Daily News Brief – March 24, 2021
GBTA and Other Travel Industry Groups Collaborate to Urge Biden to Set Health Passport Standards and Plan to Lift International Travel Bans
U.S. airlines and more than two dozen other industry groups on Monday urged the Biden administration to form a plan by May to lift international travel restrictions, including digital vaccine passport standards, after cross-border travel was devastated in the COVID pandemic.
Airlines for America, which represents major U.S. airlines like American, United, Southwest and others, sent a letter to Jeffrey Zients, the White House’s Covid-19 response team coordinator, saying the guidelines should exempt vaccinated people from international testing rules.
Among other recommendations, the groups asked that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention update its guidance to say that vaccinated people can safely travel, according to a copy of the letter viewed by CNBC.
“To be clear, at this time, we do not support removal or easing of core public health protections, such as the universal mask mandate, inbound international testing requirement, physical distancing or other measures that have made travel safer and reduced transmission of the virus,” said the letter, which was also signed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the largest flight attendant union and other industry groups. “However, the data and science demonstrate that the right public health measures are now in place to effectively mitigate risk and allow for the safe removal of entry restrictions.”
COVID-19 News
Japan Vaccine Makers Start Clinical Trials (NKH)
Coronavirus Live Updates: More Than 25% of U.S. Has Received a Vaccine Dose (THE WALL STREET JOURNAL)
Los Angeles: COVID-19 Cases Decline as Vaccinations Increase (LOS ANGELES BLADE)
Industry Spotlight
Don’t Miss the Opportunity to Meet Suzanne Neufang, GBTA CEO
Virtual Listening Tour Continues This Week!
Suzanne Neufang, GBTA’s new CEO, is starting off in her new role by listening to, and checking in with, you – our members, industry leaders, suppliers and sponsors. During this listening tour, Suzanne will provide an overview of her background, share her future vision for GBTA and take your questions/comments. Attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions in advance of the meeting.
Register Today to Meet Suzanne at One of these Upcoming Events:
United States
US Midwest Region Listening Tour
Today | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST
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US West Region Listening Tour
Tomorrow | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST
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Latin America
GBTA LATAM Town Hall / Listening Tour and Latest Results from the BTI™ Outlook
Tomorrow | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM MEX
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Canada
Eastern Canada Listening Tour
March 29 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST
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Western Canada Listening Tour
March 31 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
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GBTA Convention 2021
Call for Volunteers
Apply Today to Become a GBTA Convention Ambassador
GBTA is looking for 50 members to each serve 8 hours during Convention 2021 as a Convention Ambassador. All Ambassadors will receive a preferred registration rate of $150 to attend GBTA Convention 2021. Convention Ambassador applications will be accepted through this Friday, March 26, and final selection announcements will go out in April.
Industry Webinar
Hear from Aviation Experts in Next Week’s All-New Webinar:
National Security Roundtable: The Future of Travel Post COVID-19
Tuesday, March 30 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST
Join us for an interactive conversation with aviation experts as they explore the policies and programs needed to regain the confidence of the traveling public. Speakers will share their unique perspectives on how the aviation industry will grow from the COVID-19 pandemic and capitalize on the innovative opportunities that await the industry, driving the future of a touchless travel experience.
Job Board
Business Travel Jobs Postings
Travel Consultant
Taguig City, Philippines
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Director, Global Travel Operations
Rocklin, California, United States
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Director, Enterprise Travel Experience
Dallas, Texas, United States
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Director, Global Travel Risk Management
Henrietta, New York, United States
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Is Your Company Hiring?
Use the GBTA Career Center to post your business travel job openings and access thousands of qualified industry professionals looking to make their next career move.
Trending Industry News
Top Story
Survey Reveals Impact of Lack of Business Travel (HOTEL BUSINESS)
Aviation Industry News
Airlines and Aviation Contractors to Receive Additional $15 Billion Under Rescue Plan Act (LEXOLOGY)
Greece and Spain to Ease Restrictions on Flights from UK (THE GUARDIAN)
Southwest Is Reverting to Its Normal Boarding Policy and Bringing Back Fan-Favorite In-Flight Amenities (BUSINESS INSIDER)
Airlines Approve Restart of Pittsburgh International Airport Terminal Project (FACILITY EXECUTIVE)
United Airlines Boosts 4 Hawaii Routes, Including Newest Flagships (THE POINTS GUY)
Hospitality Industry News
Post-COVID Guest Experience: How Can Hotels Maintain a Personal Touch? (HOSPITALITY NET)
More Industry News
Digital Vaccine Passports Need to Be Unified to Strengthen Recovery of International Travel, Says GlobalData (HOSPITALITY NET)
Which Countries Are Opening Up for Vaccinated Travelers? (4HOTELIERS)
Be Sure to Follow Us on Social!
Upcoming Events
National Security Roundtable: The Future of Travel Post COVID-19
March 30 | 2:00 PM EDT
Learn More >>
GBTA Canada Town Hall
April 7 | 2:00 PM EDT
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Career Builder from GBTA in Partnership with Dr. Lucy Rattrie
April 12
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GBTA Europe Town Hall
April 15 | 2:00 PM GMT
Learn More >>
WorldAware Intelligence Brief
Australia – Adverse Weather Continues to Impact Eastern Parts of the Country
India – The Confederation of All India Traders Calls for Protests in All Districts Nationwide
Italy – Public Transport Workers to Strike Nationwide
Spain – Health Officials to Lift COVID-19-Related Travel Ban for UK Travelers
COVID-19 Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
Visa Information
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