October 24, 2024

News to Know

Hotel Direct Booking Rates Stabilize With Mobile Gaining Share, Report Says
(SOURCE: PHOCUSWIRE)

Coveted direct bookings are ticking up compared to pre-pandemic numbers - but they’re not rising as quickly as predicted earlier this year - mobile is an increasingly important channel for bookings and artificial intelligence is an in-demand tool among hospitality providers.

These are just a few of the takeaways from H2c’s latest study “The Hotel Direct Booking Acceleration,” publishing October 30. The research offers insights on technology and strategy tied to the future of direct bookings.

AVIATION

X Commits to Addressing Indian Airlines’ Bomb Threats (AAJ)

Southwest Airlines' Open Seating to End as It Looks to Lift Earnings (REUTERS)

Etihad to Lose Australian Codeshare in Proposed Virgin and Qatar Airways Deal (AEROTIME)

SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainability to the Test: Alaska Airlines Tries Out Reusable Cups Inflight (SIMPLE FLYING)

HOSPITALITY

Dubai has 19,200 New Hotel Rooms in Pipeline as Investors Eye Tourism Boom (ARABIAN BUSINESS)

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Finalrentals Adds Qatar Location to Middle East Area Network (AUTO RENTAL NEWS)

Flexter Extends Reach Throughout the U.K. and U.S. (AUTO RENTAL NEWS)

Industry Spotlight

GBTA Convention 2025
Call for Proposals Is Open

Deadline for submission is December 18, 2024

GBTA is seeking industry professionals to contribute new ideas, solutions, and innovations for current issues and challenges that confront the travel industry. With your unique perspective and insight, we can continue to deliver the best education on the topics most relevant to business travel.

Start your brainstorming and building your proposal using the Submission Worksheet as a collaboration tool with relevant contributors.

Submit a Proposal

Helpful Links:

• Questions? Check out the FAQs
• Start Creating Your Proposal Now: Submission Worksheet
• Review the Submission Portal

Resources

Crisis24 Intelligence Brief

Asia - TS Trami tracking west-northwestward in the South China Sea Oct. 24 after passing over Luzon, Philippines. Disruptions ongoing.

Australia - Unionized Qantas engineers striking at airports across Australia Oct. 23. Flight disruptions possible.

India - Tight security likely at airports in India through at least mid-November after publicized threat. Air India flight disruptions likely.

Turkiye - Authorities continue response to attack at Turkish Aerospace Industries in Ankara, Turkiye, Oct. 23. At least three dead, 14 injured.

United Kingdom - Unionized Tube staff plan series of work stoppages and overtime strikes in London, UK, Nov. 1-8. Transport disruptions likely.

More Information

Upcoming Events

GBTA WINiT Summit 2024
Today, October 24

GBTA +VDR Conference 2024 in Partnership with the Nordic Business Travel Associations | Copenhagen
November 4 - 6

GBTA Project Crew and Team Travel Summit 2024 | Houston
November 18 - 19

View More Events

Booking and sourcing sessions announced! 🚨

Are you ready for two stellar sessions to supercharge your processes? On November 19th, #PCTT24 is helping you enhance your organization's preparedness and efficiency in managing employee accommodations...

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GBTA Career Spotlight

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Use the GBTA Career Center to post your business travel job openings and access thousands of qualified industry professionals looking to make their next career move.

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