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Business Travel’s Future Takes Center Stage at GBTA Convention 2025 With Powerful Insights, Strategic Learnings and Meaningful Connections

ByDebbie Iannaci

Nearly 5,400 industry professionals from 52 countries gathered in Denver for the world’s largest business travel event  Against the backdrop of an evolving global landscape and economy, the Global Business Travel Association’s Convention 2025 convened 5,375 business travel professionals from 52 countries in Denver for three transformative days of innovation, insight, and industry-defining dialogue. As…

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Global Business Travel Spending to Reach $1.57 Trillion in 2025 Amid Trade Policy Uncertainty and Economic Risk, According to New GBTA Forecast

ByDebbie Iannaci

GBTA’s annual Business Travel Index Outlook report reflects moderate near-term growth, regional and sector divergence, and evolving traveler expectations reshaping the next phase of business travel Global business travel spending is projected to reach a new historical high of $1.57 trillion USD in 2025. This represents a moderate year-over-year growth rate of 6.6%, as global…

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Global Business Travel and Events Prices Set to Stabilize Through 2025 and 2026, Amid Looming Economic Uncertainty

ByDebbie Iannaci

After several years of pandemic-induced volatility and recovery-driven spikes, business travel prices began showing signs of moderation last year. Now, prices are set to stabilize further over the next 18 months, according to the latest edition of the annual Global Business Travel Forecast released by CWT, the business travel and meetings specialist, and GBTA, the…

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Global Business Travel Industry Sentiment Continues to Reflect Ongoing Uncertainty and Change Amid U.S. Government Actions

ByDebbie Iannaci

New GBTA poll reveals shifts in 2025 outlook for business travel volume, spending and revenue as well as related to costs, traveler concerns and meeting decisions As U.S. government actions continue to reshape the global landscape, the business travel industry continues to navigate growing uncertainty and shifting strategies for the remainder of 2025. Optimism across…

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A Reflective Farewell from the Outgoing GBTA Board President- Alone We Can Do So Little; Together We Can Do So Much

ByTara Erwin

In this feature series, GBTA’s Board of Directors share their views on topics that matter most to members, the industry and the way forward for business travel. Today’s guest author is Board President Mark Cuschieri, Executive Director, Global Head of Travel at UBS. As my tenure draws to a close at the end of our…

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U.S. Firms Could Unlock $2.4 Trillion in Sales by Optimizing Business Travel, New GBTA Study Finds

ByDebbie Iannaci

New return-on-investment study shows U.S. companies could gain net operating margin of $14.60 for every $1 invested in business travel  U.S. companies are missing out on more than $2.4 trillion in potential new sales revenue because they may be underinvesting in business travel, according to a new report exploring the return on investment (ROI) of…

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UK Firms Could Miss Out on £319 Billion in Sales Without Strategic Business Travel Investment, New GBTA Study Finds 

ByDebbie Iannaci

Study shows modest increases in business travel spending deliver strong returns, with just £94 more per employee needed to reach optimal levels Companies in the United Kingdom could unlock over £319 billion in additional sales by increasing their strategic investment in business travel. Despite a steady recovery since the pandemic, current travel and expense (T&E)…

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GBTA Holds Annual Business Meeting for 2024, Announces 2025 Board Election Results

ByTara Erwin

GBTA conducted its Annual Business Meeting on July 9, 2025, featuring key highlights and achievements for 2024. Held virtually, the meeting gave an overview of the association’s audited 2024 financial performance, along with major milestones in core areas. The agenda also covered what’s ahead for GBTA constituents for the remainder of 2025, including the GBTA…

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GBTA Cites Business Travel Benefits Within U.S. Reconciliation Bill Passed Into Law

ByDebbie Iannaci

GBTA Statement On July 4, President Donald J. Trump signed into law the Reconciliation Bill, otherwise known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” which is a budget reconciliation law passed by the 119th United States Congress and includes tax and spending policies. The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is pleased to see items it…

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Reinventing Travel for All: Why Accessibility Can’t Wait

