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What Does the Next European Commission Mean for Business Travel?

The European Union faced profound challenges under the previous Commission’s mandate, navigating global health crises and geopolitical upheaval while balancing climate commitments with economic competitiveness. As the Commission entered a new mandate on 1st December 2024, with Greek Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas in charge of ‘Sustainable Transport and Tourism’, the business travel sector readies itself for…

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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,…

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Looking Ahead: How Travel Managers Can Navigate 2025 Hotel RFP Season

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 Elizabeth (Liz) Oliveira, Global Travel Manager at OMERS.  Are you immersed in the Hotel RFP season like me? It’s a very busy…

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Business Travel Industry Reflects on a Resilient 2024, Sets Optimistic Plans for Growth, Technology and Sustainability in 2025 

New GBTA research highlights strong global optimism, increased budgets and shifting travel patterns across regions as companies navigate the future  As 2024 draws to a close, there is strong sentiment from the global business travel industry that the year outperformed expectations, paving the way for increased budgets, strategic investments and growth initiatives for 2025. This…

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Employees and Companies Have a Shared Responsibility for Ensuring Ground Transport Safety for Business Travel, According to New Report from FREENOW and GBTA

Research examines how travel programmes can maximise the safety of ground transport on business trips across four key European markets: Germany, United Kingdom, Spain, and Ireland Both corporate travel managers and business travellers in Europe have a shared responsibility as well as opportunities to mitigate risk by making smart choices when it comes to ground…

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GBTA + VDR Conference 2024 in Partnership with the Nordic Business Travel Associations and GBTA Sustainability Summit Highlight a Robust European Business Travel Industry

Education, engagement and networking were the pillars of the three-day event that focused on initiatives for a greener future as well as what’s ahead for business travel in Europe The outlook for business travel in Europe including the path toward a more sustainable future was the focus this week at the GBTA +VDR Conference 2024…

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European Business Travel Spending to Hit $391.1 Billion USD (360.4 Billion euros) in 2024, Reflecting Strong Growth Amid Economic Challenges 

Spending to reach $517.2 billion (476.6 billion euros) in Europe by 2028, with growth outpacing most global regions except Asia Pacific, according to new regional data from GBTA  European business travel spending is projected to reach $391.1 billion USD (360.4 billion euros) in 2024, reflecting a 10.4% increase from 2023. Additionally for this year, Europe…

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First-Ever GBTA Sustainability Benchmark Reveals Gaps to Decarbonize Business Travel Programs, Calls for Accelerated Corporate Action to Reach Net Zero Targets

GBTA’s Sustainability Acceleration Challenge assesses emissions reduction efforts in corporate travel across all industry sectors, highlighting areas for immediate progress  The GBTA Foundation, the charitable arm of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), today unveiled findings from its Sustainability Acceleration Challenge, an industry-first global benchmarking initiative to evaluate the current state of business travel programs…

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GBTA Foundation’s 2024 WINiT Summit and Gala Illuminates the Strides Individuals and Allies Are Making in Leading the Journey Toward Gender Equity in the Business Travel Industry

GBTA WINiT’s 10th anniversary events also celebrated industry leaders advancing women’s careers, commitment to the UN’s Women Empowerment Principles and showcased new GBTA research on gender equity in the business travel sector Career development and advancement for women in the global business travel industry was at the forefront as GBTA WINiT celebrated a decade of…

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Women are Well Represented in the Business Travel Industry but Glass Ceiling Remains

New GBTA data reveals women’s expanding influence as business travelers and industry professionals, but with a persistent gender gap in senior leadership roles Women professionals are prominent throughout the business travel industry, but GBTA research suggests there are still gaps in gender equity as they are still less likely to be in senior executive positions…

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United We Stand, Divided We Fall!

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 Carol Fergus, Director, Global Travel Events and Ground Transportation at Fidelity International.  Upon completing a year on the GBTA Board, I’m retracing…

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Future of Business Travel to Be Shaped by Demographic Shifts and Global Volatility by 2040

CWT and GBTA release special supplement report titled “2040: Baseline, Boom, or Bust” offering a comprehensive analysis of factors that will shape corporate travel strategies and business travel’s future The business travel industry is on the cusp of a major transformation, driven by a convergence of technological advancements, evolving sustainability requirements, and shifting demographic trends. To commemorate…

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GBTA Foundation Names 2024 WINiT Top 50 Honorees Recognizing Women in the Business Travel Industry  

WINiT’s 10th anniversary Summit, Awards & Gala will further celebrate industry professionals on October 24 at the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport  The GBTA Foundation, the charitable arm of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) – the world’s largest business travel association and global leader in community, education, research and advocacy – has announced the…

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Corporate Traveler and GBTA Release Market Research and Trends Report, Comprehensive Study Examining the SME Business Travel Landscape in the U.S.

