Traveleads E News Bulletin, Issue 48

A study by Radisson Blu Hotels recently found that office staff having meetings at work hold, on average, three meetings per day, lasting over an hour in total. This is the equivalent to over 10 million man hours each day spent in meetings in offices up and down the country. Whilst many see meetings as integral to the success of their organization, the study suggests that workers are not as engaged as they could be. Of those questioned, 15% labeled their workplace meetings a completely ineffective use of their time. The top reasons were: no clear agenda, poorly managed, uncomfortable furniture, poor room layout and a lack of refreshments. Perhaps as a result of this, nearly half of office workers (47%) admitted to daydreaming during a meeting. Nearly a fifth of attendees (19%) have found themselves distractedly looking at their phone, while one in ten has actually fallen asleep (11%) or played a game (9%).

Sarah Hawkins, Director of Sales at the Radisson Blu Leeds said "We feel meetings are incredibly valuable but it's important they are designed to be as productive as possible. Our study shows that people can often get quickly distracted during frequent meetings in the office. At the Radisson Blu Leeds our 'Experience Meetings' concept was launched in response to changing customer demands and focuses on delivering seven key components for successful meetings to ensure that they are effective, efficient and engaging for all who take part. We've also developed a special Brain Food menu for meeting delegates, comprising nutritionally balanced and healthy food items to keep delegates alert."

For your chance to win two tickets to see Diversity at the Leeds First Direct Arena on the 12th December with overnight accommodation at Radisson Blu Leeds just answer the following question: What is Radisson Blu's new meetings concept called? Please send your answer to [email protected] along with your name and a contact telephone number. Terms & Conditions apply.

London Heathrow and Manchester to Perth

Etihad Airways has launched its new daily route from London Heathrow and Manchester to Perth via its Abu Dhabi hub. Perth is Etihad's fourth Australian destination along with Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. With partner airline Virgin Australia, Etihad Airways will fly to Australia 35 times a week from Abu Dhabi. Also from June 2015 existing daily flights to Brisbane will become a direct service, offering the first non-stop connection between the city and Abu Dhabi.

Edinburgh to Abu Dhabi

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates have announced new non-stop daily flights from Edinburgh to its home base of Abu Dhabi, the UAE's capital city commencing on the 8th June 2015. This will enable passengers from Scotland to connect conveniently to destinations across the Gulf region, Asia, Australia and Africa. The route will be operated with a two-class Airbus A330-200 aircraft, offering 22 seats in Business Class and 240 seats in Economy Class.

New for 2015

Etihad Airways' has announced six new routes for the first half of 2015, offering even more choice and improved connections to travellers worldwide. The new routes will begin with Kolkata in February, Madrid in March, Entebbe in May, and Hong Kong and Algiers in June, increasing Etihad's global network to 107 destinations. Etihad Airways' expansion also extends to its ongoing fleet development with further service upgrades due and nine new aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2015.

Flybe, Europe's largest independent regional airline, has announced a new multi-stop FlyShuttle service. From the 26th October 2014 passengers can travel from Jersey to Aberdeen with brief touch downs in Southampton and Leeds on the 'hop-on, hop off' service that will operate three times a day both northbound and southbound. One way fares start from £29.99 and are available to book now.

FlyShuttle offers an innovative approach to everyday UK air travel by improving connectivity with a convenient multi-stop service which due to customer demand reinstates Flybe's Leeds Bradford to Southampton route and provides the fastest way to travel between Jersey and Aberdeen three times daily. Flight times are around four hours from Jersey to Aberdeen and are operated by a 78-seat Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft.

Customers can purchase tickets either for direct connections between any of the four airports and stay on board whilst passengers embark and disembark at airports on the way to their final destination. These services will be popular with both business and leisure travellers, and provide a great opportunity for travellers taking cruises from Southampton.

Leeds Bradford International Airport have announced a fantastic new offer with British Airways available for all Traveleads customers. Passengers flying on British Airways' Leeds Bradford to London Heathrow route can benefit from up to 17 days complimentary on-site car parking at Leeds Bradford Airport. Parking is safe and secure, and a free shuttle bus to and from the terminal is provided. British Airways fly three times daily from Leeds Bradford to London Heathrow direct into Terminal 5, the home of British Airways. Passengers can benefit from fast easy connections to 70 worldwide destinations including USA, Africa, the Far East, and Asia. Bookings must be made 24 hours in advance up to the 31st December and are subject to availibility. For full details please contact us on 0113 245 7745 or 0131 718 4000.