Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Supports Federal Budget Measures that Promote Re-Opening Borders –

Continues to Advocate for a Detailed Plan to Improve Post-Pandemic Recovery via Air Travel

April 20, 2021 Toronto, Ontario – The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) – the world’s largest business travel association and worldwide leader in education, research, networking, and advocacy for the industry – supports the Government of Canada’s recent budget that directs over $800 million to increase safety and improve facilitation for all travellers coming to Canada, or travelling within, for business or leisure as part of its plan for a post-pandemic recovery. This confirms that the federal government recognizes the critical role that air travel plays in facilitating trade and commerce, not only between countries but between Canadians from coast to coast.

“Yesterday’s federal budget recognizes that air travel is a critical component of Canada’s post-pandemic recovery and the growth of its economy,” said Nancy Tudorache, Regional Vice President Canada of the GBTA. “Nearly one billion dollars is being directed to the CBSA, CATSA and border infrastructure to improve safety during travel, as well as aid facilitation for frequent fliers, largely represented by business travellers.”

While the federal government’s investment in travel safety and facilitation improves the conditions that will make Canada a more attractive place to do business, GBTA encourages the government to continue to examine other measures that will ease entry into Canada post-pandemic. In addition, a detailed plan outlining the easing of border restrictions would be welcomed by all travellers: domestic or foreign, and for business or leisure, in the coming weeks.

“As pandemic conditions improve, we also expect the government to outline a detailed plan and timeframe that would allow us to safely re-open our borders, to both international and domestic travellers.” added Tudorache.

The travel and tourism industry is recognized as among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a significant contributor to the economy, the sooner this industry recovers and individuals are able to resume travelling safely for business and leisure, the sooner the Canadian economy will improve and return to pre-pandemic levels.

 

Click here to download GBTA’s Canadian Federal Budget 2021 Recap

 

CONTACT:           

Nancy Tudorache, Regional Vice President, Canada, GBTA, 416-840-6128, ntudorache@gbta.org

Fittipauld Lourenco, Partner, Invictus Corporate Affairs, 613-864-5745, fitti@invictusca.net

Nikki Stimson (EMEA), +44(0) 7764 618199, nstimson@gbta.org 

 

About the Global Business Travel Association

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is the world’s largest business travel and meetings trade organization headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area with operations across four continents. GBTA’s 9,000-plus members manage more than $345 billion of global business travel and meetings expenditures annually. GBTA delivers world-class education, events, research, advocacy and media to a growing global network of more than 28,000 travel professionals and 125,000 active contacts. To learn how business travel drives lasting business growth, visit www.gbta.org.