Dear TMC Member,
Welcome to our first Industry Partner newsletter of the year and what a way to kick things off, with an edition bursting with fantastic content, insights, and updates brought to you by our wonderful BTA Partners
I hope it leaves you feeling informed, inspired, and excited for the year ahead, so grab a coffee, get comfortable, and enjoy the read!
With my best wishes,
Sam BTA Partnership Engagement Manager
The travel industry is changing at a pace never seen before Digital transformation, rising traveler expectations, and a shifting corporate landscape are pushing Travel Management Companies to rethink how they operate For BCD, one of the world’s largest global TMCs, the challenge was clear: how to future proof its core systems and continue delivering value in a rapidly evolving environment
In conversation with John Palomino, SVP of Core Systems, Product Planning and Development at BCD, this article explores the forces driving BCD’s technology transformation and the decisions behind modernizing its core tech stack As corporate travel becomes more complex, systems must be more flexible, scalable, and able to respond quickly to new business and traveler needs
BCD has long been proud of building much of its technology in house, but the next phase of modernization required deep technical specialization and continuous innovation capacity. Partnering with Amadeus brought cloud native engineering skills, architectural expertise, and a shared understanding of the travel ecosystem.
The article looks at how BCD is reimagining its technology foundations, what the teams have already delivered together, and the long term vision guiding this transformation offering insight into how modern technology can help TMCs stay ahead in the future of corporate travel.
Read the article here
BCD, an Amadeus customer transforming travel
British Airways: A Confident Start to 2026
We enter 2026 with strong momentum, underpinned by continued investment in sustainability, network development and partner support.
We have introduced a new initiative offering corporate customers the opportunity to redeem Corporate Rewards Points for discounted Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) certificates This limited time offer features tiered discounts based on the volume of SAF purchased, providing organisations with a practical and cost effective way to lower their Scope 3 emissions, while strengthening their wider sustainability strategies By enabling companies to invest directly in emissions reduction using rewards already earned, this initiative represents a meaningful step forward in making climate action more accessible and scalable within the business travel sector
Alongside this progress, we continue to enhance global connectivity through strategic fleet deployment Our Airbus A380 will operate on high demand long haul routes, including Johannesburg, Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, Dallas Fort Worth and Dubai, delivering greater capacity alongside a premium onboard experience
We also remain committed to supporting our BTA partners through the British Airways Groups Travel Hub, which allows agents to quote, book and manage group fares 24/7 Partners across the UK and Ireland benefit from flexible deposits, free name changes prior to ticketing, and dedicated support from our Group Travel team - ensuring the smooth delivery of complex itineraries
Within the IAG family, we are also celebrating Iberia’s 80 year milestone, marked by a retro liveried A319 that pays tribute to its long standing contribution to European aviation
Together, these developments underline our ongoing commitment to meaningful innovation, greater sustainability and delivering even better service for our partners throughout 2026.
Delta is embarking on a bold new chapter in global travel, expanding its fleet with nextgeneration Airbus and Boeing widebodies that reflect a deep commitment to connecting the world and elevating every journey With orders for 31 additional Airbus A330-900s and A350900s and 30 new Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, Delta is investing in the future of international travel with aircraft that deliver greater range, efficiency and exceptional comfort
This renewed widebody fleet will be the foundation of Delta’s long-haul growth across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, South America and the South Pacific, ensuring customers have more opportunities to reach the places that matter most These aircraft bring not only technical performance, but the ability to shape meaningful travel experiences - smoother, quieter, more spacious flights designed for rest, productivity and inspiration at 35,000 feet.
Across every new widebody, Delta is reimagining the future of travel around customer needs, with larger premium cabins, Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, and elevated dining and entertainment - not to mention fast, free Delta Sync Wi-Fi for SkyMiles® Members and thousands of hours of seatback entertainment. It’s a vision built on the belief that global travel should feel personal, seamless, and memorable from the moment a customer steps on board.
As Delta prepares for the largest international schedule in its history, these investments reaffirm its dedication to thoughtful innovation, world-class service, and a travel experience that continues to set the industry standard
Read more here
Delta Redefines Global Travel with a Transformed Widebody Fleet
Business travel, personal rewards
When travel is part of the job, it should give something back Virgin Atlantic Flying Club makes every business trip count, with rewards that stay with you long after touchdown
Climb quickly
With three membership levels – Flying Club Red, Flying Club Silver and Flying Club Gold – the more you fly, the more you unlock.
We offer one of the fastest routes to Silver or Gold of any major UK airline, so frequent travellers move up quickly.
Earn on the job, spend on the joy
The points add up faster than you expect.
At Flying Club Silver, one Upper Class return trip to San Francisco could earn enough Virgin Points for two Premium return flights to New York * On the same trip, it could also earn enough tier points to renew Silver status for another year
At Flying Club Gold, two Upper Class return trips to San Francisco could mean enough Virgin Points for two Upper Class return flights to Boston*, as well as enough tier points to retain Gold status
Points that wait for you
Virgin Points never expire Earn them every time you fly, then spend them when the moment feels right Reward seats are available on every Virgin Atlantic flight and saver reward seats start from 6,000 points one way
Because when work takes you across the world, the rewards should follow you back home
*Reward flights Virgin Atlantic operated, based on standard season rates and subject to availability Taxes, fees and carrier imposed surcharges apply
Join here
Seamless Business Travel in London with Blue Orchid Hospitality
Blue Orchid Hospitality is a private collection of award-winning luxury independent hotels, apartments and residences, carefully combined with state-of-the-art meetings and events venues, together with vibrant restaurants and bars across London
For corporate travellers seeking flexibility, comfort and productivity, Tower Suites and Tower Residences provide expansive all-suite accommodation in the heart of Tower Hill, just moments from the City of London’s key financial districts. Suites and apartments feature fully equipped kitchens, open-plan living and dining areas with dedicated workstations - ideal for both short and extended business stays.
