Getting lost in the sea of travel booking platforms? Travelport and Chase are using AI to secure your attention. Have an upcoming meeting in Ottawa? A new transit extension just made your attendees’ arrival process smoother. Dreaming of shorter TSA wait times (aren’t we all)? Germany’s Frankfurt Airport just debuted exciting new technology that may soon have us all moving faster.
As always, Smart Travel is here to bring you the latest can’t-miss news in tourism and travel.
Chase Travel Group and Travelport Sign Multi-Year Agreement for Travel Bookings
In a move that will enhance travel booking capabilities for corporate travelers and meeting profs, Travelport has announced an expanded long-term partnership with Chase Travel Group, the travel business unit of JPMorganChase. This agreement grants Chase Travel Group access to Travelport’s advanced retailing technology and multi-source travel content via the Travelport+ platform.
For meeting profs, this means more seamless access to competitive airfares, hotel accommodations and car rentals—all curated through Travelport’s AI-driven Content Curation Layer. As airlines increasingly adopt New Distribution Capability (NDC) technology, Travelport’s solution ensures that planners and business travelers can efficiently compare and book the best options across multiple suppliers.
“As we expand our premium travel offerings for the travelers who book through Chase Travel Group, we are excited to retain our partnership with Travelport,” said Danielle Serban, chief product officer at Chase Travel Group. “Together, we look forward to continuing to elevate our loyalty program and delivering exceptional travel experiences for our customers.”
Ottawa Light Rail Transit Extends to International Airport
Ottawa’s long-awaited extension of its Light Rail Transit (LRT) system to Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) has arrived. Now, visitors can enjoy a seamless, affordable and eco-friendly connection between the airport and downtown, making travel to Canada’s capital smoother than ever.
For meeting profs organizing conferences and corporate gatherings at the Shaw Centre and other downtown venues, this new transit option simplifies logistics for international delegates. In under 30 minutes, attendees can go from their flight to the heart of Ottawa.
“Ottawa continues to position itself as a world-class destination for international conferences and events,” said Lesley Pincombe, vice president of meetings and major events at Ottawa Tourism. “The new LRT extension ensures that delegates and travelers arriving in Ottawa experience the city’s efficiency and hospitality from the moment they land.”
Beyond convenience, the LRT extension underscores Ottawa’s commitment to sustainability, offering a greener way to explore the city. This development complements other recent investments in Ottawa’s event infrastructure, including new hotels, world-class venues and expanded international flight routes.
Aethos Acquires Yayem to Elevate the Modern Members’ Club Experience
Aethos, Europe’s fastest-growing lifestyle hotel brand, has acquired Yayem, an experiential members’ club and travel app designed for modern-day explorers. This strategic move enhances the Aethos experience by integrating Yayem’s cutting-edge digital platform with Aethos’ expanding network of hotels, clubs and bespoke travel experiences.
With this acquisition, members will enjoy access to all Aethos destinations along with Yayem’s curated retreats, including surfing in Portugal, skiing in the Italian Alps, yoga in Sardinia and sailing in Mallorca. They will also gain entry to Aethos’ exclusive city clubs, with upcoming locations in London, Madrid, Lisbon and Mexico City. Luxury perks such as exclusive access to the Aethos Yacht in Mallorca, hotel discounts, spa benefits and complimentary upgrades further elevate the membership experience.
“This acquisition represents the next chapter in our journey,” said Benjamin Habbel, co-founder and CEO of Aethos. “Together with Yayem, we’re building a truly epic global members’ community that combines our shared passion for exploration, design and community. This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to welcome existing and new members to this new chapter.”
Lindsey Elkin, co-founder of Yayem, will step into the role of vice president of membership at Aethos. “I first discovered Aethos as a guest at their Milan hotel in 2022,” she shared. “From the start, it was clear to me that our brands and vision were perfectly aligned. I can’t wait to bring the newly formed Aethos Club to the world!”
Quark Expeditions Unveils ‘Arctic 26: Ice, Fire and The Eclipse’
For meeting and event planners looking to elevate incentive travel to the next level, Quark Expeditions’ newly announced Arctic 2026: Ice, Fire and The Eclipse season offers unparalleled opportunities for extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime rewards. Celebrating 35 years of polar exploration, Quark’s most diverse Arctic itinerary lineup to date presents a major wow-factor way to motivate top performers with adventure-driven travel experiences.
With exclusive voyages aboard state-of-the-art vessels Ultramarine and Ocean Explorer, guests can explore Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland and the Canadian Arctic through breathtaking, immersive activities. From soaring above Iceland’s volcanic landscapes via twin-engine helicopter to kayaking beneath towering Arctic bird cliffs, each itinerary is designed for high achievers who crave exploration and discovery.
Two newly introduced itineraries stand out as remarkable options for incentive programs:
- Iceland Circumnavigation: Helicopters, Glaciers and Volcanoes—A thrilling journey around Iceland that offers unique aerial perspectives, glacier hikes and geothermal wonders.
- Iceland to Greenland: A Total Solar Eclipse—A rare celestial experience in the remote High Arctic, allowing travelers to witness a total solar eclipse in one of the most pristine environments on Earth.
Frankfurt Airport Introduces World-First 360-Degree Walkthrough Security Scanner
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is shaking up the future of air travel security with the introduction of the QPS Walk2000, a 360-degree walkthrough security scanner now officially approved by the German Federal Police. After nearly a year of rigorous testing, this AI-supported technology is set to transform the passenger screening process, offering a faster and more seamless experience.
Unlike traditional body scanners that require travelers to stop and raise their arms, the QPS Walk2000 allows passengers to walk through naturally, significantly reducing wait times and making the security process feel less intrusive. Frankfurt is the first airport in the world to implement this scanner for routine use, with plans to expand it beyond Concourse A of Terminal 1 into additional checkpoints, including the new Terminal 3.
Alexander Laukenmann, head of Fraport AG’s aviation division, highlighted the significance of this advancement, noting that it sets a new global standard for passenger security. “Our collaboration with the German Federal Police has been key to optimizing this technology and securing its certification. This innovation is part of our continuous efforts to enhance the passenger experience by making security checks faster and more user-friendly while maintaining the highest safety standards.”
The QPS Walk2000 operates using millimeter-wave imaging, which can detect concealed objects in real time without the need for physical pat-downs. If an alarm is triggered, security personnel can focus on a specific area rather than requiring a full-body rescan, making the process more efficient for both passengers and staff.
Frankfurt Airport has invested approximately €22 million in security enhancements, including advanced CT systems and redesigned checkpoint lanes. Since assuming responsibility for aviation security in early 2023, Frankfurt Airport has worked closely with the German Federal Police to integrate cutting-edge technology that balances efficiency with safety.
