London’s South Bank celebrates Year of Mexico in the UK

Between Wednesday 25^th February and 11 March 2015, 2015 Mexico is launching an interactive and immersive exhibition displayed at London’s Potters Fields Park where visitors will be able to discover the inspiring story of Mexico, as part of the official Year of Mexico in the UK celebrations. The pop-up which comes in the form of a stunning white dome is housed adjacent to London’s Tower Bridge alongside the River Thames.  The exhibition is open to visitors of all ages from 10.00am – 20.00pm.

This “must-see” captivating experience features state-of-the-art innovation that tell Mexico’s story, using cutting-edge modern technology.  The dome has travelled from Madrid and Beijing.  Visitors travel on a fascinating journey to this incredible country, beyond imagination.  They feel the rush of riding rapids, soar over Mexico City by hot air balloon and be transported into some of Mexico’s world famous sites and bustling cities, through interactive 360 degree tours and augmented reality.

Also featured within the dome is one of the world’s most unique pieces of art - The "Vochol" – a Volkswagen Beetle decorated with more than two million beads - a feat that took 8 artists over 9,000 hours of work to design and decorate.

Mexico, the only nation to have its cuisine designated by UNESCO as of Intangible Heritage of Humanity, is no doubt very proud of its rich culinary heritage.  Visitors can sample authentic Mexican cuisine outside the exhibition, with fresh market food prepared by acclaimed Mexican restaurant, Wahaca.

Other exciting elements of the exhibition will include:

·         Interactive touch screens which display Mexican art through advanced 3D technology

·         A virtual dressing room, where visitors can virtually try on the latest in Mexican fashion or traditional dress

·         Amazing visual displays and audio storytelling, using touch screens, to explore a variety of tourism offerings: Culture, Sun and Beach, Adventure and Nature, Business and Luxury.

·         A virtual 360 degree tour of the country’s 32 states, that include archeological sites, bustling cities and world heritage sites, nature zones, and magical towns

·         Photo opportunities where visitors can select up to three backdrops: Chichen Itza, City of Campeche and Paseo de la Reforma to share with friends via social media

·         A visual introduction to Mexico with a selection of 11 videos on a range of topics that include aerospace, automotive, creativity, sustainability, gastronomy, economy and more.

·         An interactive table that visually highlights Mexico’s accomplishments in agriculture, automotive, silver and creative industries, to name a few

·         More than 15 of Mexico’s famous pre-Hispanic artifacts on display, through the power of holographic imaging

Business Travel – Is Flying Economy really worth the saving?

Franc Jeffrey, CEO of EQ Travel says that it is important to research all aspects when considering business travel options

Most business owners are acutely aware that every penny they spend on what might be considered non-essentials is a penny that’s not being invested back in their business, whether it’s flying three executives from London to New York to meet with a prospect, or flying 100 executives from Manchester to Frankfurt to attend a major conference or event.

There’s a lot of time and energy spent on financially planning these all-important trips. But there’s one cost-saving measure that you should simply skip.  And that's flying anything less than business class is not only a strategic mistake, but could hurt a potential deal.

Companies should be asking the question – if we expect our executive to win a major piece of business, how can we expect this if they are being asked to make a presentation if they are exhausted after getting up a 4am or within a few hours of landing of a transatlantic flight?”

Franc Jeffrey, CEO of EQ Travel commented “it is important to research all aspects when considering business travel options – particularly when business travel remains the third highest expense for most organisations.  A short haul flight averaging four hours can easily equate to an eight hour working day, when you consider travelling to and from the airport, check-in, security and immigration queues.  “At all times, the purpose of the trip must be taken into account to ensure employees can perform to their best ability.

“You may find that pivotal business results – such as winning that crucial contract - are not being achieved due to inefficient travel policies, which could have a serious financial impact on the business.”  It seems quite clear that companies should consider more than simply the cost when it comes to booking travel for their employees. Businesses instead should be making travel plans that are based around what the executive or company wants to achieve from the trip, and understand that important contracts can be lost as a result of staff arriving fatigued by their travel experience.

The majority of those deciding on business travel policy, whether it is HR, finance or procurement personnel tend to base policy on their own science, but almost exclusively base that decision from a cost perspective.  However, to ensure that the process of travel is efficient, effective and safe, a much wider focus is required.

Travel is a tiring experience for the employee and particularly so when travelling economy. Work productivity in economy is limited, due to lack of space, facilities and distractions. With long haul destinations, economy flights can have an even greater negative impact upon the performance and well-being of the employee.