Guests benefit from excellent connectivity, with Tower Hill, Tower Gateway and Fenchurch Street stations nearby, offering seamless access across London. Onsite co-working spaces, modern meeting rooms, wellness facilities and a 24-hour gym ensure professionals can work, meet and unwind throughout their stay
Tower Suites also offers an Airport Transfer Package, including accommodation with a one-way private airport transfer for up to four guests, allowing travellers to begin or end their London trip stress-free, with additional transfers available on request
In Westminster, the Wellington Hotel provides a tranquil retreat overlooking Vincent Square, close to Victoria Station and Westminster’s business district With beautifully appointed bedrooms, private gardens, dining options and concierge services, the Wellington offers the perfect blend of classic charm and modern convenience
Blue Orchid Hospitality delivers an award-winning London experience where business, comfort and connectivity come together
Visit Blue Orchid here
TOP EVENT TRENDS YOU SHOULD KNOW IN 2006
Events in 2026 will be defined by intentionality AI is becoming operational, trust is harder to earn, and outcomes matter more than ever At the same time, audiences are more selective, choosing experiences that feel intentional, relevant, and worth their time
So how can you navigate these shifts?
Cvent’s 2026 trends report is packed with insights into the big trends shaping 2026 Key among them are:
- AI has moved from experimentation to expectation. In 2026, the focus is on practical use cases, clear outcomes, and proving the value of AI across event lifecycles.
- Trust is the differentiator. In an AI-saturated, low-trust digital world, events stand out as one of the most effective ways to build credibility, human connection, and long-term loyalty.
- Relevance is driving engagement. Personalization is becoming attendee-led, while exclusivity and micro events are shaping experiences that feel intentional, meaningful, and built around peer-to-peer connection.
- Proof matters more than ever As digital attribution becomes harder, events are emerging as a critical source of first-party data and a foundation for measurable growth
2026 is the year of delivering meetings and events with purpose For more analysis, download our guide: The Must-Know Event Trends for 2026
Eurostar – new booking solutions available in 2026
We’re pleased to introduce some new developments for agents booking corporate travel with Eurostar, including opportunities for direct integration with our API and ticketing in Ireland via GDS Air Read on to find out more
B2B Partner API – an intuitive booking solution for business agents
TMCs and OBTs can now integrate our new B2B Partner API, which gives direct access to Eurostar’s inventory. The API offers many enhanced features to facilitate bookings, after-sales and product access.
Here are some of the benefits:
• Integrated B2B “on-hold” conditions for flexible ticketing
• Access to our full public fare range with an average booking horizon of 323 days
• Access to Eurostar promo fares and negotiated corporate discount fares
• Seamless booking management and after-sales even in the event of disruption
• Commission earnings on sales of eligible fares
• Global access for partners in all markets with no booking fees
• Realtime timetable information
To learn more about accessing our B2B Partner API, you can reach out to your current technical provider or contact the Eurostar TMC team at direct agencies@eurostar com
BSP Ireland – new market soon open for ticketing
We’re also pleased to announce that we’ll soon be opening BSP ticketing in Ireland This will enable our business agent partners in Ireland to book and issue Eurostar tickets directly via GDS Air for the first time
We’ll be back with an update on this in the near future
We are proud to present Miiro Palais Rudolf, a luxury Boutique Hotel in Vienna, Austria.
HotelREZ has over 2,500 independent properties worldwide in 100+ countries. We are proud to present Miiro Palais Rudolf, a luxury Boutique Hotel in Vienna, Austria.
Set in Vienna’s prestigious 1st District overlooking the greenery of Rudolfspark, Miiro Palais Rudolf brings new life to a historic fin de siècle building in the heart of the Innere Stadt The boutique hotel offers 64 elegant rooms and suites, combining warm tones, vintage details, and refined simplicity for a calm, characterful stay just moments from the city’s cultural landmarks
Guests can enjoy an Italian-inspired restaurant, a stylish bar, and the hotel’s serene Refresh Room, alongside plush king beds and Le Labo amenities Thoughtfully designed and quietly indulgent, Miiro Palais Rudolf is an ideal base for experiencing Vienna’s timeless elegance
Available to book on the GDS under the HO chain code Apollo/Galileo:DJ598, Worldspan:A0128, Amadeus:VIE001, Sabre:618379
For further details, click here
The Next
Generation:
LNER Reveals Exciting New Details of Upcoming East Coast Main Line Trains
A new generation of comfort and speed is coming for LNER customers on the East Coast Main Line with the introduction of 10 state-of-the-art intercity trains, delivering improved journey experiences
The new fleet will help support and accommodate strong demand for rail travel on the East Coast Main Line Since Covid, LNER has seen a year-on-year increase in customers, with more than 24 million customers in 2024-25 The introduction, in December 2025, of a new, transformative timetable has brought an extra 60,000 seats per week across the route, and new CAF-built trains will further grow capacity and reliability
As the UK’s rail industry progresses towards Great British Railways (GBR), the Class 897 trains will be the first new fleet introduced as part of GBR The trains will be operated under Great British Railways - the new nationalised organisation to run the country's railway - and will be branded as such on their interior and exterior
To help them stand apart from the existing Azuma fleet, the new Class 897 trains will be named ‘Serenza’*. The name is a hybrid of ‘ serene ’ and the Spanish-style suffix ‘ -enza ’ .
The new Class 897 trains will be the first long distance trains in the UK to be tri-mode, meaning they are able to run on overhead electric power, alongside diesel engines and batteries when there are no overhead wires. The 10 carriage trains will each have a total of 569 seats across Standard and First Class, alongside wheelchair spaces with companion seating.
