players in the market and for competition. This is already clearly visible in Italy, where a second railway company is now operating. We expect this trend to develop in other countries too in the coming years. For these reasons the railway sector promises to become very interesting over the next few years.”

Inland train traffic is extremely popular, while the international trains make up only a small part of the market. Can the liberalisation of the market make a difference here?

Thomas Drexler: “I’m sure of it. We already see the trend that companies are beginning to schedule more cross-border trains. For example, DB already goes to Brussels and Amsterdam, SNCF has cross-border trains in collaboration with DB, and the last example is the Perpignan-Figueras link between France and Spain. Companies have realised that they already have a large share of their local market, and that their growth potential is mainly outside their home market, with international train links.”

What will be the greatest challenges to railway companies in the years to come?

Thomas Drexler: “The railway companies are still closely linked to their home markets, where they get roughly between 90% and 95% of their turnover. In my opinion, one of the greatest challenges is that of adapting to an international context, and doing this in the areas of links and service as well as of booking and distribution.”

Can we expect more partnerships in the future?

Thomas Drexler: “There will certainly be more collaborations for certain routes. For example, SNCF is already working with DB, and other companies will also reach out to each other. But I see yet another kind of collaboration, such as, for example, with airlines, to make better connections between air and train traffic.”

When will this wave of change be complete?

Thomas Drexler: “Of course there will always be change.

The European Commission has decided that the railway market must be completely open by 2017, but this begs the question of how quickly new players will take this up and become competitors of the established national transporter with their own trains. This can easily take 10 to 20 years.”

With an increase of between 40% and 45% over the last 11 years, Belgium has the best report after Switzerland and the UK. How is it that Belgium is doing so well?

Thomas Drexler: “Belgium is located strategically, surrounded by the three largest markets, Germany, France, and Great Britain. So all the established European companies have trains to or through Belgium: TGV, Thalys, Eurostar, ICE, Fyra… . And, of course, the importance of Brussels must not be underestimated”

What does Amadeus intend to do with the findings of this study?

Thomas Drexler: “We work closely with the railway sector, and we are trying to help to advance their distribution capacity on the international market. We also offer the railway sector new distribution channels. For example, the Thalys train is now also to be found on the air screen of the Amadeus GDS, where there are normally only flights.

We are also working on multi-model shopping and booking possibilities. In this way, different forms of transport can be combined. We want to help the sector to exploit the potential of this market as well as possible.” | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

spring 2013 | 31

Experience meetings: Jumpstart your creative thinking Making your meeting successful is what we do best at Radisson Blu Astrid hotel. 18 flexible meeting rooms and free wireless internet for everybody help, but there’s more to it! Meeting rooms with an UNUSUAL set-up or a DIFFERENT look and feel can be quite inspiring.

And what about a lunch with BRAIN FOOD to boost your energy all the more?

Discover the new “Experience Meetings” packages of Radisson Blu Astrid hotel, Antwerp!

Contact us NOW on T. +32 (0)3 203 13 77 or via sales.astrid.antwerp@radissonblu.com

+32 3 203 12 34 radissonblu.com/astridhotel-antwerp THAHOD130215-02_AdMultiservices_185x128mm_02_HD.pdf

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11/03/13

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THEREFORE, ANTWERP – PARIS

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HERE, NOBODY WILL ASK YOU TO TURN OFF YOUR PHONE OR PUT YOUR SEAT IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION. WiFi*, meals served at your seat, international press, individual sockets… experience first class made in Thalys. Thanks to our on–board services, your journey might even seem too short. So, if you fancy heading off immediately, we offer up to 10 return journeys per day. *Service provided by 21Net and activated by Nokia Siemens Networks, subject to availability

Management

Saving money by working with a business travel agency: contradictio in terminis?

by Jean-François De Mol, BCD Travel

Spending money on a travel agency to manage your business travel and reducing costs by doing so seems contradictory. But appearances are deceptive. There are numerous ways in which a business travel agency can help companies cut back costs.

The importance of a good travel policy

A

while ago, BCD Travel conducted a study regarding the use of travel policies within companies. The study showed that 40 percent of the surveyed companies have a travel policy in place. 60 percent do not.

A surprising number, since a travel policy can help a company avoid quite some costs.

A business travel management company can advise companies on the guidelines that should be included in the policy. For example on how to book business trips. 60 to 70 percent of business trips can easily be booked online. By encouraging colleagues to reserve their own trip online following the company’s guidelines, the total travel costs can be cut by up to 15 percent. And that’s only one example.

Cost saving tools: expense management and VAT refunds

When asked about their travel expenses, most companies answer that they have an accurate insight into the costs of their business travel. But when digging deeper, it often shows that companies manage their expenses after a business trip, when in fact expense management should be foreseen at the beginning of the booking process. Many sorts of tools are available to assist companies in this area.

TravelXpensePlus for example provides SME’s with a personalized online booking tool that includes a profile system, a payment tool, expense overviews and reporting options. By digitalizing this process, companies gain a lot of time, fewer mistakes are made and the approval process gets shorter. And their total business travel spending is seriously cut back, with savings of up to 25% in indirect costs.

Another savings area is the VAT reclaim on foreign expenses, which often gets overlooked when managing the business travel budget. We did the math: an impressive 73 percent of VAT, good for 5.5 billion euros, could be reclaimed each year and remains currently on the table in Europe. BCD Travel recently partnered with Taxeo to offer a solution converting the complex VAT reclaiming process into a simple one, so companies can maximize their eligible reclaims, speed up the reclaim process and shore up their bottom line.

A solution worth investigating for every company that frequently organizes business trips.

Our conclusion: the cost of a business travel agency that will implement some specific guidelines and tools is negligible when we take into account all the savings a company can realize by doing so. | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

spring 2013 | 33

Management

NMBS/SNCB Europe

Corporates increasingly choose the train The train plays an increasingly important role in the travel pattern of companies. With the construction of high speed lines and improved travel comfort, rail travel is becoming a more attractive alternative. But the train has many more advantages. The Corporate Traveller talked to Bernard Fontenelle, Travel Trade & Corporate Sales Manager for NMBS/SNCB Europe, about the growth of rail traffic and the various programmes tailored for corporates.

I

n the last few years, the train has gained a strong position in the business travel market. Belgian companies are

more frequently choosing the train when travelling to neighbouring countries. “Until the end of 2011, international trains from Belgium experienced very strong growth in the corporate market”, says Bernard Fontenelle. “In 2012 we saw a slight decrease in comparison with the record year 2011. However 2013 has again had a positive start with an increase in the number of passengers in the first two months. March was more difficult because of the late winter weather.