Those in charge of booking travel should consider a higher class of cabin with flat or partially flat beds to ensure the employee is comfortable and well rested. And a number of airlines have been doing their part to see that top executives and other business travellers arrive at their meeting at the top of their game.

Lufthansa Airlines offers first-class passengers a dedicated lounge featuring beds, showers, office space, and special security screening and chauffeured limousines directly to the aircraft.

Don Buckenburg, Lufthansa's managing director for sales, North America, says that many airlines offer a suite of enclosed space with a door, creating a passenger's “own little cabin."

"When we developed first class, we asked customers what they wanted, and our customers responded that they like open space, but they also like privacy,” says Buckenburg. "So now you have a seat, but a wall that separates you. You press a button, and a wall comes up." The retractable wall allows couples or fellow travellers to decide whether to be connected or separated.

In addition, according to Buckenburg, flight attendants are specially trained to serve first class, knowing how to “read” the passenger differently and knowing the wine and menus with precision.

Bountiful food, sparkling champagne, walls that go up and down, are all very nice. But ask business travellers what they want most on their flight and the overwhelming majority will respond in unison—“More legroom.”  Bottom line: Nobody wants to limp into an important business meeting.

Flying economy tends to be uncomfortable for anyone of larger than average height or weight. The legroom is limited, so your knees might be cramped against the seat in front of you, and you might find your shoulders are pressed against your neighbour. Plus-size passengers might also find that the armrests are too close together to sit comfortably in one seat.  And sleeping is hard for some, because the seats only recline a few inches in economy.

Airlines such as British Airways short haul business class services now have a central console table in the middle seats (B and E) providing Club customers with improved functional space.   The table provides additional space for drinks, snacks and personal devices, freeing up the main table for work or a meal.

Events Highlights in Cape Town - South Africa

Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts, every Sunday 1January - April 2015

An experience not to be missed on a Cape Town holiday, the concert series offers a scintillating smorgasbord of Sunday sunset live music performances in the century-old Kirstenbosch Gardens, one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. Grab your picnic baskets, lather on that sunscreen, throw on those forgotten sandals and enjoy a vast and varied line-up of both local and international artists that will appeal to all music lovers. Cape Grace offers complimentary transfers in the hotel’s luxury BMW to Kirstenbosch so that guests can thoroughly enjoy the concert.

Cape Town Carnival, 14 March 2015

A must-see annual event on the international tourism calendar, the Cape Town Carnival is a glamorous celebration of African identity, diverse communities and cultures, and the transformative power of creativity. Over 2000 dazzling costumed performers and musicians entertain viewers with magical floats and vibrant dance routines. The first annual Cape Town Carnival was held in 2010 amidst the electrifying festivities that characterised South Africa’s hosting of the Soccer World Cup tournament. Close on 11 000 people enjoyed this spectacle and, since then, spectator crowds at the Carnival event have swelled to over 50 000. The carnival takes place within a 15 minutes’ walk from the Cape Grace so it is definitely worth seeing.

Cape Town Fashion Week, 24 – 26 July 2015 

Rub shoulders with stylish celebs and local designers at the annual Mercedes Benz Cape Town Fashion Week at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Get a preview of what to expect on the fashion front, and treat yourself to a sneak peek of Mzansi’s most renowned and hottest up-and-coming designers’ 2015 spring/summer collections. Budding fashionistas can also look forward to informative seminars and a showcase by interns associated with African Fashion International (AFI).

Other South African destinations

Travelling by Eurostar

Since its creation in 1994, the high-speed train service linking St Pancras International, Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International, Paris, Avignon and the French Alps has been one big success story.

The train company saw a surge in bookings from the UK with over 160,000 passengers expected to travel for a winter getaway.  Friday 21 and Saturday 22 December 2012 were the busiest days for departures as Eurostar's French and Swiss ski services commenced.

Executive Traveller is keen to know about your experiences with Eurostar.  Are you a frequent traveller on Eurostar and if so, whch class do you usually travel on?  

Eurostar promises business travellers a whole list of services including:

• Uninterrupted work
• Travel direct from city-centre to city-centre
• Reach your destination fast
• A seamless travel experience
• Frequent traveller programme
• Relaxing hassle-free journeys
• Peaceful and comfortable on-board surroundings
• Travel when it suits you with up to 19 trains running daily between London and Paris, 10 between London and Brussels and 18 between London and Lille.
• Get there on time
• Greener business travel

Do you think that you are getting value for money? Executive Traveller would like to know your views on your Eurostar experience whichever class you travel in.