Read more here.
Rail Sale Impact, BTA Rail Conference Highlights & RDG Insights
As we move into March, the rail industry continues to feel the strong positive effects of January’s Great British Rail Sale, which ran from 6–12 January 2026 and offered more than 3,000,000 discounted tickets for travel through to 25 March With reductions often exceeding 50%, the sale enabled organisations to significantly cut early year travel expenditure Popular routes such as Portsmouth–London Waterloo for £10 and Manchester Piccadilly–Manchester Airport for just £1 20 provided exceptional value, supporting commuting, business meetings and airport transfers The initiative followed the government’s first rail fare freeze in 30 years, reinforcing affordability and positioning rail as an increasingly attractive option for business travel
January also saw industry leaders gather at the BTA Rail Conference on 28 January at the London Transport Museum, delivered in partnership with the Rail Delivery Group Senior figures from train operators, travel management companies and wider rail organisations explored rail’s expanding role in corporate mobility. Discussions covered rail data insights, infrastructure performance, high speed network development and evolving partnership models, with a strong emphasis on improving end to end journey integration. RDG continues to champion rail as central to the UK’s economic and environmental strategy, highlighting how initiatives like the Rail Sale boost accessibility, support local economies and align with corporate sustainability and cost control priorities.
Elevate your journey with a First-Class experience from TransPennine Express, designed to bring extra comfort and quality to every trip Our refreshed TransPennine Kitchen menus, Coast to Coast and West Coast, celebrate hearty, locally inspired dishes that showcase flavours from across the North and Scotland With vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options available on every menu, there’s something to suit every traveller
A standout favourite on the West Coast menu is the seasonal Steak & Lancaster Supernova Pale Ale Pie, featuring tender British beef slow cooked in TPE’s own craft pale ale and served on services between Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.
TransPennine Express is committed to raising the bar in rail travel - putting customers first and connecting people, places, and opportunities across the North and into Scotland.
Great Western Railway (GWR) has introduced the UK’s first battery only passenger train, the Class 230, into service on 31 January After 22 months of successful fast charge trials on the Greenford branch line, the train replaced its diesel predecessor, beginning with the 05:30 West Ealing - Greenford service The train previously set a world record by travelling 200 5 miles on a single battery charge, surpassing the previous 139-mile benchmark
GWR’s Engineering Director, Dr Simon Green, described the launch as a major milestone in decarbonising regional rail services, demonstrating battery power as a practical alternative where electrification isn’t feasible Network Rail echoed this, emphasising the technology’s potential to support the UK’s net zero goals
A 2024 GWR White Paper confirmed that future battery trains must reliably cover over 60 miles between charges, well within proven capability Unit 230001 will initially operate on Saturdays, expanding gradually as GWR gathers operational insights.
Shaping the
Future of Corporate Rail with The BTA
Trainline Partner Solutions continued to strengthen its partnership with The BTA in Q4, with a focus on thought leadership and collaboration.
In January, we were proud to host our first BTA webinar, Future of Rail, bringing together industry partners to explore how to corporate rail landscape is set to evolve throughout 2026 and beyond. The session, run by Luke Hills and Carolyn Booth, sparked thoughtful discussion around how rail can be central to the future of business travel. We encourage anyone who couldn’t make it to catch up on the BTA website.
The next day, we headed to the London Transport Museum for The BTA’s annual Rail Conference The event brought together carriers, TMCs and distribution partners Luke took to the stage to discuss what’s happening in the world of distribution, answering questions from partners and continuing the conversation on how we can collectively simplify rail, improve the booking experience and better support sustainable business travel
Looking ahead, March is shaping up to be another busy and exciting month We’ll be in Berlin attending ITB, where we look forward to connecting with partners from across Europe Then shortly after, the team will be heading to New Orleans for Concur Fusion If you ’ re attending either, come and say hello, we’d love to connect!
Want to stay in touch? Sign up to our mailing list via the link or by scanning the QR code below
- Expanding in Key Business Travel Locations!
Last year at Travelodge we expanded our network by adding 21 hotels, investing in locations across key business hubs and transport corridors that we know matter most to business travellers.
Building on this momentum, in January we opened Travelodge London Stratford Centre, our 86th hotel in the capital, strengthening our presence in one of London’s most accessible districts.
The 151-room hotel was created through the conversion of a former vacant office building and has been refurbished to our latest premium brand standards It features our popular 85 Bar Café, offering guests a flexible space to eat, work or unwind Located just a short walk from Stratford station, the hotel benefits from excellent underground, National Rail and DLR connections, providing fast access to the City, Canary Wharf and the West End
Alongside this opening, Travelodge continues to build a strong development pipeline, with a further six hotels currently planned across the UK and Spain These include new locations in Banbury, Wakefield, Watford, London Upminster and London Loughton, as well as Bilbao Sestao, which will become our 13th hotel in Spain Together, these sites will add more than 570 new rooms to our estate, further extending our reach in key business travel destinations
With 630 hotels across the UK and Spain, Travelodge is continuing to expand in high-demand, well-connected locations, targeting over 300 sites in the UK and 20 in Spain to offer business travellers greater choice, consistent quality and excellent value
Speak to your TMC for more information
Travelodge
Finally, NDC that shows you the money
We’ve shared a new report on NDC designed to help our TMC partners amplify their NDC journey and modern retailing plans
This report includesinsights into how agencies can win with NDC, making it more profitable for everyone through:
• A gold-standard, normalized workflowthat delivers consistent experiences and amplifies each airline’s unique content
• Complete servicingfor ancillaries, exchanges, and disruptions all in one workflow
• Retail-ready contentthat drives clarity, conversion, and revenue
It also allows afirst look at where NDC is headed faster onboarding, stronger revenue enablement, and intelligent curation Agencies and airlines that embrace this innovation now will lead tomorrow
Explore the trends shaping air retailing and see how Travelport is helping agencies and airlines win with NDC, here
Paving the Way for Greener Business Travel: Accor's Commitment to Sustainability
The future of business travel is undeniably sustainable, and Accor is setting the standard for 2026
As a world-leading hospitality group, with over 5,700 hotels & resorts across more than 110 countries and 45+ brands from luxury to economy, as well as lifestyle with Ennismore, our commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles is deeply embedded in every facet of our operations.
