Check-In With Suzanne:

Last week I joined GBTA’s VP of Government Relations, Shane Downey, for an event in Washington, D.C. featuring U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen, Chair of the Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade and Export Promotion. We were able to grab a few minutes with Senator Rosen to talk more about the proposed omnibus bill — the Travel and Tourism Act, aka the “TourBus” aimed at helping the industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.  This came on the heels of my Senate testimony in September on the topic in front of Senator Rosen’s subcommittee. We were encouraged to hear from her that there’s still strong bipartisan support for the bill and likely consideration for Committee markup and passage. We look forward to sharing new developments as they become available about this important legislation for the U.S. travel industry and the future growth of travel, tourism and hospitality in the years to come. 

 There were also GBTA in-person meetings of another kind happening recently. Over the past two weeks, GBTA Canada connected with 300+ enthusiastic attendees for in-real-life networking and education in Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto as part of their Safe. Travel. Canada Workshop series. The city tour concludes in Calgary on January 26. It’s great to continue to see the return to in-person meetings and events for our industry. 

 GBTA’s event in Berlin in partnership with VDR is also shaping up nicely for the first week in December. With the Expo already sold out, we added more booths, and it’s promising to be an engaging few days. 

 And in the US, with only 15 days to go, we know many of you are getting ready for Convention. The latest from local government sources reports the COVID positivity rate in the Orlando area has dropped to 3.51% – and The New York Times reported that Florida is now one of the best spots in the country regarding COVID-19 incidence rates. This is welcome news, not only for our event but for all Florida residents and visitors.  

 We continue with extensive protocols for health and safety for onsite attendance at Convention, so be sure to review and prepare in advance. If you’re traveling from the U.S., please sign up for the CLEAR Health Pass app, upload your information, and “get green before you go.” If you are traveling from outside the U.S, the CLEAR Health Pass won’t work for you – so bring your proof of vaccination or COVID-19 negative test result so we can clear you at Convention registration. Have questions? Reach out to our team at conventionhelp@gbta.org. 

Suzanne 

 

 

News To Know 

Opportunities, Trends, and Forecasts in Latin America Travel and Tourism 

Mordor Intelligence published their study on the Latin American Travel and Tourism industry. The study explores the industry by types and modes of travel as well as by country, with the major drivers in the region being increases of outbound tourism.  

UK Removes All Countries from Travel Red List 

Starting November 1st, the final seven countries on the UK government’s travel red list will be removed. Vaccinated visitors from Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, Peru and Venezuela will no longer have quarantine requirements.  

Hertz Expands Uber Partnership with Tesla Purchase 

As early as November, Uber drivers with 4.7 or higher ratings will be eligible to rent a Tesla Model 3 in major U.S. Cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Washington D.C. This is an element of Uber’s partnership with car rental service Hertz, who is providing 50,000 electric vehicles by 2023. 

Flair Airlines Expanding Winnipeg Service in 2022 

Starting in Spring 2022, Flair Airlines will be adding weekly, nonstop service from Winnipeg to both Regina and Saskatoon. These new routes followed the airline’s growth which includes 16 new aircraft and additional routes within Canada and to the US. 

 

GBTA News & Reminders 

WINiT with the Right Leadership Behaviors 

Join us for a renewed look at what leadership behaviors and competencies are critical to success. With moderator Kristen Shovlin, Delta Airlines, and Speakers Rita Visser, Oracle, and Laura Smith, Hertz. 

Advanced Principles of Business Travel Management™ 

This course builds off of the Fundamentals curriculum to aid business travel professionals in increasing their knowledge of the industry while also expanding on their professional skills. This course is designed for travel buyers overseeing a managed business travel program and suppliers offering travel-related products and services. 

GBTA Convention Replay 

Can’t make it to Orlando for GBTA Convention? Don’t miss out on the new, unique experience, check out Convention Replay! With 5 livestreaming Main Stage sessions, 25 educational sessions, virtual exhibitor connections, and more, you can reap the value of the business travel industry’s flagship gathering in a way that’s right for you.