Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Business Traveler - March 2016 - Business Traveler
Business Traveler - March 2016 - Business Traveler
Access Granted
Getting Visas right
Peak Performance
$4.95
lifestyle
Kimpton_GBP_Print-Ad_7.5x10.indd 1
7/2/15 4:42 PM
n Inside
March 2016
On The Cover
30 Whats Not To Like
In a mobile society where everyones
attention is turning to social media,
travel is making the most of it
Special Reports
16 Access Granted
Your travel plans are confirmed but
you wont be going anywhere unless
you have the right visa
Destinations
12 Peak Performance
Taiwan offers visitors stunning nature,
21st century transport options and
wonderful food
30
24 Enterprising Bogot
Colombias capital city is a place with
a purpose, finding new gold as Latin
Americas hub for business
Departments
08 Upfront
One on One with Dianna Vaughan,
global head of Curio, a Collection
by Hilton. DHS extends Real ID
deadline. Commune and Destination
Hotels merge.
28 Loyalty Update
Airline and hotel rewards programs
news and promotions
24
lifestyle
Group Publisher
Jerry Allison (973) 839-6200
JAllison@businesstravelerusa.com
Principal/Chief Content Officer
Ross Atkinson (703) 395-7145
RAtkinson@businesstravelerusa.com
Subscriptions (973) 839-0620
subscriptions@businesstravelerusa.com
Advertising Sales (973) 839-6200
advertising@businesstravelerusa.com
Jim McGinley (818) 712-0672
Mike Shevlin (847) 749-0168
Editorial Director
Dan Booth (336) 766-1961
editorial@businesstravelerusa.com
Editorial Assistant Ralf Walters
Contributors
Marisa Cannon
Steve Dineen
Rose Dykins
Dominic Ellis
Lark Gould
Clement Huang
Alex McWirter
Tom Otley
Ramsey Qubein
Jenny Southan
52
36 Lifestyle News
Destination Hotels teams with Tesla.
AAA adds to 5-Diamond list. Bleisure
takes off. Burj al Arab gets decked out
50 The Scene
We round up some top events in the
upcoming months.
Fit for Flight Upgrad to
58 World Wise
42 Gathering Places
52 Escape To
48 Technology of Things
Top Travel Tech From pocket printers to smart chargers, you can go far
with handy add-ons for your gadgets
48
EXTRAORDINARY
n Talking Point
Papers, Please
The right documents smooth the way for your
international travels. Dont leave home without them
Dan Booth
Editorial Director
Keep In Touch
Stay Informed: sign up for the Business Traveler
weekly newsletter at www.businesstravelerusa.com
6 n March 2016
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2015 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sheraton and its logo are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.
Words.
Anyone can say them.
But actions.
They speak louder.
At Sheraton,
Were opening our doors to this philosophy.
With big things.
Small things.
Why didnt anyone think of that before things.
Changes youll feel from the lobby up.
All around the world.
But dont take our word for it.
Come stay.
In Latin America and the Caribbean: ARGENTINA: Buenos Aires (2), Iguazu, Cordoba, Mar del Plata, Mendoza,
Pilar, Salta, Tucuman; BRAZIL: Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro (2), Salvador da Bahia, Sao Paulo, Vitoria;
CHILE: Santiago, Vina del Mar; COLOMBIA: Bogota, Cartagena (2016); COSTA RICA: San Jose; DOMINICAN
REPUBLIC: Santo Domingo; ECUADOR: Guayaquil, Quito; EL SALVADOR: San Salvador; MEXICO: Los Cabos,
Mexico City, Monterrey, Puerto Vallarta, Santa Fe, Chihuahua (Dec. 2015); PANAMA: Bijao, Panama City;
PARAGUAY: Asuncion; PERU: Lima; PUERTO RICO: San Juan de Puerto Rico (2); URUGUAY: Colonia, Montevideo.
n Upfront
on
ONE
N
E
DHS EXTENDS
REAL ID
DEADLINE TO 2018
Rare Finds
Dianna Vaughan, SVP and global head of
Hiltons Curio Collection, is gathering
independent gems for business travelers
Secretary of Homeland
Security Jeh C. Johnson
has announced a new
deadline for implementing
the Real ID Act which sets
requirements for a more secure
Federally-approved form of
identification. The act was
passed in 2005, but fewer than
half the states have actually
complied fully with the new
rules that are in place.
Originally the rule was to
have gone into effect in phases
beginning Jan. 1 of this year.
However the new timeline
announced by Johnson has
a firm final deadline for full
Real ID compliance of Jan. 22,
2018. This gives non-compliant
states two additional years to
implement their ID plans.
Implementation of the
law has been delayed by an
assortment of interests ranging
from states rights groups,
who maintain the Real ID
requirements amount to a
national ID card, to the ACLU
which is concerned that the
new IDs may be harder to
obtain, thereby limiting access
to some government services.
