Jump Into Summer Vacation With Travel Rewards in Mind

Believe it or not, summer has unofficially started. And if you’re planning a summer vacation, it’s time to commit. This is especially true if you’re hoping to take a vacation around July Fourth, which falls on a Thursday this year. According to Skyscanner, Fourth of July weekends are one of the busiest times to travel. If you aren’t partial to any particular hotel or airline, you might want to try the Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card. It has an annual fee of $0 for the first year, then $95, and the sign-up bonus is as follows: Enjoy a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $500 in travel. One of the best things about this card is that you can earn 10 miles per $1 spent when booking through Hotels.com/venture.

Spotlight

Oman Aviation Group

Established in Muscat in February 2018, Oman Aviation Group is a government holding tasked with enabling the Sultanate’s aviation, tourism and logistics sectors. Comprising Oman Air, Oman Airports, Oman Aviation Services, Muscat Airport City, and Meteorological Navigation Services, the Group works diligently towards building an integrated aviation supercentre to lead Omani national aviation interests into the future.

OTHER ARTICLES
Hospitality Management

Augmented Reality Transforming the Travel and Hospitality Industry

Article | July 18, 2023

“I believe that augmented reality will be the biggest technological revolution that happens in our lifetimes.” – Tim Sweeney, Founder and CEO of Epic Games Augmented reality (AR) has proved to be a significant concept in tourism and hospitality management in the past few years. It allows us to enhance the physical environment and enhance the experience of exploring the surrounding area. According to Grand View Research, the global market for augmented reality was worth USD 25.33 billion in 2021. From 2022 to 2030, the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 40.9%. As things keep pace with digitalization and this generation seeks quick and efficient yet reliable methods, every sector widely uses the application of augmented reality. According to Hospitality Tech, the market size of augmented reality will reach $198 billion by 2025, and the hotel business will be one of the key contributors to this income target. Effectively, Starwood, Marriott and Holiday Inn are already making a difference in the travel and hospitality industry by leveraging this technology. An investment in AR brings a lot of change in business revenue for both small hoteliers and prominent hotel tycoons. AR Improve Customer Experience for Travel and Hospitality Redefine the customer experience with augmented reality in the tourism industry. AR-based travel apps help businesses enhance their services and offer personalized experiences to their customers. By adding interactive hotel features that make the space more fun, you can get people to visit nearby attractions. Utilizing CX to maintain and expand a client base produces a terrific asset that positively affects ROI. CX effectively boosts customer lifetime value (LTV), which can become self-perpetuating. Companies that excel at CX and customer-centricity are 60% more profitable and generate 5.7% more revenue than those that don't. Ideas for Implementing AR in the Tourism and Hotel Industry AR is utilized chiefly via smartphones and offers many options concerning interactive experiences. AR in Excursions & Travel Attractions AR technology may be a terrific marketing tool for guiding first-time guests through the hotel and a great way to retain customers and provide more engaging experiences. With the application of augmented reality software, a standard tourist map comes to life. Moreover, AR technology enables clients to examine points of interest, restaurants, and other businesses. Your hotel restaurant may even use augmented reality to let customers explore the menu and ingredients in a new way by showing them 3D versions of the meals on their phones. Transportation If you have a travel mobile app with AR, you can point out the transportation objects to get the best possible directions, travel route, next destination, and places to travel to. Pokemon Go shows one such example of how you can use modern digital technologies to make the travel experience even better. It became the first popular augmented reality game. This AR app brought players out into the street and made them move and travel a lot. Scadi is one such AR app in travel for visitors of Alpine ski resorts. It uses advanced algorithms to create the most comfortable, safe and exciting routes for skiers and snowboarders. Integrates with other technology Using augmented reality in conjunction with other technologies such as beacon technology allows your hotel to more efficiently promote to visitors and upsell through push notifications. For example, through push notifications, hotels may give partner companies special offers or discounts, and vice versa, partner businesses can advertise the hotel. Hospitality Industry Must Make Room for AR for Better ROI In a post-pandemic context, the travel and hotel industries embrace technological advancements that enhance visitor experiences, eventually boosting corporate income and reducing operating expenses. Utilizing interactive technologies like AR, VR, and other interactive technologies increases operational efficiency, productivity, and ROI. By using augmented reality with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) or EAM, you gain more understanding (Enterprise Asset Management). Augmented reality can assist facility managers in boosting the efficiency of their engineers and reducing the expense of ensuring their safety. AR will assist them in increasing their revenue by reducing their maintenance expenses. Using AR-based product models, the hospitality industry is gaining a significant competitive edge, resulting in faster sales cycles. Case Studies Holiday Inn During the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London in 2012, Holiday Inn introduced one of the first uses of Augmented Reality in a hotel setting. The experiences used picture recognition and chroma video. The program identified hotel locations and activated athlete video footage, merging real and virtual components. This Holiday Inn use case shows how hotels may leverage AR to develop unique guest experiences around local events. In addition, the campaign helped promote the hotel and bolster its status as the official hotel for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Premier Inn The Hub Hotel from Premier Inn, the largest hotel chain in the United Kingdom, is one of the few places to have adopted the AR technology back in 2016. The hotel provided a wall map of the local region in each room. Tourists could use their smartphones to read information about local areas of interest by pointing them at a wall. Conclusion The benefits of augmented reality in the travel and hospitality industries are immense. AR is a potent tool for increasing company potential and returns on investment. Utilizing innovative technology boosts your hotel's exposure and brand awareness while propelling it into the digital age. Augmented reality in the tourism industry truly sets you apart from the competition. FAQ How is augmented reality changing the travel & tourism industry? Augmented reality helps hotels enhance the physical locations they are attempting to attract visitors to, such as hotel rooms and local attractions. What is digital transformation in the hospitality industry? Digital transformation refers to how companies restructure themselves to adapt and modify their corporate culture to empower innovations that utilize technology and propel their enterprises to new levels of growth. What are the benefits of augmented reality? Creates unique customer experiences Reduces cognitive overload Increases engagement

