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Check-In with Suzanne
The Infinite Possibilities of Business Travel
When we really think about it, the definition of “business travel” is remarkably vast and varied. Whether it’s client meetings, conferences, team gatherings, project trips or beyond, any time we come together for important, productive in-person discussions to achieve business-centered objectives, we are “traveling for work.” That’s why fostering a resilient future for business travel and travelers that is critical-purpose-driven and recognized as such is essential for our industry. Over the past two weeks GBTA has been focused on just that, with multi-purpose meetings from London to Brussels.
I was privileged to be a panelist at the Sustainable Markets Initiative meeting in London. With over 300 private and public CEOs and leaders from numerous industries in attendance, I shared our industry’s views on the need for impactful climate-action progress and meaningful projects to meet 2030 goals. A special highlight for me was meeting His Majesty King Charles III, who launched the Terra Carta program five years ago. (He asked me whether I was working to make business travel more sustainable – to which I could wholeheartedly answer: “Yes! We are indeed working on that.”)
After more productive meetings in London – including our Board of Directors’ spring meeting hosted by president Mark Cuschieri – it was off to Brussels for two busy days where GBTA leaders and our European Advisory Board met with European Union policymakers and industry partners. A history-making highlight was the roundtable on “A Sustainable Future for Travel and Tourism in Europe” which GBTA organized, hosted by MEP Nikolina Brnjac (EPP, Croatia) at the European Parliament on supporting efficient, competitive, and sustainable business travel policies. Travalyst’s Sally Davey and WTTC’s Virginia Messina joined me on an insightful panel – along with about 75 observers, including our engaged European Advisory Board. (You can watch the roundtable in replay here.)
If you want to engage in more purposeful business travel, GBTA can help. There are numerous upcoming Academy and in-person events ─ including regional conferences in Canada and Singapore and, of course, Convention in Denver. There are also great options for virtual learning and connection. Check out our GBTA podcasts (the most recent segment features Board members discussing travel policy trends) as well as webinars such as upcoming ones hosted by GBTA’s US Meetings and Events Committee and the Accommodations Committee. Make sure you take full advantage of the numerous opportunities where GBTA can help you to achieve your goals.
Thanks for reading!
Suzanne
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