ByNataliia Safronova

Accessible business travel is more than a moral imperative: collaboration, a pro-active mindset, and inclusive policies make our industry stronger, more sustainable, and more profitable. Accessible business travel isn’t just about equality: It’s about sustainability for the entire global business travel industry. As knowledge about accessibility expands, the gap between the needs of disabled travelers…

GBTA Global Advocacy Newsletter – June 2025

ByNataliia Safronova

Welcome to the latest edition of our GBTA Advocacy Newsletter, your essential resource for staying informed and engaged in the policy discussions shaping the future of business travel. This month, we are pleased to reflect on a significant milestone: our 2025 U.S. Legislative Summit, where over 100 members from 35 Chapters conducted more than 120 meetings on Capitol…

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Introducing the Ladders NextGen Workforce

ByNataliia Safronova

GBTA Foundation Rolls Out Strategic Initiative to Build the Future of Business Travel . The GBTA Foundation is proud to announce the launch of the Ladders NextGen Workforce initiative — a new effort designed to attract, develop, and elevate the next generation of leaders in the global business travel industry.  Branded Ladders NextGen Workforce, this evolves…

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Empowering the Future of Business Travel: Reflecting on the GBTA Ladders NextGen Pilot with UT Austin  

ByTara Erwin

In this feature series, GBTA’s Board of Directors share their views on topics that matter most to members, the industry and the way forward for business travel. Today’s guest author is Allied Seat, At Large, Katie Virtue, Head of Sales and Marketing at Festive Road.    I’ve been fortunate to be part of the GBTA Ladders program…

GBTA Global Advocacy Newsletter – May 2025

ByNataliia Safronova

Today’s world is a Ball of Confusion. Crystal Palace Football Club is experiencing their best season ever and has won the FA Cup. Discussions have emerged regarding Canada’s potential accession to the European Union. In the United States, the GBTA April poll indicated a slowdown in business travel and a reconsideration of traveling to the…

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Inside the Modern Hotel Program: How Corporate Travel Managers Are Redefining Sourcing and Strategy 

ByDebbie Iannaci

New research highlights how travel buyers are modernizing rate structures, embracing innovation and adapting to traveler expectations  As managed hotel programs undergo a period of rapid transformation, companies and their corporate travel managers are rethinking how they source, negotiate and manage hotel stays. Travel buyers are looking to embrace more flexible rate strategies, modernize request-for-proposal…

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Business Travel Celebrates 40 Years of the Schengen Agreement

ByNataliia Safronova

This week marks the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Schengen Agreement, which led to the creation of the borderless Schengen Area, allowing citizens to travel across 29 European countries without any border controls. For business travelers, the Schengen Area has been a major success story, cutting red tape for businesses and creating a free…

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GBTA Brings Industry Voices to Capitol Hill to Champion Business Travel’s Value and Future 

ByDebbie Iannaci

Over 100 GBTA members engaged U.S. lawmakers during the GBTA U.S. Legislative Summit to advocate for policies that support economic growth and global mobility Representative Rick Larsen and Senator Jerry Moran receive 2025 GBTA Navigator Awards for championing business travel in the U.S.  More than 100 members and constituents of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA)…

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GBTA Foundation Unveils Step-by-Step Transition Pathway to Accelerate Business Travel’s Action Towards Net Zero

ByTara Erwin

New roadmap for sustainable business travel takes corporate travel programs from ‘no action’ to ‘leading practice’ The GBTA Foundation, the cause-led arm of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), just unveiled its Sustainable Business Travel Transition Pathway yesterday at the GBTA Sustainability Summit, which gathered over a hundred travel leaders and sustainability experts from all…

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GBTA Asia Pacific Conference 2025 Reflects the Dynamic Role of the Region in Shaping the Future of Business Travel

ByDebbie Iannaci

A record 950+ industry professionals from 32 countries gathered at the GBTA-WERC co-located event, as APAC is forecast to reach $679 billion USD in business travel spending in 2025 The growth and vital role of the Asia Pacific region in the future of global business travel was clearly demonstrated by the strong turnout, engagement and…