But that is something that air transport also suffered from. 2013 might still be relatively difficult, but in the medium term – two to three years – the figures will certainly be positive. We can be sure that there will be further growth in business travel by train.”

Advantages of the train

Companies have plenty of reasons for considering the train when making their travel plans. “Investigations among business travellers reveal that with a travelling time of less than three hours the train is much more attractive than a flight. With the train, you usually arrive right at the centre of a city, whereas you often have to take a taxi or bus from the airport to that same city centre. The train travel time is generally somewhat longer, but can be much better used for work or relaxation.

With air travel you have to be present much longer beforehand for the check-in and security checks. The travel comfort is also an advantage.

Even in second class, you still have more legroom than on an economy flight. It is difficult to make a fair cost comparison, but when making a decision the train will still prove very attractive.”

The range of services is increasing

The international train market has been completely opened up since 2010. “In practice, this means that if a company possesses the required licences it is free to offer a service between two cities. So this is no longer the prerogative of the national rail networks. We already 34 | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

spring 2013 |

have two high speed trains on the route from Brussels and Liege to Germany, namely the Thalys and the ICE International, the German DB train. So there is already genuine competition. As yet there is no concrete plan for competition on the Brussels-Paris route, but rumours are circulating.”

The dual role of NMBS/SNCB Europe

Within the NMBS/SNCB Group, NMBS/SNCB Europe was set up specifically for international rail traffic. This is a subdivision that is not subsidised and is therefore self-supporting.

NMBS/SNCB Europe fulfils a dual role. “On the one hand, NMBS/SNCB Europe is a carrier. It is a shareholder in certain high speed trains, or possesses the licence to allow these trains to run in Belgium. To be specific: the Thalys runs in Belgium under the licence of NMBS/SNCB. NMBS/SNCB Europe is also a shareholder in Thalys. NMBS/SNCB Europe also holds 5% of the shares in Eurostar. There are agreements with ICE and TGV for them to run their trains under our licence in Belgium. Agreements such as these can best be compared with codesharing in air transport. We are a carrier for these trains.”

“On the other hand, NMBS/SNCB Europe is also active as a distributor. We sell tickets through four channels for all the carriers with departures from Belgium. NMBS/SNCB Europe has staff at the stations Brussels-Zuid, BrusselsCentraal, Antwerpen-Centraal, and Luik-Guillemins to sell international train tickets. The international call center and our B2C website also sell all these products. The fourth channel focuses entirely on B2B clients. This concerns principally sales via travel agencies. So we regard them as important partners for corporate sales.”

The role of the travel agency

“When a company wants to buy a train ticket, it can benefit from first-class service from a travel agency. They provide easy access to travel information, travel insurance, hotels, car rentals,… . We develop applications specifically for travel agencies to make faster and better booking possible. We have two kinds of application for the agents. One possibility is that the client makes a reservation by telephone, mail, or fax, and the travel agent books it into the system. We have also developed web services that we make available to all travel agencies that want to use a self-booking tool. In that case the train ticket is booked by the company itself.”

Corporate Fares & Greenpoints

Companies that regularly book train journeys can take advantage of preferential corporate fares. “To begin with, there are the programmes of the different carriers that can be booked

via the travel agencies using the applications of NMBS/SNCB Europe. Thalys has B2B Classic and B2B Advantage, Eurostar has Global Net Deal, and for ICE there is the Intercity Corporate Program. Thanks to these programmes, clients receive a discount in accordance with their volume. All these programmes are sold within the travel agencies via our application. And, of course, we can make all these rates available through the self-booking tools of the travel agencies.”

“Additionally, as a carrier, NMBS/SNCB Europe also has its own Greenpoints programme. The travel manager of a company can apply to us for a unique Greenpoints number.

By quoting this number with each booking, points are collected that can later be exchanged for free tickets. Moreover, a travel manager with a Greenpoints number is also given access to a corporate website, where his monthly statistics can be viewed. No points are given if use is made of a corporate fare, because then there has already been a discount.

Tracking is still possible.”

Recovery of VAT

Companies that use the train for travel often do not realise that they can easily recover the VAT incurred. Bernard Fontenelle is keen to point this out. “When you make a booking through NMBS/SNCB Europe, irrespective of which channel you use, the confirmation includes information on the VAT amount. A concrete example: for Liege-Paris first class you pay 300 Euros full fare, of which an amount of 9.40 Euros is VAT. The company can get this amount back, simply on the basis of the confirmation mail. For this, the company’s bookkeeper must return the confirmation mail to the tax authority. These are small amounts, but they can add up to a tidy sum.”

Technological developments

To stand still is to go backwards. This is why NMBS/SNCB Europe is constantly engaged in technological developments to make things even easier for the client. “In collaboration with various airlines we have developed AirRail. This makes it possible for travel agencies to book a flight, part of which is not a ‘flight’ but a train journey. A practical example: when you book a journey from Brussels to Bangkok via Schiphol, the first ‘flight’ will be by train. Everything will be booked by the travel agency as a single document. There are also many developments underway for the fulfilment of tickets. We were the first to bring the print-your-own-ticket service to the market, in 2009. We recently launched mobile fulfilment for the B2C market, and this will soon follow for B2B”, so ends Bernard Fontenelle. | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

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Management

»» Michiel Verhaagen »» Lian Wolfs

AirPlus has ambitions for Belgium AirPlus International, the second largest European provider of business travel management solutions, has presented its results for 2012 and ambitions for the Belgian market.

A

t the end of March, Michiel Verhaagen (Executive Vice President EMEA) and Lian Wolfs (Director Benelux) of AirPlus International invited the press to the Steigenberger Grand Hotel in Brussels, for an update on the progress of their activities.

AirPlus International reported strong growth last year, recording a 10% increase in volumes for all its products and a billing volume of € 11.4 billion. The group mainly owes its growth to the acquisition of 2,000 new clients around the world, bringing its portfolio to 40,000 units. With these figures, even though business travel in general saw a decrease of 1.7% worldwide, the group has every reason to congratulate itself, especially on its Belgian operations...

With an increase of 12%, the Benelux market is indeed above the world average. AirPlus has already established partnerships with several big names in the Belgian corporate travel sector, including Amadeus, BCD Travel and Lufthansa.

The company has recorded double-digit growth in Belgium for several years and intends to continue on this upwards trajectory. However, one of its biggest challenges is to overcome the barrier of awareness, and to demonstrate the added value its services bring to companies in the field of business travel management.

The AirPlus presentation also identified several trends among its Belgian and foreign customers.

