Daily News Brief - November 23, 2020 - Global Business Travel Association

Dave Hilfman’s Monday Memo to GBTA Members

As we head toward an odd, socially distanced Thanksgiving holiday in such a challenging year, it might be tempting to look past all the things we have to be thankful for, even now, even in 2020. I hope each and every one of you is able to take a moment to count your blessings this year. What’s good about 2020, you ask? I can think of a few things.

Last week, we saw important news stories about the effective COVID-19 vaccines being developed by Pfizer and Moderna. With the potential for a vaccine rollout beginning next month, these COVID fighters could represent the leading edge of a return to travel for our industry. And there is absolutely an appetite to resume business travel, as we see in the results of our latest GBTA poll.

COVID-19 News

Astra Shot Prevents COVID; China Has Local Cases: Virus Update (BLOOMBERG)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Authorizes First COVID-19 Test for Self-Testing at Home (FDA)

Professional Development

Don’t Miss Next Week’s All-New Webinar

The Devil’s in the Details: Make Your OBT Work for You, Your Policy and Traveler Safety
Tuesday, December 1 | 11:00 AM ET

The Online Booking Tool (OBT) sits at the intersection of your travel program objectives and your travelers’ safety/experience. OBTs are a critical point of shared interaction, which provides countless opportunities to achieve both objectives. This session will focus on providing actionable suggestions buyers can take back to their organizations to enhance their current OBT utilization. This space in particular is evolving and costs are limited, but creativity is not. Join us to uncover some of the untapped tools and resources that are available for you today.

Cost:
GBTA Members: Complimentary
Non-Members: $49 USD

GBTA Regional Town Hall
Don’t Miss Tomorrow’s GBTA Europe Town Hall
Tomorrow | 2:00 PM GMT

We are pleased to offer our European Business Travel Industry Town Hall Calls, intended to share information, tools and resources, supporting our community through these difficult times.

Learn More and Register Today >>

Job Board
Is Your Company Hiring?

Use the GBTA Career Center to post your business travel job openings and access thousands of qualified industry professionals looking to make their next career move.

Get Started >>

Trending Industry News

Top Story

Interim Report Shows Results of COVID-19 Tests for Arriving International Travellers (BRIGHTER WORLD)

Aviation Industry News

MIA Welcomes Southwest Airlines (TRAVEL DAILY NEWS)

Airasia.com Joins Forces With Turkish Airlines to Prepare For Return of International Travel (THE EDGE MARKETS)

United Airlines Boosts Los Angeles-Sydney Flights (EXECUTIVE TRAVELLER)

AirAsia Introduces New COVID-Clearance Technology (PHOCUSWIRE)

Hospitality Industry News

Far East Hospitality Announces Local and Regional Expansion Plans (4HOTELIERS)

4 Evolving Hotel Trends to Help Operators Stay Afloat in 2021 (RESTAURANT BUSINESS ONLINE)

More Industry News

Industry Survival Depends on Common Testing Protocol in Europe (4HOTELIERS)

TravelRevive to Bring Back the Physical MICE Experience (4HOTELIERS)

COVID-19 Survey: Rates, Revenues, Optimism Rebound in Q3 (AUTO RENTAL NEWS)

Make Your Voice Heard!

The GBTA Board elections are open through Friday, December 4. The GBTA Board of Directors serves as the governing body of the Association and is responsible for establishing the focus and direction of the Association. This is your opportunity to vote for the candidates you believe will best lead our organization.

View each candidate’s campaign video, platform statement and Board of Directors Election Brochure 2020 >>

Editor’s Note

In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, the GBTA Daily News Brief will halt distribution Wednesday, November 25 through Friday, November 27. We will resume distribution on Monday, November 30.

Please visit gbta.org to learn the latest about developments in business travel.

WorldAware Intelligence Brief

Australia – Authorities in South Australia Relax Coronavirus Disease-Related Restrictions

Australia – Authorities in Victoria Ease Coronavirus Disease-Related Restrictions

Canada – Authorities Extend Ground Border Closure with US Through at Least Dec. 21

Mexico – Land Border with US Will Remain Closed to Nonessential Travel

Switzerland – Authorities Update Coronavirus Disease-Related Quarantine List for International Arrivals

United States – Authorities Extend Closure of Land Borders with Mexico and Canada to All Nonessential Travel

COVID-19 Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)