The extension means
that, for the present, travel
is unlikely to be affected by
Real ID as states work toward
implementing the new rules. To
learn the status of each states
compliance, visit dhs.gov/realid-enforcement-brief.
Visit businesstravelerusa.com
Upfront n
POLL
Setting aside business
travel, how many trips
in 2016 are or include
personal travel?
1-3
29%
3-5
28%
more than 5
43%
Visit businesstravelerusa.com
Southwest Launches
Updated Mobile
App For iOS
Southwest Airlines
has released
an update to its
iOS mobile app
available now in
Apples App Store
for iPhone. The
all-new app offers a faster and
more streamlined interface, to
give customers an enhanced
mobile experience on iPhone.
In addition to browsing and
booking flights, Southwest
customers may also book
rental cars, access upcoming
trip information, and save
boarding passes to Apple
Wallet from within the app.
The app also integrates with a
users Rapid Rewards account.
The apps new look and feel
adds to the redesigned user
experience and helps make
everything from browsing
flights, to checking in, to day
of travel easier,said LeighAnn
Davis, Southwest Airlines
senior director of digital
marketing.
To download the app visit
Southwest.com.
n Upfront
PROPERTY PIPELINE
AND OPENINGS
n SFO Plans Grand
Hyatt Hyatt Hotels and
San Francisco International
Airport have officially
announced an agreement
to brand and manage a
350-room Grand Hyatt
hotel located on the airport
grounds. The hotel will have
approximately 350 rooms
and is anticipated to open in
mid-2019.
Visit hyatt.com.
n Omni Breaks Ground
in Louisville Work is
underway on the new
30-story Omni Louisville
Hotel, which is set to open
in early 2018. The hotel will
feature 612 guestrooms and
suites topped by 225 luxury
apartments.
Visit omnihotels.com.
n Starwoods Luxury
Collection to Open First
Tokyo Hotel Starwood
Hotels and Resorts Luxury
Collection brand will open
its first hotel in Tokyo in July
this year. The 250-room
Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho
will be located on the 30th
to 36th floors of the mixeduse Tokyo Garden Terrace
development.
Visit starwoodhotels.com.
n Renaissance New
York Midtown Sets 2016
Opening Marriott has
scheduled Spring 2016 as
the opening for New Yorks
first digitally enhanced
hotel, the 348-room
Renaissance New York
Midtown Hotel.
Visit renaissance-hotels.
marriott.com.
n Kimpton Heads to
Amsterdam The current
Crowne Plaza Amsterdam
City Center is scheduled to
undergo a full renovation
and open in 2017 as a new
270-room Kimpton hotel,
Kimptons first international
property.
Visit kimptonhotels.com.
10 n March 2016
FOUR POINTS
PREMIERES IN
DOWNTOWN
MANHATTAN
Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Worldwide has announced the
opening of Four Points New
York Downtown, the brands
fourth hotel in Manhattan. The
property is located at 6 Platt
Street in New Yorks Financial
District near Wall Street and
the New York Stock Exchange.
The hotel offers 261 guest
rooms, 2,000 square feet of
meeting facilities and fullservice dining. Amenities
include a 24-hour fitness
center, a business center, free
WiFi throughout the hotel and
a rooftop lounge.
For details visit
starwoodhotels.com.
United Now
Offers Alipay
in the Chinese
Market
United Airlines has added
Alipay to their United.com
Chinese language website.
Alipay is the largest online
payment platform in China
with over 400 million
registered users.
We are very pleased to
partner with United and
help them make online
booking from China a
hassle free experience, said
Jingming Li, president and
chief architect of Alipays
parent in the Americas.By
enabling the option to use
Chinas most trusted and
secure payment system,
Chinese travelers using
Uniteds website can expect
the safe, easy and consistent
experience they have come
to expect, while avoiding any
currency barriers.
Visit united.com for
details. BT
Visit businesstravelerusa.com
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Pride of Taiwan
China Airlines new B777-300ER has won awards for all of its cabins and represents
Taiwans design and aesthetic at its best
n www.china-airlines.com
n Destinations
Peak
Performance
Taiwan is a country with stunning nature, 21st century
transport options and wonderful food
By Dominic Ellis
12 n March 2016
Visit businesstravelerusa.com
Destinations n
Courting Travelers
The opening night buffet at the Regent
Taipei was a culinary showcase serving
every imaginable Asian cuisine (ditto
the breakfast) and my chunky room key
was a refreshing throwback to pre-digital
times. My 14th floor room had a view
of the landmark Taipei 101 with its apex
illuminated light green at night.
Not that its really worth dwelling on
the outside the joy is traveling up and
down inside in an ear-popping 48 seconds
and gazing out from the 1,670-foot-high
building. Time your ascent at sunset for
the best terrace views but be prepared for
queues, particularly coming down.