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Business Travel

Streamlining Business Operations with Travel Management Agencies

Article | May 17, 2023

Contents 1. Introduction 2. Enhancing Operations of Travel Businesses 2.1 Constant Assistance 2.2 Increased Efficiency 2.3 Travel Spend Reduction 2.4 Advice and Insights 2.5 Travel Policy Compliance 2.6 Greater Knowledge and Visibility 3. Leveraging Business Functions with Services of Agencies 3.1 Travel Management 3.2 Passenger Assistance 3.3 Consulting 3.4 Marketing and Internal Communication 3.5 Technology 3.6 Leisure Services 4. Conclusion 1. Introduction Travel management agencies empower business travel with in-depth analysis, reporting and constant assistance. They improve efficiency in business operations and reduce travel spending through a subscription or one-off payment for their services. With their profound knowledge and vast network of service providers, they offer more discounts and offerings to the travel company’s clients. This feature enhances the visibility and customer reach of the company. They also ensure travel policy compliance, consulting, and other services for better results. 2. Enhancing Operations of Travel Businesses 2.1 Constant Assistance It becomes challenging to manage multiple providers simultaneously, so travel management agencies fill the communication gaps and prevent confusion during travel planning. They reach out various customer support teams and keep track of all communications as an all-in-one solution for global business travel. Some TMCs also assist in day and night shifts to assist with last-minute travel booking and urgent changes in the travel plan. 2.2 Increased Efficiency Travel management agencies help to streamline the booking process. The travel agents would design a comprehensive travel program with travel arrangements as per the requirement of the clients. In addition, they would handle the logistics of making travel arrangements for multiple clients simultaneously. 2.3 Travel Spend Reduction Travel management agencies may charge for a subscription or one-off payment via business travel credit cards for their services. But it leads to significant investment savings, cutting costs over an extended period. They have a vast network of travel service providers offering unique discounts for multiple services. The TMC officials have sound knowledge of reservation availability during particular periods and the destinations at the cheapest fares; that takes care of complex, repetitive and time-consuming travel processes of businesses. Such services make it easy to plan trips, make changes to reservations, and get reimbursed for travel costs. 2.4 Advice and Insights TMC professionals understand the working of the travel industry at its core. As a result, they provide valuable advice on spending the company’s money for greater productivity. In addition, they are experts with in-depth knowledge of new destinations, the best routes for intra-city travel, and general compliance with policies of national and international trips. Moreover, travel management agencies can help to ensure that travelers are fully prepared and equipped for their journey by providing expert guidance and advice on travel requirements, health and safety protocols, and other important considerations. 2.5 Travel Policy Compliance Compliance with travel rules, regulations and policies is vital for travel expense management. It ensures transparency and safeguards the privacy of travel companies or individuals. The travel management agencies adopt a travel policy to ensure efficiency in executing travel business processes. 2.6 Greater Knowledge and Visibility Unclear travel processes cause malpractices and conflicts between travel companies and their clients. Travel management agencies minimize these risks through transparent travel processes. They provide real-time reports of reservations and bookings. They help manage travel within strict budgets, offering travel trend analyses for better decisions. In addition, they manage travel itineraries and assist businesses in every process. 3. Leveraging Business Functions with Services of Agencies 3.1 Travel Management Travel management is the base of organizing and handling travel business, reservation of transport tickets, searches for accommodations, car rental, etc. Still, new technologies have transformed the traditional methods of travel operations. In addition, it undertakes price comparisons or strategies for more deals and discounts. 3.2 Passenger Assistance As global travel continues to increase in frequency and complexity, travelers are often faced with a myriad of unforeseen problems and issues that can potentially derail their plans. Such issues may include repatriation due to illness, accident, or emergency, lost luggage or documents, flight cancellations, and many others. In order to effectively manage and resolve these issues, it is essential to rely on the expertise and resources of travel management agencies. These agencies specialize in providing comprehensive travel solutions and support services to individuals and organizations alike. 3.3 Consulting Consulting services require taking care of different aspects based on the information of interest for the traveler, like traditions of the destination country, recommendations, cultural references, mannerisms, etc. Furthermore, their efforts are geared towards minimizing costs, maintaining control, and offering up-to-date guidance on travel policy. 3.4 Marketing and Internal Communication As a travel management agency gains expertise, it becomes proficient in furnishing robust assistance in the formulation of travel policies for businesses, along with facilitating efficient communication among employees. The process of policy preparation entails regulations pertaining to business travel expenses and management, which the agency is adept at handling. 3.5 Technology Utilizing the most up-to-date and advanced technology is crucial for any travel company in today's world. This allows travel companies to request and compare travel services such as booking tickets, finding suitable accommodations, managing billing, and providing emergency services in a more efficient and effective manner. With the latest business travel software, the companies can leverage automation and artificial intelligence to streamline their operations and offer personalized services to their customers. For instance, chatbots can assist customers with their travel plans, provide recommendations, and handle queries in real-time. 3.6 Leisure Services Travel management companies also offer direct discounts or revised policies for travel and leisure activities in exceptional cases for the company’s employees and relatives. They provide value-adding services meeting the current expectations and needs of the companies through a comprehensive management of corporate travel. 4. Conclusion Travel management agencies help travel companies in every aspect of their business, from travel management, passenger assistance, consulting, marketing and internal communication, and technology to leisure services. They provide constant help, increased efficiency, valuable insights and business advice. In addition, with profound years of experience, knowledge and a solid network, they give enhanced visibility to travel businesses. They reduce travel spend and ensure travel policy compliance between travel companies and their clients, encouraging customer loyalty and trust.