Travel Security Update

China, Hong Kong: Significant travel congestion expected during Lunar New Year holiday period
The annual Lunar New Year (Spring Festival, locally known as ‘Chunyun') public holiday period will fall between 22 and 28 January, with the Lunar New Year itself on 23 January. The holiday travel period is expected to commence on 8 January and last until 16 February, with peak periods between 15 and 19 January; 27 January and 4 February; and 7 and 10 February.

Travellers to China can expect increased demand for accommodation but also look our for
• Difficulty to purchase tickets on intercity routes, whether by rail, bus or air.
• Delays (which may sometimes be severe) as a consequence of the large volume of prospective passengers in airports and at train stations in all major cities.
• Furthermore, independent overland travel is likely to be hampered significantly during the peak periods due to exceptionally congested highways.
• It will be impractical to conduct most business activity during the official public holidays, when government offices, companies and banks all close,
• Heightened congestion and demand for transport,
• The potential for bouts of severe wintry conditions could worsen the situation.
• Those who choose to travel by train or bus and who manage to secure a ticket during this period can also anticipate overcrowding and an associated increased risk of exposure to petty and opportunistic crime
Travel Advice
• Allow plenty of time to complete independent overland journeys during the Lunar New Year holiday period due to heightened congestion and delays on various transport networks.
• If you are scheduled to travel to, from and within the country please reconfirm flight and train schedules before setting out.

• Travellers seeking to embark on domestic journeys during the peak season should book tickets, accommodation and other essential services as far in advance as possible.

 

Had an encounter with Traveller’s Diarrhoea? Talk to Dr. Richard Dawood, travel medicine specialist

Cancelled meetings, Reduced productivity and Lost Opportunities: the invisible impact of Travellers’ Diarrhoea
Every year, 80 million people travel from developed to developing countries: it is estimated that up to half these contract travellers’ diarrhoea (TD), making this by far the most common illness affecting travellers1,2. There is a broad perception that TD is a trivial problem, but the reality is different: 30% of sufferers are confined to bed, forced to abandon their travel plans2. The impact upon leisure travellers and holidaymakers can be bad enough, but for business travellers the practical and economic consequences are insufficiently recognised: it can be a deal-breaker, and in terms of lost productivity alone, the cost exceeds €448 million per year in the EU – with €207 million spent on post-travel medical costs1.

Compared with leisure travellers, business travellers are often at higher risk. There’s a misguided perception that business travel is a uniformly luxurious experience, from sitting at the front of the plane to enjoying lavish suites at five-star hotels. But the majority of people who travel for work experience something rather different: last-minute trips with little opportunity to prepare for them; a tough schedule of meetings and long journeys; having to cope with jetlag, hot or cold temperatures, disorientation, isolation and language difficulties; and eating and drinking in a setting that other people have chosen, in circumstances where it is often hard to refuse meals that seem unappetising or unsafe.

A WIDELY PREVALENT PROBLEM

A recent report by the Health Protection Agency (HPA)3 calls for much wider awareness of food hygiene precautions and preventive measures, and a much higher awareness of the scale of the problem amongst travellers, health professionals and the travel industry. Perhaps we need to focus our attention on the highly likely risk of TD as well as the far less likely, more exotic diseases that might grab the headlines. TD is a very common, very unpleasant and potentially dangerous problem yet is highly amenable to prevention and treatment.

The report also makes interesting reading from a geographical perspective, highlighting Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia as posing the highest risk for contracting travellers’ diarrhoea. But as the HPA itself points out, the reported data exposes only the tip of a much larger and more alarming iceberg. The data only hints at the true number of travellers who become ill abroad but do not seek help, or the numbers of travellers who receive treatment without having tests. Recent research4 on over 1,000,000 travellers on UK package holidays revealed some insight in to the countries most at risk. Egypt topped the list of all destinations with an estimated incidence of over 45%, putting the risk of shark attacks at Sharm-el-Sheikh into perspective. Closely following Egypt in the rankings were Sri Lanka, Kenya, Cuba and the Bahamas. Closer to home, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey, Cyprus and Spain were also revealed to be areas of risk.

Risk Zones For Travellers' Diarrhoea

Research shows that only half of people travelling to a high-risk country seek medical advice prior to the trip1. The situation with business travellers may be even worse – familiarity with a destination, and the sense of security engendered by big-name hotel chains can breed complacency. At luxury hotels, the risk may be even higher – with food that is more likely to be prepared by hand, leading to an increased risk of contamination2.