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Breaking Barriers: Accessibility for All in Business Travel

ByVishal Mehta

At GBTA, we believe accessibility is a right, not a privilege. This year, we’re releasing our free Accessibility Toolkit in 8 additional languages so you can embed accessible plans, practices, and solutions into your corporate travel policies and help make equitable business travel a reality.  Beyond the Itinerary: Accessibility Challenges  Imagine preparing for a business…

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GBTA Establishes New Advisory Boards in India and China to Strengthen Its Expanding Presence in Asia Pacific 

ByDebbie Iannaci

Regional leaders will provide advisement and support for GBTA’s strategic initiatives and growing member community across APAC’s dynamic markets The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the world’s premier business travel and meetings trade organization, is expanding its engagement with the business travel industry community in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region with the creation of two…

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Achieving the Perfect Business Trip: New Study Reveals Top Challenges and Technology Solutions for Success

ByTara Erwin

Survey of U.S.- and Canada-based corporate travel managers identifies key business trip pain points and the desired innovations to overcome them While business travel drives critical business outcomes, it can also come with challenges for organizations and employee travelers alike. These challenges can sometimes make the pursuit of the “perfect business trip” seem like a…

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GBTA Calls Upon All Companies That Rely on Business Travel to Demand Clarity on SAF Reporting

ByRon Nucum

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), together with the GBTA Foundation and our Sustainability Partners, has published a position statement in response to the Science Based Targets initiative’s (SBTi) revised Corporate Net-Zero Standard (Version 2.0), urging unequivocal recognition of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) environmental attributes as a credible emissions reduction pathway for business travel. With…

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Be Inclusive: A Path to Thriving in Business Travel

ByTara 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 GBTA Board member Carlos Almendros, Director of Travel, Payments, Marketing and Communications at Cisco. Our industry is built on relationships. As someone who has…

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Webinar On-Demand: TSA REAL ID Enforcement Date – May 7, 2025. What your travelers need to know.

ByNataliia Safronova

GBTA Advocacy webinar from May 5, “TSA REAL ID Enforcement Date – May 7, 2025. What your travelers need to know”, is now available on demand.  REAL ID is a coordinated effort by the U.S. federal government to improve the reliability and accuracy of state-issued identification documents, which in turn enhances national security. This webinar is designed…

GBTA Global Advocacy Newsletter – April 2025

ByRon Nucum

Welcome to the GBTA Global Advocacy Newsletter – your new, streamlined monthly source for worldwide government actions impacting business travel. By merging our previous Europe, U.S., and Politics of Travel newsletters, we’re delivering all the essential updates in one easy-to-manage email. I hope this new format allows you time to stop and smell the roses!

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Canadian Business Travel Spending Surpassed Pre-Pandemic Levels in 2024 but 2025 Outlook Tempered by Market Uncertainty 

ByTara Erwin

GBTA Conference examines the $37.6 billion CAD Canadian business travel sector, while offering education, peer discussions and practical solutions for industry professionals amid geopolitical and economic headwinds     The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) unveiled new insights and outlooks for the Canadian business travel sector during its 2025 Canada Conference, held April 28-30 in Toronto.  Marking…

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Facilitating Seamless Travel for Business: GBTA Contributes to the MDMS and SDBTR Impact Assessment

ByNataliia Safronova

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) supports the European Commission’s initiative to address market challenges in developing multimodal digital mobility services (MDMS) and a single digital booking and ticketing regulation (SDBTR). Business travelers desire seamless integration of various transport options into a single ticket for efficiency and sustainability. GBTA believes EU regulation is necessary due…

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Earth Day 2025: A Call to Action for Sustainable Corporate Travel

ByTara Erwin

In this feature series, GBTA’s Board of Directors share their views on topics that matter most to members, the industry and the way forward for business travel. Today’s guest author is GBTA Board of Directors, European Regional Director Ben Park, Executive Director of Travel & Sustainability at Parexel.  Earth Day on April 22nd serves as a…