It shows for example that the average price of a plane ticket in Belgium has risen from € 769 36 | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

spring 2013 |

in 2011, to € 779 in 2012, compared to € 543 and €552 worldwide. It was also noted that in the field of business travel, low cost carriers remain a very small minority in Belgium with a market share of 2.7% in 2012 (against 2.4% in 2011) and compared to 14% market share (-0.5%) worldwide.

Trends and developments

AirPlus is already well established in Europe - its two largest countries being Germany and France.

However it is mostly outside the Old Continent that the group expects strongest growth. China, USA and Italy represent, for AirPlus, its three most promising markets. It is also focusing on new markets such as Mexico, India, Turkey and several countries in Latin America, especially through the strengthening of its partnership with Santander.

In terms of technology, AirPlus announced several new innovations, such as the Airplus Corporate Card, the first corporate credit card which can be integrated into an NFC-enabled smartphone to allow customers to make contactless payments. The product is not yet launched, but will commence its piloting phase this summer. AirPlus is confident that this product will be rapidly adopted, once development is completed.

For small and very small companies, AirPlus will be launching a ‘Reports on Demand’ solution which will address newcomers to automated reporting.

The system, which will be commercialised soon, will enable users to obtain simplified reports on well defined elements.

air ports

Brussels Airport Aviation Awards 2012

Brussels Airport has announced the winners of its sixth annual Aviation Awards. bmi regional, Aegean Airlines and Thai Airways International were nominated the best-performing airlines, while Jetairfly and Brussels Airlines were winners in the network and route development categories.

T

he Brussels Airport Aviation Awards were created in 2007, in order to recognise airlines and partners that stand out in terms of punctuality and performance, environment and safety and network and route development.

During the sixth edition of this event, held on Thursday 28 March 2013, the awards for the year 2012 were announced.

Punctuality and performance

For passenger airlines, the punctuality criterion is the best on-time performance for arrivals and departures at Brussels Airport. Punctuality is qualified as an actual arrival or departure time within 15 minutes of the scheduled time. Accolades are awarded to carriers in the categories of regional airline, short haul airline and long haul airline and cargo airline.

The Punctuality Award Regional Airline was given to bmi regional. bmi regional operates seven flights a week to Edinburgh, East Midlands and Leeds/Bradford. In 2012 bmi regional achieved a punctuality rate of 93.2%.

“To be recognised as the most punctual airline in Brussels is a real testament to our European operations” said Cathall O’Connell, CEO bmiregional. “It is a

great achievement for bmi regional and it’s a huge credit to the team. The airline went through a significant transition last year, so it is fantastic to know that our punctuality record was unaffected and we continued to offer our customers the professional service they can rely on. All our employees, both on the ground and in the air, do their utmost every day to ensure that every flight meet our customers’ expectations and offer them the most value for time and money.”

The Punctuality Award Short Haul Airline was won by Aegean Airlines.

Aegean operates two daily flights to Athens and in the summer season up to six flights a week to Corfu, Iraklion and Rhodes. In 2012, Aegean Airlines achieved a punctuality rate of 90.4%.

In the Long Haul sector, Thai Airways International was honoured with the Punctuality Award. Thai Airways International operates a three weekly service to Bangkok. In 2012, Thai Airways International achieved a punctuality rate of 85.5%.

Network and route development

themselves by opening new routes or by the growth in passenger numbers.

Jetairfly was named best Network Development Award Short Haul Airline.

Jetairfly launched 5 new routes in 2012, to Ponta Delgada, Ohrid, Skopje, Fez and Rabat. National flag carrier Brussels Airlines was nominated best Network Development Award Long Haul Airline. During 2012 Brussels Airlines expanded its fleet with two additional A330 planes, allowing them to increase the frequency to Africa to 6 daily flights and for the introduction of a daily service to New York.

“Our annual aviation awards are about our clients and stakeholders” said Léon Verhallen, Head of Aviation Marketing for The Brussels Airport Company. “We want to put the spotlight on those clients and stakeholders that really distinguished themselves through on-time performance, environmental awareness, safety, and the development of new routes and traffic growth.”

The nominees for the network development awards for passenger airlines are carriers that have distinguished | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

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air ways

Singapore Airlines,

multiple choices from Brussels to Singapore in style Singapore Airlines has strengthened its position in Brussels with more flight options.

Using the interline services from Star Alliance partners, passengers can now easily connect to Singapore Airlines flights from neighbouring European Airports. Singapore Airlines’ hubs in London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich and Milan are connected with Brussels offering 9 daily departures. In addition, passengers wishing to travel from Amsterdam or Paris Charles de Gaulle can join daily flights from these Airports to Singapore.

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Services from European Airports

e are using the services of our Star Alliance airline partners from Brussels to bring passengers to the European airports we operate from” says Kardien de Werker, Singapore Airlines’ Sales Manager Benelux. “As Brussels is a Star Alliance hub

“W

and since Singapore Airlines is a Star Alliance member, it means there is plenty of choice for our passengers. We operate codeshare flights with Brussels Airlines to Milan Malpensa and to London Heathrow. From London we have four flights a day to Singapore, three of which are operated

by Airbus A380 jets. Our codeshare flights from Brussels with Lufthansa connect with our links from Frankfurt and Munich.” From Frankfurt, Singapore Airlines offers two daily services, and from Munich, daily links. Swiss provides a seamless connection to the daily Airbus A380 in Zurich.

In addition the airline flies to Singapore daily from Amsterdam Schiphol and Paris-Charles de Gaulle.

Connections throughout Asia Pacific

From its home at Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore Airlines has a vast network structure across South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

Changi Airport has seen substantial growth over the last few years. Annual passenger traffic now stands at over 51 million, for a country of just 5 million inhabitants. From Changi, numerous connecting flights are available throughout the Asia Pacific region. Regional services are operated on Silkair, Singapore Airlines’ regional wing, with its fleet of A319 and 320 aircraft. Routes throughout South East Asia include services to 11 cities in Indonesia. In addition, Singapore Airlines offers fast connections to New Zealand and the Australian cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide and Darwin. A codeshare agreement with Virgin Australia gives travellers access to a total of 32 cities in Australia.

Frequent traveller and corporate programmes

Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer loyalty scheme is linked to the frequent flyer programs of other Star Alliance members, such as the Miles and More programme. This is especially attractive to passengers from Brussels as, being a Star Alliance hub, the airport is a base for many of the alliance’s airlines.

As KrisFlyer members accumulate points, they gain access to the elite levels of the programme known as Priority Passenger (PPS). PPS members of the KrisFlyer programme benefit from a host of additional privileges to make their travel experience more comfortable, such as additional baggage allowances. For companies looking to optimise travel spend, contracts with Singapore Airlines can give them discounts of up to 15% for travel in Business Class - while individual travellers continue to earn Miles for their own accounts.

