Alex’s Blog
Front of Mind
Aug 31st
I’m always amazed at what becomes visible to the conscience when something is suddenly brought to your attention. I could pass the same thing every day and never notice it until someone pointed it out to me. Then, suddenly, I see that item wherever I go. It could be a new brand people are wearing, a new car model or new 2D barcode technology.
I am very excited that Global Traveler is introducing 2D barcode technology. I know advertisers will be taking advantage of this great marketing tool. Before the technology was presented to us in a recent meeting, I was not even aware of its existence. Now that I have been made aware of it, I keep seeing barcodes all over New York City. Just this past weekend, I was shopping and walked by Norma Kamali. Each item in the window had a barcoded sign with it. I asked the storekeeper if the barcodes were popular, and he said yes. When the code is scanned from the window display, it links to the item online and allows consumers to purchase the item directly. He went on to inform me that mostly businesswomen are using this technology as they simply don’t have time to go inside and make the purchase.
Stay tuned for more on this technology and keep an eye out for it on ads, billboards, everywhere. Your favorite articles, brands and products could be just a barcode away. Simply point your Smartphone at the code, take a picture, and you are instantly transported to the desired link!
– Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher
A Female Business Traveler
Aug 24th
I am a woman who travels the world on business, thus making me a business woman. Should this fact separate me from others who travel, such as a business man? It’s an ongoing question that has warranted many articles and even a contest, GT‘s Female Global Traveler of the Year.
I do believe that as a business traveler, I have the same goals as my male counterparts — to get business done. However, the way we view the world along the way can be very different. I believe I take note of different aspects of a trip than a male traveler might. It could be the details of the hotel room — is it clean? Is the carpet dirty? What floor am I on? How close is my room to the elevator? — to noticing the everyday details of the people I pass on the street.
The differences in the way men and women view the world is an argument that could last a lifetime. But, as a woman business traveler, I enjoy witnessing other women from around the world and seeing how they vary and compare to me.
In the boardroom, we all get work done. It’s fun for me, however, to see a beauty salon in Abu Dhabi or a shopping mall in Tokyo and know the women inside are doing the same things I would do in Manhattan.
Whether I am in the United States, Asia or the Middle East, I do not need to wear the same clothes or speak the same language to understand my surroundings. It’s the small things in life that are fun to appreciate — watching a group of girls in Tokyo giggle as a group of boys walk by, for example. Some things are universal — compassion, health, family. I’m proud to be a woman who travels for business. I know that oceans may separate us, but women everywhere encounter similar day-to-day challenges and accomplishments no matter what.
– Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher
Bright Future
Aug 17th
I’m out of the heat and humidity of Houston and back to the humidity of New York City! As summer begins to wind down, the travel industry is heating up with optimism and increased travel. Last week at NBTA, we learned of new announcements and partnerships, like LAN teaming with Visa. Programs like these help increase frequent flyers and travelers throughout the entire LAN network. Not to mention, it helps keep traffic in the sky.
This week, LAN also announced the pending merger with TAM. While the carriers plan to continue operating under their own names, they will now share the same parent company.
Other exciting news for the fall? The Emirates A380 is returning to NYC on Oct. 31. Lufthansa will re-launch WiFi service on board this year, and next year the Lufthansa A380 will enter North America.
We’re not out of the woods yet, but personally I can’t wait to leave behind the humidity and usher in the fall travel and business season.
– Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher
NBTA Day 2
Aug 10th
I joined my colleagues yesterday at NBTA in Houston. I look forward to seeing the booths Fran mentioned yesterday and to seeing what the travel industry has in store for 2011.
We will be sitting down to lunch soon to hear Condoleeza Rice speak. It is exciting to be at an industry conference that brings everyone together to hear about business, but having a speaker like Condoleeza Rice reminds us how all industries are interwined and dependant upon each other in this global world. Decisions made in Washington affect the globe and the travel industry.
Recently, we have been reading announcements that airlines are boasting profits and people’s spirits seem higher than they were at last year’s conferences. I am optimistic that we will see this continue and the level of travel from small business to large corporate travel will continue to pick up its recovery pace, despite challenges that still lay ahead. Stay tuned to hear more from GT‘s bloggers about NBTA and the exciting news the airlines and hotels of the world will have to offer you!
– Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher
