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IATA PREDICTS AIR TRAFFIC RECOVERY BY SUMMER
(source: Business Travel News)
The International Air Transport Association on Tuesday reported global airline traffic is building at a pace that will bring passenger volumes back to pre-recession levels this summer.
IATA on Tuesday reported February passenger demand, as measured by revenue passenger kilometers, increased 9.5 percent over the same period in 2009. IATA called those "strong gains," but noted that February 2009 represented "the bottom of the cycle for passenger traffic during the global economic recession," skewing year-over-year comparisons. Still, IATA reported passenger demand would only need to build an additional 1.4 percent to "return to pre-crisis levels."
Those worldwide demand gains are being driven by strong performances among Middle Eastern, Asia/Pacific and Latin American carriers. Though growing in Europe and North America, February passenger demand in those two regions fell short of the 9.5 percent industry wide growth average, growing by 4.3 percent and 4.5 percent, respectively.
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US AIRWAYS PUTS ADS ON BOARDING PASSES
(source: USA Today)
US Airways passengers who check in online will now find more than a seat assignment and group number on their boarding passes.
In time for the spring-break travel rush, the Tempe-based airline started including advertisements, weather and other tourist information on the boarding documents. Several of its major competitors already do so.
Initial advertisers on US Airways' boarding passes include airport parking lots, Starbucks (a 2-for-1 coffee coupon to some destinations), audiobook retailer Audible.com and outdoor-gear retailer REI.
The ads are a way for perennially strapped airlines to boost revenue and for advertisers to target travelers down to their departure city and destination.
The ads are sold by an outside company, Sojern Inc., which shares the revenue with US Airways. The airline would not disclose the potential annual revenue from the ads, but Jackson said it is 30% to 40% more than it receives from its tray-table advertising.
Delta was the first major airline to sell ads on boarding passes when it began the practice, in partnership with Sojern, on Las Vegas flights in July 2008.
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UNDERSTANDING THE CUSTOMS OF YOUR HOST COUNTRY
(source: MSNBC.com)
With business now a global affair, it is essential to learn the customs, practices and habits of a foreign office.
Dressing the part
Not only do you want to respect the local culture, but in some conservative countries, dressing norms for women in the U.S. are interpreted as discourteous and provocative. Modest dressing in China, Japan, India, Russia and the Middle East includes keeping knees and elbows covered and buttoning shirts up right to the collar.
A woman wearing pants in Japan and the Middle East, specifically, is also discouraged. Wearing neutral colors — blacks, whites and nudes are de rigueur in Asia and the Middle East.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is Argentina, where brightly colored outfits are the norm for women. Across Latin America and Europe, women are respected for being fashion-forward.
Building relationships
In the U.S. where time is money (and both are often in short supply), business deals are secured overnight. But in most other countries around the globe, business contracts are based on trust that may take weeks to establish. In countries like Dubai, China, Russia and India, each business encounter should be taken as another step forward in building trust with your hosts. Never rush to get a contract signed, and understand that accepting your host's hospitality is but a first stop in a longer relationship.
"Never refuse coffee, water or food from your hosts," says Cynthia Lett, director of Lett Group, a business etiquette consultancy. This is the ultimate sign of disrespect in most of Asia and the Middle East." However, although Asian hosts may offer alcohol, experts say accept it at your own discretion.
Gifting
To show your appreciation, gifts are important when you are traveling overseas. Do the research first, though. American whiskey is revered in China and Japan. But in the Islamic Middle East, and among Muslim hosts in Asia, alcohol is strictly taboo.
Lett advises specifically gifting "Made in America" products, such as intellectual books, music and art. There's even an art to when you can present your hosts with these gifts. In the Middle East and Asia, gifts must always be given at the end of the meeting so they are not regarded as bribes. As you leave, hand the gift to a person of equal status in the other company, but state explicitly the gift is "from my company to your company," so that no one is left out. In Latin America, however, gifts are a great icebreaker and can be given at the start of a meeting.
Timing is everything
Timings vary significantly across the world. Used to getting to a 9 a.m. meeting at 8:45? In the Middle East, your meeting may start well over an hour after it was scheduled. Time is fluid in the Middle East and Latin America, says Lisa La Valle-Finan, intercultural advisor at Get Globalized, an intercultural training business.. What's the best way to get around this? "There is none," she says.
China and India, among other countries, are also known to have "flexible" timings, so take a cue from your host. In this situation, your intermediary is the best person to ask about standard procedure. In contrast, if you're traveling to Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore or the U.K., punctuality is a sign of professionalism.
Kitchen sink customs
But some customs are so country-specific that it is impossible to categorize them. In most of the Islamic Middle East, it's the norm to keep visitors waiting. It is also completely acceptable for your meeting in Dubai to be interrupted because your host needs to sign some papers or take a phone call. This is not considered rude, but an extension of the Middle Eastern custom to mix business with pleasure. It is also acceptable to ask about your host's children, especially sons, but never their wives.
Also, think you can stuff someone's business card in your pocket or toss it into your bag? Think again — this is cultural suicide in Japan and China, where business cards are considered a representation of one's self.
"Offer and receive cards with both hands, and always look at it as if you're studying it carefully," says Marybeth Bond, author of eight travel books for women and the site The Gutsy Traveler. Experts also recommend getting your card translated in the relevant foreign language for your hosts.
Your biggest ally when traveling abroad for business is research — knowing as much as possible about your host country prior to take-off. Unlike when you're a tourist, cultural mistakes are never acceptable when made by business travelers. Leave it to chance or the last minute and your success is guaranteed to be lost in translation.
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THE CHARLES HOTEL
One Bennett Street
Cambridge
Located in the heart of Harvard Square, The Charles Hotel reflects the eclecticism that is Cambridge. An urban oasis, The Charles offers something for everyone who is visiting the Boston area. Their 294 guestrooms have panoramic views of Harvard Square, Cambridge or Boston. All guestrooms are generously appointed with originally commissioned artwork, custom-designed down quilts, Bose Wave® radios, LCD Flat Panel Televisions, DVD players and Séura "in mirror" bathroom televisions.
Guests enjoy amenities including: complimentary wi-fi access; free local and national long distance calling; optional turndown service; and complimentary weekday morning newspaper delivery.
The Charles is home to some of the area's finest restaurants Henrietta's Table and Rialto, a thriving jazz club, The Regattabar; a popular cocktail bar, Noir; and an ice skating rink during the winter months.
The Charles Hotel is the Smart Place to Stay in Harvard Square.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferrred Hotel Partners Program rate at The Charles Hotel is $289 through June 27, 2010 (compared to a corporate rate of $319).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
HYATT REGENCY CENTURY PLAZA
2025 Avenue of the Stars
Los Angeles
The landmark Century Plaza hotel is one of Hyatt Hotel Corporation's newest properties. The 726-room hotel is located in Century City, on Los Angeles' chic Westside. Set amidst seven acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza is the ideal location to experience the sights of this vibrant city.
The Hyatt Regency Century Plaza offers a number of amenities designed with the business traveler in mind, including high-speed Internet access in every guest room and meeting room, and an international business center. Additionally, a $30 million renovation is underway featuring newly renovated deluxe accommodations, with private balconies and sweeping views of the Los Angeles skyline and the Pacific Ocean.
Three floors are devoted to Regency Club guest accommodations, and a one-of-a-kind, ground level, Regency Club lounge.
To help weary travelers reduce the stress at the end of a busy day, the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza adds Equinox Fitness Club + Spa to its long list of amenities. Having just opened in February, Equinox Century City offers premium services the hotel's guests expect, with a professional team of therapists, aestheticians and on-site personal trainers. Pampering massages, from traditional to unique, body treatments, beauty salon, fitness center and group classes will be housed in a newly renovated $4.5 million setting. Guests will find themselves centrally located to world renowned shopping, vibrant nightlife and restaurants, and an abundance of entertainment opportunities, all perfect to entertain or help the business traveler to unwind after a long day.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferrred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza is $280 and includes complimentary internet, full buffet breakfast, free local and national calls, bottled water and pressing of one garment (compared to a corporate rate of $330).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
OMNI WILLIAM PENN
530 William Penn Place
Pittsburgh
With a blend of classic sophistication and modern elegance, the renowned Omni William Penn has served as Pittsburgh's premier hotel since 1916.
Guests from around the world have been captivated by the opulence, striking beauty and charming presence of this Historic Landmark. With recent restoration, the enchanting hotel continues to cater to business travelers well into the 21st century.
Located in the heart of the downtown business district, and just two blocks from the courthouse, travelers enjoy: complimentary high-speed wireless internet access, 24-hour room service, in-room coffee maker, 4 dining options plus a Starbucks off of the main lobby, and the new and expanded 24-hour Fitness Center which is for the exclusive and complimentary use of hotel guests.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferrred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Omni William Penn is $174 (compared to a corporate rate of $269).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
PENINSULA NEW YORK
700 Fifth Avenue
New York City
In its ongoing quest to exceed guests' expectations, The Peninsula New York continues its renovation project with the refurbishment of its guestrooms and suites. The guestrooms and suites have recently received an updated look, with new furniture, linens, carpet and drapery. Devised by The Peninsula Hotels' Hong Kong-based design team, the new decor features a color palette of soft gray, taupe, and gold, which exude a unique blend of tranquility and modernity. Crisp new bed linens by the luxury French linen house, D. Porthault, present an inviting and intimate environment. The property's spacious suites feature new furniture in the living room, with supple leather chairs, sofas that convert to full-size beds, and subtle accent colors of blue, gray and green. All guestrooms and suites take into consideration the business traveler's needs, offering new oversized desks that are equipped with a combination printer, fax, and copier.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferrred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Peninsula New York is $590 through April 30, 2010 (compared to a corporate rate of $670).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
ROSEWOOD MANSION ON TURTLE CREEK
2821 Turtle Creek Boulevard
Dallas
Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, The Most Celebrated Hotel in Texas.
Dallas' Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek has spent three decades as a trendsetter in the hotel industry, and it's ushering in the new decade as a fore-runner in style and design.
In its 30th birthday year, the Mansion debuts a dramatically redesigned property that sets the standard for hospitality.
The hotel's 143 newly appointed rooms and suites and restyled lobby were recently unveiled.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferrred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek is $215 with complimentary high speed internet access (compared to a corporate rate of $275).*
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* All rates are subject to availability.
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