From reactive hotel rooms to alternative commutes, we identify the business travel trends you need to know about for the year ahead.
EXPERIENTIAL REWARDS
Hotel loyalty is moving away from rewards in the form of room upgrades and free stays to money-can’t-buy experiences and hyperpersonal gifts. Small Luxury Hotels of the World, for example, redesigned its loyalty scheme in September, renaming it “Invited” and introducing preferential treatment to elite members in the form of birthday gifts and invitation-only events.
Inter Continental Hotels Group, meanwhile, has joined forces with OpenTable (an online restaurant-reservation service) and Grubhub (online food ordering company) to allow guests to earn and redeem points on meals in restaurants. Global Hotel Alliance’s Discovery programme offers “local experience” rewards for Platinum and Black members, such as seabob snorkelling in the Maldives or scenic cycle rides around Bali. The scheme also applies to Kempinski hotels. The hotel group says: “Whether it’s a rare elephant ride in the jungle, a private tour of a Geneva watch factory usually closed to the public, a traditional Adumu dance with Maasai warriors in Kenya, or a tour of Malta’s presidential palace and gardens, these experiences present the best of local gastronomy, culture and craftsmanship.”
​FACIAL RECOGNITION
The iPhone X isn’t the only employer of facial recognition as a means of identification and added security. Airports and airlines are increasingly integrating the technology into their biometric boarding and immigration systems to help reduce queues, paperwork and the required staffing levels on checkpoints. While you may be anxious that this undermines your privacy, there is no way to turn the tide, so you may as well accept the benefits of a less stressful journey through the terminal as recompense.
This story is from the April 2018 edition of Business Traveller India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2018 edition of Business Traveller India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Jewel Of Rajasthan
Exploring the royal history, heritage, and timeless beauty of Jaipur
Salathip Thai Restaurant at Shangri-La Bangkok
Nestled along the banks of the majestic Chao Phraya River lies Salathip Thai Restaurant, a culinary gem offering a quintessential Thai dining experience.
Roganic Hong Kong
Roganic Hong Kong a culinary gem, a labour of love by Chef and restaurateur Simon Rogan, is ensconced in the vibrant heart of Causeway Bay.
The Legacy House at Rosewood Hong Kong
The Legacy House stands as a flagship Cantonese restaurant cocooned within the prestigious Rosewood Hong Kong.
Azerbaijan Unveiled
Business Traveller India speaks to Florina Sengstschmid, CEO of Azerbaijan Tourism to understand the tourism board's plans, growth trajectory and more
AUGMENTED ESCAPES
The Metamorphosis of Travel: Augmented Reality's Reign in Tourism
Why airline alliances work for global travellers
From smoother journeys to frequent flyer perks, airline alliances offer benefits to all
Frankfurt Airport Marriott Hotel
Opened in 1975 as the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Centre with 555 rooms, expanded in 1984 and 1988, reaching 1,050 rooms.
Sipping SUNSHINE
Cool Summer Cocktails to Beat the Heat
TURKISH Tales
Business Traveller India went on a captivating journey through the vibrant streets of Istanbul to the serene shores of Antalya, delving deep into the intriguing fusion of tradition and modernity that defines these enchanting destinations in the majestical land of Türkiye