We drove a short distance out of the city
to Yangmingshan National Park (one of
nine countrywide) where I lost count of the
butterflies and dragonflies, unquestionably
the largest and most colorful Ive ever seen,
and heard insects trying to out-sing each
other. Later that evening, we ate dinner
in the wonderful Marshal Zen Garden
where the influential military leader
Marshal Zhang Xueliang was confined
to house arrest for 26 years following the
Chinese Civil War.
Targeting MICE
The 320-room Taipei
Marriott received its first
guests in August 2015
and visiting business
travelers shouldnt
have too many
problems finding it
as its near the Ferris
Wheel.
Guest floors are
located on the sixth
to 18th floors and the
hotel is positioning
Main picture: Silks Place Taroko
Right: Taipei 101
March 2016 n 13
n Destinations
Fast-track Lifestyles
We caught the high-speed rail to Chiayi
before driving onto Alishan, and from
Kaohsiung back to Taipei, and in both
instances the journey was so smooth I
barely knew I was traveling.
With generous reclines, more than
your standard economy seat, its about
as comfortable as rail travel can be, and
the trolley coffee was fresh and cheap.
Electronic signs are in Chinese and English,
and when we were told the train would
arrive at the next station at 19 minutes
past, it did. The litter-free stations were
immaculate.
The only surprise omissions were the
lack of any plugs or USB sockets probably
because the journeys are so quick
although I did make use of one of the free
charging units at the stations.
They would be welcome, not least
because mobile digital devices are
ubiquitous; from the hordes unwinding on
the rocky Hualien beach, to the passengers
on the trains, to the scooter drivers near
Taipei 101, some of whom use the down
time at the traffic lights to click and scroll.
On our last night two women behind us in a
Elegance Redefined
The newest China Airlines 777-300ER
n Special Report
16 n March 2016
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Special Report n
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Growth Business
However for some countries the
introduction of visa requirements has
another, more prosaic, motivation: It makes
money for developing countries.
Visas are generally required for upand-coming countries such as the BRICs
[Brazil, Russia, India, China], because
of their natural resources,Wrensch
says.These resources create business
opportunities. People have to travel there
to take advantage of them, and so for
those countries it represents an income
opportunity. They know what theyve got
and they charge people to go there and do
business,he says.
Global travel management consultancy
ATPI has its own in-house visa service.
Nikki Regan, general operations manager
of its London office, points out that visas
are there tolimit any effect business travel
or work permits has on the domestic
internal workforce so it is not damaged by
foreign visits.
She says that because ATPI has had a
client base in oil and gas exploration, it
has a long history of dealing with visas,
Business or Pleasure?
Tourist visas are generally cheaper than
business ones, both to encourage people to
visit the destination and spend money in
n Special Report
15 TOP TIPS
Check the country requirements as soon as your
travel is confirmed
Apply in plenty of time
Carefully read the instructions
Provide the right documentation
Have bank statements for proof of income
Have an employers letter ready
Print invitation from host company
Keep a list of countries youve previously visited
Collate utility bills for proof of residence
Have medical certificates at hand (e.g., yellow fever)
Keep your signature within the box on forms
Enclose the right number of correctly sized photos
Get it before you go, even if you can apply on arrival
Ensure there are two clear pages in your passport
Check it has at least six months validity
connecting flight. They can also enjoy the Sky Pearl VIP
lounge,which is rated the best VIP lounge in China.
OCEAN
of choice
20 n March 2016
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AIRLINE NOTES
n LOT Takes Dreamliner to Tokyo LOT
Polish Airlines has launched a new route
from Warsaw to Tokyo Narita aboard the
Boeing Dreamliner. The flights will operate
three times a week, Wednesday, Friday,
and Sunday, returning Thursday, Saturday
and Monday.
For more information visit lot.com.
n TAM Plans A350 XWB JFK to Sao
Paulo TAM Airlines, part of LATAM
Airlines Group has announced regularly
scheduled service from New Yorks John
F. Kennedy International Airport to So
Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport
onboard the new Airbus A350 XWB will
begin July 23. Initially the flights will be
three times weekly, later moving to a daily
schedule. The A350 XWB is also slated to
start Orlando-So Paulo service in July.
For details visit lan.com.
Once they enter service, the A321 Neo LR and 737 MAX
are set to change the way we cross the Atlantic
their local airport then, by and large, they
had to opt for a single-aisle product.
Until now leaving aside the specialized
all-business class routes that has largely
been the case for regular flights.
But the 757s are getting older (my first
trip on this aircraft type was with BA on
the London-Glasgow shuttle service back
in 1983), and so Airbus and Boeing have
long-haul versions of their popular twinengined short-haul A321s and 737s ready
to enter service in the coming years.
Airbus is proposing the A321 Neo LR
(Neostanding fornew engine option,
LR for long range). This can carry up to 240
passengers in a one-class layout on a long
flight, although it would accommodate
fewer passengers on a two-class transAtlantic mission.