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Hospitality Management

How Incorporating Corporate Travel and Expense Management Can Help CMOs to Succeed?

Article | July 19, 2023

Corporate travel and expense management is one of the cumbersome challenges for CMOs. Travel expenses are the second-highest expense and one of the toughest to control. Getting the best price for a business out of bookings is not enough for a CMO to manage travel expenses. Instead, there are other challenging factors that challenge a company. What are these challenges? Brief information on it can help you identify what your company needs to fix upon to understand this. Lack of data collection No proper visibility into corporate travel spend Lack of an organized corporate travel and expense management process Proper policies Lack of inventory-rich management system No accountability to services under corporate travel and expense policy Lack of technology usage Lack of flexibility Lack of a stable plan for create travel management strategy Advanced corporate travel and expense management is one of the best solutions today to curb these challenges. So, how can corporate travel and expense management help CMOs succeed in business? Before finding it, a glimpse at the management’s ability and efficiency can help you understand more about it. Corporate Travel and Expense Management: What Do You Need to Know? Corporate travel and expense management today has become advanced after the pandemic hit. Today, it is integrated with cutting-edge features through software and is used for mobile and desktop applications. The applications such as spend control & reporting, quick and easy booking, automated expense & reimbursement solutions with receipt capture, back up analytics capabilities, live credit card feeds, and customizable real-time reports are included. All these are powered by machine learning and artificial intelligence. While many CMOs agree that strategizing corporate travel and expense management is helpful to save costs. They emphasize this because their companies have already practiced advanced corporate travel and expense management. Other corporate expense management companies also implemented corporate travel and expense management. And they recommend incorporating advanced management to curb expenses. If you face challenges in organizing corporate expense systems, this is the right article to learn how to cope with challenges. Corporate Travel and Expense Management: How should you go about it? Corporate travel and expense management are set to soar up to $1.7 trillion by 2022 globally, right after the travel companies started investing. This indicates the right time for you to start strategizing corporate travel management and its expenses by following practical steps. Consider Technology-based Solutions Cloud-based corporate travel expense software can simplify your corporate travel management and travel-related expense policies. It leads the entire expense management process to a higher degree of competence. The automation of the corporate travel management process also makes employees easy to file expenses on time. For example, TripActions is a leading corporate expense management company. It provides top software solutions for corporate travel and expense management. The company promotes technology and offer solutions that come with ease of use. No Paper Checks Modern corporate travel and expense management saves ample time by eliminating paper checks. Paper checks make the process tiresome, and there are high chances of error. It also leaves space for employee fraud, which results in tracing difficulty. Thus, paperless work reduces the chances of data tampering and save over-pricing possibilities. Your business can be profitable if you inculcate corporate travel expense software. You can find a list of top software online. Incorporating modern corporate travel and expense management solutions can curb expenses. Practicing the best practices for travel expense management can generate higher revenue for your company. Set an Accountable Plan on Reimbursement The reimbursement processes can turn easy with modern corporate travel expense management. The management can help to set an accountable plan and give access to a list of reimbursements. In this way, employees can claim the existing reimbursements in one go. Following this practice for travel expense management can organize all travel and expense management services in one place. And you will never encounter any corporate travel management challenges in the future. Offer Flexibility Employees are the happiest when they have freedom in their work and workflow. And because of this, you need to include a broad travel inventory. Modern corporate travel and expense management offers an inventory-rich system that allows various options to check employees' booking flights, accommodation, or car rentals. For example, Expensify provides a clear insight into the entire trip's actual cost to corporate travelers. Other corporate business travel management companies also implemented advanced corporate travel and expense management systems. And they are shaping the travel industry like other industries. Choose the Right Software In this, you need to choose the right corporate travel expense software for your business expense management. A corporate travel and expense management software includes features to manage corporate travel and expense policy, organize travel and expense management services, create a proper travel management strategy, manage corporate travel programs, and sets