Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): The U.K. is rolling out the ETA scheme by mid-2025 to enhance border security by requiring travelers to provide biometric details and additional information. This digital authorization, linked to the applicant’s passport, will replace the existing Electronic Visa Waiver Scheme and will be extended to travelers from Europe and the U.S. The ETA will be required for short stays and transits, but not for those with existing visas or permissions.

European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS): The EU is introducing ETIAS by mid-2025 to strengthen border security by digitally screening travelers from non-EU countries. This system will apply to Schengen area countries, EFTA members, and certain microstates. ETIAS is a visa-waiver system requiring a €7 fee and additional security checks. It will be mandatory for citizens of countries that currently do not need a visa to enter the EU.

Entry/Exit System (EES): As of November 10, the EES will automate the registration of non-EU nationals each time they cross an external EU border. This system will replace manual passport stamping, providing more accurate data on border crossings and helping to detect overstays. The EES will require biometric passports and will record personal and travel information.

Additionally, World Travel partners with companies like CIBT to seamlessly integrate these new requirements into your customers travel programs, ensuring a smooth and compliant travel experience. These services provide end-to-end solutions for obtaining and managing vital travel documents.

For additional information about the new EU and UK entry requirements, please contact your Client Success Manager.

The post Changes Coming to EU and UK Entry Procedures first appeared on World Travel Service.

The award-winning loyalty program, Sonesta Travel Pass, has also seen remarkable recent growth and recognition. With over 6.5 million members, the program has been distinguished as one of the Top Five Best Hotel Loyalty Programs by USA TODAY. The four-tier system of Sonesta Travel Pass offers accelerated achievement of elite status, providing members with valuable benefits such as complimentary nights, early check-in/late checkout, and daily breakfast. Recent initiatives, including the Reward Season national broadcast campaign featuring actress Judy Greer and a points giveaway in partnership with TripAdvisor, have further bolstered the program’s visibility and appeal. These high-profile campaigns have reinforced Sonesta Travel Pass as a leading loyalty program in the competitive hotel industry. 

The post Sonesta International Hotels first appeared on World Travel Service.

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Timeline for the New SAP Concur Home Page

• Late August 2024: Users can enable the new home page via a banner at the top of the current page. Reverting to the legacy home page is also an option.
• Late October 2024: The new home page becomes the default view, with the option to revert to the legacy home page.
• January 2025: The legacy home page will be retired, making the new home page the only option.

Sneak Peek of the New Home Page

Below is a screenshot of the new SAP Concur home page. Your home page may look slightly different depending on the SAP Concur solutions you use. Please note that design elements may change before the official release.

The post Exciting Update: Introducing the Refreshed SAP Concur Home Page first appeared on World Travel Service.

Our WTS team is getting ready to head to Dallas for the 2023 GBTA convention in just a few weeks!

If you haven’t registered – visit the site to learn more about this year’s convention: https://convention.gbta.org/

📢 Be sure to stop by booth #1620 to say hello to the WTS/BCD team and check out the lineup of BCD Travel and Advito speakers during the GBTA education sessions. These experts will be covering impactful topics for managed travel programs, including best practices and innovations in payment data; lgbtq-specific travel risk considerations; air program negotiations and air distribution.

Click for more information: https://www.bcdtravel.com/blog/bcd-sessions-you-shouldnt-miss-at-gbta-convention-2023/?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=socialmediacontent-global&utm_term=506ff567-0ccd-4b78-9b56-c3e191818ea2

We look forward to seeing you in Dallas!

The post WTS is heading to GBTA first appeared on World Travel Service.

The business travel industry is rounding a corner. By the end of February 2022, transaction levels were at 50% of pre-COVID levels. Business travelers are signaling their readiness to get going again. But since the industry’s focus has been on protection instead of connection for a long time, travel programs will need guidance to adjust to the current travel climate. program stakeholders understand what is expected of them, what they should do and when, and how to make the best decisions for their travelers and organizations in today’s travel environment.