Modern fleet of wide body aircraft

Singapore Airlines operates a total of 101 widebody aircraft. Of these, it has 19 A380 aircraft, with two different configurations. In one of these configura-

tions, the entire upper deck has been dedicated to business class, giving 86 business seats, 311 economy seats and twelve first class suites. Singapore Airlines first introduced the A380 into its fleet six years ago, and was the launch airline for the jet. “The A380 is quite a popular aircraft with corporate travellers because it is spacious, quiet and reliable. Others prefer our Boeing 777s. Both are widebody jets with exactly the same services and comfort on board and operate from the various hubs across Europe to Singapore.”

On board comfort

“All our cabins are quite unique in their classes” says Kardien de Werker. “Our economy class is the equivalent of premium economy in terms of comfort and service. All drinks are free, passengers have a choice of three main courses and they have spacious seats.”

In business class, whether on Boeing 777 or Airbus A380 aircraft, seats are positioned in a 1-2-1 configuration so all passengers are seated next to an aisle. The richly upholstered leather seats combine enhanced personal space with comfort and leadingedge innovations. Seats are amongst the largest of any business class, and convert to various positions, including to fully lie flat beds. Featuring a dedicated sleeping surface for added comfort, they have been designed to accommodate virtually any sleeping position.

With Singapore Airline’s Book the Cook service, business and first class passengers can pre-order a gourmet main course especially prepared for them. Over 60 dishes are available, including some created exclusively for Singapore Airlines by its International Culinary Panel. Meals are served on contemporary designer tableware from Givenchy and accompanied by a selection of fine wines and champagnes, hand-picked by a distinguished panel of wine experts to complement meals.

First class suites on board Singapore Airlines are exceptionally luxurious. Each individual cabin features sliding doors and window blinds, offering passengers the freedom to decide on the level of privacy they prefer. For the first time ever in air travel, travellers can experience sleeping on a distinctively designed, standalone bed, not one converted from a seat.

Strong presence on Belgian market

“Our strategic focus at Singapore Airlines is the business or high value international traveller” summarises Kardien de Werker. “In our mission statement we position ourselves as an international carrier who wants to offer the best service and quality to the (business) passenger. If you add them all up, you can say that Singapore Airlines offers 9 daily connections from Brussels Airport to Singapore. All of these flights are operated on our modern fleet of wide body jets, either on our B777s or our A380s. That gives us strong presence to the Belgian market especially for corporate traveller.

All in all we have so many options that wherever travellers are in Belgium, they can easily connect to Singapore Airlines flights.” | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

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Malaysia Airlines

introduces A380 on Paris route Malaysia Airlines is modernising its fleet with new fuel efficient aircraft which offer greater passenger capacity and comfort. In March the airline deployed the latest of its A380 superjets to be delivered onto its Paris route, upping seat numbers by 75% and enhancing services across cabins.

M

Improved passenger comfort and addition of first class cabin

storing personal items. Passengers in First Class and Business Class also have a ‘Chef on Call’ service which gives them a selection of up to 30 dishes to choose from, between Malaysian and international specialities, chef’s suggestions and light meals. On the ground, first and business class travellers have access to Malaysia Airlines’ 400 square metre golden lounge in Kuala Lumpur and Air France’s lounge at Paris-Charles de Gaulle’s terminal 1.

First class travellers benefit from generous spacing and seats that convert into 2.2 metre long lie-flat beds, as well as cupboards for hanging coats and

The airline is not planning to follow the trend of introducing premium economy, at least for the time being, but does see good potential in front of cabin traffic on the Paris route. With the new A380 to Paris, Malaysia Airlines is adding 8 first class seats and doubling business class capacity, to 66. “Despite the global downturn, we are not suffering from less traffic in business class” said Dr Hugh Dunleavy, Malaysia Airline’s Commercial Director, during a press conference to launch the new services. “France is our second busiest market in Europe and we have had continuous

alaysia Airlines has been flying scheduled services to Paris for over thirty years. Demand for the route has grown and, in

2010, the non-stop flights became a daily service.

With the introduction of the A380 to Paris on March 2, seating capacity has risen from 282 to 494 places.

The new aircraft brings greater comfort in business and economy, as well as the addition of a first class cabin. Besides extra baggage allowances, passengers in all three classes on the A380 flights now have personal entertainment systems equipped with USB ports and satellite telephone. Business class is equipped with lie-flat seat beds and storage space for personal items, while economy class passengers now gain larger seats.

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“Although we ceased flight operations to Brussels, Belgium is an important market for Malaysia Airlines and we have an office manned by 3 staff” says Huib Gorter, Malaysia Airlines Regional Senior Vice President Europe. “We are currently working on being able to sell Hi-Speed train tickets between Amsterdam and Brussels, as well as on a commercial agreement with France’s SNCF rail company between Paris-Charles De Gaulle Airport and Brussels. Whilst we serve Belgium well through KLM and the train network, the market size does not justify Malaysia Airlines actually flying direct there.”

Fleet renewal and return to profitability growth year on year. We see further potential on this route with the new A380 product, especially as there is a heightened interest in Malaysia for both business and leisure. Every airline can be a gateway, but to be a success your home country needs to be an attractive destination.”

The A380 flights leave Paris daily at midday with a flying time of just under twelve hours. With Malaysia Airlines and its regional subsidiaries, Firefly and MASwings, passengers to Kuala Lumpur benefit from regional connections throughout Asia Pacific, as well as to nearly 30 destinations in Malaysia. To reply to the growing demand by Malaysia Airlines customers for more regional routes and frequencies, the Firefly and MASwings fleets are also being equipped with new aircraft.

The return Malaysian Airlines flights to Paris from Kuala Lumpur depart at 23.55.

Travel from Brussels via transport partners

Malaysia Airlines ceased operations to Brussels back in 1995 as the direct route was not profitable. However the airline does maintain links with the capital of Belgium through twice daily code-share operations with KLM that connect to Malaysia Airlines’ daily flights from Amsterdam.

The airline is also working on partnerships with high speed train operators to feed passengers from Brussels onto its routes from Paris and Amsterdam.

Malaysia Airlines’ fleet renewal plan began in 2010 and will see continued aircraft deliveries through until 2017. In 2012 alone, the airline took delivery of 18 new fuel efficient aircraft, comprising B738s, A333s and A380s. The French capital is Malaysia Airline’s second A380 long haul destination and the airline will soon be in possession of six of the A380s in its rejuvenated fleet.

Besides the fleet modernisation, the last 12 months have been a very active year for Malaysia Airlines. The carrier earned the status of SkyTrax 5 Star Airline in 2012 and joined the oneworld airline alliance at the beginning of this year. Financials have improved too, with the airline reporting profits since the summer of 2012, following six consecutive loss making quarters.

