March 20, 2025

News to Know

Hotel Software Is Eating the
World of Travel
(SOURCE: HOTEL ONLINE)

For years, hotel technology was an overlooked segment in venture funding. While travel startups—particularly consumer-facing booking platforms—attracted waves of investment in the 2000s and early 2010s, many of them flamed out due to high customer acquisition costs and cutthroat competition from entrenched giants like Booking.com and Expedia. This “graveyard” of travel tech startups left many investors wary of the hospitality space altogether.

AVIATION

China's Big 3 Airlines Deepen Direct Sales Strategy With Mutual Ticketing (CHINA TRAVEL NEWS)

U.S. Airlines Challenge DOT Rulings Under New Administration (AVIATION WEEK)

Nine in 10 Airlines Believe Heathrow Is Run Ineffectively, Study Finds (AIRLINE RGS)

SUSTAINABILITY

Blacklane Survey Shows Willingness to Pay More for Sustainable Alternatives
(THE BUSINESS TRAVEL MAGAZINE)

Asia's Green Jet Fuel Ambitions Exceed Demand, Heralding Exports
(REUTERS)

OTHER SECTORS

APAC Expands as a Leading Global Hub for Trade Aad Travel (TRAVEL DAILY NEWS)

SAP Rolls Out Generative AI Copilot to Travel and Expense Tools (THE BUSINESS TRAVEL MAGAZINE)

Half of European Buyers Fear Higher US Travel Costs – BTS Europe Survey (BTN EUROPE)

Industry Spotlight

Upcoming GBTA Accommodations Committee Webinar
New Ways to Find Savings in Your Hotel Program

What gets measured gets done.

The GBTA US Accommodations Committee will educate our audience on three new ways that travel managers can find and calculate savings in their hotel program on this interactive webinar.

Resources

Crisis24 Intelligence Brief

Australia - Floods affecting parts of northeastern Queensland, Australia, early March 20. Transport and utility disruptions reported.

Philippines - Severe weather forecast across central parts of the Philippines through at least March 22. Disruptions possible.

Vietnam - Heatwave forecast to persist across parts of southeastern Vietnam through at least March 29. Transport and utility disruptions possible.

Western, Central, and Southern Europe - Activist groups plan rallies and events across Western Europe March 21-23 to counter racism. Heightened security, likely disruptions.

More Information

Upcoming Events

GBTA Canada Conference 2025 Toronto
April 28 - 30

GBTA APAC Conference 2025 Singapore
May 27-28

GBTA Sustainability Summit 2025
June 10

GBTA Convention 2025
July 21-23

View More Events

Beyond goals, #mentorship fosters real growth and unwavering confidence. 🌟 Unlock your best self and expand your network with GBTA WINiT 1:1 Mentoring.

It's complimentary, virtual, and open to GBTA members in every region, which means you can participate with just an internet connection and a passion for growth. Learn More

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GBTA Career Spotlight

Is Your Company Hiring?

Use the GBTA Career Center to post your business travel job openings and access thousands of qualified industry professionals looking to make their next career move.

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