November Issue

Dear Valued Client,

As we head into the final stretch of 2025, I want to thank you for the trust you’ve placed in ALTOUR this year. Even with moments of uncertainty, most notably the U.S. government shutdown, we saw our industry move forward with real momentum, and I’m proud of how we supported clients through it.

This issue has a lot to look forward to, including the first look at ALTOUR Vacations, our new leisure platform created exclusively for clients. It’s designed to make leisure extensions easier, more flexible, and more rewarding for your employees while keeping everything aligned with your travel program.

You’ll also find our 2025 wrap-up and insights on how the shutdown shaped traveler behavior and program planning.

And as part of our commitment to advancing the industry, we’re proud sponsors of GBTA’s Travel Policy Study for the U.S. and Canada 2026. Your input directly shapes the benchmarks GBTA will publish in the new year, and we’d love you to take part using the button below.

Thank you again for your partnership. I’m excited for what we’ll build together in 2026.

Warmest holiday wishes,

What 2025 Taught Us About the Future of Business Travel 

From AI-powered duty of care to smarter trip design, 2025 reshaped the way organizations think about travel. It was a year defined by innovation, disruption and a renewed focus on people, and ALTOUR was right in the middle of it.

Our 2025 wrap-up blog explores the biggest themes of the year and how your peers are adapting their programs through new technology, integrated partnerships and more flexible travel models.

Explore the full article to see what has changed, what is emerging and where travel is heading next.

How ALTOUR Supported Travelers Through the US Shutdown

In her latest blog, Sue Berman, our SVP of Service Delivery, reflects on how ALTOUR guided clients through the 43-day US government shutdown and the disruption it created across aviation. While the wider industry faced staffing shortages, delays, and shifting traveler behavior, ALTOUR combined real-time intelligence with high-touch support to keep travelers moving.

Our teams provided early guidance on alternative routes and risk levels, managed reroutes and urgent changes, and used AI Predict to flag congestion patterns before they escalated. Sue also shares how these insights are shaping stronger disruption planning for 2026.

Read the full article: Reflecting on the US Government Shutdown – How ALTOUR Supported Travelers Through Disruption.

U.S. Tourism Faces New Pressures - What It Means for Your Travel Program

VisaVerge recently reported rising challenges for inbound U.S. travel, with higher visa fees, increased trip costs, and a weaker dollar impacting visitor demand. ALTOUR President Gabe Rizzi noted that these shifts are making the U.S. less competitive than key markets in Europe and Asia.

What’s changing

• Visa fees increasing from 185 to 205 dollars, alongside persistent processing delays
• Higher airfares, hotel rates, and on-the-ground costs
• A softening dollar reducing purchasing power for international travelers Gabe underscores the need for smart, friction-free access: “The U.S. has to remain attractive… We need to make it easier for people to come here.”

How ALTOUR supports your organization

• Visa and Compliance Support: Expert guidance to reduce delays and keep travelers moving
• Cost Optimization: Global buying power, multi-channel content, and AI tools like AI Insights and Price Optimizer to unlock savings
• Inbound Travel Expertise: Tailored programs for international visitors, from groups to corporate travelers As the landscape evolves, ALTOUR helps ensure your travel program stays resilient and competitive.

We’re a proud sponsor of GBTA’s Travel Policy Study for the US and Canada 2026, and we’d love you to take part. The study looks at the current state of corporate travel policies and gives you a clear way to benchmark your own against the wider market. Your input helps shape the trends that GBTA will publish in their report in the new year. You can join the study using the button below.

ALTOUR at The Business Travel Lunch Forum: Exploring Tech's Role in Travel

ALTOUR was proud to partner in The Business Travel Lunch Forum held in London on November 19, 2025, where travel buyers from diverse sectors and tech experts gathered over lunch to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of business travel technology.

Key conversations focused on challenges like the overwhelming array of products, AI's growing influence, and future innovations. As a key partner, ALTOUR contributed to these insights, emphasizing how technology can streamline operations while addressing real-world needs.

This event highlights ALTOUR's commitment to staying at the forefront of tech-driven solutions for corporate travel.

Read more in the Winter 2025 issue of The Business Travel Magazine. For tailored tech advice on your program, reach out to your account manager.

ALTOUR’s Commitment to Accessible Travel: David O’Hara Joins GBTA Foundation as Ambassador

We’re proud to share that David O’Hara, Director of Accessible Travel at ALTOUR, has joined the GBTA Foundation’s Accessibility Initiative as an ambassador.

This program champions inclusivity and equal access across the global business travel industry.

David is passionate about making travel accessible for all and sees this as an opportunity to drive meaningful change.

“Accessibility is an issue close to my heart. I look forward to collaborating with industry leaders and identifying where ALTOUR can continue to take steps forward in ensuring every traveler feels supported,” says David.

