February 2010 marks the start of Global Traveler’s seventh year. What began six years ago as a small, determined effort by three entrepreneurs has grown into a professional organization staffed by people who are passionate about travel journalism and committed to serving readers. Over the years we’ve welcomed feedback, forged partnerships and expanded our reach — all while staying true to the magazine’s original mission: to inform and inspire frequent travelers.
The travel landscape has shifted significantly since February 2004. Security, technology and traveler expectations have all evolved, and travel planning has become more complex in many respects. Despite economic ups and downs and changing global circumstances, travelers and travel providers alike have adapted. The industry’s resilience and continued innovation are reasons we keep doing what we love — and why Global Traveler continues to be a resource for business and leisure travelers worldwide.
Below are reflections from industry leaders who shared their perspectives on the past decade and on working with Global Traveler. Their insights highlight investments in service, technology and amenities that have shaped modern travel.
Francis X. Gallagher
Publisher/CEO
Asiana Airlines congratulates Global Traveler on its sixth anniversary. We appreciate being part of the magazine’s extended community and value the partnership we’ve built over the years. Asiana believes outstanding customer service combines attentive crew performance with high-quality aircraft and onboard amenities. Between May 2006 and February 2008, we invested nearly $100 million to upgrade our fleet with enhanced seating and wider personal AVOD systems featuring more than 170 channels.
In July 2008 we opened renovated lounges at Incheon International Airport, designed with art and library themes to enhance passenger comfort. Dining is another area where we focus on distinction: we were honored with the Mercury Award for our modern take on the traditional Korean dish ssambab, and in October 2007 we partnered with acclaimed restaurants Do Rim, La Cucina and Din Tai Fung to elevate our inflight meal service.
Asiana also introduced unique inflight entertainment concepts created by our flight attendants, including Flying Magic Service (magic shows), Delighters Service (fashion shows), Charming Service (beauty treatments) and Onboard Chef and Sommelier Service. These offerings demonstrate our commitment to creating memorable onboard experiences. Recognition from Global Traveler for six consecutive years motivates us to continue raising service standards.
Tae-Keun Han
Senior Vice President, Cabin Service Planning
Asiana Airlines
Over the last decade India has emerged as a major business and leisure destination, and Global Traveler has helped communicate what the country offers to travelers. We value the magazine’s coverage and its role in delivering timely information to business travelers and tourists alike.
India’s attractions span iconic cultural landmarks like the Taj Mahal and the Gateway of India; lush beach destinations in Goa and Kerala; and growing technology and business centers in Delhi and other cities. Even during difficult moments, such as the 2008 Mumbai attacks, Global Traveler responded by reporting on the situation and encouraging responsible travel, which strengthened our working relationship.
Kalyan Sengupta
Assistant Director
India Tourism Office of New York
The past decade has been a rewarding time for Mexicana Airlines. Under my leadership, the airline regained its position as the leading international carrier between the United States and Mexico. We expanded and strengthened service in key gateway cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago and the Bay Area, and grew market share out of New York and Miami. We also launched flights to eight new U.S. and Canadian gateways, including Washington, Dallas, Fresno, Orlando, Las Vegas, Vancouver and Calgary.
Our focus on sustainable growth and customer satisfaction guided these expansions. Global Traveler has been an important partner in promoting our brand and services, offering targeted, high-quality editorial that reaches educated, frequent travelers. We congratulate Global Traveler and its team for their continued success.
Jorge Goytortua
Vice President Sales, United States and Canada
Mexicana Airlines
Congratulations to Global Traveler on its sixth anniversary. The magazine has delivered valuable travel information for years, and we appreciate the exposure it provides.
This year Incheon International Airport was honored by Global Traveler readers as Best Airport in the World for the fourth consecutive year. Since opening in 2001 we have worked to make the airport convenient and welcoming, and this recognition reflects those ongoing efforts.