The 2022 update outlines why and how travel program stakeholders should address the days’ top concerns: people risk management, geopolitics, sustainability, the need for adaptable digital solutions and more. Originally published in 2020 and now in its third update, the guide covers five essential program areas: Duty of Care, Traveler Communication, Spend Management, Sustainability and Travel Policy.

OPEN THE BACK TO TRAVEL GUIDE

What’s inside this edition?

• Duty of care and the shifts in risk management – The global pandemic has dominated people’s minds for almost the last two years. But as travel returns, it’s important to recognize that other risks haven’t gone away. Our expanded duty of care section includes insights on how the focus of risk management has pivoted towards the employee; BCD Alert; traveler wellbeing and cybersecurity.
• A section on sustainability practices and integration into travel program – It’s imperative for business travel programs to reduce the strain that travel puts on our most precious resource: Earth. Learn what we’re doing to help ethically manage environmental, social and financial responsibilities to ensure business can keep going without limiting options for future generations.
• Post-pandemic considerations and strategies for air, hotel and ground categories – Find out how new ways of thinking about spend management can help boost program performance and save your organization money.
• Traveler engagement and communication suggestions to build traveler confidence back on the road.
• Updated checklists to help assess your program’s recovery plans

Who can use this? C-suite executives, Travel Managers, Procurement, HR/People & Culture, Risk & Security, and Operations .

The post Get back to human connections: A guide for managed travel programs first appeared on World Travel Service.

The post 6 tips to fight inflation in your hotel program first appeared on World Travel Service.

1. Prioritize wellbeing

Travel fatigue from flying long distances and jumping time zones can affect traveler wellbeing and hinder productivity on a business trip. To help ease jet lag, travelers should book the best flight times and class of service allowed by their travel policy. Time flights to align with the usual wake and sleep patterns – and avoid layovers when possible. If a layover is unavoidable, take advantage of it. Ask airline or airport workers for the best places to eat, rest or catch up on work. Many airports are home to art installations, live music performances, and even mini flora gardens or amusement parks (we’re looking at you, Singapore Changi Airport). During the layover, watch the clock and leave ample time to reach the gate for the connecting flight.

2. Manage passports and visas early

Passports

Applying for a new or renewed passport can take weeks or months, especially in countries now resuming travel and tourism following the shutdown. Depending on the country, a passport must be valid for a specific length of time after the departure date, typically three or six months. The rules vary by destination country and traveler nationality.

Visas

Procure necessary visas and passports well in advance. Some countries offer visas upon arrival; some require advance applications. Most countries use an e-visa portal for online visa applications. A passport must have enough empty visa pages to meet destination country requirements. When in doubt, check travel information on the destination country’s official government website or contact the designated government agency in the traveler’s country of citizenship.

3. Heed travel advisories and warnings

Travelers should check official government sources for travel advisories and notices that might affect a trip. These could include risk, weather or health events.

TripSource® provides clients and travelers information and alerts to help keep them safe before, during and after the trip. Travelers can receive alerts about security, weather and transportation events.

4. Schedule mandatory vaccinations and testing

Travelers should be aware of destination-specific entry requirements for testing, quarantine, medications and vaccinations. Travelers are responsible for contacting healthcare providers for information and to schedule necessary appointments. Allow plenty of time to get required vaccines or medications. Vaccines may require multiple doses over time. Some preventative medicines, like those used to treat malaria, must be started before travel. Share health concerns, itineraries and planned activities with the provider so they can better provide advice and recommendations for staying healthy on the trip. Make sure to get proper documentation for testing, vaccinations and medications.

5. Pack properly

Baggage rules for international flights may be stricter than for domestic trips. Usually one personal item (like a purse, briefcase or laptop bag) and one carry-on item are allowed on board. Quantity and weight allowances for checked luggage vary. Refer to the airline for specific fees, rules and restrictions.