Boeing has developed the 737 MAX,
which is yet another development of
the aircraft that first entered service with
Lufthansa in 1968. Seat capacity is about
200 but the actual number will depend on
individual airline configurations.
The 737 MAX made its maiden flight in
January, and its expected to go into service
in 2017. Budget airline Norwegian has put
in its order for a huge fleet of 100, which
will enable it to operate between the UK,
Visit businesstravelerusa.com
AIRPORT REPORT
n MSP Tops 2015 US Airport On-time Performance OAG has released the results
of its OAG Punctuality League 2015, the annual ranking of on-time performance for
the worlds airports and airlines. The report found that among large airports in North
American, Minneapolis-St. Paul International finished with the best on-time performance.
MSP came in fourth across the globe.
Salt Lake City International Airport finished fifth in the mid-sized airports category
globally. Chicago OHare was the most improved airport in North America and the
eighth-most improved in the world, with its on-time performance jumping from 71.4
percent in 2014 to 78.3 percent last year. Japan dominates the global airport categories,
with Osaka International rated as the top small airport and Tokyo International as the top
large airport.
Among North American air carriers, the leading performer was Hawaiian Airlines
with an average OTP of 89.1 percent. All three major US carriers ranked in the Top 10,
with Delta topping that sector at an average OTP of 84.5 percent (4th place), American
Airlines at 80.1 percent (7th), and United Airlines finishing at 79 percent (9th). Among
low-cost carriers, Southwest and JetBlue finished in the top 10 in North America, with an
average of 82.1 percent and 78.3 percent on-time performance respectively.
n Avianca Opens New Lounge at Miami Avianca has opened their newest lounge
at Miami International Airport. The lounge, operated by Global Lounge, is located in
Terminal J near boarding gate 12B. It serves Business Class passengers, LifeMiles Elite
members, and Star Alliance Gold and Priority Pass cardholders. Hours are from 3:00 AM
to 9:00 PM.
The lounge offers snack services, a coffee station, a menu of light meals, appetizers,
alcoholic and soft drinks and Internet. There are areas for different functions from work
to reading to entertainment to dining and a special area designed for kids.
The 6,000-square-foot space is able to serve 220 passengers at a time. Find out more
information at avianca.com.
n Dedicated Business Class Concourse Opens at Toronto Air Canada is offering a
dedicated concourse to expedite check-in and offer concierge services for its Business
Class customers at Torontos Pearson Airport.
The facility is equipped with 15 check-in counters, two customer service desks two
self-service kiosks and a dedicated seating area. Its located in the former Aisle 1 on the
departure level at Toronto Pearson.
The area is available to all Air Canada Business Class, Premium Economy and
Premium rouge customers, Altitude Elite 50K and higher members, and Star Alliance
Gold members.
Visit aircanada.com for details.
22 n March 2016
n Destinations
24 n March 2016
Enterprising
Bogot
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Destinations n
Betting on Business
Visit businesstravelerusa.com
High Expectations
Industry growth has been accompanied by
a palpable tourism boom. According to the
countrys Ministry of Commerce, Industry
and Tourism (MICT), an all-time high 3.7
million foreign travelers visited Colombia
in 2013, sparking a spate of interest from
the international hospitality industry.
Latest figures from 2014 show tourism
arrivals topping four million and cruise
passenger landings edging toward 500,000.
This has, perhaps, been the most
interesting to us,says Restrepo of the
cruise landings,because for most of these
visitors it will be their first time in this
country and we are seeing with regularity
that 15-20 percent of these people return.
And Bogot is ready, says Claudia Davila,
director of tourism for ProColombia.
The Corferias International Business
and Exposition Centre has conference
rooms and auditoriums but also offers
a multifunctional hall measuring nearly
162,000 square feet. To this Bogot
is adding the construction of a new
International Centre, measuring 78,000
square feet with a capacity of 4,000 people.
The new expo venue is targeting 2017 for
completion.
Bogota is a great destination for
meetings and events and we have been
working hard to get to this place, says
Davila.Our DMC operators are well
trained to run on American time. We
have the hotel standards expected and
rooms needed and we have great places
to hold those amazing events the Botero
Museum, the Gold Museum, even the
Salt Cathedral. There are cooking classes
March 2016 n 25
IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK
n Destinations
2
01
5B
EST
I N B U S IN E S S T
R AV
EL
n Loyalty
WHILE IT LASTS...
n Enterprise Plus Your Points Rolls On Customers earn
double points on qualifying rentals, with more bonus point offers
planned through July 31. Points are redeemable for free rental
days in any available vehicle at participating Enterprise locations
worldwide. Register at PlusYourPoint.Enterprise.com. Customers
registered last year will be pre-registered for this promotion.
28 n March 2016
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be privileged. be one.
