News to Know

Millions of Travelers Could Skip Visiting the US If Proposed Social Media Policy Is Implemented, Industry Experts Warn
SOURCE: CNN, 1/28

Ahead of a proposed rule change that would require social media account information from some foreign travelers to the United States, international travel experts are saying the policy could further deter visitors from coming to the US — a decline that could translate into billions of dollars in lost revenue for the travel sector.

The warning — from the World Travel & Tourism Council — comes after the global industry group surveyed nearly 5,000 international residents who regularly travel abroad and found one-third of respondents would be somewhat or much less likely to visit the US if applicants to the Visa Waiver Program are required to submit information about their social media accounts.

Industry Spotlight

GBTA APAC Conference 2026 | Singapore
The Opening Mainstage You Can’t Afford to Miss

GBTA APAC Conference 2026 will kick off with a fast-paced Opening Mainstage that connects geopolitics, economics and local realities shaping corporate travel across APAC.

Taimur Baig, PhD, Managing Director & Chief Economist at DBS Bank Ltd, will lead the discussion with an inclusive look at the APAC economic and trade outlook; decoding currency, inflation, policy and trade dynamics.

This will be followed by a fireside chat with GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang, exploring how these macro forces impact business travel budgets, programs and partner strategy for the year ahead. Don’t miss this important session — secure your spot today!

Register before rates increase at 11.59 PM SGT, Friday, January 30!

February Webinar Schedule

Webinar GBTA Italia: Scenari del Business Travel nel 2026
Feb 4 | 10:00 AM Italy
Complimentary

Expert analysis on spending forecasts, evolving manager priorities, and the impact of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. This webinar will be held in the local language.

Tackling Scope 3 Emissions Across the Travel Ecosystem
Feb 4 | 10:00 AM Mumbai | 12:30 PM Singapore
1:30 PM Tokyo | 3:30 PM Sydney
Free for GBTA Members | $25 for Nonmembers

Join the GBTA APAC Sustainability Committee for a live, practical webinar focused on how organizations can better understand, measure, and reduce Scope 3 emissions across the business travel ecosystem.

The Year Ahead: 2026 Global Risk Outlook (APAC)
Feb 25 | 10:30 AM Mumbai | 1:00 PM Singapore
2:00 PM Tokyo | 4:00 PM Sydney
Free for GBTA Members | $25 for Nonmembers
1 GTP Credit

Navigate the year’s geopolitical landscape with the GBTA Global Risk Committee’s latest security and safety forecast.