The main cause of travellers’ diarrhoea is bacterial infection from contaminated food or drink caused by poor food standards of personal hygiene. The most common cause of travellers’ diarrhoea is infection with a particular strain of E. coli bacteria.5 Particularly risky foods include undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, raw fruits and vegetables. Tap water, ice, and unpasteurised milk and dairy products are also associated with increased risk. In the UK, we drink water straight from the tap and rarely consider that the water may be the source of disease but when the cleanliness of a water supply is in doubt, it is much safer to stick to bottled water.

Prevention and treatment
There are two approaches to combating TD that should always go hand in hand. The first is a cautious approach to food hygiene in high-risk countries – and indeed, almost everywhere outside your home environment when you are dependent on meals prepared by someone else. Basic precautions such as frequent hand washing, sticking to bottled water and avoiding ice in drinks, are well known. The challenge is to apply these precautions in practice: for example, when we are tired, hungry, or tempted by a delicious-looking array of delicacies.

The second approach is for every traveller to seek pre-travel advice so they have a clear idea of what to do if symptoms of travellers’ diarrhoea appear. That includes: being able to treat fluid losses by using oral rehydration; using over-the-counter medication to control diarrhoea symptoms; and where necessary, using a standby treatment from your GP or travel clinic.

ADVICE TO BUSINESS TRAVELLERS

1. Speak with your GP, specialist travel clinic or your company’s health provider before you travel and get their advice – especially if you’re travelling to a resource-poor country because as well as the risk of diarrhoea, you may be at risk of other illnesses such as malaria
2. Wash hands with soap and warm water as frequently as possible – before meals and after lavatory trips, or use alcohol gel or hand sanitiser. Don’t touch your mouth unless you’re sure your hands are clean
3. Don’t consume tap water or ice unless it’s made with bottled water
4. When hygiene is poor, the following options are most likely to be safe:
• Freshly, thoroughly cooked food, served hot (i.e. heat sterilized)
• Fruit easily peeled or sliced open without contamination (bananas, papayas)
• Freshly baked bread
• Packaged or canned food (take emergency supplies)
• Bottled drinks opened in your presence - safest carbonated
• If there's nothing safe on the menu, ask for chips, omelettes, or any dish that must be cooked to order

Travellers’ diarrhoea FACT FILE


• Usually involves 3 or more unformed stools per 24 hours during / shortly after foreign travel with or without at least one symptom of cramps, nausea, fever or vomiting
• Symptoms last 3-4 days (average), typically causing incapacitation for ½ to 1 day
• Longer term complications may also occur – research shows around 10% of travellers who have had an episode of travellers’ diarrhoea may go on to develop irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) which can persist for years6
• High risk regions are South America, Africa, Southern Asia

References:

1. Wang M, Szecs TD, Steffen R. Economic aspects of travellers’ diarrhoea. J Travel Med. 2008; 15(2): 110-118
2. Steffen R. Epidemiology of Traveler’s Diarrhea. CID 2005: 41 (Suppl 8): S536-40
3. Health Protection Agency UK - Foreign travel-associated illness: A focus on travellers’ diarrhoea: 2010 Report: National Travel Health Network & Centre; 2010
4. Incidence of self-reported subjective travellers’ diarrhoea on UK package holidays during winter months 2008-2010 based on a sample of 1,033,131 travellers (Professor Rodney Cartwright, Royal Society of Public Health)
5. Shah N, et al. Global Etiology of Travelers’ Diarrhoea: Systematic Review from 1973 to the Present Am J Trop Med Hyg 2009;80(4):609-614
6. Du Pont HL. Systematic review : prevention of travellers’ diarrhoea. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2008;27:741-751

It is Joint Venture Time for British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia.

Almost every competitor who wanted the stop them have tried and failed. The Europe and the U.S governments couldn't either. After 14 years in the making, British Airways and American Airlines have finally been given the long-sought anti-trust immunity that will permit the carriers to coordinate schedules, fares and marketing.
British Airways and American Airlines argue that it is all about staying competitive with airlines in other alliances that already enjoy the privileges of joint ventures. Routes between the U.S. and London's Heathrow, the two airlines' biggest strengths had become the largest source of contention among other airlines and regulators. Before receiving approval to move forward from EU regulators, the two airlines had promised to relinquish a few pairs of slots (take-off and landing rights) between the U.S. and Heathrow. This concession was received positively by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) as it issued its final approval of the joint venture this week. The granting of anti-trust immunity also covers Iberia, Finnair and Royal Jordanian, all members of the oneworld® Alliance.