We're not just talking about reducing our environmental impact; we're actively implementing aggressive carbon reduction targets through energy-efficient hotels and increased renewable energy sourcing. Our significant plastic elimination efforts are well underway, alongside dedicated initiatives to support local economies through responsible sourcing, proving our tangible commitment to a healthier planet.
Partnering with Accor means instantly elevating your own ESG credentials and simplifying your path to sustainable corporate travel We provide the trusted, sustainable choice that seamlessly aligns with your corporate values and objectives, making it easier to report on your sustainability performance
Expect further innovation in 2026, as we introduce enhanced eco-friendly solutions and expand our portfolio of sustainably certified properties For our UK partners, this commitment includes continued alignment with stringent local environmental standards and certifications Don't just travel Travel responsibly and let Accor be your guide
Elevate your company's sustainable travel strategy Learn more about Accor's deep commitment to sustainable hospitality and how we can achieve your sustainability goals together, here
ANA (All Nippon Airways) has once again been recognised for its global service excellence, securing the highest "5-Star" rating from SKYTRAX for the 13th year in a row. This achievement highlights ANA’s sustained commitment to delivering exceptional quality across all touchpoints, from airport lounges to inflight experiences.
As the only Japanese carrier to maintain this benchmark for over a decade, ANA continues to set industry standards through its signature "Omotenashi" hospitality, defined by meticulous attention to detail from all staff The airline is also expanding its "THE CONNOISSEURS" culinary team to 16 experts to enhance inflight dining
This milestone reflects ANA's dedication to providing the world-class service and reliable comfort that are essential to your corporate clients We remain focused on evolving our offerings to ensure every journey is seamless and productive
Read the full article here
Delivering
NDC at Scale: Moving from Access to Confidence
As corporate travel programmes continue to evolve, access to NDC content is no longer the differentiator – dependable delivery for TMCs and their agents is. The real question is no longer “ can we access NDC?” but “ can we service it consistently, across carriers, regions and complex client needs?”
At Atriis, our expanding global NDC programme reflects a shift from experimentation to operational maturity We now support NDC content from more than 30 airlines worldwide, including British Airways, Iberia, Qatar Airways, Air France-KLM, Air India, Aeromexico and Etihad, delivered via Sabre The value isn’t simply the number of carriers It’s delivering that breadth as a stable, production-ready channel that agents can rely on every day
For TMCs, that reliability translates into tangible outcomes: fewer booking exceptions, less manual intervention, smoother exchanges and cancellations, and more consistently ancillary management
By supporting the full order lifecycle, Atriis enables service teams to work efficiently within existing workflows, reducing friction while improving client responsiveness
Scale also matters because global programmes require choice without complexity More content at scale means broader airline options for clients, delivered with operational chaos Crucially, this sits within Atriis’ broader multi-source strategy, integrating NDC, GDS and direct connections to provider richer, consistent and comprehensive content across all channels
As NDC adoption accelerates, success will be defined by those who deliver it confidently, at scale, and with service teams firmly in focus
Cathay Pacific celebrates 80 years
2026 is a milestone year for Cathay Pacific as we proudly celebrate our 80th anniversary, marking eight decades of connecting global travellers and businesses from our home base in Hong Kong to the world This special year includes a programme of celebrations, community partnerships, vintage uniform tributes and special liveries, all honouring our heritage and future as a leading global carrier
In exciting travel news for business travellers, UK passport holders can now enjoy visa-free travel to the Chinese Mainland for stays of up to 30 days, covering business meetings, conferences, tourism and transit This new policy is in effect for the remainder of 2026, making Chinese destinations that much better connected with the UK corporate travel ecosystem
Key Mainland hubs served by Cathay include Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, each offering major business and cultural opportunities From London via Hong Kong, expect efficient connections to the Chinese Mainland and beyond, including extensive intermodal connectivity to major destinations in the Greater Bay Area
Enhancing the travel experience, arrive like you ’ ve never travelled on our new Premium Economy on our refurbished 777-300ER aircraft which delivers generous recline, increased privacy, elevated service and complimentary Wi-Fi for Cathay members Enjoy this new brand-new cabin on CX250 departing from London Heathrow every evening to Hong Kong.
Whether travelling for meetings, market visits or seeking inflight productivity, Cathay promises smoother journeys and a refreshed onboard experience for business travellers in 2026.
Read more about the 80 anniversary here th
Reopening in May 2026, The Tower Suite at The Tower Hotel stands as one of London’s most impressive and versatile event destinations Set against panoramic views of Tower Bridge, the River Thames, and the city skyline, this contemporary, light filled venue offers exceptional flexibility for conferences, gala dinners, product launches, award ceremonies, and standout celebrations
As the hotel’s largest event space, the main suite hosts up to 550 guests theatre style and can be divided into three self contained areas – Tower Suite 1, Tower Suite 2, and Tower Suite 3 - allowing planners complete creative control A dedicated catering and networking space accompanies the suite, complemented by adjacent breakout rooms for workshops and private sessions
Design throughout draws inspiration from the Thames and Docklands, blending nautical heritage with modern styling State of the art AV technology, adaptable lighting, and flexible layouts enable effortless transitions from high impact presentations to atmospheric evening events
Beyond the main suite, the Bridge Rooms offer private bars and stunning views for receptions and networking, while the 12th floor conference level features 15 fully equipped meeting rooms with natural daylight The Gallery provides an elegant dining led space overlooking St Katharine Docks. Guests can enhance their experience with diverse dining venues including Vicinity and VU from The Tower, each offering exceptional views and tailored atmospheres. With 801 comfortable bedrooms and excellent transport links - including nearby Underground, DLR, and mainline stations - The Tower Hotel ensures seamless multiday stays.