Traveler safety revealed as the top priority for business travelers, while rising travel costs serve as the biggest pain point, according to new report analyzing the small and midsize enterprise (SME) travel industry Corporate Traveler, the flagship SME corporate travel division of Flight Centre Travel Group, and the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the world’s…

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IHG Hotels & Resorts, GBTA Foundation Convene Sustainability Leaders to Deliberate the Decarbonization of Business Travel

Climate Week NYC event unpacks challenges, opportunities amid a climate-conscious world IHG Hotels & Resorts and the GBTA Foundation, the charitable arm of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), brought together some of travel’s biggest sustainability leaders during 2024 Climate Week NYC to spark dialogue about the decarbonization of business travel. In collaboration with co-hosts…

Joining GBTA Has Been One of the Best Decisions for My Professional Development

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 Ronda Dean, US Travel Manager for F5, Inc.  I owe my career to GBTA – a bold statement, but true! Had it…

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Global Business Travel and Events Costs Moderating in 2024, with Continued Modest Increases in 2025

Latest research from CWT and GBTA reveals that while costs will continue to rise, the pace of these increases will be notably slower through 2024 and into 2025 Global business travel and events prices appear to be moderating following the dramatic increases seen in recent years. The 2025 Global Business Travel Forecast, published today by…

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Safety, Sustainability and Cost Drive Today’s Business Travel Ground Transportation Strategies, According to New Research

GBTA and the National Limousine Association explore how corporate travel programs manage and maintain ground transportation policies The wheels are constantly turning when it comes to ground transportation as part of a company’s business travel program. Now it’s becoming increasingly important for travel managers to think strategically when implementing effective policies and processes that reduce…

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Corporate Travel Industry Must Embrace Emerging Technology to Remain Competitive and Accelerate Growth According to New Research from GBTA and Cvent

Report outlines the importance of technology in the business travel industry as a disruptor and enabler with artificial intelligence and blockchain at the top of the emerging technology list The time for technology to transform, disrupt and accelerate business travel growth is here – according to a new study, “The Future is Now: Technological Transformation…

GBTA Convention 2024 Delivers Record Forecast Outlook and Positive Future Vision for Business Travel While Bringing Education, Connections and Inspiration to Industry Professionals

The world’s largest gathering of the global business travel industry transcends travel disruption challenges, hosts 5,400 global delegates in Atlanta during its annual event July 22-24 The global business travel industry converged in Atlanta, Georgia, for the GBTA Convention 2024 held July 22-24 at the Georgia World Congress Center. Attracting 5,400 registered attendees from 50…

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Global Business Travel Industry Spending Expected to Hit Record $1.48 Trillion in 2024

Boosted by economic stability, pent-up demand and recovery momentum, spending is projected to surpass $2 trillion by 2028 according to the latest GBTA Business Travel Index Report  The business travel industry has proven itself resilient as it leaves the global pandemic behind and moves into a new era of post-pandemic stabilization. The forecast for 2024…

Why GBTA’s Global Presence at Events is Important for Business Travel and Program Success

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 and Tammy Routh, Senior Vice President, Global Sales Organization at Marriott International. As I reflect on my time at GBTA’s APAC…

Politics of Travel: Elections, Debates, Citizen Advocacy Oh My

One of my passions is to empower people with the knowledge, tools and access to advocate for what they believe in. These last couple of months have been fulfilling to me as I have managed have the GBTA elections for the Board of Directors, organized the GBTA U.S. Legislative Summit, and am learning how I…

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What Do the European Election Results Mean for Business Travel?