Know before you go

With travel risks and requirements seemingly changing by the minute, real-time information is a must-have for confident decision-making. Our award-winning Information Hub helps travelers and travel managers make smart, confident decisions in a constantly changing business travel landscape.

ACCESS HUB

6. Exchange money

How much money will you need for an international business trip? That’s a good question. And one we can’t answer. It’s a good idea to keep cash handy, though. When deciding how much, consider how easily you can access funds at local banks and ATMs should there be a need. Keep safety in mind. It’s never a good idea to flash large amounts of cash anytime; get a good mix of currency denominations.

Decide whether you’ll exchange currency at home or at your destination. Currency exchange fees are usually less expensive at financial institutions compared to airports, train stations or hotels.

Will that be debit or credit?

Travelers may find themselves in a souk, café or other shop wondering which type of card to use for payment. Making the best choice between a credit card and debit (bank) card could mean less hassle, better record keeping, and savings – for travelers and their employers.

DEBIT VS CREDIT

Before you go

1.     Inform credit card, cell phone and other relevant service providers about travel plans to avoid services disruptions or freezes for fraud investigations.

2.     Take advantage of official government traveler safety programs like the United States’ Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service allowing U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

3.     In case of emergency: Use the TripSource Document Vault to store digital copies of your important travel documents. These include passport, state- or government-issued identification, trip itinerary, vaccine documents, emergency contact details and local embassy information. If print copies are preferred, store them separately from original documents in a secure place.

4.     Help protect your internet-enabled devices against cyber attacks. Update antivirus software, back up important information, and only connect to networks you consider reasonable secure.

Questions? Contact Us.

The post How to get ready for international business trips first appeared on World Travel Service.

Global Risk Forecast 2023 explores the implications of geopolitical events such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and global energy disruption and category risks such as extreme weather events and low-level piracy. With these insights, you can better prepare for and manage risk situations in your managed travel program. For example, when you consider the repercussions of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, you might initially think about travel restrictions. Yet, food scarcity, energy disruptions and higher price for goods and services might also present challenges to your bottom line and your business travelers’ journeys. Piracy, for example, may not affect your travelers’ safety, but could result in increased shipping costs for products your company uses.

ABOUT CRISIS24

What’s in the report?

Geopolitical risks

Repercussions from the Russia-Ukraine conflict

The wider repercussions from the conflict between Russia and Ukraine will continue to play out this year, with ramifications of food scarcity, disrupted energy supplies and inflation.

Food scarcity

Reduced grain exports (from both Russia and Ukraine) and lower fertilizer production have created issues across Africa and the Middle East; knock-on effects include growing food scarcity and generally higher prices. Countries with a high dependency on imported food are likely to be the most affected.

Energy disruption

The disruption to energy supplies, particularly in Western Europe, has resulted in sharply higher prices not just of gas but also of substitute fuels, as countries compete for finite resources. Energy shortages may result in Europe, prompting European governments to implement unpopular energy restrictions, extending into spring 2023, and possibly reappearing in the winter. Power cuts and international disputes over oil and gas could disrupt transport and travel.

Rising cost of living

The discontent caused by sharply higher rates of inflation increases the prospects for civil unrest. Higher prices will reduce demand for goods and services, impacting companies and countries most reliant on exports.

Growing insecurity and political instability

Economic hardship and growing discontent are never good news for security and stability. Growing wealth inequalities, with access to essential goods and services becoming more limited, will increase the feeling of marginalization among some social groups and may drive people towards political extremism, which could result in civil unrest, crime and terrorism.

Growing insecurity and instability could provoke civil unrest and industrial action, which may result in social and structural change in some Middle Eastern countries. In Africa, an increased cost of living will see burglaries and kidnapping for ransom increase in 2023. Terrorism could also increase as extremist groups exploit the situation, intensifying recruitment among disaffected populaces. Government stability could be threatened.

