GBTA Showcases Business Travel Outlook for Canada and Future Industry Trends During Its Annual Regional Conference

Business travel in Canada is poised for a strong, evolving future, according to the takeaways from the GBTA Canada Conference 2023 held May 15-17 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Over 685 registered business travel buyers, suppliers and other attendees and 58 exhibiting companies came together for main stage presentations, panel discussions, and education sessions along with Canada volunteer recognition and the conference’s signature “Big Night Out” networking event.

“Bringing together GBTA’s business travel community for insights, learning, and face-to-face connection time are all key to navigating and growing the sector in Canada. This event engages industry professionals and organizations in better understanding and preparing for the future of business travel while also enabling them to engage and learn in an incredible peer-to-peer environment,” said Nancy Tudorache, Regional Vice President-Americas, GBTA.

The forecast and outlook is strong for business travel in Canada. Canada is among the top 15 markets worldwide for business travel spending with $15.2 billion USD for 2022. In 2023, the forecast for spending growth is 32%, or a total of $20.1 billion USD. Based on current GBTA Business Travel Index™ forecasts, Canada is expected to be back at pre-pandemic levels in 2025 with an annual business travel spend of $26.1 billion USD, or over $35 billion CAD.

At the event, GBTA also announced Shelly Lewchuk as this year’s winner of the GBTA Volunteer Inspiration Award, and also recognized Jodi Francks and Marayka Wilson as the Business Travel Service Award (BTSA) winners for Canada.

GBTA also announced that Sharlene Ketwaroo-Nanoo has stepped down from the GBTA Board of Directors and will now join the association as its Regional Director for Canada. Ketwaroo-Nanoo’s new role is effective immediately. The Canada Regional Direct Board member position will remain vacant until the 2023 GBTA Elections in August.

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Industry Spotlight

Education at GBTA Convention 2023
Breakout Sessions for All Levels of Professional Experience

Join us at GBTA Convention 2023 for breakout sessions covering topics that will keep you on top of the evolving business travel industry. There will be sessions for all levels of professional experience including:

• Fundamental – Content will be presented at a beginner level and focused on the understanding of a topic or issue.
• Applied – Content focus will be the application, comprehension and explanation of topics or issues.
• Strategic – High-level content that will be focused on innovation, change management and strategic in nature.

Learn more about 12+ education tracks

Certificate in Corporate Travel Execution
Registration Is Now Open

This course is only being offered once in 2023,
so secure your spot today.

The Certificate in Corporate Travel Execution (CCTE), in collaboration with Cornell University’s Executive Education Division, is a tailored education program designed for both corporate buyers overseeing managed travel programs and travel product and service suppliers. This program offers a virtual classroom experience focused on key business travel topics such as accounting, finance, human resources, sales strategy, risk and legal issues, and travel procurement.

For more information on the schedule and agenda, click here.

GBTA Convention 2023 Exhibitors

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Crisis24 Intelligence Brief

Belgium - Unionized workers to strike across Belgium, May 22; significant disruptions to public transport likely.

India - Tight security remains in Manipur State, India, as of May 18; mobile internet services, trains suspended statewide.

Spain - Multiple Air Europa strikes to prompt flight disruptions in Spain May 22-23 and May 25-26; reconfirm bookings.

United States - Unionized public bus workers striking in San Diego, Calif., US, as of May 17. Transport disruptions likely; associated protests possible.

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