“It takes time to turn the ship around” says Hugh Dunleavy. “Making an airline profitable is like running a marathon – it’s not a sprint! Since my arrival at Malaysia Airlines last year, I have been working on a commercial strategy to drive revenue and we will compete aggressively in all markets that we are active on. Over the next few years we will continue with the fleet renewal and keep the age of the fleet young. With this intensive refleeting programme, and as this fleet comes in, we will be looking at new opportunities. Whether they are in Europe or elsewhere, I am looking at new routes with good capacity potential in promising markets. Quality of service, not just in the air but right from the call centre and the baggage check in experience, is core to our commercial strategy.” | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

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air ways

Delta Air Lines makes Brussels key focus in transatlantic growth Delta Air Lines is soon to complete significant investment in enhancing its network and products, both on the ground and in the air.

Within its transatlantic development strategy, the airline’s daily services from Brussels to New York and Atlanta are a key focus.

D

elta Air Lines’ direct services from Brussels to its hubs in New York and Atlanta, form part of its vast global network to 319 destinations, in 59 countries. Since

Delta Air Lines began connecting Brussels with North America over 20 years ago, the airline’s transatlantic market share from the European capital has grown to reach 26%, with an average load factor of 77%. In 2012 alone Delta carried over 450,000 passengers between Belgium and the United States.

To encourage this, Delta was early to market in bringing its full flat-bed BusinessElite class seat on the Brussels New York route. In 2011, the new BusinessElite seats, as well as Economy Comfort cabins were fitted on all of Delta’s flights between Brussels and New York. The Brussels and Atlanta service will complete cabin retrofitting by this summer - by which time frequencies will resume daily services, back from five flights a week during the winter period.

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Brussels to New York, as a major business route, remains a daily service throughout the year. New York JFK is the world’s premier airport in terms of air traffic and especially rich in terms of corporate travel. “For the Brussels market, New York is clearly the US city where most of the business is” observes Frederic Schenk, Delta Air Line’s country manager for Belgium. “And that is clearly why it is our objective to be the airline leader on the Brussels – New York route.”

Transatlantic passengers access strong US network

The airline’s transatlantic plans aim to encourage international travellers to take advantage of its strong network of US hubs and domestic connections. Delta is investing heavily in its position at New York JFK and one of the most exciting developments is the opening of their completely new Terminal 4 hub at JFK Airport in May this year. With refurbishments and enlargements at over a billion dollars,

one of the changes will be the increase in the number of domestic flights offered by Delta from JFK, including transcontinental flights to the US West Coast.

“We have experienced strong growth in our long haul international connections onto our US domestic routes and that is something we want to encourage more” says Schenk. “For that you need to create the infrastructure. And alongside this long-term infrastructure investment, Delta is also looking at new innovative ways to tackle the growing cost of producing jet fuel from crude oil. Last year we purchased a refinery in Pennsylvania. Production at the refinery will cover about 80% of our jet fuel needs in the United States.”

Benefits for corporate travellers

“Aside from our new hub in New York JFK, Delta passengers benefit from a great onboard product with state of the art comfort and technology” says

Schenk. “We will be introducing WifFi on transatlantic flights throughout 2013. Our Brussels New York service was one of the first to offer our new BusinessElite class with state of the art lie flat seats, where all passengers have direct access to the aisle. The new business class gives much greater comfort and our customer satisfaction ratings show that we are clearly the leader in terms of our product offering on the Brussels New York route.

Our investments have received great feedback and we are looking forward to having the full fleet reconfigured by the end of this year. Besides BusinessElite class, corporate travellers also appreciate our excellent Economy Comfort, our intermediary cabin between business and economy.”

Delta now offers Economy Comfort class on all transatlantic and domestic flights. Passengers in Economy Comfort benefit from an additional 10cm of extra legroom and 50 percent more recline than in regular economy. This

is ideally suited for business travellers who do not travel in business class, often due to their companies’ travel policy mandates. “We are constantly building new attractions into our contracts for corporations and clearly our new products in Business and Economy Comfort classes are setting us apart from the competition” says Schenk.

Investments in European hubs

Delta’s development of its transatlantic network and services has included the positioning of two of its hubs in Europe (Paris Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol) and its participation in the airline industry’s leading transatlantic joint venture, with Air France-KLM and Alitalia. More recently, at the end of 2012, Delta Air Lines CEO Richard Anderson and Virgin Atlantic Airways CCO Julie Southern announced a strategic alliance on their transatlantic network for passengers between the US, Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom. The

agreement, which means that Delta will buy Singapore Airlines’ 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic, will allow Delta to build on its offering into the major business airport of London Heathrow.

“As with Brussels and Frankfurt, Heathrow to New York is a route where we intend to increase our market share by offering convenient frequencies, attractive on board products and a large network of onward connections in the US” concludes Schenk.

Delta Air Lines at a glance Carrying over 160 million passengers a year, Delta Air Lines operates a fleet of more than 700 aircraft.

Including its headquarters in Atlanta, Delta boasts seven hubs in the US, one in Asia and two in Europe. Business class passengers and SkyTeam Elite frequent flyer card holders can benefit from Delta’s Sky Club lounges in over 50 airports worldwide, as well as those of its SkyTeam airline partners.

| THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

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air ways

Delta Air Lines ½½ Frederic Schenk

new Manager for Belgium, Frederic Schenk

With its Brussels New York route central to its transatlantic strategy, in October 2012 Delta Air Lines appointed Frederic Schenk has country manager for Belgium. Frederic talked to us about his work at Delta.

“T

he airline industry, and Delta Air Lines especially, are part of my DNA” says Frederic Schenk. “I began at Delta’s London offices, 15 years ago, straight after

my studies. Since then I have covered various roles and markets, but most of my career has been connected with sales. After London, I was based in Munich for several years, as a sales account manager, before relocating to the Czech Republic. I was responsible for re-launching our Prague Atlanta route in 2007 and, shortly after, for the introduction of our Prague New York service. I then moved on to a regional position working on commercial responsibilities in Europe with our partners, including Air France-KLM. This covered all the markets where Delta has ground staff, so around 25 markets in Europe. In my most recent role, in Barcelona, I continued to develop the sales representation model.

When Delta decided to allocate more resources to the strategically important market of Belgium, I moved here to Brussels. Brussels to New York JFK, along with Heathrow JFK and Frankfurt JFK, are our focus routes for growth in Europe. We have therefore allocated more resources, as well as more decision making power, locally, in Brussels.

This really makes a statement about the importance of this route for Delta.”