Since the last European election in 2019, business travel has undergone significant transformations. By interrupting travel, the Covid-19 pandemic brought to light the sector’s crucial benefits to our societies, including connecting people from different backgrounds and a substantial contribution to economic growth. Now that it is on the road to recovery, efforts are being deployed…

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GBTA Launches Global Equity Program to Support Business Travel Professionals in Emerging Markets through Sponsored Memberships 

With Marriott International as the Founding Sponsor, Applications Are Now Open for Initiative Aimed at Expanding Opportunity and Inclusion Across GBTA’s Global Community  Today the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the premiere trade association and voice of the global business travel industry, launched its Global Equity Program (GEP), which provides business travel professionals in emerging markets…

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GBTA U.S. Legislative Summit 2024 Brings the Voices of Business Travel to Policymakers to Advance Industry Priorities

100+ GBTA Members Share Industry’s Economic Impact and Urge Legislators to Support Decarbonizing Air Travel and Improve the U.S. Visa System for Those Who Travel for Work Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Representative Sam Graves (R-MO) Receive “GBTA Navigator Award” for Championing Business Travel in the U.S. Members and constituents of the Global Business Travel…

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U.S. Business Travel Industry Responsible for Almost 2% of U.S. GDP and 3.5% of Employment in Latest Full-Year Figures

GBTA’s study reveals for every 1% of growth in business travel, the U.S. economy sees nearly 60,000 jobs, $2.9 billion in paid wages, $1.2 billion in tax revenue and $4.8 billion in new GDP The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) today unveiled a new study, the “GBTA U.S. Economic Impact Study: Business Travel’s Impact on…

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Shaping a Low Carbon Future for Business Travel: Our Call to Action to EU Policymakers

By Delphine Millot, SVP, Advocacy & Sustainability, GBTA; Managing Director, GBTA Foundation In the past five years, the way we travel for work has undergone significant transformation. By interrupting travel, the Covid-19 pandemic also brought to light the travel sector’s impact on environmental sustainability. As the enduring desire for human connection is driving continued projected…

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What the Future Holds for Traveller Mobility in the EU

By Shane Downey, Vice President, Government and Community Affairs, GBTA In the past five years, business travel has undergone significant transformations. The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated trends like virtual meetings and remote work, initially seen as threats. However, the enduring desire for human connection has supported the sector, which is now well on its way to…

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GBTA U.S. Advocacy Newsletter – May 2024

Welcome to the May edition of the GBTA U.S. Advocacy Newsletter designed to keep you up to date with what’s happening in relation to business travel in the US, and how GBTA is advocating on your behalf.  SummaryGBTA Action in the US Key Points ➤ General Overview Following Congress’s recent return from a two-week April recess and…

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GBTA Launches Accessibility Toolkit to Address the Increasing Need for Seamless Business Travel for All

Online toolkit designed around industry best practices will help travel managers and suppliers implement more accessible business travel programs in their organizations With an estimated 39% of business travelers reporting accessibility requirements that impact their travel experience[1], travel managers are seeking guidance to incorporate these needs into their corporate travel policies. So how can companies…

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GBTA APAC Conference 2024 Brings Together Industry Leaders and Trailblazers to Ignite the Future of Business Travel

More than 800 industry professionals gathered to network, advocate teach and learn what’s fueling next-gen trends, spending and priorities amidst a dynamic regional market There’s no slowing down the enthusiasm and demand from the APAC region as it continues its upward trajectory in business travel volume, spending and career satisfaction, according to forecasts and insights…

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Business Travel Professionals Show Optimism, Commitment in Their Career Outlook for 2024, According to Latest GBTA Poll  

Business Travel Professionals Show Optimism, Commitment in Their Career Outlook for 2024, According to Latest GBTA Poll   Work life balance, contentment and industry opportunity in their roles fuel loyalty  Global travel buyers and suppliers also report continued knowledge gaps, desire for clarity and implementation challenges related to New Distribution Capability   As the business travel industry…

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Canadian Business Travel is Forecast to Return to Pre-Pandemic Levels in 2024, Reaching $25.9 Billion USD and 13.5% Annual Growth

GBTA’s Canada Conference spotlights the resurgence in business travel spending, evolving industry trends, recognition of association volunteers and introduction of new regional leaders   Business travel in Canada is poised for a strong, evolving future, according to the takeaways and forecasts unveiled during the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Canada Conference 2024 held in Toronto this…

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GBTA U.S. Advocacy Newsletter – April 2024

Welcome to the April edition of the GBTA U.S. Advocacy Newsletter designed to keep you up to date with what’s happening in relation to business travel in the US, and how GBTA is advocating on your behalf.  Key Points ➤ General Overview Following Congress’s recent return from a two-week April recess and many high-priority tasks awaiting…

Politics of Travel

As a Star Wars nerd, I waited until May 4 for a boost of the Force to resurrect the Politics of Travel! Not a statement on the U.S. political world, I just know a loyal reader loves the Smiths! Welcome to the 2023 edition of Politics of Travel. And b This week, GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang and I met…