Check-In with Suzanne

One visit to the GBTA Hub and you’ll see there’s a lot of member discussion around one topic in particular: sustainability. Sustainability has always been on the business travel industry’s agenda over the years. Now it’s taken on a new and timely significance, fueled by developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

A recent study by Deloitte says that “sustainability has moved into the corporate mainstream, with more than 400 companies signing a pledge at 2021’s Davos World Economic Forum to decarbonize by 2050. This number includes some of the biggest companies in the world, and smaller companies are making similar commitments.” And I’ve heard this increased focus firsthand – in three recent conversations with travel industry CEOs, the sense of importance around the issue of sustainability was palpable. The time to come together and move forward as an industry is now. 

Sustainability is a key focus area at GBTA’s November Convention. Among the programming, the GBTA Sustainability & Responsibility Committee will host a workshop that will help travel managers get started. This includes tackling the barriers of implementing sustainability in a travel program, the key role that data can play, and how to align travel policy with company sustainability goals. If sustainability is part of your company or travel policy agenda, or just something you are personally passionate about, I encourage you to attend.  

The GBTA Sustainability  & Responsibility Committee provides leadership and resources to help our members balance the social, economic and environmental impact of their business travel programs. Interest in joining? GBTA members can apply year-round.) If you’re a travel buyer, you should also check out the Sustainability Self-Assessment, which will give you a better understanding of where you stand in terms of sustainability initiatives within your travel program. 

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to sustainability and its importance in the travel industry. And a lot more to come on the topic during the GBTA Convention, so stay tuned. We look forward to advancing the conversation together. 

Suzanne 

 

News To Know 

Hospitality & Airline Growth in Latin America 

Both Hyatt Hotels and LATAM Airlines group experienced major growth in Latin American recently. Hyatt Hotels is slated to acquire Apple Leisure Group, which offers travel, hospitality and luxury-resort management services. LATAM group on the other has reached a. agreement with Airbus to add an additional 28 planes to the already agreed upon 42 narrow-body aircraft. This new order solidifies LATAM group as the largest fleet in Latin America. 

62% of European Travel Programs are Now Considered “Sustainable” 

According to the same study, another 23% of travel buyers are planning to initiate a sustainable travel program for their businesses. Stephen Swift, travel manager, EMEA & APAC at the Ford Motor Company tells BTN Europe, “We are focusing our travel program on sustainable travel choices to support this: hotels with clear and published green policies and choosing modern, more fuel-efficient airline fleets and ride sharing where possible.” 

Masking up while flying 

Last week we saw Finnair tightening their mask requirements for passengers. The company has limited use of fabric masks, requiring passengers to wear surgical, FFP2 or FFPS respirator masks, or N95 standard masks. If you’re traveling to GBTA Convention 2021 this November, make sure you stay up to date with the COVID-19 protocols and requirements during your travel and GBTA’s COVID-19 policies for convention as well. 

 

GBTA News & Reminders 

Women in Tech, Episode 5 Recording Now Available 

Check out the latest installment of the GBTA Tech Committee’s Women in Tech Series, hosted by Francesca Dapiran. Our hosts cover the question of gender balance within the company structure during their discussion with Ami Taylor from SAP Concur and Claire Osborne from Travelport. The key is to view this concept not necessarily as a problem that needs solving, but rather an opportunity that can benefit all involved. Watch Now 

GBTA LATAM Town Hall on Aug. 26 

The new LATAM Advisory Board will present their new strategy and plans for GBTA in Latin America. Tune in to share your thoughts directly with these leaders. Click here to register for this 10 a.m. MEX / 12 p.m. ART session. 

Guide to ISO31030 Implementation  

Take part in GBTA’s Travel Risk Management Bootcamp: Understanding and Implementing ISO31030. This one-day virtual course, led by travel risk management experts Global Secure Accreditation in conjunction with GBTA and the Anvil Group, is designed to give practical guidance to anyone involved in building and managing corporate travel programs. Learn more about the course and featured speakers here.