“As Delta’s country manager for Belgium most of my day-to-day focus goes into shaping commercial sales, pricing strategies and marketing activities. All decisions on transatlantic routes are taken with our joint venture partners, Air France-KLM and Alitalia.

The joint venture, which was launched in 2007, has been working extremely well for all of the partners and its success is the envy of the airline industry! We are really working together as a big team to make our transatlantic offering a success for all the partners – and our customers. Most importantly we work together on our agreements with the agency community, trade partners and corporate partners. Our corporate clients range from small companies to the largest multinationals. One of our strong selling points for all our corporate clients, is that they can benefit from one contract for four airlines – Delta, Air France, KLM and Alitalia.”

“Delta is in good financial shape and we are investing over three billion dollars in improvements to our services on the ground and in the air. Last year we opened our new F terminal concourse in Atlanta and this year it will be the opening of our new JFK hub and terminal where we have spent over a billion dollars on refurbishments and enlargements. These are all great investments that will drive new business for us over years to come.”

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air ways

Etihad Airways

launches BusinessConnect in Belgium and other key markets Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has expanded its loyalty program for small to medium sized businesses onto seven key markets, including Belgium and France.

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tihad BusinessConnect is a loyalty program designed for companies, with between two to 50 business travellers, that do not already have a corporate agreement with Etihad. A free mile-

age earning program, BusinessConnect is built on the same platform as the airline’s award winning Etihad Guest frequent flyer scheme. BusinessConnect, however means that both the company and the frequent travellers benefit from reward miles. While the travellers continue to earn 100% of miles for themselves, the company earns 60% whenever its employees travel in Business or First Class, and 30% when they travel in Coral Economy Class.

“We are delighted to be able to introduce the smartest and most rewarding loyalty scheme for small and medium sized enterprises to these new markets, targeted at companies which are looking for ways to optimise their travel spend whilst adding convenience and value to their business travel experience” explained Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, Peter Baumgartner.

“Yet again, it is another demonstration of the added value we are bringing to corporate travel across the globe.”

Welcome bonus of 5,000 miles

Enrolling is easy and free of charge, via www.etihadbusinessconnect.com. As a welcome gift to the program, companies receive 5000 Etihad Guest miles upon sign-up. As soon as its employees’ individual frequent flyer cards are linked to its BusinessConnect account, the company gains Etihad Guest miles every time these employees take a flight. Etihad Guest miles can be earned on all Etihad Airways tickets, including codeshare flights marketed by Etihad Airways with an EY flight number and on codeshare flights marketed by airberlin (AB). There are no blackout periods when redeeming miles against upgrades, free flights or products from the Etihad Guest Reward Shop.

Administration and management

To join the program, companies nominate one contact as the ‘Administrator’, which can be either an employee or a travel agent. Once the online application has been approved, the designated Administrator will receive an email notification which contains a username and password. The Administrator can then forward these details to company employees, inviting them to join their

Etihad BusinessConnect membership.

From the moment that an employee has connected his personal Etihad Guest membership to the company’s BusinessConnect account, a percentage (30% or 60%) of his miles will automatically be added to the BusinessConnect account each time he travels, provided that he quotes his Etihad Guest number at the time of booking and check-in.

Only the nominated Administrator has the authority to redeem the miles earned on the company’s Etihad BusinessConnect account, for free flights, upgrades or items from the online ‘Reward Shop’. As per the Etihad Guest program, the miles that a business earns as part of their Etihad BusinessConnect Membership are valid for 2 years from the date they are earned.

Besides Belgium and France, the other countries in which the scheme is being launched are Bangladesh, Indonesia, Ireland, Saudi Arabia and South Africa.

The BusinessConnect program is also available in Australia, Canada, Germany, India, Pakistan, Switzerland, the UAE, the UK and the USA. More information about the program can be found at www.etihadbusinessconnect.com | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

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aIR WAYS

BlueBiz:

save on business travel

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Régine Mélin, WFI Trading: “We find the double awards option very appealing”

Do you travel abroad for your company?

Do your colleagues take regular business trips? Then you too can freely enjoy the advantages that BlueBiz offers. BlueBiz is the loyalty programme from Air France, KLM, Alitalia and Delta Air Lines. The programme, which was launched in 2010, is exclusively designed for businesses regardless of their sales volume. Registration takes only a few clicks. You then appoint an administrator to act on behalf of your company. ½½ Régine Mélin

Earn Blue Credits

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hen your company participates in BlueBiz, you receive valuable Blue Credits with each flight you take with Air France, KLM or one of the other partner airlines. Simply provide your

BlueBiz number at the time of booking. The Blue Credits can be redeemed for free tickets as well as upgrades. This allows you to optimise your company’s travel budget.

Saving them is easy, because one Blue Credit is worth one euro. “This kind of a programme is essential to us,” emphasises Régine Mélin at WFI Trading in Brussels.

“Since our company consists of only two people, me and my husband - the travel costs are particularly high for us. A programme like BlueBiz is ideal, especially if you travel a lot.”

“We’ve been members of the programme since January 27, 2010. Before that, we used the VoyageurREWARDS programme, which was also from Air France. What attracts me most to this airline is the flexibility and the professionalism exhibited by the personnel who assist you. If for example, we want a different seat on the plane, then that happens. In addition, the Blue Biz team notifies us when we’ve accumulated enough points for a free flight, which is something we don’t always think of ourselves.”

Simple and automatic

With your BlueBiz number, you have access to all of the functional capabilities on your personal page: balance of your Blue Credits, redemption requests, add missing Blue Credits, update your address, et cetera. This page is completely confidential and secure. Once your BlueBiz membership is registered, you will receive an email with your number and password, so that you will be able to access your own personal page. You can then make use of all of the online services.

After your trip, you Blue Credits will automatically be calculated and credited to your account. They are valid for the year of their acquisition and then for the subsequent two years. For example, your Blue Credits awarded in February 2013 are valid through 31 December 2015.

Earning Blue Credits

The number of Blue Credits your company can earn during a flight is determined by your destination and booking class. A business class trip can give you 200 Blue Credits or 200 euros.

The number of Blue Credits your company receives is dependent upon the destination and class of booking of your ticket (you can see the complete overview at www.bluebiz.com).

Flying Blue + Blue Credits

You can also take advantage of BlueBiz in addition to Flying Blue. During each business trip, your company earns blue credits in addition to the Miles that that Flying Blue members in your company already earn. This gives you a double benefit. In order to make use of this opportunity, it is important to indicate your BlueBiz number with all your company’s bookings. “This is also very interesting,” says Régine Mélin. “You automatically earn Flying Blue points in addition to the Blue Credits. I don’t know if programmes from other airlines offer a similar double benefit, but I do know they have never awarded them to us.”

