Message from the GBTA President on the Paris Attacks

*This post was originally sent as a member email on November 19.*

Like all of you, I was shocked and deeply saddened last week when I heard the news of the Paris attacks. I had just returned home from GBTA’s Europe conference in Frankfurt when the incidents occurred. My heart breaks for the victims, as well as for their families and loved ones. The attacks were vicious and completely senseless, robbing far too many innocent people of their futures and traumatizing even more. Once again, we have witnessed the world’s resolve to stand against terrorists strengthen as nations unite in support of France. This was not just an attack on Paris, but an assault on our modern way of life.

French President François Hollande understandably closed his country’s borders and declared a state of emergency, leaving thousands of travelers stranded in France. As a strong and unified business travel industry, GBTA and its Members have been doing everything we can to provide resources to the travel community in this time of need.

For example, GBTA’s Risk Committee is updating our database of resources and tips to help you and your company better prepare for emergencies and fully understand your duty of care responsibilities to your travelers. This information will be available on the GBTA Blog on Friday. GBTA will also host a webinar featuring members of the Risk Committee on this same topic in December.

GBTA’s Research team has reached out to many of you with a lightning poll survey to help assess the immediate impact these attacks have had. If you received the survey, I ask that you please take the time to let us know what your company is doing, so GBTA can fully understand the impact of these events.

The business travel industry is resilient and we will continue to work together and stand strong. We will exercise caution and care – as we always have – to keep our travelers safe. As we move forward to recover from the events of Paris, I ask all of you to continue to engage with GBTA sharing your expertise and contributing your ideas and input in every way possible.

One thing is certain… we will never stop traveling. Travel drives the global economy, but more importantly connects us all in the most fundamental, essential and powerful way. Thank you for your help in continuing to make this possible.

Again, my sincerest condolences to the victims, as well as their families and loved ones. We stand together!