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Nearly One-Third of Global Travel Managers Anticipate Business Travel Volume Will Decrease Significantly in 2025 Amidst US Government Actions, According to GBTA Poll

ByDebbie Iannaci

Additionally, 37% of travel suppliers and intermediaries expect their business travel-related revenue to decline, while overall industry optimism drops for 2025 As a result of recent US government actions including tariffs, cross-border policies and entry restrictions, global business travel professionals are newly navigating a complex and uncertain landscape regarding the potential impact on business travel…

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Travel & Tourism Industry Calls for a Coordinated Approach to Advance Sustainability Goals

ByDebbie Iannaci

European Parliament’s event with GBTA, Travalyst and WTTC highlights what’s needed to build a Sustainable Future for Travel and Tourism in Europe The European Parliament served as the backdrop for a pivotal discussion on the future of travel and tourism in Europe. Hosted by MEP Nikolina Brnjac (EPP, Croatia), a member of the Transport Committee…

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GBTA Advocates for Unified Environmental Standards in Hospitality 

ByTara Erwin

Letter to European Commission Emphasizes for Consistent Sustainability Measures in Business Travel  In a move to advance sustainability in the hospitality sector, GBTA recently sent a letter to the European Commission’s Tourism Unit, DG MOVE. The letter advocated for the adoption of harmonized environmental standards for hotel accommodation, a crucial step towards achieving decarbonization goals…

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Traveler Relationship Status: It’s Complicated

ByTara Erwin

 In this feature series, GBTA’s Board of Directors share their views on topics that matter most to members, the industry, and the way forward for business travel. Today’s guest author is GBTA Board member Katharine Farrell, Head of Managed Travel Marketing at Serko.  The business traveler is having a moment. Multiple suitors, from revamped, sophisticated loyalty…

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GBTA Has Co-signed a Letter Requesting Congress to Act on Immediate Steps to Improve Air Travel

ByRon Nucum

GBTA along with the aviation industry organizations are uniting their voices to ensure the FAA is more capable and prepared to deliver economic growth, foster American innovation, adapt to challenges, and continue to be the safest, largest, and most complex air traffic control system. February 19, 2025: Letter to Hill on FAA Modernization RequestFebruary 19,…

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Business Travel Industry Kicks Off 2025 with Optimism Amid Evolving Challenges, According to Latest GBTA Poll

ByTara Erwin

Results highlight growth in travel volume and spend; AI awareness, sustainability adoption and workforce shifts also among key findings Professionals in the business travel industry look forward to an engaged and productive year, according to the first Business Travel Outlook Poll of 2025, released today by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). While shifting economic…

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A Look Ahead from GBTA’s Board President: 2025 Will Be Driven by Sustainability, Innovation and Global Collaboration

ByTara Erwin

In this feature series, GBTA’s Board of Directors share their views on topics that matter most to members, the industry, and the way forward for business travel. Today’s guest author is GBTA Board President Mark Cuschieri.  As we begin 2025, the global business travel industry stands at a pivotal juncture. The past year has shown the…

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GBTA Expands Presence in Australia with the Addition of  New Advisory Board and Local Leadership 

ByDebbie Iannaci

GBTA’s initiatives aim to support Australia’s thriving $26.7 billion USD business travel market and foster continued growth across the Asia Pacific region The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the world’s premier business travel and meetings trade organization, is strengthening its expanding commitment to global business travel with the formation of a new country-level GBTA Advisory…

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Reflections on 2024: An Update on GBTA Governance and Witnessing Community, Learning and Advocacy in Action

ByTara Erwin

In this feature series, GBTA’s Board of Directors share their views on topics that matter most to members, the industry, and the way forward for business travel. Today’s guest author is GBTA Board Vice President Rosemary Maloney, Senior Director, Corporate Travel at The Freeman Company.  Over the past 12 months, I’ve had the honor of…