C. W. Lee
President and CEO
Incheon International Airport Corporation
Jumeirah Group began in 1997 with a goal of becoming a leader in luxury hospitality. Since joining Dubai Holding in 2004, Jumeirah has benefited from strong synergies that supported global expansion. Today we operate properties in Dubai, London and New York and are pursuing an ambitious plan to grow the portfolio to 60 hotels and resorts worldwide by 2012. Our iconic Burj Al Arab recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and remains a symbol of luxury hospitality.
Despite challenges in the tourism market, our properties have maintained healthy occupancy rates. We attribute this performance to our Stay Different philosophy, which emphasizes the individuality of both our hotels and our guests. We design experiences that are personal, emotional and memorable, reflecting what today’s luxury travelers expect. We value Global Traveler as a respected source for industry and destination coverage and look forward to strengthening our relationship in the years ahead.
Piers Schreiber
Vice President of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs
Jumeirah Group
Communication while traveling has changed dramatically over the past decade. Not long ago, travelers relied on hotel phones, calling cards or local pay phones. Today, mobile devices often work overseas almost as seamlessly as at home — a shift driven by network upgrades and expanded roaming agreements.
After transitioning to GSM technology, AT&T extended international coverage from roughly 15 countries in 2003 to more than 220 countries today, more than any other U.S. provider. Data roaming also expanded significantly, reaching more than 190 countries (115 with 3G). These advances let travelers stay connected around the world, and Global Traveler has helped spread awareness of these capabilities, which makes travel easier and more reassuring for readers.
Bill Hague
Executive Vice President of International
AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets
United Airlines has pursued many initiatives over the past decade to improve travel for frequent global flyers. In 2007 we introduced fully lie-flat international business-class seats that transformed long-haul comfort. Entering 2010, Mileage Plus continues to evolve: we rolled out new options such as Miles & Money Awards and One-Way Awards to make our loyalty program more flexible and rewarding.
We appreciate Global Traveler’s role in delivering news and insights to frequent travelers and look forward to serving the magazine’s readership for years to come.
Robert Sahadevan
Vice President Mileage Plus
United Airlines
Priority Club Rewards has earned recognition from travelers and industry publications by introducing innovations that respond to member needs. Global Traveler readers named Priority Club Rewards the “Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World” in the GT Tested Awards for the fifth consecutive year in 2009. Over the past decade we launched several initiatives that expanded member value, including the first online awards catalog in 2000 and a global reservations platform in eight languages in 2004.
In 2006 we introduced “Any Hotel, Anywhere” in the Americas, allowing members to redeem points for hotel stays worldwide, including at competitors’ properties. We continued to expand rewards programs, and by 2008 we celebrated our 25th anniversary and milestones in Greater China. In 2009 we added Points & Cash and Flights Anywhere, giving members flexible redemption options for hotel nights and flights across hundreds of carriers.
We congratulate Global Traveler on its sixth anniversary and look forward to continuing our relationship with a readership that values creativity and choice in loyalty programs.
Don Berg
Vice President Loyalty Programs
Priority Club Rewards
Air Canada is Canada’s largest full-service airline and a major player in transborder and international markets. In 2009 Air Canada and its regional partner Jazz carried about 32 million passengers to more than 170 destinations on five continents. As a founding member of Star Alliance, Air Canada connects travelers through a broad global network and employs roughly 24,700 full-time equivalent staff.
In July 2009 Air Canada completed its fleet renewal with delivery of the final Boeing 777-300ER, featuring a special livery honoring the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The updated fleet offers new seats, seat-back personal entertainment with hundreds of hours of movies, TV and music on demand, and 110V power outlets for passengers. We also introduced lie-flat beds across our international business-class cabins and completed renewal of our Embraer regional fleet, resulting in a young, fuel-efficient fleet with an average age of nine years.
Air Canada continues to expand its international network with new seasonal and year-round services to European destinations, leveraging Toronto’s consolidated hub to facilitate connections across North America and beyond.
Denis Vandal
Senior Director Marketing
Air Canada