Introducing new oneworld
benefits. oneworld Emerald and
Sapphire frequent flyer members
both now enjoy additional
baggage allowances on all
oneworld airlines - and their
baggage also receives priority
handling from aircraft to carousel.
Learn more at
oneworld.com/benefits
n Cover Story
Whats Not to
Like?
30 n March 2016
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Cover Story n
of emojis was a logical next step, the perfect new wave of guest
voice my frustration. A minute later, my phone buzzes with a reply;
communications.
someone in the lounge offers to guest me in since I have a long
Hyatt has launched a program that allows guests to Facebook
wait. Score!
message a hotel to make a request (perhaps to arrange a late
Everyone and their grandmother seems to be connected via
check-in) or ask a question (nearby restaurant reservations, for
social media these days. We live in a mobile society, one in which
example). A speedy response is assured thanks to the brands
the lack of being looped into the universe via a smartphone can
global control room.Many travel brands rely on a multi-person
almost be painful. So it comes as no surprise that travel companies
team (for Hyatt that means 60 people in three
have embraced the trend to
locations) to monitor and address social media
find ways to connect and
Travelers rely on feedback from
concerns and requests at all hours.
engage with customers
both past and potential.
other travelers, but also on the online Uber is testing a plan that allows people to
request a ride via Facebook Messenger. Chat
There is no guidebook for
personality of a travel brand
apps like Facebook and WeChat (used mostly
how travel companies should
overseas) are catching on with consumers and
connect with consumers.
providing a more direct communication link.
It all comes down to internal resources and know-how. The most
Companies should tread carefully, however, to avoid bombarding
active brands invest in a dedicated staff focused on connecting with
followers on social media with advertising messages. Online
consumers online and socializing the brand.
connections should feel genuine and create a sense of goodwill,
Social media forms a core part of how travel companies build
otherwise it runs the risk of crossing over into advertising.
and sustain brand images and customer relationships,according
Travel brands should carefully navigate that fine line and remain
to Henry Harteveldt, founder of Atmosphere Research Group.
authentic, as Harteveldt suggests. Social media is just that: Media.
Harteveldt says travel brands that succeed on social media find
It plays a role, just as offline advertising, online advertising, search
their own way to be creative, relevant, responsive and, most
engine marketing, and other types of media play roles for a travel
importantly, authentic.
brand in its various marketing communications. Its important for
The way the consumer experiences and understands a brand is
brands to respect that boundary if they want to succeed.
the result of its online communication, which can lead to increased
revenue down the road.
n Cover Story
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March 2016 n 33
36 News
38 A Toast to Success
lifestyle
52
46 Online Auction
48 Top Travel Tech
50 Whats On
52 New Horizons
56 4 Hours in San Francisco
Visit businesstravelerusa.com
48
March 2016 n 35
n Lifestyle News
Destination Hotels
Teams with Tesla
A toast to
success
Which airlines served the best wines last
year? The results are in from the 30th annual
Cellars in the Sky Awards
By Rose Dykins
30
th
2015
38 n March 2016
Visit businesstravelerusa.com
March 2016 n 39
FIRST CLASS
BEST FIRST CLASS RED
Gold Medal:
Korean Air
Chteau Clerc Milon 2007,
Bordeaux, Pauillac, Mdoc,
France
Silver Medal:
American Airlines
Lavau Chteauneuf du Pape
2011, Rhne Valley, France
Score: 95
Bronze Medal:
Malaysia Airlines
E Guigal Cte-Rtie Brune et
Blonde de Guigal 2010, Rhne
Valley, France
Score: 94
Silver Medal:
Qantas
Oakridge 864 Chardonnay
Willowlake Vineyard Block A6
2012, Yarra Valley, Australia
Score: 95
Bronze Medal (joint):
Garuda Indonesia
Vasse Felix Chardonnay
Margaret River 2013, Australia
Qatar Airways
Saint Clair Family Estate
Pioneer Block 21 Sauvignon
Blanc 2012, Dillons Point,
Marlborough, New Zealand
Score: 94
30
th
2015
BEST-PRESENTED
FIRST CLASS WINE LIST
Cathay Pacific
BEST FIRST
CLASS CELLAR
Gold Medal:
Singapore Airlines
Silver Medal:
Qatar Airways
Bronze Medal:
Korean Air
Highly commended:
Cathay Pacific, Qantas
40 n March 2016
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BUSINESS CLASS
BEST BUSINESS
CLASS RED
Gold Medal:
EVA Air
The Islander Estate Old Rowley
2014, South Australia
Judges said: Big, ripe and
plummy. A beautifully smooth,
well-balanced classical Shiraz.
