Amex GBT aims to improve accessibility for disabled clients, Travel Leaders Network Elite affiliate members cruised to Japan and South Korea, and Virtuoso announced appointments and changes to its senior leadership team in this week’s round-up from the world of retail.
Amex GBT
Recognizing that accessibility is an obstacle to travel for an estimated 1.3 billion people around the world who have a disability, Amex GBT created a new global accessibility solution for business travellers.
The company says it is the first accessibility solution of its kind that supports travellers with visible and invisible disabilities on every stage of their journey. It has already been adopted by companies like Google, IBM, and Salesforce.
“It is about us taking that anxiety and trepidation off the plate of the traveller,” says Penny Clauson, Director, Global VIP Strategy at Amex GBT. “We really wanted to provide guardianship for anyone with auditory, visual, mobility or neurodivergency needs in a deeper fashion.
Among the featured services is the Travelers Requiring Specialty Assistance (TRSA) desk, which is staffed by travel counsellors specially trained to support accessibility needs. Consultants go through two certification types: one for managing VIP travellers and a special training around different case studies that they might encounter.
When putting the team together, special consideration was given to those employees who have personal experience in working with disabilities. One team coach, for example, has a daughter with cerebral palsy, and one consultant’s husband has multiple sclerosis.
The platform also captures special requirements for travellers, with an eye for maintaining their privacy.
“We never ask what is your condition or your disability,” says Clauson. “What we do is ask if there are any things you need every time you travel – if you travel with an assistant, an emotional support animal or a wheelchair – so they don’t have to repeat themselves over and over again.”
Travel Leaders Network
Canadian members and suppliersTravel Leaders Network’s top affiliate members recently returned from the annual Elite event, held aboard Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess. Sailing through the highlights of Japan and South Korea, the event celebrated success while updating members on the latest opportunities from the largest network of professional travel agents in North America.
“We opted for Asia this year because it is a popular travel destination that many travel advisors might not have considered for cruising,” said Roger E. Block, President, Travel Leaders Network. “But a cruise is a great way to see many areas of Japan as well as South Korea, and it’s an experience our top-producing members can immediately share with their clients.”
Each year, Travel Leaders Network (TLN) takes its highest-performing Affiliate members in the US and Canada to the Elite event. This year, 24 members and their guests joined TLN executives and supplier partners aboard Diamond Princess. The ship sailed to and from Yokohama with stops at Nagasaki, Kagoshima and Shimizu in Japan, and Jeju in South Korea. Members onboard were treated to a variety of cultural, culinary and nature experiences at ports of call.
VIRTUOSO
Virtuoso has announced a new addition to its senior leadership team, naming Paul Kearney as Sr. VP, Technology, along with a focused realignment in senior leadership for its Digital, Network and Events Product divisions.
Additionally, Virtuoso has consolidated all Digital Products under the leadership of Travis McElfresh, Sr. VP, Digital & Consumer Products. McElfresh, who has been with the company for five years.
And Sr. VP Network Product & Events Jennifer Campbell, who has been with the company since 2013, will now focus exclusively on Virtuoso’s network products and its growing portfolio of global events.
“These changes reflect Virtuoso’s dedication to enhancing strategic and operational focus, driving innovation and leading the future of luxury travel as we continue expanding into a truly global network, spanning 54 countries and counting,” said Brad Bourland, Chief Operating Officer of Virtuoso.