Travel Tips and Information

Accent Re-Routes Thailand-Bound Program Due to Airport Closure

Two weeks ago, protesters took over the Bangkok International Airport, leading to its abrupt closure. These events caused one of Accent’s EMBA programs, scheduled to visit Bangkok in late November, to quickly implement alternative plans. Months of planning for business visits, cultural activities and special dinners were re-set from Bangkok to Hong Kong. Working together with airlines, hotels, meeting contacts and ground services the program was able to continue to fulfill its mission of globalizing the EMBA curricula with minimal change fees imposed by the airlines.

Carol Herling, Senior Account Manager at Accent, said, “The school relied on our judgment and expertise to restructure—in a matter of hours—their meticulously planned program.” The Accent Group response was multi-faceted, engaging its air, ground, and business meeting operations to ensure minimal disruption to the program’s academic goals. The EMBA program capitalized on Accent’s buying power in Thailand, as all hotel deposits were carried forward to a future Accent group. Late-night calls to Hong Kong resulted in negotiating near parity in costs for the program’s move there. This solution enabled the program to remain within the budget mandated by the university.

Adrienne Branca, Accent’s Director of Client Services, said, “Our first priority is ensuring the safety of each and every student traveling with us. Our global relationships and dedicated staff enable us to respond to any crisis with professionalism and dedication. This is the Accent guarantee.”

Events like the Bangkok airport closure are rare and Accent and its clients cannot predict what world events may cause changes to programs scheduled months in advance. What the company can predict is that its thirty-plus years of expertise in global travel have equipped the team with the resources and know-how to meet any challenge. Adds Branca, “I was really impressed by the way our team – from airline operations, to ground staff and meeting planners – reacted in spite of the Thanksgiving holiday.”