Combining striking views, extensive facilities, and expert support, The Tower Suite is purpose built for unforgettable events.
The Tower Suite Relaunch
Staying ahead of Travel Managers’ evolving expectations
As travel programmes loo een more complex CMAC’s latest report offer expectations shaping this evolving role - insight es that meet client and traveller needs
While corporate travel spend continues to grow, one critical area remains stubbornly difficult to control at scale: ground transport Many travellers book taxis, ride-hailing or private hire outside managed programmes, leaving travel teams without visibility, control or auditability - exposing organisations to duty-of-care risks However, it doesn't need to be this way with the right solution in place
CMAC’s analysis points to key priorities for Travel Managers, including intuitive self-service with robust support, full journey visibility, cost control without compromising traveller experience, verifiable duty-of-care, personalised and safe travel experiences, and data-driven decision-making All things TMCs can provide by working with a managed provider that simplifies ground transport home and abroad.
For TMCs, the report provides a snapshot of demand and a clear signal of where managed transport must integrate with broader travel programmes - prioritising seamless, safe and visible journeys that travellers prefer and travel managers trust.
CMAC partners with TMCs to deliver managed ground transport services that complement your core solution, bringing real-time booking, vetted providers, duty-of-care compliance and 24/7 support to your travellers - helping you meet evolving expectations and opening a lucrative new revenue stream, without any extra effort
Explore the full insights in more detail, here
Connectivity is the New Operating Model for Business Travel
Connectivity as the new operating model for business travel reflects a major shift in how corporate travel is planned, managed, and experienced It’s no longer just about moving people from point A to point B; it’s about creating a digitally connected, data-driven, and seamlessly integrated travel ecosystem
The future of corporate travel isn’t transactional, it’s integrated
Business travel is undergoing a structural transformation Rising costs, evolving traveler expectations, and real-time risk exposure have exposed the limitations of fragmented systems and siloed data
Connectivity is the invisible infrastructure that allows every stakeholder to move faster, collaborate deeper, and deliver a more intuitive experience
Disconnected platforms create:
- Limited Visibility into the Traveler Spend and Location
- Reactive Disruption Management
- Manual Processes and Compliance Gaps
- Incomplete Carbon Reporting
- Friction in the Traveler Experience
In an environment defined by volatility and accountability, organizations need a connected ecosystem that enables real-time intelligence, automation, and strategic oversight.
Connectivity is not a technological upgrade. It is a new operating model, which DerbySoft explores in its most recent white paper, The New Operating Model for Business Travel.
The white paper explores how APIs and cloud platforms are transforming fragmented travel systems, why real-time data is becoming the backbone of duty of care, turning travel data into strategic business intelligence, and the framework for building a fully integrated travel infrastructure
The future of business travel isn’t about moving people It’s about connecting systems, data, and decisions
Download the white paper here
Discover the World UK & Ireland Welcomes New Clients & Colleagues for 2026
Following a period of rapid growth, Discover the World UK & Ireland now fields a team of 25 passionate sales professionals, representing our diverse portfolio of leading travel brands
Our account managers and sales support teams work seamlessly within each supplier’s commercial and distribution strategy, ensuring TMCs receive expert service whether booking flights, cars, hotels, or rail
Airline Updates
airBaltic will launch Aberdeen–Riga this summer, strengthening links between Scotland and the Baltics Alaska Airlines begins London Heathrow–Seattle in May, enhancing transatlantic options to the Pacific Northwest Azerbaijan Airlines has selected Discover the World to lead its UK travel trade representation Binter Canarias adds Lanzarote–Santander from 31 March and Valladolid–Tenerife North from 2 July Copa Airlines has been recognised by Cirium as Latin America’s most punctual airline for 2025, achieving 90 75% on time performance and ranking #2 worldwide JetBlue is expanding from Boston in Q2, with new services to Barcelona and Milan Plus Ultra introduces Madrid–Buenos Aires from 23 May, increasing to four weekly services from July. Riyadh Air will soon commence Heathrow–Riyadh, offering a new premium option to Saudi Arabia. South African Airways launches a new codeshare with Turkish Airlines from March, improving connectivity via Istanbul.
Rail & Car Rental
Brightline ‘BE’ will soon be available in Amadeus, supporting seamless US rail booking for UK TMCs Europcar has again been shortlisted for Rental Company of the Year at the 2026 Fleet News Awards, following their 2025 win Visit Discover the World here
Distribusion expands European rail coverage – OUIGO Spain now live
Distribusion Technologies continues to expand its European rail footprint for corporate travel with another milestone in Q1: OUIGO Spain is now live on our platform as of January 2026.