Score: 95
Silver Medal:
Aer Lingus
Saint-Joseph Les Challeys
2013, Delas Frres, Rhne Valley,
France
Score: 94
Bronze Medal (joint):
Air Astana
Casa Silva Reserva Cuve
Colchagua Carmenere 2013,
Rapel Valley, Chile
Air Canada
HJ Fabre Malbec 2014 Barrel
Selection, Fabre Montmayou,
Argentina
Score: 93.5
BEST BUSINESS
CLASS WHITE
Gold Medal:
Jetstar
Church Road Grand Reserve
Chardonnay 2013, Hawkes
Bay, New Zealand
Judges said: An
intense, sweet palate. Rich,
dark, creamy and perfectly
balanced.
Score: 94
Silver Medal:
EVA Air
Champagne de Castelnau
Brut 2002, JM Cazes Selection,
France
Score: 92.5
Silver Medal:
British Airways
Condrieu Les Ravines
2013 Domaine Rmi Niero,
Rhne Valley, France
Score: 94
Bronze Medal:
American Airlines
Urziger Wrzgarten
Kabinett 2009, SA Prum,
Mosel, Germany
Score: 93.5
Bronze Medal:
Cathay Pacific
Champagne Cuve William
Deutz 2000, France
Score: 91.5
30
th
Austrian Airlines
Weingut Kracher Cuve
Beerenauslese 2012,
Burgenland, Neusiedlersee,
Austria
Score: 93
Bronze Medal:
Singapore Airlines
Taylors 10 Year Old Tawny
Port, Douro, Portugal
Score: 92.5
2015
BEST-PRESENTED
BUSINESS CLASS WINE LIST
El Al
BEST BUSINESS
CLASS CELLAR
Gold: EVA Air
Silver: Cathay Pacific
Bronze: Singapore Airlines
BEST AIRLINE ALLIANCE
Oneworld
BEST OVERALL
WINE CELLAR
Gold: Singapore Airlines
Silver: Cathay Pacific
Bronze: Korean Air, Qantas
Highly commended:
Qatar Airways
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March 2016 n 41
n Gathering Places
Macaus
mighty gamble
42 n March 2016
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Gathering Places n
Hollywood Glamour
Melco Crowns Macau Studio City, the
citys first cinematic-themed integrated
resort, opened in October. One of the
resorts highlights is the iconic Golden
Reel, a Ferris wheel in the shape of a figure
eight set in the center of the hotels towers.
The fun doesnt stop there, with a
Warner Bros and DC Comics collaboration
offering an immersive flight-simulation
ride called theBatman Dark Flight.This
4D, sensory overload experience, allows
riders to join the masked crusader as he
fights Gotham citys super villains.
Joining the line-up of Macaus shows is
the House of Magic, a three-theatre arena
pitched as a hub for the worlds leading
magicians. Hosted by leading illusionist
Franz Harary, it features daily live magic
shows, including Hararys resident show
Mega Magic. Ibiza import Pacha nightclub
has also debuted at Studio City, adding to
the regions growing nightlife scene.
International Experience
Left: The opening ceremony of Studio
City casino resort, developed by Melco
Crown Entertainment Ltd.
Visit businesstravelerusa.com
n Gathering Places
TURKISH AIRLINES
Two (2) roundtrip tickets to Istanbul
turkishairlines.com
Go to businesstravelerusa.
com/auctions and place
your bid on valuable
and fun items from
our generous sponsors.
It can change a childs
life and transform the
world.
HERTZ
UNITED AIRLINES
United Premier 1K
travel services
package
united.com
SINGAPORE AIRLINES
Two (2) international business class tickets
on Singapore Airlines
singaporeair.com
46 n March 2016
JETBLUE
Round-Trip Any
JetBlue City to
Any JetBlue City
jetblue.com
EMPIRE CLS
Cash Donation
empirecls.com
Visit businesstravelerusa.com
SHANGRI LA SINGAPORE
Three (3) night stay in a Valley Wing Deluxe
Room shared with heads of states, captains of
industry and discerning travelers.
shangri-la.com/singapore/shangrila
12
RADISSON BLU
Four (4) global room night vouchers to be
used at any Radisson Blu globally
radissonblu.com
13
14
10
CHINA AIRLINES
New aircraft models
of the B 777-300ER
that was introduced
to North America
china-airlines.com
11
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
Two (2) roundtrip Southwest Airlines tickets
valid on Southwest-operated service in the
United States and Puerto Rico
southwest.com
AIR CANADA
Two (2) international business
class tickets on Air Canada
aircanada.com
Visit businesstravelerusa.com
March 2016 n 47
n Technology of Things
T P
travel teCH
4
2
FUGOO WIRELESS
SPEAKER
Sport $199.99, Style
$179.99, Tough $229.99;
fugoo.com
The Fugoo wireless speaker
system will let you blast out
your favourite tunes without
taking up too much room in
your bag (from 2.1 x 6.5 x
2.6, 1lb.). Its also splashproof, drop-proof (tested to
6ft), cold- and heat-resistant,
and the battery will last
a remarkable 40 hours
before you need to charge
it. It sounds good, too, with
speakers on all four sides
ensuring the deep bass will
fill any space youre in. It
comes in three skins: the
extra-waterproof Sport, the
cool, canvas Style, and the
extra-strong Tough.
