March 2015
In This Issue
Concur Fusion 2015
International Health Risks
5 New Hotel Trends for Business Travelers
Industry Snippets

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Join Us at Concur Fusion 2015!
Concur Fusion | San Francisco | March 31 - April 3, 2015

Join Travel Incorporated at Concur Fusion 2015 in San Francisco. Fusion 2015 is Concur's premier client event, where Concur clients, partners and staff connect, collaborate and inspire. As your trusted travel adviser, we help you maximize your Concur Travel solution, but if you are also looking to maximize the value of your expense integrated solution, Fusion 2015 is definitely the place to be!  

Why should I attend Concur Fusion? See the list of 5 reasons to justify your trip to Concur Fusion. 

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Connect with us during Fusion by Tweeting us @TIFusion2015 or Check Out our Facebook & LinkedIn Page! Get excited about Fusion!
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International Health Risk Warns Travelers of Health Risk Options 

As a road warrior, if you spend enough time traveling, getting sick can happen. At best, you might just eat the wrong thing or get more than a mouthful of shower water; at worst, your appendix picks a terrible time to explode or you're involved in some kind of accident. That's where this map comes in.

International SOS, an organization that provides medical and security information to multinational corporations, has released an International Health Risk map, which ranks the world's countries by the availability and effectiveness of their emergency medical and dental care. They place each country into low-, medium- and high-risk categories by assessing a range of factors including:
  • The standard of local medical and dental care available
  • Access to prescription drugs
  • Presence of serious infections diseases
  • Cultural, language and administrative barriers
The organization does acknowledge that larger countries like India, China, Brazil and Russia are difficult to categorize, as medical care and facilities vary greatly from the cities to the more rural areas. In urban areas, travelers may have a selection of care providers and access to medication but may be faced with limited options and possible counterfeit drugs outside the major cities.

Although this is an interesting visualization, the findings don't seem terribly surprising. Some more adventurous leisure travelers might raise an eyebrow to find semi-popular destinations like Mexico, Morocco and Thailand in the Medium Risk categories. That knowledge might make some who travel for kicks more vigilant or prompt them to do a little more research before they reach their final destinations.

Would you want to know if your travelers are booked to some of these countries? Ask us about WatchGuard - A proprietary interactive map that will proactively search for those scheduled to travel in areas that you deem to be high risk and will trigger an alert to the risk manager if the individuals book travel outside those pre-defined safe zones. 
5 New Hotel Trends Business Travelers Need to Know About 
Huffington Post 

As a serial business traveler, most are on the road the majority of the year, checking in and out of hotels, getting in work wherever they can, as quickly as they can. Hotels are recognizing these unique and challenging needs. Because while most travelers like to stay connected while on the road, this is an absolute necessity for business travelers. And while packing is always important, it can be especially important during a long business trip. These growing hotel trends are here to save the day (or more likely your entire trip!).

1) Workspaces on demand. Our need to work when, where and how we want - and to take advantage of the "sharing economy," where it is easier to access an asset than to own it - has now created a number of new entries into the office real estate market. Marriott's Workspace on Demand allows the travelers to reserve a table, desk or boardroom in just a few clicks. Public spaces are typically free to rent for the hour or full day, and boardrooms will typically cost you a rental fee. The growing number of companies committed to re-imagining workspace include LiquidSpace, WeWork, Neuehouse, all of which offer open, collaborative co-working spaces, complete with on-site amenities and frequent networking opportunities to inspire collaboration, innovation and creativity.
2) Free Wi-Fi. Internet activity has now become an integral part of a business traveler's life. Major hotel brands are just now getting on board with this concept. Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, Starwood, and InterContinental Hotels are just some the hotels offer complimentary Wi-Fi packages as part of their hotel stay. 
3) USB Plugs. Properties like Le M�ridien and Hampton Inn are part of the pack of hotels leading this concept with their abundance of regular and USB plugs to meet the overwhelming charging demands of guests these days. With laptops, smartphones, tablets and more, the need for several bedside plugs has become greater than ever. These days, there is no such thing as too many electrical plugs.
4) Running Shoes and Workout Clothing Rentals. Westin has partnered with New Balance to offer guests running shoes and workout clothes for rent for only $5 for the length of their stay. That's right, only $5, no matter if you're staying for only one day or ten. This is great not only because it's a huge space saver when packing, but a workout is a great way to recharge your mind and body to keep you on your A-game while on the road.
5) Healthy Vending Machines and on the go Healthy Options. Marriott asked its guests what they wanted most, and then delivered just that. One traveler inspired Marriott to start testing out healthy vending machines in certain locations and it has sparked a trend. The vending machines offer prepackaged salads and sides -- perfect for busy business travelers on a budget and on the go.
Industry Snippets

Visa Needed for US Citizens Entering Venezuela 

Effective immediately, all United States citizens traveling to Venezuela requires a valid visa. Please note that visas are not being issued upon arrival, they must be obtained prior to departure.  You will be denied boarding by the airlines without a visa.  Travelers to Venezuela are encouraged to check with your travel consultant , the U.S. Department of State and the Venezuelan embassy or consulate for the latest information and requirements.

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Delta Tests 20 Minute Guarantee for Checked Bags 

Delta Air Lines between now and March 31, 2015 is testing a program that will reward you with 2,500 Delta SkyMiles if your checked bag isn't on the luggage carousel within 20 minutes of your flight's arrival. Customers whose bags are slow to get to the carousel must fill out an online form at Delta's website to receive the miles. Delta will check the details and award the 2,500 miles once it confirms a customer's eligibility. The guarantee covers all itineraries where a traveler's last leg is a domestic flight - including those operated by Delta's regional Delta Connection affiliates. Delta will use the information from the trial period to evaluate if - or how - such a guarantee would be implemented on a permanent basis.

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National Car Rental Locations Expanded 

Enterprise Holdings regained the right to operate the National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands in Europe following the termination of the Master License Agreement with Europcar. This completes the full transition of these brands to the Enterprise Holdings global portfolio and enables the company to develop an even more comprehensive strategy to serve the needs of car rental customers throughout Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Through a Drive Alliance partnership with Enterprise Rent-A-Car, customers can now fulfill National Car Rental reservations at Enterprise locations in France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, and Spain, and receive negotiated contract benefits and earn Emerald Club rewards*. National customers can reserve their car through their normal booking channels. The next phase of European openings will be announced soon. Click Here to learn more. 
 


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