Travel advisors are feeling optimistic about 2022, and some of them think it could be a boom year for the travel industry. Bookings are flooding in for a variety of travel, including weddings, group travel and cruises, reflecting a growing confidence among the public.

Southwest Airlines has launched Rapid Rewards Business, a loyalty program that allows companies to earn points based on employees' business travel in addition to those banked by frequent flyers in their own accounts. "We're thrilled to bring our award-winning Rapid Rewards program to businesses who fly frequently, rewarding both road warriors and their companies who rely on Southwest to connect them to the people and places that are important to their business," said Silke Koehneke, senior director of sales for Southwest Business.

Beginning next month, Hertz customers will be able to rent a Tesla Model 3 electric car in major US markets and some cities in Europe, with the ultimate goal of having a fleet of 100,000 Tesla cars by the end of 2022. Hertz will also install 3,000 Tesla charging stations and launch an expedited booking process for electric vehicles through the company's app.

An artificial intelligence program that helps Alaska Airlines optimize routes has made transcontinental flights up to 30 minutes faster and shaved several minutes off shorter trips. "Four minutes on a flight might not sound like much, but over 1,000 flights a day, you're talking about hours and hours of savings," said Alaska executive Pasha Saleh.

Th8 Palm boutique resort is scheduled to open Nov. 15 on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE. The new resort will have a glass-fronted five-star hotel, a sun-soaked terrace for al fresco dining, an infinity pool, a DJ booth, an outdoor bar, an Airstream-style food truck, a fitness suite, musical entertainment, VIP cabanas, several dining experiences and watersports.

A new CDC rule meant to control rabies by restricting the import of dogs from 113 countries also applies to American dog owners re-entering the country with a dog, curtailing travel with pets. The CDC has issued import permits for dogs that are 6 months or older, microchipped, have a valid rabies vaccination certificate and have had a rabies antibody test performed by an approved lab.

Sharply limited exemptions for some unvaccinated visitors, such as minors, under the new US reopening policy were announced Monday by the White House as it outlined implementation. Proof of vaccination and of a negative coronavirus test will be required of most foreign travelers and non-immigrants arriving by air.

Raising community awareness and trust for your business can lead to greater success, says Jennifer Acree, founder and CEO of JSA Strategies. Knowing your audience and learning to pitch to your hometown media outlets all can foster relationships and educate your community on what your business has to offer, Acree says.

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