WACOM BAMBOO
STYLUS FINELINE
$59.95; wacom.com
If youre prone to sudden
bursts of inspiration, make
48 n March 2016
CHARGEHUB
From $59.99;
thechargehub.com
The Chargehub is the
ultimate travel companion.
It allows you to power up
to seven USB devices from
one universal source just
plug them in and watch
the battery bar go green
on everything from your
wireless headphones to
PHILIPS INRANGE
BLUETOOTH SMART
LEASH
$9.95; philips.com
Keep your belongings secure
with this smart alarm system.
Attach the compact (2.3 x
1.5) fob to your luggage,
keys or wallet and if they
wander anywhere you
dont, an alarm will sound
on whatever Apple device
you have it synced to. The
companion app (iPhone
4S onwards) will allow you
to locate your valuables if
youve misplaced them by
sounding an alarm, so no
more searching under desks
for your wallet before you
check-out. You can also
program safe times when
the alarm wont go off.
OVERBOARD
WATERPROOF
CAMERA CASE
$24.50 (regular), $49.95
(zoom lens);
overboardusa.com
The beach is an integral part
of most holidays but, alas,
sea, sand and cameras
dont mix. Save yourself
a lot of worry by investing
in a waterproof case from
OverBoard. The resealable
bag is submersible to 20
feet and will fit most models,
taking the stress out of your
marine photography. It has
clear windows on the front
and rear, so you can ensure
you get the best possible
snaps. Its sand-proof, so you
should keep it on while youre
sunbathing on the beach.
Visit businesstravelerusa.com
Technology of Things n
10
By Steve Dineen
SAMSUNG PORTABLE
SSD T1
$359.99; samsung.com
No bigger than a business
card (2.8 x 2.1 x 0.3), this
tiny external storage device
can back up an impressive
one terabyte of data, while
weighing just 1 oz. It has
read/write speeds of 450
Mbps (so its fast), USB
3.0, data encryption, and is
compatible with both Mac
and Windows computers.
With its laser-cut patterning
and coal-black metal
chassis, it has won numerous
awards for its design. Smaller
(and, consequently, cheaper)
250GB and 500GB versions
are available for $84.99 and
$164.99 respectively.
Visit businesstravelerusa.com
LOGITECH
KEYS-TO-GO
$69.99; logitech.com
Why carry a laptop when
you can take your tablet
or smartphone and type
away on this ultra-portable
keyboard? It is designed
for use with Apple products
and can be synced over
Bluetooth with an iPad,
iPhone and Apple TV. Its
comfortable to use, despite
its diminutive size (5.4 x
9.5 x 0.24, 6.35 oz.), and
the battery lasts a whopping
10
ZUTA LABS
POCKET PRINTER
$199; zutalabs.com
My favorite new portable
gadget is this ingenious
pocket printer thats like
nothing youve seen before.
Instead of inserting paper
into it, simply place the fistsized box (4 x 3, 12 oz.)
on to a sheet of paper and
watch in awe as it wheels
itself back and forth, printing
as it goes (it looks a little
like a tiny robotic vacuum
cleaner). It connects to your
phone, tablet or PC via WiFi
and the battery will last up to
an hour between charges.
You can pre-order now and
the company is promising a
September delivery. BT
March 2016 n 49
n The Scene
Art Souterrain
Montreal
March 3 13
This art festival This art festival
takes place in a venue unlike
any traditional exhibit space
Montreals 20-mile underground
city. Some activities (guided
tours, visit to artists studios)
charge admission. The
2016 Theme is Must Art Be
Appealing?
Visit artsouterrain.com.
Taste of Iceland
Melbourne, Australia
March 4 13
Each year food and wine lovers
in their thousands indulge in
more than 200 events filling
Melbournes labyrinth of
restaurants, lanes, basement
bistros and dizzying rooftops, as
well as spilling out across all of
Victoria.
Visit melbournefoodandwine.
com.au.
Chicago
March 17 20
To celebrate its new service
to the Windy City, Icelandair,
in cooperation with Iceland
Naturally, is holding a four day
launch event. Festivities include
Taste of Iceland featuring the
famed Reykjavik Calling concert,
with Icelandic cuisine, music
and culture throughout the city.
Visit icelandnaturally.com.
Whats On
Semana Santa
Antigua, Guatemala
March 20 26
Antiguas rich celebration of Holy
Week is a moving experience.
Streets filled with incense are
strewn with elaborate alfombras
(carpets) woven of flowers and
colorful sawdust, welcoming
processions of enormous floats
depicting Christ, the Virgin Mary
and various saints.
Visit aroundantigua.com.