This launch significantly strengthens our coverage in Spain, providing TMCs with direct access to OUIGO’s high-speed national routes Together with Renfe and Iryo, we now offer comprehensive rail coverage across Spain, enabling greater choice, competitive pricing, and improved availability for corporate travellers
Beyond Spain, Distribusion further enhances its global ground transportation network, connecting rail and bus carriers across more than 70 countries Our platform links major airports with key ground transport services, supporting seamless first- and last-mile journeys across major business hubs As the leading B2B ground transportation marketplace, we connect travel sellers and TMCs with an extensive carrier network through both our intuitive Agent Portal and our B2B API, enabling easy integration into Online Booking Tools
With real-time pricing, instant booking, and full lifecycle management, Distribusion simplifies ground transport distribution helping TMCs scale their multimodal offering efficiently and sustainably for today’s business travellers
Visit Distribusion here
Make Business Travel Easy from the Moment of Booking
At easyJet, we know business travellers want their journey to be simple, efficient and on their terms. That’s why encouraging customers to add their seat and large cabin bag at the time of booking can make all the difference
Choosing a seat in advance means travellers get exactly what they need – whether it’s extra legroom to stay productive, or a seat closer to the front to get on their way faster when they land
Adding a large cabin bag at booking helps travellers move through the airport with ease It provides space on board for work essentials, avoids bags being checked at the gate and removes the stress of adding extras later It’s one simple choice that can save valuable time on the day of travel
For Travel Management Companies, this is about delivering what business travellers expect: choice, control and value By building these options into the booking conversation, you ’ re helping clients personalise their trip and travel with confidence
Plan ahead Add seats and large cabin bags at booking easyJet, making low-cost business travel easy
Looking back over 2025, Travel Management Companies using the Evolvi system saw an increase of 20% in terms of the number of tickets issued, driven by our split ticketing functionality
This has proven to be immensely popular, with TMCs able to deliver substantial cost savings to their enduser corporate clients Across Evolvi’s client base last year, a staggering £26m was saved through the use of split ticketing, confirming that rail savings continues to play a pivotal role in corporate travel programmes
Following on from last year ’ s launch of our international rail product, we are looking to expand the product in 2026 Irish Rail is on the roadmap for a launch in Q1, and hopefully will be live by the time you read this Evolvi will be one of the first – if not the first – retailer to offer this content. Watch this space for more news.
On to matters BTA, our partnership continues to strengthen.
We were delighted to participate in The BTA Rail Conference on 28 January, where Evolvi’s Head of Customer Support & Delivery, Andy Edwards, provided insight in the panel discussion on Technology with other industry colleagues.
Evolvi’s Managing Director, Darren Williams and Senior Account Manager, Emma Owers will be attending The Corporate Travel Summit on 10 March and look forward to meeting as many BTA members and partners as possible Please stop them for a chat to hear how Evolvi can help you in 2026, along with all the exciting projects we are currently working on
Evolvi clients save over £26m in 2025
Delivering compliant, reliable transport you can trust
As we head into the BTA Corporate Travel Summit, First Travel Solutions (FTS) continues to strengthen its position as the UK’s leading managed ground transport provider - supporting travel management companies and corporate clients with safe, scalable and fully compliant solutions
It’s already been a busy start to the year for FTS with the team recently delivering a complex, multi-day conference in Manchester, coordinating 40 coaches and 13 minibuses for international delegates
Large-scale event logistics remain a core strength, underpinned by a 24/7 Control team and nationwide network of over 1,500 vetted operators Meaning compliance and duty of care are central to everything FTS do. With PSVAR and PSV(AI)R exemptions ending in July 2026 the team are working proactively to review fleet status, support tech installations and provide guidance to ensure our partners are compliant. With real-time vehicle tracking, a robust compliance framework and triple ISO accreditations, FTS ensures your passengers are transported safely, responsibly and with full transparency at every stage of their journey.
If you are reviewing your ground transport for 2026 and beyond, we would welcome a conversation at the Summit. Let’s deliver better experiences, together.
Get in touch with our team: �� sales@firsttravelsolutions com
Learn more: https://www firsttravelsolutions com/employee-shuttle-services
Webinar - Regulation, regulation, regulation: legal changes the travel sector can’t afford to miss
The regulatory landscape for travel businesses continues to shift at pace and recent developments mean that even well-established compliance frameworks may now leave gaps
Fox Williams invites you to join Rhys Griffiths, Lucy England, Jessica Howard, and James Collis on Tuesday 10 March at 12.00pm for a short webinar, exploring the latest regulatory updates in the travel sector.
Our speakers will cover the following topics:
- The Digital Services Act (DSA): lessons from the Zalando case and what it means for online travel agents and booking platforms.
- The Online Safety Act (OSA): how travel businesses may be caught (often unexpectedly) and what you need to do
- EU Package Travel and Regulation 261 updates: the latest position and what’s coming next
- ATOL: important changes to advertising rules and how to stay compliant
We will focus on what these developments mean for your business, where the risks lie, and the steps you should be considering now
There will be an opportunity to raise questions with our specialists either in the course of the session or separately afterwards
Please register via the link
Business Travel: Key considerations for employers and tax compliance
As global mobility accelerates and border technologies become increasingly sophisticated, the compliance landscape for international business travel is undergoing rapid transformation
New biometric checks, expanded data-sharing frameworks and the UK’s ETA system have made cross border work patterns more transparent, prompting tax authorities to intensify their scrutiny of business travellers
For employers, this shift means re-evaluating long held assumptions about the risks associated with short term travel What may appear to be a routine visit a week of meetings in London, can quietly generate a data trail that triggers UK tax obligations from the first day duties are performed There's a common misconception: that a PAYE obligation does not arise when an employee pays tax elsewhere or when a Double Taxation Agreement exists In reality, UK rules impose a day one PAYE requirement for overseas employees undertaking work that benefits a UK business, even when their remuneration may ultimately be exempt from UK tax under treaty provisions.
While the Short Term Business Visitors Agreement (STBVA) offers welcome administrative relief, it is far from a catch all solution. Organisations must still determine whether a PAYE obligation arises in the first place, ensure strict eligibility criteria are met, and interpret travel related data in context, not simply count days in the UK.
