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GBTA Convention 2026 Unites the Global Business Travel Industry to Connect, Learn, Innovate and Shape the Sector’s Future

ParDebbie Iannaci

More than 5,500 attendees from 47 countries gathered in Chicago for the industry’s largest annual conference, featuring education, executive insights, innovation showcases, awards, advocacy, sustainability initiatives and future-focused programming GBTA Convention 2026 concluded yesterday after welcoming more than 5,500 attendees from 47 countries for the industry’s largest annual gathering and a week of discussions focused…

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Global Business Travel Spending to Hit Record $1.71 Trillion in 2026, While Trips Reach 1.84 Billion, Says GBTA Forecast 

ParDebbie Iannaci

GBTA’s latest Business Travel Index report shows spending gains driven by higher prices as geopolitical uncertainty and transportation pressures weigh on the outlook Global business travel spending is forecast to reach a record $1.71 trillion USD in 2026, with the number of business trips worldwide expected to surpass 1.84 billion. The forecast highlights how rising transportation and travel costs are increasingly driving higher industry prices, ahead of the number of trips.  This is according to the 2026 GBTA…

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GBTA Foundation Recognizes Changemakers and Raises Support for the Next Generation of Business Travel Talent 

ParFintan Hastings

Gala honors industry leaders driving meaningful change and raises support for GBTA Foundation’s flagship NextGen program which seeks to nurture the future talent of global business travel  The global business travel industry’s most influential leaders and organizations were recognized for their commitment to creating a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient future for the global sector as the GBTA Foundation, the cause-led arm of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), hosted its annual Gala at Chicago’s iconic Field Museum.  Held on…

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Fuel Shock Keeps Business Travel Prices Elevated Through 2026 With Relief Ahead in 2027, According to New GBTA Forecast

ParDebbie Iannaci

Airfares, hotel rates, ground transportation and meetings and events costs are expected to remain under pressure through year-end, driven by higher energy prices, rising labor costs and resilient global demand Following a year marked by unprecedented energy-market disruption and rising operational costs, global business travel prices are expected to remain elevated through the remainder of…

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From First-Timers to Industry Veterans: Making the Most of GBTA Convention 2026

ParTara Erwin

In this feature series, GBTA’s Board of Directors share their perspectives on topics that matter most to members, the industry and the way forward for business travel. Today’s guest author is Allied Board member and Treasurer Kevin Sullivan, Managing Director of Sales at Southwest Business. Convention season is here, and when I touch down in Chicago next month for GBTA Convention…

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GBTA Applauds U.S. Passage  of Legislation to Strengthen Security and Improve Passenger Experience  

ParTara Erwin

GBTA today welcomed the U.S. House of Representative’s passage of a bipartisan package of aviation security and travel facilitation bills, including the SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026 and the One Stop Pilot Program Extension Act, legislation that strengthens Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operations and improves the passenger experience across the aviation system.  These measures address challenges that GBTA members continue to…

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GBTA Holds Annual Business Meeting for 2025, Announces 2026 Board Election Results

ParDebbie Iannaci

GBTA conducted its Annual Business Meeting led by GBTA CEO, Suzanne Neufang, and Board President, Rosemary Maloney. The session provided an overview of GBTA’s 2025 financial performance, key organizational metrics, and highlights from the year’s achievements. Attendees also gained valuable insight into GBTA’s ongoing investments in its core mission, programs, people and advocacy efforts, as…

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GBTA Applauds Introduction of the Quiet Skies Act to Keep Voice Calls Off Commercial Flights to Congress

ParDebbie Iannaci

Bipartisan bill directs Department of Transportation to finalize long-delayed in-flight ban sought by business travelers  GBTA today welcomed the introduction of the Quiet Skies Act by Representative Hillary Scholten (D-MI) Representative Rick Crawford (R-AR), Greg Stanton (D-AZ) and Rob Bresnahan (R-PA), legislation that directs the Department of Transportation to finally issue the rule banning in-flight voice calls that Congress required nearly…

GBTA Global Advocacy Newsletter – June 2026

ParNatalia Safronova

Leading up to June, even though it’s been a busy year, I have felt like the Fugazzi song Waiting Room I knew June was going to be packed and boy it didn’t disappoint! In the span of a few weeks, we released a landmark economic study, brought more than 100 members to Capitol Hill and met 140+…

GBTA Global Advocacy Newsletter – May 2026

ParNatalia Safronova

Welcome to another edition of the GBTA Global Advocacy Newsletter — the monthly reminder that global business travel is held together by equal parts policy, caffeine, and collective optimism. As I was listening to songs, this one popped up, YES, I was a little punk with a spectacular mullet and was raised in part on Judas Priest, but…

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Corporate Hotel Programs Evolve Amid Market Complexity, Cost Pressures and Rising AI Adoption 

ParFintan Hastings

New GBTA-Radisson Hotel Group research reveals shifting priorities, increased AI use and persistent challenges facing travel managers in driving hotel program compliance Corporate travel managers continue to adapt their hotel sourcing strategies in response to changing global market dynamics, the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), and evolving program priorities, according to new industry research from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) in partnership with Radisson Hotel Group. Based on a survey of corporate travel managers across North America and EMEA, the study explores…

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Air Passenger Rights: GBTA Welcomes Landmark Agreement and Calls for Clear and Consistent Implementation Across Europe 

ParFintan Hastings

Landmark political agreement at EU level preserves compensation rights whilst strengthening passenger information and claims during travel disruption  Brussels, Belgium (16 June 2026) – The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) welcomes the agreement reached this week on the long-awaited reform of EU air passenger rights rules, marking an important step toward greater clarity for travellers, businesses, and the wider travel ecosystem.   Over the past years, GBTA has supported a clearer…