Redeeming Blue Credits

Blue Credits can be redeemed for ticket upgrades and free flights. When you or your colleagues book tickets on www. bluebiz.com or through your travel agent, simply indicate your company’s BlueBiz number. Tickets must be purchased in the country of BlueBiz membership. The BlueBiz tickets or upgrades are not bound to a name; your company is free to use them for all of its employees.

Régine is only satisfied with Air France. “If I have a choice, there is no doubt. I’m flying with Air France. We travel regularly to Africa. It happens sometimes that you have to change your flight. Air France takes care of that quickly.

They have especially good customer support. If this level of quality is delivered, then I don’t mind paying for it at all.”

Additional services

Air France and KLM offer an extra bonus to reward loyal BlueBiz participants. “If I want to check in one piece of luggage on a European business flight, I don’t have to pay for it!” explains Régine. With this benefit, you can save 15 to 30 euros on each single flight. “This also applies to a colleague,” adds Régine. | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

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aIR WAYS

surprises with technical innovations and extra comfort The slogan ‘to stand still is to fall behind’ is a theme that runs throughout the company philosophy of TAP Portugal. That is why the Portuguese airline is again cossetting its business travellers with a number of technological innovations. Our revamped Business Class also provides the professional traveller with extra comfort and facilities on board. With TAP Portugal, these travellers can also reach a wide range of African destinations.

O

ne of the technological innovations is the Passbook app that enables passengers to store their boarding cards on Apple iOS mobile equipment (iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad). This new app

makes the airline one of the very first Portuguese companies to offer this service.

But there is still more, because passengers can also check in, book their flight, get information about flight times (departure and arrival, route, airport, and flight number), announcements of current pricing campaigns, and look up detailed information about various destinations, and find out how to join the Victoria programme, all with their mobile equipment.

New mobile site

TAP Portugal continues to be a pioneer and innovator where new technology is concerned, as is shown by the new mobile site that makes it possible for travellers to access all possible infor48 | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

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mation even better, faster, and more flexibly. TAP’s mobile platform can be used with both iOS and Android, as well as with HTML-based applications for equipment using a different operating system.

Smartphone users are automatically directed via www.flytap.com to the mobile version of the site where they also have direct access via mobile. flytap.com. This provides information on various flight plans, departure and arrival times, a luggage simulator, my booking, mobile checking in, and other ticket information. Moreover, we shall shortly be launching a Victoria page for frequent flyers.

TAP Portugal Business Class even better

Our revamped Business Class provides our professional travellers with even more comfort and quality, as well as a number of new menus by our chef, Vitor Sobral, who interprets a number of typical Portuguese dishes

in a contemporary, creative, and elegant way. The menu offers fish, poultry, and meat dishes, together with traditional Portuguese dishes such as salt cod and squid/octopus.

Meals are served with new table linen made from traditional Portuguese textiles that further underlines the high quality standard on board a TAP Portugal flight.

During long-distance flights, you have a choice of 24 new main courses, 18 wide-ranging salad dressings, 12 chutneys, 6 new soups, 6 delicious desserts, and a number of new cold snacks. Finally, coffee is served with ‘Ouriços de castanhas’ and chocolate.

On middle-distance flights too, TAP Portugal has introduced 12 new main courses, 6 cold starters, 6 chutneys, 6 new desserts, and a number of new cold snacks.

The interior and the lighting on board have also been updated. The new TAP Portugal Executive class now has a

standard design using fine materials; the carpeting is in blue and green tints with lime green accents. We have also provided softer lighting for during the flight in order to give the business traveller an even greater feeling of wellbeing. We have replaced the traditional blankets with quilts, and have renewed the amenity kits and the tableware. For those who (still) cannot sleep, various amenity kits are available. These feature artwork by well-known Portuguese, Brazilian, and African artists, and are made from 100% natural materials. Finally, the soothing creams that are provided come from the famous Institut Karité in Paris.

Extra lounge comfort

Our last A340 renovation was completed in April 2013, which means that all our long-distance aircraft are now completely updated, including the A330s. So all our aircraft now have personal displays and/or an AVOD entertainment system (Audio & Video On Demand).

Our frequent flyer programme ‘TAP Portugal Victoria’ offers significant advantages to the frequent business traveller. They can collect Air Miles, and also enjoy significant advantages and discounts from our partners, such as the right to extra luggage, and possible upgrades. Moreover, TAP Portugal

As well as the Portuguese hospitality and gastronomy on board, with TAP Portugal, business travellers also enjoy a number of other advantages.

For example, Executive passengers have access to the lounges at Brussels Airport, and can also make use of our TAP Portugal Premium Lounge in Lisbon while waiting for their connecting flight.

We also offer our passengers ‘fast track access’ in Brussels and ‘Green Way access’ in Lisbon. What is more, travellers in TAP Portugal Executive benefit from premium boarding, so they avoid waiting time.

Victoria is compatible with the Miles & More frequent flyer programme of the LH group.

TAP Portugal: Out in Africa

Tap Portugal concentrates particularly on Brazil, where we have a total of 10 destinations. This makes us European market leader. For business travellers, Rio de Janeiro (twice a day) and São Paulo (twice a day) are of particular importance.

But we would also like to draw special attention to our African network.

While it is less well known to the travelling public, TAP Portugal also possesses a very extensive network in Africa. The most important destinations are Luanda (Angola, daily, with an extra weekly flight during the Summer months) because of the oil industry, Accra (Ghana, daily) and Dakar, together with another 10 destinations. All these flights link via our hub in Lisbon.

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A new way of travelling Enjoy your flight with Austrian Airlines even more

The interiors of the entire fleet of Austrian Airlines aircraft are undergoing a makeover from December of 2012 though autumn 2013. In the future, Business Class passengers will be seated in high-tech seats that can recline to a fully horizontal position. Economy Class will also be given a new look, with specially designed ergonomic seats with a special relaxation function. In both classes of service, passengers in both classes will be able to enjoy a rich cinematic experience that features advanced technology as well as a wide selection of programmes. Of course, this new flying experience would not be complete without the usual award-winning service of Austrian or the culinary specialties of DO & CO, with first class service in Business Class.