corporate travel management trips. Often, it appears impossible to organize trips that change. Corporate business travel management can help ease your employees’ load. Similarly, corporate travel and expense management software offers other features, such as: It allows corporate travel managers to keep a proper view of employees traveling on a particular day Budget tracking and travel policy tools through apps help simplify the process of business expense claims for employees as well as the finance team Automated receipt submission reminders help employees to submit the reports on time Ratings of travel and expense management services include car rentals, airfare, lodgings, and accommodation Instant price comparisons 24/7 on the go support for managing a corporate travel program and expense management Self-booking of business trips with the help of the travel booking management software Seamless corporate travel expense reporting Search about Software Compatibility When including automation, you need to research corporate travel expense software's compatibility. When you consult a vendor online or in-person and understand software flexibility for travel bookings and transportation services, you can easily select according to your business requirements. By doing so, you tend to save a lot of time and deploy corporate expense systems faster. Consider Setting up a Budget for Corporate Travel and Expense Management For a company, the budget plays a pivotal role before setting up a new system. Questions like what kind of corporate travel and expense management solution you wish to invest in should also be considered if you want your company to succeed. Incorporating a corporate travel and expense management system involves a series of processes such as setup, installation, support, and customization. Thus, choosing the right software or tool is a crucial matter that compliments all budgetary solutions. Set up a budget, research which software can be beneficial to you, and incorporate it to exercise fast processes of your travel and expense management services. Tips to Create a Successful Corporate Travel and Expense Management While there are several solutions to corporate travel and expense management and you understood how to implement it, some tips can also lead you to be successful in business by introducing advanced travel and expense management services, corporate travel and expense policy, corporate expense systems, travel and expense management resources and more. Therefore, for this, you need to: Educate employees and help them understand the technological aspects of advanced best practices for travel expense management Set cost-saving strategies with the help of research on what other corporate expense management companies are implementing Be resilient and open to suggestions from your employees Consider integrating travel management strategies with an automated travel & expense management system. In this way, your company’s corporate travel and expense management will continue to function efficiently. As travel industry leaders are changing their strategies to stand out in 2021, it is time to end fretting over manual corporate travel expenses difficulties. With the help of a dedicated corporate travel management strategy, you can succeed in achieving the goals you set for the New Year in your company. Frequently Asked Questions What is Travel and Expense (T&E) Management? To understand corporate travel and expense management, a few features are explained below: Tracking of reports Reporting Costs management Submission of receipts Reimbursement Clearing expenses Management of corporate travel Pricing List of services How to manage travel expenses in corporate? To manage travel expense under a corporate travel and expense management system requires the following things: Keep track of details Submit expense report on time Plan ahead Organize data with details Choose a suitable tool or software Create a fast workflow How to manage corporate travel and expense budget? Some careful planning and thorough research on selecting the right tools or software can easily manage corporate travel and expense budget. With this, a business can get a closer insight into the planning of the budget, which results in building of a dignified corporate travel and expense management. { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What is Travel and Expense (T&E) Management?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "To understand corporate travel and expense management, a few features are explained below: Tracking of reports Reporting Costs management Submission of receipts Reimbursement Clearing expenses Management of corporate travel Pricing List of services" } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "How to manage travel expenses in corporate?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "To manage travel expense under a corporate travel and expense management system requires the following things: Keep track of details Submit expense report on time Plan ahead Organize data with details Choose a suitable tool or software Create a fast workflow" } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "How to manage corporate travel and expense budget?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Some careful planning and thorough research on selecting the right tools or software can easily manage corporate travel and expense budget. With this, a business can get a closer insight into the planning of the budget, which results in building of a dignified corporate travel and expense management." } }] }

