Issue 8 | August 2025

Welcome to your August Inntel Innsider!

As summer heats up, so does the business travel landscape – from new EU border requirements to fresh insights on traveller trends. In this issue, we explore what the BTA’s Beyond the Boardroom whitepaper means for your organisation, unpack the latest on EES, ETIAS and ETA, and share why now is the perfect time to secure your festive celebrations (yes, even in this sunshine!).

Business Travel News & Updates

Emirates to introduce third daily flight to Barcelona

From 26th October, Emirates will expand its Barcelona service with the addition of a third daily flight. The move increases the airline’s weekly offering to 21 flights between Dubai and the Catalonian capital.

Spain is currently served by Emirates with 28 weekly flights, using a mix of Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft. The additional frequency to Barcelona reflects continued demand for connectivity between the Middle East and southern Europe.

Emirates announces third daily flight to Barcelona

 


 

Work begins on Travelodge’s first Isle of Man hotel

Construction is now underway on Travelodge’s first hotel on the Isle of Man. The 80-room, purpose-built property will be located on Fort Street in Douglas, just a short walk from the beach.

The site is well placed for both leisure and business travellers, sitting 300 metres from the ferry terminal and within easy reach of the Central Business District and local attractions such as the Manx Museum.

The hotel is scheduled to open in spring 2027.

Travelodge Isle of Man Hotel

 


 

Eurostar reveals plans for new direct routes across Europe

Eurostar has announced it will introduce three new direct services as part of a significant expansion of its network. The proposed routes will connect London to Frankfurt, London to Geneva, and Amsterdam/Brussels to Geneva.

Up to 50 trains are expected to operate across the network, with the new services due to launch in the early 2030s.

This expansion forms part of Eurostar’s long-term strategy to grow sustainable high-speed rail travel across Europe.

Eurostar reveals plans for new direct routes

BOOM BATTLE BAR Team Experience

We know a thing or two about planning great meetings and events – and we get to attend great ones too. It helps give us the innsider info and innspiration to create the most memorable events for clients. Last month, our Meetings & Events consultants had the pleasure of visiting Boom Battle Bar in Chelmsford, and it did not disappoint. Not just your average team outing – they enjoyed axe throwing, augmented reality darts and crazier golf. There was also a tasty buffet and drinks to refuel – plus plenty of laughs along the way. Of course, they also checked out all the spaces and activities on offer at the site. From ping pong to beer and prosecco pong to American pool and a private karaoke room, it’s all here.

Boom Battle Bar is available for private hire, exclusive use, and corporate party packages, including Christmas packages. And, we can confirm it’s a fantastic option for groups looking for something fun, memorable and a bit competitive! Find out more: Boombattlebar.com

Plan Your Festive Party – Even in the Summer Heat

It might be scorching outside, but the smartest planners are already securing their festive celebrations. Whether you’re organising a cosy dinner for a small team or a company-wide extravaganza, now’s the time to enquire.

We’re already seeing high demand and venues filling fast – so let’s make sure you don’t miss out. From local favourites to show-stopping destinations, we’ll take care of every detail.

Book your festive party today and celebrate in style.

Meetings Management – Inntel

The The BTA Beyond the Boardroom white paper is sparking fresh conversations about the real needs of today’s business travellers – and the outdated trends holding companies back.

In our latest blog, we explore the paper’s findings and share how organisations can modernise travel programmes.

EES, ETIAS & ETA – What Business Travellers Need to Know

Changing travel rules can catch even the most experienced travellers off guard – especially with three different schemes now in play for trips between the UK and EU.

We’ve broken down the UK ETA, the upcoming EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) – explaining who they affect, when they start, and how to prepare.

Stay ahead of the changes and avoid last-minute surprises on your next trip.

Stay tuned for our next issue coming next month!

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