This evolving environment underscores the need for employers to strengthen their tracking systems, update internal processes and maintain clear visibility over employee movements As scrutiny increases, proactive compliance is no longer optional; it's essential for managing risk and avoiding costly penalties
Read the full article here
A smarter way to get to your next meeting
Business travel works best when the journey is as seamless as the meeting With Holiday Extras for Business, pre-booked transfers take the stress out of getting from A to B, removing the uncertainty of local taxis, queues or last-minute delays. A professional driver is waiting on arrival, so travellers can step straight into their journey and arrive on time, calm and ready.
Executive transfers are available in over 150 countries, with a full range of vehicles to suit every trip, from small and premium cars to EVs, coaches and VIP options. Whether travelling solo or with colleagues, there’s a reliable, professional option for every scenario.
Flight tracking means drivers automatically adjust for delays, while driver tracking gives travellers full visibility of their journey Everything runs smoothly, with no need to worry about finding drivers, navigating language barriers or second-guessing plans And if plans change, a 24/7 in-destination helpline is always on hand to help
Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot, Holiday Extras for Business is trusted by travellers worldwide for reliability and service Our transfers also have an NPS score of 50, classed as ‘Excellent’, reflecting consistently high customer satisfaction
Better business trips start with airport transfers designed to protect time and reduce stress
For more information contact kayleigh dawkins@holidayextras com
Big news! We have partnered with Emirates Skywards which will now offer its members flight rewards to more than 75 destinations across our network
How It Works
Starting from 8,000 Skywards Miles* including all fees & charges, members can now enjoy convenient redemption options to popular leisure destinations served by us. To illustrate the benefits of this new partnership:
• Emirates Skywards members can travel with Emirates from London to Sydney via Dubai on a roundtrip Premium Economy Flex Plus ticket and earn 18,000 Miles, which can then be fully redeemed on a Jet2.com roundtrip flight ticket from London Stansted to Majorca in Spain.*
• Emirates Skywards members can also book two roundtrip flights with Emirates from Manchester to Dubai in Business Class Flex and earn 21,000 Miles, which can then be fully redeemed on a Jet2 com roundtrip flight ticket from Manchester to Salzburg in Austria* for a ski trip
“We are very pleased to be partnering with Emirates Skywards, which means we can give even more customers the opportunity to enjoy flights with our award-winning airline This is a great way for us to continue attracting new customers and we know that our reputation for delivering the very best customer service will be a huge hit with Emirates Skywards members ” Doug Turner, General Manager of 3rd Party Supply & Distribution, Jet2 com
* The number of miles required for flight rewards will vary based on ticket fares Terms and conditions apply
Redeem here
Jet2 com partnership with Emirates Skywards
Lufthansa Group: elevating the travel experience in 2026
The Lufthansa Group is entering 2026 with several developments set to enhance the business travel experience across its airlines
A major milestone is the Group wide rollout of Starlink high speed satellite internet, which will equip around 850 aircraft with next generation connectivity From the second half of 2026, travellers can expect significantly faster, more reliable onboard internet, supporting streaming, cloud based working and smoother communication in flight Access will be free for status customers and Travel ID users, and the full fleet is planned to be upgraded by 2029
SWISS is also expanding its premium long haul offer as the new Airbus A350 featuring the ‘SWISS Senses’ cabin begins operating the Zurich–Seoul route from 29 March 2026 The concept introduces warmer design elements, increased privacy, bringing a more contemporary, wellbeing focused experience to one of Asia’s key business destinations
Meanwhile, Lufthansa has begun a comprehensive Business Class retrofit of its Airbus A380 fleet. All eight aircraft will feature new Thompson designed seats with direct aisle access, two metre lie flat beds, Bluetooth audio and enhanced privacy. The first aircraft is due back in service in April 2026, with the entire programme finishing by mid 2027.
Visit Lufthansa Group for Business for the latest developments, fleet news and programme updates.
Pliant x BTA – A quick hello
Hi all, I wanted to introduce Pliant as we join the BTA community
I’m Muks, Head of Sales for the UK & Ireland (based in Manchester, often in London, and always open to a coffee)
Pliant was founded in 2020 and today we ’ re 300+ Plianteers strong, backed by over $100m in VC funding. We’re live across the UK, Europe, and the US.
In simple terms, we help TMCs modernise the payments layer.
That means flexible corporate cards, smarter spend management, and better control across booking, payment and reconciliation for both TMCs and their corporate clients. Whether it’s improving working capital alignment, reducing credit exposure, or capturing more value from on-trip spend, we believe that payments should be a commercial lever
For solutions for corporates, we offer lots of ways to partner with TMCs, from lightweight, non-integrated programmes through to fully embedded and fully white-labelled solutions We already power card propositions for banks, insurers and TMCs, all built with travel use cases in mind
We’re also excited about several technical integrations currently underway with booking tools and backoffice systems, which we hope to share more on in our next quarterly update
Looking forward to catching up with existing customers and meeting many of you at the Corporate Travel Summit on 10th March
Drop me a note if you'd like to chat!