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Travel Technology, Industry Outlook

Leveraging AI English Language Training Tools to Address Travel Surge

Article | July 13, 2022

Following the relaxation of travel restrictions worldwide, the travel and hospitality industries are bracing for a surge in demand, which will be exacerbated by the upcoming holiday season. As widespread delays and cancellations become more likely, companies like airlines are looking for new ways to put customer experience first. In a global workplace, not being able to speak more than one language, especially English, can hurt productivity and customer service. For this reason, people who work with customers need to have good communication skills. Investing in AI English Language Training Tools Traditional training for staff in the travel and hospitality industries requires in-person sessions. It can be expensive and impractical because employees have tight work schedules and staff operates in different time zones. AI app-based training alternatives solve these key issues, allowing employees to learn "on-the-fly" whenever possible. Digital training alternatives can provide greater levels of personalization for task assignment and user feedback. This individualized approach to staff development is difficult to replicate in large in-person sessions. Because all tasks are given and done digitally, management teams can track each user's progress and how well training is going for the whole department. Offering Excellent Customer Experience English communication is vital to offering an excellent customer experience and long-term profitability as the travel industry recovers. Artificial intelligence-powered English language training solutions stand out from the crowd. This technology has the potential to constantly advance and improve over time, thanks to its own learning community. Ed-tech learning tools that incorporate future-proofed AI technology will enable providers to confidently invest in training, increase staff engagement, and provide best-in-class customer experiences to global travelers. As a result, companies in the travel and hospitality industries that put communication skills training at the top of their list of priorities and speed it up can increase customer loyalty and stay competitive with other market leaders.

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Spotlight

Oman Aviation Group

Established in Muscat in February 2018, Oman Aviation Group is a government holding tasked with enabling the Sultanate’s aviation, tourism and logistics sectors. Comprising Oman Air, Oman Airports, Oman Aviation Services, Muscat Airport City, and Meteorological Navigation Services, the Group works diligently towards building an integrated aviation supercentre to lead Omani national aviation interests into the future.

Related News

Travel Technology

OneTravel by Fareportal Delivers Veteran's Day Travel Inspiration

Fareportal | November 08, 2023

Fareportal, featuring brands such as CheapOair and OneTravel, delivers online travel solutions focusing on global bookings through OneTravel. OneTravel's 'Going Places' blog suggests paying tribute to veterans by visiting parks, memorials, and museums on Veteran's Day. Veteran’s Day has undergone historical changes in its name and date, from its origins as Armistice Day to the fourth Monday in October and then its restoration to November 11. On the occasion of Veteran's Day, Fareportal's travel agency, OneTravel, is offering valuable insights for those seeking to commemorate this significant day and pay tribute to the individuals who have served in the armed forces. According to an article published by OneTravel's 'Going Places' blog site, there are several ways to observe Veteran's Day following its spirit, which include visiting various parks, memorials, and museums dedicated to honoring veterans. These locations encompass Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant (South Carolina), Gettysburg National Military Park in Gettysburg (Pennsylvania), Navajo Nation Veterans Memorial Park in Window Rock (Arizona), National Veterans Art Museum in Chicago (Illinois), Liberty Memorial in Kansas City (Missouri), Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington (Virginia). Werner Kunz-Cho, Chief Executive Officer of Fareportal, stated, "At Fareportal, travel is our mission. We feel it is our responsibility to provide readers with useful information to aid in their travel choices." [Source – Fareportal] Furthermore, he emphasized that the 'Going Places' article offers excellent recommendations for destinations that align perfectly with the spirit of Veteran's Day, and whether one chooses to travel by air or road, there is an encouragement for all to explore these captivating destinations. The history of this observance is intriguing, encompassing its original name and the date on which it was observed. Initially established as Armistice Day shortly after the conclusion of the First World War, the holiday's appellation underwent an official transformation to Veteran's Day in 1954. Subsequently, in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, primarily aimed at creating three-day weekends for federal employees while stimulating travel and tourism. This legislative action resulted in the moving of the observance of Veteran's Day to the fourth Monday in October. The American populace exhibited a mixed response to this alteration of the date. In 1978, President Gerald Ford decided to reinstate the observation of Veteran's Day to its original date, November 11. This year, since it's a Saturday, Veteran's Day will be observed on the preceding Friday. Fareportal, a company hosting consumer travel brands like CheapOair and OneTravel, facilitates customer bookings through various platforms, including online and mobile applications, and provides airline partners with access to a broad customer base for booking international and domestic flights, hotels, and additional services. OneTravel, a part of the Fareportal family, is globally recognized for delivering comprehensive travel solutions to meet diverse traveler needs. With OneTravel, customers can find budget-friendly flight options, including business and first-class fares, make reservations for hotels and car rentals, and plan vacations to top global destinations.