In a press release, British Airways Chief Executive Willie Walsh stated: "We're pleased that the DOT and EU have worked together to ensure that there is consistency in the number of slots that the three airlines have to give up to our competitors to use on services from Heathrow to the U.S. We made the pragmatic decision to give up these slot pairs so that we can start operating the joint business as soon as possible." Iberia's Chairman Antonio Vazquez added: "A new kind of collaboration among our three airlines will lead to better service levels for our customers. This means that our customers will have more destinations to choose from around the world, better scheduled travel times, better connections, and more competitive fares."
Do you agree?

One more step to marital bliss for the United Airlines and Continental Airlies – The EU gives them its unconditional blessing.

United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAUA) and Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) received unconditional clearance from the European Commission on the airlines’ proposed merger. The Commission noted its investigation found the proposed transaction would not raise any specific concerns in Europe or the trans-Atlantic.
Like every groom to be, UAL Corporation chairman, president and CEO, Glenn Tilton says “we are pleased to have received this clearance from the European Union, a significant market for our combined new company, and we continue to work cooperatively with the U.S Department of Justice toward an expeditious completion of our merger, which will benefit our customers, our people, our shareholders and the communities we serve,” how sweet.
Jeff Smisek, Continental’s chairman, president and CEO had to assure everyone that he was not tagging along for the ride; he says “approval from the European Commission is another important step toward completing our merger with United. The combination of United and Continental brings together the two most complementary networks of any U.S. carriers, with minimal domestic and no international route overlaps. Together we will offer customers unparalleled global access.”
The companies announced their plans for an all-stock merger of equals in May and expect the transaction to close in the fourth quarter of 2010…bless them. As passengers, we are definitely looking forward to seeing all the promised benefits.

The Game is up for Budget Airlines

Airline companies in Europe and North America have been getting away with offering one price and charging a different one for quite some time. As budget airlines continue to get away with it in Europe, the American government has decided to react.
I always knew that budget airline will have their ‘comeuppance’ when I tried to board Ryanair for the first time and had to race to find myself a seat and discovered that despite my best efforts, I was still not the first person in the aircraft. How did the other get there before me? The emergence of budget airlines seemed to have been a blessing from heaven. It meant that traveling to sunny destinations did not have to cost half a year’s savings and more money could be spent on accommodation and food. However, now when we have become used to such rates, traveling with budget airlines has become a nuisance because of annoying ways of arguing at airports and haggling over cash. We continue to have the beginnings of our holidays ruined in Europe through arguing about extra charges, now the American government has decided to call an end to such deception.
In the aftermath of a report by the Government Accountability Office, whereby it was discovered that airlines made $1.3 billion in the first quarter of 2010 just on luggage and other extra charges, the government has demanded that airlines display the real price of tickets. Ancillary fees have grown by less than 1%, as the profit is in the add-ons. Passengers say that they would not mind tickets being more expensive if they could save the stress at the airport worrying if they have to fork out for fuel surcharges and other details such as forgetting to fill in passport details. Fuel surcharges and taxes must now be included in all advertised prices of tickets.
The line is drawn whereby certain services are unavoidable. Passengers do not have a problem with paying extra for window seats, tea and coffee, oversize luggage or an extra pillow. These are luxury items. However, is it moral to charge people for things they cannot avoid? The American government wants to ban charges for checking in, fuel and booking online. Do you think that the British Government will be brave enough to follow suit?

Thrifty days ahead for Business Travellers

An Orbitz for Business survey claims that although the amount of people going on business trips and the amount of trips themselves are increasing, the trend nowadays is to spend less. It appears that the global trend is growing and the style of business travel is changing a lot.
So what is the trend now?
It used to be the case that business travellers were the ‘darlings’ of travel service providers; throwing around money that was not theirs and always going for the most expensive options merely to maintain a desired image. According to the survey, gone are the days when cruising in economy class with a suit and tie were not a business traveller thing. Today, it appears that they will even throw in a wave for cash back incentive from their employer. Tougher schedules have led to business people returning earlier than before from trips and the economic climate has led to companies saving every cent they can, sometimes even offering their employees a financial incentive to do this.
The Orbitz survey of 850 travellers revealed a lot about the changes in the habits of business people. 70% claimed that saving money was at the forefront of their interests and most of these people claimed that they were financially motivated to do so. If the employee saves and the company saves, then the hotels and restaurants clearly lose out. Business travel has increased since 2008 yet with the new trends and behavioural patterns, it means very little to service providers.
Apart from cutting back on hotel stays and flight tickets, many business people have been using their own cars to get about. This is a huge saver and companies were clearly getting tired of paying hire fees and insurance. Another important factor is that business people tend to book their own trips nowadays; in fact 91% claimed that this was the case. This means that they are directly responsible for saving money, which is reflected in their behaviour.