ASTM Monthly Newsletter - August 2023

Dear Members,

Join us for a day of deep exploration into the world of sustainable travel at EARTH23 - The ASTM Sustainable Travel Conference. Immerse yourself in discussions ranging from real-world emissions reduction strategies, integrating ESG principles into hotel programmes, and the impact of internal carbon taxes on travel to hands-on guidance for implementing sustainable corporate travel practices. Gain unique insights into innovative approaches to reducing travel and reshape the future of travel.

Your day will be expertly guided by our conference director,?Amon Cohen, a multiple award-winning business writer and webinar/conference director and producer. With Amon at the helm, and his wealth of experience as a conference director, you can expect engaging, insightful, and dynamic discussions that will make this a transformative experience you won't want to miss.?

Throughout the day, you'll have ample opportunities to connect, network, and forge collaborations with industry leaders and like-minded enthusiasts, making this an event that promises to redefine the way we travel.

Register here.

Best regards,

ASTM Leadership Team

Sabah / Dominic

The Yokoy Smart Lodge Card

Classic lodge cards have been available for years, allowing companies to book air, train, and hotel tickets with a single business card and no upfront payments. Their functionalities has never been questioned - until now. Yokoy is changing the game by bringing the lodge card into the here and now. With AI-powered smart features and real-time access to travel and transaction data, the Yokoy Smart Lodge Card eliminates the need to wait for the monthly statement. Download the playbook.

China - Removal of fingerprint for certain China visa categories

China is relaxing its visa requirements regarding fingertips. The following single-entry and double-entry visa categories are exempt from fingerprinting until further notice until December 31, 2023:

• M (Business),
• L (Tourist),
• G (Transit),
• C (Crew),
• Q2 (Dependents visa).

More information on China Visa.

How Egencia is helping Amex Global Business Travel win small business customers

As business travel struggles in its post-pandemic recovery, Amex Global Business Travel is using its acquisition of the Egencia corporate-travel management platform to focus on securing business from a key growth market: small- and medium-sized businesses. Read the full article.

Tech is the enabler of friction-free travel

Today, technology is the central pillar of a fluid end-to-end? customer experience and is probably what makes a good trip great. Find out how technology enables friction-free travel. Read the article.

Seminar and boutique hotel in the beautiful Emmental

An inspiring seminar hotel with a long history. From small meeting in Castle Park to a large gathering or conference in Haller Saal, Schloss Hünigen provides the perfect setting for every occasion. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the castle for productive work and our personal service for an unforgettable conference experience.?Discover the hotel.

Turkey Update Webinar - Situation after the earthquakes and elections

Do you have business activities in Turkey? To ensure the health and safety of your workforce, it is vital to be aware of the current medical and security situation in the country. In a webinar on 11th September, our experts Gizem Acar, Global Security Manager Assistance & Service Quality, and Dr Stefan E?er, Regional Medical Director Central Europe, will present the situation after the earthquakes and elections in Turkey and lead through a medical and security risk assessment. Register for free here.

MPI Meetings Outlook Report

While the vast majority of meeting and event professionals expect favorable business conditions over the next year, they're now facing new market challenges. Discover the latest trends in the MICE segment. Discover the trends.

At the Pulse of the Capital City

The Best Western Plus Hotel Bern is located in the centre of the Old Town, only a five-minute walk from the train station and yet quiet. The historic and monumental fa?ade conceals a house that focuses on lived values such as enjoyment, tranquility, dialogue, sympathy and service. Here you can feel the pulse of the city. In the Volkshaus kitchen you can look over the chef's shoulders at work and experience a varied evening with conference participants or business partners. Meetings and seminars succeed in the 7 newly renovated meeting rooms, which have space for up to 120 people. Explore the hotel.

Park & Fly

Park your car up to 7 days in our parking garage ( a charge of CHF 10 for each following day after applies). Shuttle transfer to and from Zurich Airport. Did you book an early fly? Then book the offer Park, Sleep & Fly option. Same conditions as above plus 1 overnight stay in a standard room.

Support Swiss4Lebanon's Masar Community Center with a monthly contribution.