Government funding cuts affecting policing may result in higher levels of criminality across Latin America. Elevated levels of gang violence may result, as criminal groups take advantage of the policing vacuum to compete for influence.

GET THE FORECAST

Category risks

Return to air travel

The rise in air travel operating costs will linger in 2023, as fuel and labor costs increase and are largely passed on to customers through higher fares. Western airlines will also have to contend with the continued closure of Russian airspace. Airlines are likely to cut routes (particularly between Europe and Asia), increase fares and expand partnerships (as a cost-effective way to extend their reach of their networks).

New technologies will improve the passenger experience but could expose safety and security vulnerabilities.

Extreme weather effects

The La Nina weather event has occurred for three consecutive years. It has contributed to an upward trend in extreme weather events, promising more frequent and intense periods of drought, extreme heat and torrential rainfall. The latest La Nina event is expected to end this year, but its secondary impacts, including disruption to transport and utilities, food shortages and wildfire threats, will persist through 2023.

Rising low-level piracy

Low-level piracy, which typically entails robbery from vessels close to shore, is likely to increase and emerge in areas where it has not previously been reported. The spike will result in increased shipping costs.

Fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-related disruptions will continue this year. Global supply chain issues will likely persist into 2024 due, in part, to these disruptors.

Other health-related issues

Vaccine-preventable disease immunization programs were largely halted during the pandemic, particularly in countries with underfunded healthcare programs. As a result, countries around the world are now seeing a rise in infections among these diseases. Aside from the health implications, this also has economic impact, as employee absences increase. Many countries are not unaccustomed to outbreaks of these conditions (as immunization had prevented them in the past). Larger countries and those with government-funded healthcare systems should cope better.

Asia Pacific supply chains

International agreements are restructuring the way supply chains work in Asia Pacific. The RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) agreement signed in November 2020 ties some of Asia’s largest economies more closely to China. The IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework), launched by the U.S. in May 2022, has emerged as a counterweight to Chinese economic leadership in Asia. This also represents a clear escalation of economic competition between the U.S. and China, which will drive a shift in supply chains in the medium term.

Peace of mind is knowing you’re doing all you can to keep travelers safe

Take your travel risk management strategy to the next level with our comprehensive Traveler Security Program Assessment. Our specialists will use their first-hand expertise to perform an objective analysis of your program across 11 key areas and create a communication strategy to keep your travelers educated and engaged. Your results will be specific and actionable – digging deep into each area to help you build a travel risk management plan that keeps your travelers safe while giving you peace of mind.

The post Crisis24 forecast names top risks of 2023 first appeared on World Travel Service.

Travel managers want their travel program data to generate insights—not just reports. Here are some strategies to help transform your mountain of data into gold.

1. Set the right KPIs.

Choose key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with your program’s goals. This will give structure to your data and help you measure success.

2. Look at the big picture.

Avoid viewing reports in isolation because it’s easy to miss larger trends. Instead, look for the why behind the what. Once you know the reasons behind spend, your potential actions become much clearer.

3. Create stories.

Business intelligence involves telling highly relevant, persuasive data stories, personalized and delivered to your target audience in easy-to-understand ways. Finding the most compelling stories also means gathering data from a wider, less structured set of sources, including booking channels, GPS information, supplier ratings and even social media. Telling data stories designed to resonate with company leaders, travelers or suppliers helps you sell your ideas faster and influence your program’s performance more effectively.

4. Go beyond reports.

Reports and analyses are part of business intelligence, and using them gives you many benefits. But, pushing further into more complex analytics and modeling opens a door to a whole new world of possibilities. Journey deeper into your data to get ahead of budget problems, adjust policy, drive volume, find gaps, benchmark your program internally or externally and adjust KPIs, all while taking good care of your travelers.

TACKLE YOUR DATA

The post 4 ways to tackle business travel program data first appeared on World Travel Service.