Muks Muks@getpliant com
Five leading travel technology providers Lleego, Vibe, TPConnects, Ypsilon.net, and Mesh across leisure, corporate, and online travel have chosen to integrate with SabreMosaic™ Travel Marketplace, enabling access to NDC content from more than 40 airlines, reflecting a continued industry shift toward platforms capable of delivering broad content coverage and full servicing within existing agency workflows
Through SabreMosaic Travel Marketplace, these providers will offer NDC fares, continuous pricing, bundled products, and new ancillaries alongside traditional and low cost carrier content This unified approach allows agents to search, book, and service airline content without relying on separate direct connections or bespoke integrations Activation will follow each provider’s own roadmap, allowing for staged adoption without operational disruption
Sabre’s technical model is a key driver behind the decision Its harmonised APIs standardise airline specific differences, removing the need to maintain multiple individual connections This enables full servicing across airlines, including refunds, exchanges, voids, seat selection, and ancillary management, and reduces the manual processes often associated with multi source content
For the agencies and corporates using these platforms, the integration streamlines onboarding of new airline content while preserving existing tools and travel programme controls It also ensures access to airline specific features such as continuous pricing and exclusive promotions in a single, comparable view
The decision by these leading providers highlights a growing preference for scalable NDC delivery models that minimise complexity while expanding access to modern airline retailing
Situ strengthens global presence with expanded operations in the Americas
We are pleased to announce that Situ has expanded its international operations with the establishment of Situ Americas, Inc., reinforcing our long-term commitment to supporting our growing global client base.
The formation of Situ Americas Inc. marks a strategic step in enhancing regional coverage, response times, and market expertise for clients with mobility, travel, and corporate housing needs across North and South America. This expanded presence allows us to deliver even more localised support while maintaining the consistency and service standards our global partners expect
“Expanding our footprint in the Americas is a natural progression for Situ,” says Kristen Meglaughlin, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Situ Americas
“As client demand continues to grow across the region, Situ Americas enables us to provide faster response times, deeper market insight, and access to high quality accommodation solutions, all while staying true to our mission of making serviced accommodation effortless ”
Phil Stapleton, Founder and CEO of Situ, says, “Situ has built a strong reputation for delivering flexible, high-touch serviced accommodation solutions across global markets The company ’ s expansion into the Americas strengthens its ability to guide clients through complex housing decisions with confidence, supported by on-the-ground expertise and a dedicated regional team ”
The establishment of Situ Americas is an important milestone in our international growth With demand continuing to rise across mobility and corporate accommodation programmes across the globe, Situ remains focused on expanding into new markets and strengthening regional expertise worldwide
Read more here
SIXT. PREMIUM TO THE POWER OF MORE.
SIXT is your premium partner for business travel with a global network that TMCs can trust.
LONDON’S CALLING
New branch locations including London Bloomsbury, Battersea Power Station, and London Liverpool Street, enhancing coverage across key corporate travel hubs
ONE FOR ALL
ALL HAIL THE GRECALE
The Maserati Grecale Modena is now available to book across SIXT London locations, giving customers access to Maserati’s distinctive blend of Italian design, performance and craftsmanship
SIXT’s loyalty programme has expanded to reward travellers across Germany and Austria and the US. Our refreshed program, SIXT One, (with UK rollout planned soon) is delivering enhanced booking flexibility and exclusive member benefits
HEAR MORE ON THE BTA PODCAST
CHAT RIDE ARRIVE
SIXT ride is introducing a new WhatsApp chat feature in the app, enabling anonymous, communication between customers and drivers Built for international travellers, it is setting a new standard for hassle-free pick-ups.
Tune in to “In Conversation with: SIXT,” where BTA’s Clive Wratten speaks with Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, SIXT UK, about family-owned roots, global growth, rapid UK expansion, and what “premium” means for today’s traveller
Introducing Victor
Victor is a on-demand aircraft charter specialist, founded in 2011, and trusted by corporate travel managers, sports organisations, government bodies and high-profile brands to deliver complex, timecritical air travel programmes worldwide.
Charter is often perceived as a last-minute solution, but when deployed strategically it can be a powerful extension of a Travel Management Company’s offering – adding reliability, flexibility and control where scheduled travel alone cannot meet client needs.
We work in close partnership with TMCs to support scenarios such as large group movements, access to remote or poorly served destinations, high-value executive travel, disrupted schedules, or programmes requiring precise control over timings, security, branding or specialist baggage Our role is to strengthen the role of the TMC and act as a trusted specialist partner behind the scenes or directly with clients, as preferred
What sets Victor apart is our operational depth and governance Every flight is supported by a dedicated Flight Management team, robust operator due diligence and a commitment to transparency Climate action is also central to our approach; we provide a ‘Pay Here, Use There’ Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) offering and advisory support for organisations seeking credible, measurable lifecycle carbon emissions reduction strategies
Through our new partnership with the Business Travel Association, we look forward to engaging with members, sharing insight on when and how charter can add value, and supporting TMCs in delivering seamless, high-performance travel solutions for their clients
We’re delighted to announce the acquisition of the former DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield Park on Chesterfield Road South in Sheffield, marking the addition of a 35th hotel to our portfolio. Village Hotel Sheffield is set to open in early Autumn 2026, featuring newly designed bedrooms with in-room fitness equipment and enhanced amenities in our premium Club Rooms.
Across our portfolio, significant refurbishments and extensions are underway. Guests will enjoy upgraded bedrooms, an expanded Starbucks rollout - with one refurbishment completing each month - and major enhancements to our Village Health & Wellness Clubs New features include Reformer Pilates studios, padel courts, recovery lounges, outdoor fitness spaces, and fully refreshed changing rooms We’ve also expanded our EV charging infrastructure, with chargers now available at 21 locations and more planned
As the Official Hotel Partner of the Premier League Darts, we ’ re proud to show every match live in the Pub & Grill We’ve also launched Darts Social, our interactive multiplayer darts experience, now available at 27 locations - ideal for team socials and post-meeting gatherings
At Village, teams achieve more for less From small meetings and training sessions to large conferences and events, we offer everything under one roof: flexible meeting spaces, energising buffet lunches, Health & Wellness Club access, and comfortable bedrooms for residential stays With convenient UK locations, parking, EV chargers at selected sites 21 locations and counting, hosting your next event couldn’t be easier
For more updates and the latest news check out our website