Through this partnership, ALTOUR reinforces its commitment to innovation and inclusivity, helping clients navigate a world where business travel is not only seamless but equitable.

ALTOUR Singapore joins global tourism leaders in China

This month, Charles Tan, Managing Director, ALTOUR Singapore (pictured above), took part in the World Tourism Alliance Xianghu Dialogue 2025, a global forum focused on Beyond Boundaries – Exploring Infinite Possibilities of Tourism. Charles joined a panel discussing how travelers from Singapore are engaging with China’s evolving tourism landscape. The conversation covered cross-sector collaboration, new consumption trends and fresh opportunities for experience-led travel.

The event ran from 18–21 November and brought together industry leaders shaping the next wave of international travel. 

ALTOUR Australia shares AI insights at FACTS 2025

We also saw Michael Chase Smith, Executive Director, ALTOUR Australia (pictured below) take the stage at FACTS 2025, sharing practical ways you can use AI to improve business efficiency and customer experience. He presented across the two-day Corporate Travel Tech Roadshow and later joined a panel of industry innovators to unpack the challenges shaping the future of travel.

The event, held on 25–26 November, is Australia’s largest business travel and events expo and drew more than 1,500 professionals.

It's been a strong month for ALTOUR, with both our Singapore and Australia teams contributing to high-profile discussions and building valuable connections.

Serve Up Kindness: ALTOUR Volunteers with FoodCycle

On November 4, colleagues from ALTOUR's London office teamed up for a heart-warming volunteering session with FoodCycle, a charity tackling food poverty and loneliness.

The group prepared, cooked, and served a delicious three-course meal using donated ingredients from local supermarkets. These nourishing dishes were shared with community members who are homeless, isolated, or vulnerable, providing not just food, but warmth, connection, and dignity.

It was an evening of teamwork, purpose, and gratitude, reminding us all of the profound impact small acts of kindness can have.

At ALTOUR, giving back is part of The ALTOUR Way. We're proud to support initiatives that build stronger communities.

Elevate Your 2026 Ski & Snow Incentive with YES!

Dreaming of an unforgettable winter incentive? Your Event Solutions (YES) specializes in crafting extraordinary ski and snow experiences that combine luxury, adventure, and seamless execution - globally.

From legendary alpine escapes to once-in-a-lifetime Arctic adventures, YES delivers:

• Tailored itineraries blending skiing, après-ski, and cultural immersion.
• Exclusive venues and activities for maximum impact and engagement.
• End-to-end event management ensuring every detail is flawless.

Whether it’s the charm of the Alps or the thrill of Svalbard, YES transforms your incentive into a story your team will never forget.

Ready to elevate your next winter incentive? Let YES design a global experience that inspires, rewards, and connects.

Meet Chantal Wulf, VP of Partner Management

We're thrilled to welcome Chantal Wulf as our new Vice President of Partner Management at ALTOUR. With over 20 years of experience in global corporate travel, Chantal brings deep expertise in strategic account management, partner relations, and program optimization across EMEA and beyond.

Her career includes key roles at CWT and HRG, where she excelled in building strong supplier partnerships, driving commercial growth, and delivering tailored solutions for multinational clients. Chantal is passionate about fostering collaborative networks that enhance client success and innovation in the travel ecosystem.

Get to know Chantal better:

What is the most memorable trip you have taken?
The most memorable trip I’ve taken was to Courchevel, France. I was in my late forties and had never skied before, and suddenly there I was committing to five full days on the slopes.

It pushed me completely out of my comfort zone in the best possible way and reminded me that it’s never too late to try something new and surprise yourself.

What is your go-to travel song or playlist when you are on the road (or in the air)?
My go to travel playlist is simply music that puts me in a good mood the moment it starts. I usually kick things off with Fleetwood Mac or something familiar that I’ve played a hundred times.

What is your travel superpower?
My travel superpower is that I can fall asleep almost anywhere. Plane seat, airport gate, middle seat with no legroom… it doesn’t matter. I’m out in minutes. The only real downside is that I’m terrible company on road trips.

If you could have one famous travel companion (past or present), who would it be?
Anthony Bourdain. He had this rare ability to slip into any culture, find the most genuine people, and uncover the real heartbeat of a place through its food and stories. Traveling with someone who sees the world that openly and that honestly would make any trip unforgettable.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only have 3 items, what would they be?
If I were stranded on a desert island, I’d bring a fully loaded Kindle, plenty of sunscreen and a Yeti full of caffeine because even on an island, I’m still better with coffee.

Welcome, Chantal!

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With IHG One Rewards, every stay earns points you can redeem for free nights, experiences, and more. The program connects all 20 brands, so whether you’re traveling for business, leisure, or both, your loyalty points follow you from one destination to the next, giving you more ways to enjoy every trip.

Connect with your travel advisor today to explore the IHG portfolio and find the perfect hotel for your next adventure — and start earning points toward your next stay with IHG One Rewards.

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