Check-In with Suzanne

Through the twists and turns that have marked the past 19 months, we’ve all continued to navigate to what’s next. For GBTA, that includes how to host an annual convention that re-connects the global business travel industry, safely and responsibly, after a break of over two years amid a lingering pandemic.

Last week we all got some positive news. The Biden Administration announced the lifting of COVID-19-related travel restrictions beginning November 8 for fully vaccinated foreign national travelers to enter the U.S., including land borders with Mexico and Canada.  GBTA quickly issued a statement supporting the reopening of U.S. borders to the many countries shut out for so many months. Our next GBTA pandemic recovery poll (publishing on Thursday) shows nearly 75% of U.S. respondents wholeheartedly agree with this action. International travel is critical element in the return to business travel.  

We also know some of you have been watching the COVID-19 situation in Orlando, and overall in Florida, where the GBTA Convention takes place this year, November 17-19. We have, too. There is positive news there, as well.   

Florida has seen a significant drop in COVID-19 cases. Since its peak in August, average daily cases in the state have steadily declined. As of last week, COVID-19 cases were down 84%, with the positivity rate reaching below 5% for the first time in months. We’ll continue to stay the course with extensive safety protocols at the convention, including using the CLEAR Health Pass screening app.   

And we’ve added another new way to help ensure wellness for convention attendees. GBTA has partnered with FocusPoint International to offer a CAP Travel Medical and Security Assistance Plan, a free registration benefit from GBTA for all attendees, both US and International, in Orlando from November 14-21, 2021. Just opt-in during the convention registration process or use this link if you have already registered.  The coverage includes safety and security information, travel concierge assistance, quarantine expense coverage if required and more, all included with your GBTA Convention registration.

We look forward to seeing you at Convention. #ReadySafeTravel

Suzanne  

 

News To Know 

U.S. to open border to fully vaccinated travelers starting Nov. 8 

Foreign visitors who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will be able to travel to the United States starting on November 8 the White House announced Friday morning. Non-U.S. air travelers will need to show proof of vaccination before boarding a flight and will need to show proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test. Foreign visitors crossing a land border will not need to show proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test. 

Air Canada announces 2022 Europe schedule 

Air Canada has released it’s summer 2022 flight schedule, we see it’s return to several key cities in Europe, Africa, and Middle East. The carrier will resume service from its hubs to cities including Barcelona, Venice, Cairo, Edinburgh, Reykjavik and more between March and June 2022. 

The Dominican Republic Leads Recovery in Latin America 

The Dominican Republic’s Tourism Minister David Collado announced that they had surpassed pre-pandemic levels of tourists in the month of September. Air ticket reservations are also 12-22% higher than they were in 2019 and tourism’s recovery as generated USD$412 million to the country.  

GBTA News & Reminders 

WINiT with Equity 

Learn how to make Diversity, Equity and Inclusion a top priority in your company, including furthering discussion with best practices and proven strategies with host Malaika Myers and speakers Tracy Mercer and Aileen Furlong. 

Ready. Safe. Travel. Workshop Series 

GBTA is offering the Ready. Safe. Travel. Workshop Series as a one-day, hands-on program in four Canadian cities, starting with Vancouver today and Montreal and Toronto next week. The workshop will be a critical way to ease back into meeting again, while also keeping in the know of the changing Canadian industry, trends and evolutions for the days and months ahead.