Travel-On Travel Industry News
Friday, April 13, 2012
Events We're Watching

  • Nepal - Protests April 12-26

    A newly formed committee representing 60 indigenous groups has announced a series of nationwide protest actions April 12-26 to demand identity-based federalism with autonomy in the new constitution. The events will include mass demonstrations on expressways in the lowland Terai plains and outside district administration offices in Nepal's mountainous and hilly regions April 12. The Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities Students will stage demonstrations at Narayanghat in Chitwan district on April 21. In Kathmandu, the committee will organize a motorcycle rally April 25 and mass demonstrations on April 26.

  • Portugal - ATC Strikes April 12-26

    Portuguese air traffic controllers (ATC) plan to hold two-hour warning strikes starting at 0700 on April 12, 13, 19, 20, and 26. The work stoppages are likely to cause flight delays and some cancellations if they are not averted.

Q and A

Are Global Entry and Pre-Check the same thing?

No. Global Entry has to do with getting through Customs when entering the United States whereas TSA Pre✓™ is related to clearing TSA security at participating airports.

Global Entry (as well as SENTRI and NEXUS) is a Trusted Traveler program under the auspices of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that allows expedited customs clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Though intended for frequent international travelers, there is no minimum number of trips necessary to qualify for the program. Participants may enter the United States by using automated kiosks located at select airports.

TSA Pre✓™ is designed to help TSA focus resources on higher-risk and unknown passengers while expediting the process for lower-risk and known passengers whenever possible. U.S. citizens who are members of the Trusted Traveler programs are automatically qualified to participate in TSA Pre✓™ when flying a participating airline at a participating airport. Top-level frequent flyers may also be invited to apply by participating airlines.

  • Newfoundland was the first part of Canada to be explored by Europeans, and the last area to become a province, in 1949
  • India recognizes 23 official languages while South Africa has 11
  • On every continent there is at least one city called Rome
  • Russia is about the same size as Pluto in surface area
  • In Tokyo a bicycle is faster than a car for most trips of less than 50 minutes
  • The world's biggest chocolate selling point is the Brussels International Airport

What do Olympics and Paralympics Mean to London Travel?

The 2012 Summer Olympics and Paralympics games will be held in London July 27-Aug 12 and Aug 29-Sep 9 respectively. What can you do now to minimize impact on your business travel?

Review Your London Travel Needs
Review your anticipated travel for July-September. What projects, conferences, or meetings might require travelers to be in London during this time? Remember that London is a major connecting point for many international destinations, including a frequent overnight stop on some African routings. Consider not only the need to have travelers IN London, but the impact on travelers possibly connecting through London as well.

Restrict Travel to London
If possible, impose a travel black-out during the Games. No travel to or through London during this time. Schedule client visits and meetings to take place in June or October, or better yet, move them to an alternate location.

Book Essential Travel Now
If you have essential business in London that absolutely cannot be moved or rescheduled book it now! This is particularly true for hotel rooms. Hotel space is already at a premium and priced accordingly. If you are unable to secure accommodations at hotels in the city consider trying extended-stay properties, corporate apartments, or hotels outside the city.

Allow Extra Time
Remind both travelers and employees living in London to allow plenty of extra time to move around the city. Heightened security and the increase in athletes and spectators will combine to create traffic jams. Public transportation will be crowded.

For more information check out www.london2012.com, which includes FAQs, schedules, maps, and venue information, a video on preparing for the Games, and much more.