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June 13, 2024

GBTA Board of Directors Spotlight


The Times, They Are A-Changing...

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 Jens Liltorp, GLP, CCTE, Manager, Global Travel and Meetings at LEO Pharma, Denmark.

As I reflect on my three-year term on the GBTA Board – including being the first member representing Europe – coming to an end at Convention next month, I have mixed emotions about the upcoming conclusion of my professional life as well.

My time in this industry spans 40+ years, and in that period, I have seen the dawn of the internet, online booking tools, industry alliances and consolidations, commission cuts, financial and pandemic crisis situations, flexible workplaces and the travel industry taking more responsibility for people and the planet. It’s hard to imagine the old days involving paper tickets, no security checks, smoking on flights – and no computers! Pens, paper, phones, telexes and faxes were our tools of the trade. So much has changed and will continue to change as our industry evolves.

I have loved my career. I’ve met lots of interesting people and made global friendships while working through constant challenges and opportunities. The travel industry has always been where global changes first made an impact, driven by technology, economics, political, health and risk circumstances.

I am extremely grateful for the trust I had when I started my Board term. I’m proud of my impact on GBTA’s evolution – from membership to more focus on transparency, advocacy, sustainability and global efforts. As for GBTA Europe, I have firsthand experience with how much work goes on behind the scenes – and how well it is performed. It is no easy task to juggle constant needs, requirements, wishes and ongoings with relatively few resources. Yet it is managed so well, and the GBTA Europe Advisory Board plays a pivotal role in successfully supporting this.

I hope to meet peers and friends either at Convention or at the Europe Conference in my hometown of Copenhagen in November. This is when we will say our goodbyes and maybe shed a tear or two.

And last, but not least: if you are a GBTA member, please remember to vote in the upcoming Global Board Elections which include a bylaw change to allow LATAM and APAC full seats on the Board. This is especially important because it’s our opportunity to impact who represents us and future industry interests.

I will close this column with something I found written on a beer bottle label; nevertheless, it’s great insight and words to live by - “Life is uncertain, don’t sip.”

AVIATION

The Best U.S. Airlines Of 2024, Ranked in the Points Guy’s New Report (FORBES)

Turkish Airlines Launches Denver's New Longest Flight to Istanbul, Linking Two of World’s Busiest Airports (YAHOO!)

These Airlines Let Fliers Reserve ‘Sleeping Rows’ in Economy (CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER)

Airlines Ready to Trust Boeing Again, But Want Quality and Safety in Place (LIVE MINT, SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED)

SUSTAINABILITY

Top 10: Sustainable Airlines (SUSTAINABILITY MAG)

Technology and Sustainability in Hotels (SHIJI)

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

US Railroad Amtrak on Track to Break Passenger Records in 2024 (YAHOO!)

OTHER SECTORS

Affluent Traveler Collection Develops Blended Travel Portfolio (TRAVEL AGENT CENTRAL)

BCD's Travel Buyer Survey Reveals Shifting Priorities in Corporate Travel Policies (HOTEL NEWS SOURCE)

Industry Spotlight


GBTA WINiT
Nominate Your Champion for Women’s Advancement in Business Travel

Do you know an extraordinary women leader who is propelling positive change in business travel-related sectors? Or do you want to acknowledge a man or company for supporting the women leaders within our industry? Now's the time to honor these individuals’ and companies’ efforts by submitting a nomination for the acclaimed GBTA WINiT Awards! Celebrate the impact-makers in your world - submit your nomination by August 30, 2024.

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Resources


Crisis24 Intelligence Brief

Iceland - Volcanic eruption ongoing in the Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland, as of June 12. Gas emissions impacting southwestern and western regions.

Mexico - Severe weather forecast across parts of southern and south-central Mexico through June 17. Possible flooding and associated disruptions.

Spain - Unionized railway technical personnel to protest at main stations in major urban centers and stage 24-hour strike across Spain, June 14.

United States - Heatwave forecast across parts of the central, southern, and southwestern US through June 15. Transport and power disruptions possible.

More Information

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