Tulip Festival
Morges, Switzerland
March 27 May 8
Every spring, Morges hosts
the tulip festival at the Parc de
lIndpendance, on the shores
of Lake Geneva. A dazzling
array of over 120,000 tulips
representing more than 300
varieties bloom against the
splendid backdrop of the Alps.
Free of charge.
Visit morges-tourisme.ch BT
Visit businesstravelerusa.com
n Escape To
New
horizons
soldiers were killed, and three million Vietnamese perished, twothirds of them civilians.
Against this background, you can appreciate how rapidly the
country has rebuilt itself, and the incredible capacity of the local
people for forgiveness.
These days, Danang is a thriving port city of over one million
people. Down by the surf, fishermen mend their circular basket
boats, just as they have always done, but all along the seafront
promenade, glitzy karaoke bars, golf courses and luxury hotels are
arriving at an remarkable pace.
Among local brands such as the luxurious Naman Retreat and
Fusion Maia, theres a Pullman and a Hyatt Regency. A Sheraton
will open in 2018.
Visit businesstravelerusa.com
Escape To n
Visit businesstravelerusa.com
March 2016 n 53
n Escape To
Escape To n
n 4 Hours
SAN FRANCISCO
with famous department stores including
Bloomingdales and Macys.
unionsquareshop.com
M.Y. CHINA
For a bite to eat, head back to Market
Street and pop inside the upscale
Westfield San Francisco Center shopping
mall where you will find M.Y. China
restaurant on level 4. Celebrity chef Martin
Yan, best known for his TV show Yan Can
Cook, offers up a quirky interpretation of
modern Chinese food. One highlight is the
open kitchen where customers are treated
to views of M.Y. Chinas chefs in action.
The handmade dim sum selection (starting
at $6), Peking roast duck ($20-$38), wok
stir-fried lamb ($21), and Dungeness crab
(market price) are highly recommended.
Open daily from 11:00 AM 9:00 AM,
closes at 9:30 PM on Friday and Saturday;
Westfield San Francisco Center, 4/F 845
Market St; tastemychina.com
CHINATOWN
After an oriental feast its fitting
that the next stop be the oldest
Chinatown in North America. Hail a cab
for the seven-minute journey to Grant
Avenue ($12), or log on to Uber for a
56 n March 2016
Visit businesstravelerusa.com
4 Hours n
4
1
6
4
cheaper fare ($5). The ethnic enclave boasts
the single largest Chinese community
outside of Asia and is a popular tourist
destination. Visitors can browse a multitude
of herbal apothecaries, souvenir shops,
Chinese restaurants and temples. A tourist
spot since the 1860s, the colorful district
is great to visit all year, but truly lights
up during Chinese New Year (February)
with lion dances, parades and fairs.
sanfranciscochinatown.com
PIER 39
From Chinatown, hop in a cab once
more for a 10-minute ride to Pier 39,
at the edge of Fishermans Wharf district.
The popular waterfront complex is home to
over 90 shops and independent boutiques,
seafood restaurants, street performers, and
Visit businesstravelerusa.com
n World Wise
Scenic
Airport
Approaches
The Approach with a View
By Ross Atkinson
n our travels around the globe, we often look out the airplane
window from our vantage point 35,000 feet up, and gaze down
in wonder on oceans of clouds, vast expanses of forests and
plains, or sunrises and sunsets over the horizon. But do we
consider those few minutes as we make our descent when our
approach is a breathtaking view that can be equally awe-inspiring?
By coincidence, in the December issue of Business Traveler, our
World Wise column talked about new business models for travel,
including PrivateFly which gives jet setters easy and cost effective
access to more than 7,000 private jets around the world. Each year,
PrivateFly runs a poll that asks travelers which of the thousands of
airports worldwide is their favorite approach.
As part of Business Traveler, I was honored with an invitation
to join the esteemed panel which developed the short list of
candidates for the 2016Most Scenic Airport Approaches. I was
in some elite company, among individuals who cover the globe
each year racking up some serious miles. One panel member
in particular is one of the worlds most-traveled people, just six
countries away of becoming at age 36 the youngest person
to visit all 324 countries and unique destinations on the Travelers
Century Club list.
This past fall, the panel of 23 came up with a short list of airports
that circled the globe, covering beach runways, mountain-top
landings and airports approaches framed by stunning city skylines.
With the voting wrapping up during the month of March, I
thought I would share with you just three of my favorite entries on
the 2016 short list.
In line with this months featured business destination, my first
pick is the Bogot, Columbia, El Dorado International Airport
(BOG). Your view out the window is of a sprawling city 8,300 feet
above sea level, with population of over six million and dominated
by buildings in red hues set against the lush green mountain
backdrop of the Andes.
58 n March 2016
01
5B
EST I
N B USIN ES S T
VE
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Welcome to
the future of flying
Experience the skies like never before. As the global launch customer
for the Airbus A350, Qatar Airways is proud to bring the worlds newest
aircraft to Philadelphia, New York and Boston. qatarairways.com