This week’s broadcast of Eye on Travel is from the Willard InterContinental hotel in Washington D.C. Peter has all the travel updates, and the latest on Boeing and the FAA. Also, an extended conversation with Sara Nelson, International President of the Association of Flight Attendants, on some of the key safety issues the FAA has yet to address. Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, explains why wait times for U.S. visas are so long and the resulting severe economic impact, and what TSA, airports, and the government can do to streamline and speed up the customs process. And then, a deep dive into Washington D.C. and the iconic Willard hotel. Robert Watson, Chief Concierge with some of the hidden gems of the Smithsonians. Designer Maggie O’Neill, on restoring historic buildings — including the Willard. And General Manager Markus Platzer dives into the history of the Willard — who it’s hosted, how it hosts them, and how it earned its reputation as the “Residence of Presidents.” There’s all this and more on this week’s Eye on Travel.
On this broadcast:
Peter’s News Open, Sara Nelson, Ask Peter (0:00-39:40)
Peter News Interlude, Geoff Freeman, Robert Watson (39:40-1:19:20)
Maggie O’Neill, Christopher Elliott, Markus Platzer (1:19:20-1:59:00)