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Business Travel

CellPoint Digital, Riskified Unite to Boost Fraud Prevention

CellPoint Digital | November 07, 2023

CellPoint Digital, a Payment Orchestration provider, has partnered with Riskified, a leader in ecommerce fraud prevention and risk intelligence, to enhance fraud protection for airlines and travel merchants. This partnership allows both companies to boost the value for their joint customers by improving fraud detection capabilities and enabling the use of multiple payment providers. Riskified's fraud management platform utilizes advanced AI and machine learning to protect online retailers from fraudulent transactions. Combined with CellPoint Digital's Payment Orchestration platform, this provides higher transaction approval rates, instant decision-making capabilities, and complete chargeback protection. Kristian Gjerding, Chief Executive Officer at CellPoint Digital, remarked, “Our partnership with Riskified represents a step forward in the world of online payments. Together, these platforms empower airlines and other travel merchants to optimize their payment processes while safeguarding against fraud risks, setting a new standard for secure and efficient ecommerce transactions.” [Source- Business Wire] Riskified’s ecommerce platform is a dynamic system designed to protect online retailers from fraudulent transactions. Built for accuracy at scale. It utilizes advanced AI and machine learning algorithms to analyze and verify the legitimacy of each transaction. It also ensures secure and hassle-free online shopping experiences for customers while minimizing the risk of fraud for travel merchants. The travel merchants who use Riskified’s Chargeback Guarantee solution will not bear the cost of fraud chargebacks if Riskified approves a fraudulent transaction. Ravi Kumawasrami, President of Worldwide Field Operations at Riskified, stated, “Businesses should never have to choose between preventing fraud and providing a cohesive customer experience. Our partnership with CellPoint Digital enables airlines and travel merchants to avoid the dilemma while simultaneously streamlining their operations, increasing their revenue and creating a secure shopping environment.” [Source- Business Wire] Leveraging the integrated solutions offered by CellPoint Digital and Riskified, travel merchants, including airlines, can establish a robust safeguard against continuously evolving fraud threats. The Payment Orchestration platform from CellPoint Digital facilitates the integration of multiple payment methods and smartly routes transactions to increase acceptance while accommodating multiple PSPs and acquirers. Furthermore, this is enhanced by Riskified's sophisticated artificial intelligence and machine learning framework, which effectively identifies fraudulent activities in real-time by utilizing data from an extensive worldwide merchant network comprising over 2.5 billion past transactions. With CellPoint Digital’s Payment Orchestration platform, airlines and enterprise travel merchants enjoy cutting-edge fraud protection, instant decision-making capabilities, higher transaction approval rates, and complete chargeback protection, thus enhancing the overall security and efficiency of the payment processes. About CellPoint Digital CellPoint Digital is a prominent figure in the fintech sector, specializing in payment orchestration. The core of its offerings revolves around a robust Payment Orchestration Platform, which plays a pivotal role in streamlining digital payment transactions. It caters to a broad spectrum of payment methods, from traditional cards to alternative options, and expedites the deployment of novel payment solutions. The platform also optimizes transaction routing, boosting conversion rates and reducing payment-related expenses.