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Pick your own entertainment on board

• Over 100 hours of video and audio on demand in Economy as well as Business Class • A wide selection of audio channels with music and audio books • A special channel for children • Flatscreen TVs with easy-to-use touchscreens • The sharpest digital picture quality

First-class service in Business Class

• “Flying Chefs” on board provide the finishing touch to the delicious meals from DO & CO • A wide selection of wines and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages • Ten typical Austrian specialty coffees • A care package made from traditional Austrian loden fabric

Sleep on a cloud in Austrian’s Business Class seats

• An extremely comfortable flight experience, thanks to the nearly two-metre long seats that can recline to a fully horizontal position • The hardness of the individual seats can be adjusted with the innovative air cushion system • All seats have a built-in massage function with numerous hightech features • There is direct access to the aisles for at least 80% of the passengers

A new way of travelling Enjoy even more: Enjoy an outstanding flying experience in the new Business Class seats on Austrian. You can completely relax on a long, comfortable flight thanks to a seat with completely horizontal positioning, individually adjustable seat cushions, a new entertainment experience on board and the award-winning service of Austrian.

Surf on over to austrian.com for more information.

Earn miles with Miles & More.

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destinations

Ljubljana

a stylish city, 200 years on the congress map and excellent business hotels Slovenia’s Ljubljana combines all the attractions of a stylish capital city, with the friendly atmosphere of a small town less than two hours flying from most European capitals. Since hosting its first congress in 1821 with the Congress of the Holy Alliance, the city has built up an excellent infrastructure for hosting events.

Its numerous hotels for business meetings range from boutique-style to larger convention hotels.

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½½ Grand Hotel Union - © D Wedam

½½ Mons Hotel and Congress Centre

Convention Hotels

exhibitions. Conveniently close to the ring road and with its large parking facilities, it has been selected twice as a venue for car launches with international participation.

T

he largest of Ljubljana’s convention hotels is the Grand Hotel Union. An Art Nouveau building,

constructed in 1905, the hotel’s tradition in hosting events and prominent guests dates back just as long. The Grand Hotel Union’s accommodation in the interconnected Executive and Business buildings comprises 327 guest rooms, while amenities include an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre and business centre. For meetings and events, the hotel’s splendid Grand Hall can accommodate up to 800 delegates. Additional space is provided by 20 other meeting and function rooms. Renovations and enhancements to entire property were recently completed.

For fine dining, the hotel’s Smrekarjev hram restaurant ranks among the city’s top four.

The Mons Hotel & Congress Centre was the first design hotel to open in Ljubljana. A four star hotel, its elegant modern architecture houses 111 guestrooms and three suites.

Two restaurants serve local and international cuisine, while other amenities include a fitness centre. The hotel’s congress centre comprises six conference halls and three boardrooms. With a maximum capacity of 600 seats for plenary sessions, all spaces feature state-of-the-art technical facilities. The flexible conference halls are joined by a large foyer, suitable for receptions, banquets or

The 4-star Austria Trend Hotel Ljubljana is a 214 room hotel, near the city centre. A total of 580 square metres of meetings spaces are available, with the largest meeting room catering for up to 450 delegates. What makes the Austria Trend Hotel stand out as a business hotel are its excellent meetings’ technologies. In addition to video-conferencing, the hotel provides virtual private network (VPN) tunnel connections for secure communications. The Austria Trend also has a restaurant, a lively bar and a wellness centre.

Hotels with Conference Facilities

The Lev Hotel is a centrally located 5 star property. Its 173 guestrooms and suites offer all modern services and amenities, while the upper floors enjoy views over the city, castle and central Tivoli Park. The Lev Hotel’s conference centre consists of a large, flexible hall for up to 360 delegates and nine fully equipped meeting rooms for all types of events. The hotel also features an award-winning gourmet restaurant, Pri Levu.

½½ Rooftop of Plaza Hotel Ljubljana

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destinations

½½ Cankarjev dom - Gallus Hall

½½ Mons Hotel and Congress Centre

The Best Western Premier Hotel Slon is a four star superior property in the heart of the capital. The hotel has 168 wellappointed rooms and suites with all modern amenities, such as complimentary Wi-Fi internet. The Best Western also offers a well equipped Health Club, open around the clock, and a renowned gourmet restaurant – the Slon Restaurant and Lounge. The hotel’s recently renovated conference halls offer stylish, multi-functional event spaces with five flexible function rooms for up to 250 delegates.

“An ideal base for team building and incentives, Ljubljana’s compact size means almost everything is within walking distance – from conference centres and hotels, to unique venues and gastronomic restaurants” says Tatjana Radovic, of the Ljubljana Tourism and Convention Bureau . “What makes one of the biggest impressions on visitors though, is our friendly and welcoming hospitality. Nearly everyone in Slovenia is fluent in at least one other language and we have highly experienced teams of events professionals and destination management companies to take care of every requirement.

More information can be found at www.visitljubljana.com.”

The Plaza Hotel Ljubljana is a new 4-star property in the BTC commercial and business district. Aiming to become the hotel of choice for business and leisure travellers, it has been designed to blend an environment suitable for both work and relaxation. The Plaza has over 230 guest rooms and suites, the largest of which is 150 square meters. Meeting facilities, situated on the top floor comprise six flexible function rooms, complemented by the trendy Sky Lounge on the hotel’s roof terrace. The Plaza Hotel has invested heavily into its sustainability credentials for reducing its environmental footprint.

For those organising smaller events, the recently renovated Antiq Palace Hotel offers 13 chic suites and residential apartments, meeting rooms and an elegant spa, all under the roof of a 16th century building. Located near the city’s Old Town district and its lively riverbanks, facilities include 24- hour concierge service, a luxury spa, executive business centre, one conference and two boardroom suites, two lounge bars and a private garden. Banqueting events can be hosted for up to 120 guests. The Antiq Palace is a member of the Historic Hotels of Europe collection.

Advantages for meetings planners

Besides its aesthetic appeal, Ljubljana offers many advantages for meetings organisers. Over the years, the city has benefited from continuous investments in its events infrastructures. These infrastructures are crowned by two large congress centres - The Cankarjev dom, Slovenia’s largest purpose built congress centre, and the GR Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre. The GR Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre is the country’s biggest events centre, with 24 halls of various sizes and 10,000 square metres of external exhibition space.

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Travelling to Slovenia Ljubljana’s International Airport is less than two hours flying from most European hubs, including Brussels, and just 25 minutes from Ljubljana.

The airport is served by around 250 weekly scheduled flights, most of which are operated by national carrier, Adria Airways.

Adria Airways operates nine weekly flights to Amsterdam, thirteen to Brussels and daily flights to Paris, all with economy and business cabins. With the airline’s ‘Buy Early Fly for Less’ offer, tickets benefit from prices as low as 180 euros when purchased five weeks in advance. Adria Airways’ passengers travelling on business class or holding Star Alliance gold status loyalty cards can benefit from Star Alliance airport lounges. For more information on travel to Slovenia visit www.adria.

New! Brussels Airport ✈ Washington Dulles Direct flight 5 times weekly as from 18 June After a day’s work, rest in premium comfort on board your evening flight

brusselsairlines.com or ask your travel agency