Voices in Action: How GBTA Is Shaping the Future of Business Travel in Europe

When it comes to the policies that shape the future of business travel, you—whether a travel manager, supplier, or industry professional—need a voice in the room. Last week, GBTA’s Advocacy team amplified that voice, meeting with European policy decision-makers to influence the frameworks and regulations that directly impact  business travel.

Over three days, GBTA’s team, including Fulvio Origo, Delphine Millot, Shane Downey, and representatives from Grayling Public Affairs, conducted 15 meetings across Brussels. This included six meetings with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and their advisors, four sessions with European Commission divisions such as DG Move and DG Home, a discussion with the U.S. Mission to the EU, and meetings with key industry stakeholders from airlines, hotels, and travel technology providers. 

GBTA Advocacy, Brussels, November 2024: photo highlights

These meetings were opportunities to represent the interests of GBTA members and the industry overall to and address the challenges that shape how business travel operates across borders. Key topics included streamlining travel processes, maintaining competitiveness, and paving the way for sustainable business travel. 

• Spotlight on Business Travel: GBTA highlighted the critical role of business travel’s $1.4 trillion contribution to the global economy. Meetings with MEPs Jens Gieseke (EPP) and Sérgio Gonçalves (S&D)—both members of the Transportation and Tourism Committee—focused on the distinct needs of business versus leisure travel. 
• Digital Travel Innovations: MEP Gieseke expressed strong support for digital travel documents to cut through bureaucratic hurdles, a move that could streamline your travel processes. 
• Proactive Support for Key Policies: We engaged on upcoming legislation like the Single Digital Booking and Ticketing Regulation, which aims to simplify rail bookings across Europe with a single ticketing system, and shared your perspective on policies that impact traveler experience. 
   

GBTA also gained critical updates on regulatory changes that could affect your travel planning: 

• Postponed Rollout of Entry/Exit System (EES): Due to technical challenges, EES implementation will now begin in early 2025, delaying the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) until at least 2026. This extended timeline gives stakeholders more time to prepare for compliance. 
• Sustainable Transport Investment Plan: Expected in 2025, this initiative will drive both decarbonization and competitiveness, ensuring that EU companies remain at the forefront of sustainable travel solutions. 

GBTA will continue to advocate for policies that prioritize your needs and the broader business travel community. To keep updated on GBTA’s advocacy efforts in Europe, subscribe to a newsletter, bookmark the GBTA Advocacy page and follow GBTA on LinkedIn.