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Travel Technology

Sonesta's Travel SOS Offers Relief for Holiday Travel Disruptions

Sonesta Hotels | November 06, 2023

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation has launched a new service called Travel SOS to help travelers during holiday travel disruptions by providing information on room availability at the nearest Sonesta hotels. The service can be accessed via a dedicated hotline or online using a promo code, offering convenience and flexibility to travelers. Despite potential limitations such as room availability and location coverage, the initiative underscores Sonesta's commitment to exceptional service during peak travel times, potentially enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Sonesta International Hotels Corporation launches a new service, Travel SOS (Sonesta Overnight Stay), aimed at easing the stress of holiday travel disruptions. The service provides stranded travelers with information on room availability at the nearest Sonesta hotels during the busy holiday season. Travelers can access the service via a dedicated hotline or by using a promo code online. The initiative underscores Sonesta's commitment to exceptional service during peak travel times, offering peace of mind to travelers across its diverse portfolio of 17 brands and over 1,200 properties. Chris Trick, the Chief Marketing Officer at Sonesta, reportedly conveyed his optimism about the Travel SOS solution. He emphasized that Travel SOS exemplifies Sonesta's dedication to delivering superior service to travelers, especially during peak and challenging travel periods. He noted that the service, accessible via phone or online, offers up-to-date information on over 1,200 Sonesta properties, thereby providing travelers with reassurance. This allows them to relax and fully enjoy the holiday season. The new Travel SOS service launched by Sonesta International Hotels Corporation has its own set of potential drawbacks and benefits. On the downside, the service might be limited by the availability of rooms at Sonesta hotels, especially during peak travel times. If all rooms are booked, the service may not be able to provide the desired assistance. Additionally, the service might be less useful for travelers who are stranded in locations where Sonesta hotels are not present. On the upside, the service is designed to ease the stress of holiday travel disruptions by providing stranded travelers with information on room availability at the nearest Sonesta hotels. This is useful throughout the holidays. The service can be accessed via a dedicated hotline or by using a promo code online, offering convenience and flexibility to travelers. Furthermore, the initiative underscores Sonesta's commitment to exceptional service during peak travel times, potentially enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Travel SOS is crafted to be accessed with dial-to-book or click-to-book options, a dedicated Travel SOS hotline and a promo code STAYSOS for online reservations using Sonesta’s website's offers’ section.

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Travel Technology

OneTravel by Fareportal Delivers Veteran's Day Travel Inspiration

Fareportal | November 08, 2023

Fareportal, featuring brands such as CheapOair and OneTravel, delivers online travel solutions focusing on global bookings through OneTravel. OneTravel's 'Going Places' blog suggests paying tribute to veterans by visiting parks, memorials, and museums on Veteran's Day. Veteran’s Day has undergone historical changes in its name and date, from its origins as Armistice Day to the fourth Monday in October and then its restoration to November 11. On the occasion of Veteran's Day, Fareportal's travel agency, OneTravel, is offering valuable insights for those seeking to commemorate this significant day and pay tribute to the individuals who have served in the armed forces. According to an article published by OneTravel's 'Going Places' blog site, there are several ways to observe Veteran's Day following its spirit, which include visiting various parks, memorials, and museums dedicated to honoring veterans. These locations encompass Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant (South Carolina), Gettysburg National Military Park in Gettysburg (Pennsylvania), Navajo Nation Veterans Memorial Park in Window Rock (Arizona), National Veterans Art Museum in Chicago (Illinois), Liberty Memorial in Kansas City (Missouri), Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington (Virginia). Werner Kunz-Cho, Chief Executive Officer of Fareportal, stated, "At Fareportal, travel is our mission. We feel it is our responsibility to provide readers with useful information to aid in their travel choices." [Source – Fareportal] Furthermore, he emphasized that the 'Going Places' article offers excellent recommendations for destinations that align perfectly with the spirit of Veteran's Day, and whether one chooses to travel by air or road, there is an encouragement for all to explore these captivating destinations. The history of this observance is intriguing, encompassing its original name and the date on which it was observed. Initially established as Armistice Day shortly after the conclusion of the First World War, the holiday's appellation underwent an official transformation to Veteran's Day in 1954. Subsequently, in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, primarily aimed at creating three-day weekends for federal employees while stimulating travel and tourism. This legislative action resulted in the moving of the observance of Veteran's Day to the fourth Monday in October. The American populace exhibited a mixed response to this alteration of the date. In 1978, President Gerald Ford decided to reinstate the observation of Veteran's Day to its original date, November 11. This year, since it's a Saturday, Veteran's Day will be observed on the preceding Friday. Fareportal, a company hosting consumer travel brands like CheapOair and OneTravel, facilitates customer bookings through various platforms, including online and mobile applications, and provides airline partners with access to a broad customer base for booking international and domestic flights, hotels, and additional services. OneTravel, a part of the Fareportal family, is globally recognized for delivering comprehensive travel solutions to meet diverse traveler needs. With OneTravel, customers can find budget-friendly flight options, including business and first-class fares, make reservations for hotels and car rentals, and plan vacations to top global destinations.

