Check-in with Suzanne

Hello everyone,

As we all know, the pace of change can be fast. Every week, every day and sometimes even every hour, the dynamics of companies, industries and the world can shift. And our industry is no exception. But change can also be inspiring and invigorating.

Last week the evolution of GBTA continued as we welcomed new leaders to our Board of Directors. Working together and in collaboration with the GBTA team, the Board will play an important role as we usher in the next chapter for the Association, its members and the industry overall. You can look forward to more being shared soon from new Board president, Denise Truso, and the Board leadership.

GBTA also continues to be a lead voice around the recovery of business travel, thanks to you. Our latest GBTA monthly poll – 21st in the series – continues to provide important context around sentiment and milestones related to the return to travel for business. The data you’ve provided by responding to the polls has helped to inform so many across global markets as we all navigate the way forward. Moreover, there has been strong, continued interest and requests for GBTA to present poll outcomes and trendlines to various industry groups, companies and organizations as well as industry and mainstream media.

One interesting takeaway from the poll for me: the willingness and readiness of employees to get back out on the road to do business, especially to serve their customers. This is just another key indicator among others, as we continue to track the ongoing developments in the opening of travel as well as international borders for business-critical, risk mitigated business travel around the world.

Suzanne

 

News to Know

U.S. Issues “Do Not Travel” Advisory for UK

The change came after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice – the highest alert level – as the number of cases of the COVID delta variant in the UK increase.

U.S. Extends Border Restrictions with Canada and Mexico

In a disappointing move, the decision prohibits non-essential travel by Canadian and Mexican citizens until at least August 21, even as the Canadian government plans to let fully vaccinated Americans into Canada beginning on August 9.

Airlines and Hotels are Investing in the LATAM Region

In a wave of some good news, Aeroméxico increased its order of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, as they are observing the possibility of new growth in the national and regional market. Colombia’s Viva Air has submitted a proposal to regulators to add additional national and international routes in Central and South America and Aerolineas Argentinas has resumed flights to New York after a 16-month suspension. Meanwhile, Hilton Hotels announced last week an expansion into Mexico, where the company currently manages 70 hotels and is developing 30 more. Three new resorts – including two all-inclusive – are planned.

 

GBTA News & Reminders 

Latest GBTA Poll Results Show Steady Rise in Business Travel

One of the key takeaways from the 21st poll in the COVID polling series – released July 19 – is the month-over-month rise of corporate bookings and travel spend now that domestic business travel is becoming widely allowed. Three in four (77%) GBTA respondents feel their employees are ‘willing’ or ‘very willing’ to travel for business in the current environment. Click here to view more key highlights and the full findings.

GBTA Convention 2021: List of Education Sessions Now Available

As we further our planning for this year’s in-person Convention in Orlando, Florida, November 17-19, we’ve released the list of valuable education sessions being offered so far, with more being added soon. Click here to view the session topics and full agenda.

Aug. 11: WINiT at Work + at Home

Research has shown that the pandemic has hit women in the workforce especially hard. Join Patti Huska, chief people officer at Amex GBT and Mary Ellen Hess, executive vice president North America for CTM as they discuss and offer advice on how working moms can successfully take on senior roles. Register here.

 

November may seem far off, but we just have four months until GBTA Convention. Make sure you register now to take advantage of the lowest rate available.

 

Suzanne