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Check-In with Suzanne
The Essential Value of Business Travel in Changing Times
Business travel delivers its greatest value when every trip counts, ensuring value, productivity and return on investment. However, when business travel is hindered, so too is mutual economic prosperity.
The U.S. government recently announced initiatives that could have broader downstream effects on business travel. In these early days, the impact on business travel, whether direct or indirect, is yet to be seen ─ but the risk is viable.
The U.S. administration has called for closer scrutiny of “non-essential” business travel for federal employees. Whether government or private sector, when business travel is being assessed, it is short-sighted to think of travel solely in terms of cost, as I shared on LinkedIn.
Additionally, proposed tariffs on imports to the U.S. from Canada, Mexico and China could strain companies, increase policy and regulatory uncertainty, disrupt supply chains, and slow economic activity. This could lead to tighter corporate travel budgets and work travel reduction, including for critical client meetings, conferences and workforce mobility. There’s also indicators that travel restrictions could increase between certain countries and the U.S., which could also impact the ability to travel for business.
Traveling for work has tremendous and tangible value and the role of business travel in supporting a robust global marketplace continues to be essential. In the U.S. alone, GBTA research shows that for every $1 spent on business travel, $1.15 is generated in broader economic value. U.S. business travel also represents 2% of U.S. GDP, over $421 billion in expenditures, and supports 6 million jobs.
We urge the United States and the world to keep traveling for business ─ it is a force for good that connects people and creates value for economies, industries and organizations.
GBTA remains committed to advocating for business travel’s essential role. Next week, we’ll head to Brussels again with our Europe Advisory Board members to meet with EU policymakers. A highlight will be GBTA presenting our policy priorities and call to actions at a European Parliament Roundtable, alongside partners Travalyst, and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Hosted by MEP Nikolina Brnjac, the event will explore how the travel sector can thrive and remain competitive while supporting the EU’s decarbonization goals and encouraging sustainable travel options.
If advocacy matters to you, join us June 10-12 at the GBTA U.S. Legislative Summit in Washington DC., an always highly engaging event where GBTA chapter members and other stakeholders bring our industry’s collective “voice” and priorities to legislators. Maximize your trip to D.C. by also attending the 4th GBTA Sustainability Summit on June 10 where we’ll continue to explore and drive forward resilient, responsible and accessible business travel solutions.
Suzanne
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