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Business Travel

CellPoint Digital, Riskified Unite to Boost Fraud Prevention

CellPoint Digital | November 07, 2023

CellPoint Digital, a Payment Orchestration provider, has partnered with Riskified, a leader in ecommerce fraud prevention and risk intelligence, to enhance fraud protection for airlines and travel merchants. This partnership allows both companies to boost the value for their joint customers by improving fraud detection capabilities and enabling the use of multiple payment providers. Riskified's fraud management platform utilizes advanced AI and machine learning to protect online retailers from fraudulent transactions. Combined with CellPoint Digital's Payment Orchestration platform, this provides higher transaction approval rates, instant decision-making capabilities, and complete chargeback protection. Kristian Gjerding, Chief Executive Officer at CellPoint Digital, remarked, “Our partnership with Riskified represents a step forward in the world of online payments. Together, these platforms empower airlines and other travel merchants to optimize their payment processes while safeguarding against fraud risks, setting a new standard for secure and efficient ecommerce transactions.” [Source- Business Wire] Riskified’s ecommerce platform is a dynamic system designed to protect online retailers from fraudulent transactions. Built for accuracy at scale. It utilizes advanced AI and machine learning algorithms to analyze and verify the legitimacy of each transaction. It also ensures secure and hassle-free online shopping experiences for customers while minimizing the risk of fraud for travel merchants. The travel merchants who use Riskified’s Chargeback Guarantee solution will not bear the cost of fraud chargebacks if Riskified approves a fraudulent transaction. Ravi Kumawasrami, President of Worldwide Field Operations at Riskified, stated, “Businesses should never have to choose between preventing fraud and providing a cohesive customer experience. Our partnership with CellPoint Digital enables airlines and travel merchants to avoid the dilemma while simultaneously streamlining their operations, increasing their revenue and creating a secure shopping environment.” [Source- Business Wire] Leveraging the integrated solutions offered by CellPoint Digital and Riskified, travel merchants, including airlines, can establish a robust safeguard against continuously evolving fraud threats. The Payment Orchestration platform from CellPoint Digital facilitates the integration of multiple payment methods and smartly routes transactions to increase acceptance while accommodating multiple PSPs and acquirers. Furthermore, this is enhanced by Riskified's sophisticated artificial intelligence and machine learning framework, which effectively identifies fraudulent activities in real-time by utilizing data from an extensive worldwide merchant network comprising over 2.5 billion past transactions. With CellPoint Digital’s Payment Orchestration platform, airlines and enterprise travel merchants enjoy cutting-edge fraud protection, instant decision-making capabilities, higher transaction approval rates, and complete chargeback protection, thus enhancing the overall security and efficiency of the payment processes. About CellPoint Digital CellPoint Digital is a prominent figure in the fintech sector, specializing in payment orchestration. The core of its offerings revolves around a robust Payment Orchestration Platform, which plays a pivotal role in streamlining digital payment transactions. It caters to a broad spectrum of payment methods, from traditional cards to alternative options, and expedites the deployment of novel payment solutions. The platform also optimizes transaction routing, boosting conversion rates and reducing payment-related expenses.

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Travel Technology

Sonesta's Travel SOS Offers Relief for Holiday Travel Disruptions

Sonesta Hotels | November 06, 2023

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation has launched a new service called Travel SOS to help travelers during holiday travel disruptions by providing information on room availability at the nearest Sonesta hotels. The service can be accessed via a dedicated hotline or online using a promo code, offering convenience and flexibility to travelers. Despite potential limitations such as room availability and location coverage, the initiative underscores Sonesta's commitment to exceptional service during peak travel times, potentially enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Sonesta International Hotels Corporation launches a new service, Travel SOS (Sonesta Overnight Stay), aimed at easing the stress of holiday travel disruptions. The service provides stranded travelers with information on room availability at the nearest Sonesta hotels during the busy holiday season. Travelers can access the service via a dedicated hotline or by using a promo code online. The initiative underscores Sonesta's commitment to exceptional service during peak travel times, offering peace of mind to travelers across its diverse portfolio of 17 brands and over 1,200 properties. Chris Trick, the Chief Marketing Officer at Sonesta, reportedly conveyed his optimism about the Travel SOS solution. He emphasized that Travel SOS exemplifies Sonesta's dedication to delivering superior service to travelers, especially during peak and challenging travel periods. He noted that the service, accessible via phone or online, offers up-to-date information on over 1,200 Sonesta properties, thereby providing travelers with reassurance. This allows them to relax and fully enjoy the holiday season. The new Travel SOS service launched by Sonesta International Hotels Corporation has its own set of potential drawbacks and benefits. On the downside, the service might be limited by the availability of rooms at Sonesta hotels, especially during peak travel times. If all rooms are booked, the service may not be able to provide the desired assistance. Additionally, the service might be less useful for travelers who are stranded in locations where Sonesta hotels are not present. On the upside, the service is designed to ease the stress of holiday travel disruptions by providing stranded travelers with information on room availability at the nearest Sonesta hotels. This is useful throughout the holidays. The service can be accessed via a dedicated hotline or by using a promo code online, offering convenience and flexibility to travelers. Furthermore, the initiative underscores Sonesta's commitment to exceptional service during peak travel times, potentially enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Travel SOS is crafted to be accessed with dial-to-book or click-to-book options, a dedicated Travel SOS hotline and a promo code STAYSOS for online reservations using Sonesta’s website's offers’ section.

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