On the Go – June 16, 2022

Industry News – Click on the title to read the full article. Many of the sources below require a free registration to gain access to the article. If a paid registration is required, the individual source will be noted.

Airlines

Delta Opens Renovated Nashville SkyClub (Source: TravelPulse)
Air Lines has unveiled its newly renovated Sky Club at Nashville International Airport. It is four times the size of the old club and offers views of the airfield as well as upgraded seating and food service.

General Interest

Canada Drops Vaccine Mandate For Air Passengers (Source: CTV News)
The Canadian government will allow unvaccinated passengers to board passenger flights as of June 20, but unvaccinated travelers will still be required to quarantine when returning from international destinations. The government is also dropping COVID-19 vaccination requirements for transportation workers, but passengers on aircraft are still required to wear masks.

Security

TSA Tests AI Application For Baggage Screening (Source: Airport World)
The Transportation Security Administration is testing a screening system that uses artificial intelligence and pattern analysis to improve screening of carry-on baggage. “As TSA and other security agencies adopt 3D Computed Tomography, this application of AI represents a potentially transformative leap in aviation security, making air travel safer and more consistent, while allowing TSA’s highly trained officers to focus on bags that pose the greatest risk,” said Alexis Long, product director at Pangiam, which developed the technology.

Airports

Tennessee Airport Shares $1.4B Plan For Upgrades, Expansion (Source: The Associated Press)
Nashville International Airport in Tennessee has shared an improvement and expansion plan for two concourses, a new air freight building, terminal roadway improvements and other upgrades for travelers. The plan is expected to add $1.4 billion to the airport’s BNA Vision program and will be phased in over the next six years, with scheduled completion in late 2028.

Hotels

Choice Hotels Buys Radisson Americas For $675 Million (Source: Travel Market Report)
Choice Hotels International on Monday announced it had reached a deal to buy Radisson Hotel Group Americas for $675 million. The deal will see Radisson’s nine hotel brands go under the Choice Hotels banner, adding a total of 624 hotels and 68,000 rooms to Choice’s portfolio. Choice will now independently own and control all of Radisson America’s brands, including Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson Individuals, the Park Plaza hotel, Radisson RED hotels, and more.

First Hyatt Place Hotel in Montreal Celebrates Grand Opening (Source: Open Jaw Brief)
Montreal’s first Hyatt Place hotel is pet-friendly and is located near the Village, one of Montreal’s most diverse and colorful neighborhoods, close to the city’s Quartier des Spectacles.

In Atlanta, a Midtown Meeting Hotel Rebrands (Source: MeetingsNet)
W Hotel Midtown, which opened in Atlanta in 2009, changed hands last year and was briefly known has Hotel Midtown. Now the property has unveiled a new name, The Starling Atlanta Midtown, as well as its move from the Marriott International brand to its membership in Hilton’s Curio Collection.

New Orleans’ New And Renovated Boutique Hotels (Source: Travel Weekly)
The pandemic did not stop hotel development in New Orleans, which saw at least 13 new properties open in 2020 and 2021 and into this year.  Big names include the city’s first Four Seasons-branded property, with more than 300 rooms, the 200-key Virgin Hotels New Orleans and the 202-room Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, which all opened in 2021.

Ground Transportation

IRS Hikes 2022 Tax-Deductible Mileage Rate (Source: Business Travel News)
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service for the last six months of 2022 will increase by four cents per mile the standard rate used to calculate the deductible costs of operating a car, van, pickup or panel truck for business purposes to 62.5 cents per mile, it announced late last week. Many companies use the standard rate to calculate reimbursements for employees who use personal vehicles for business.

Leisure Travel

The 26 Most Beautiful Places in Canada (Source: SmarterTravel)
North America is filled with wondrous places to visit, and the Great White North is blessed with endless beauty. It comes in many varieties, from unspoiled wilderness to urban splendor. From outdoor adventures, leisurely beaches, camping, or simply stunning views, the beauty of Canada provides something for everyone. The following 26 places take the prize for being the most beautiful places in Canada, with at least one stunning destination in each province and territory.

Digging The Deep-Dish And Architecture On Chicago Tour (Source: Travel Weekly)
While most cruisers might not realize they can start or end cruises in Chicago, American Queen Voyages has staked its claim on the city as a homeport for both its river and Great Lakes ships.  In fact, American Queen is the only major river cruise operator with cruises that launch from the Windy City, with a nine-day Chicago (Ottawa, Ill.) to St. Louis (Alton, Ill.) and reverse itinerary on the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. The sailing, on the American Countess, kicks off with a precruise hotel stay in Chicago and offers guests the chance to add on a three-day City Stay Package that includes accommodations at the Sheraton Grand, a driving tour of Chicago and additional sightseeing opportunities.