News to Know

Corporate Traveller Reports SMEs Lift in US Business Travel Despite Trump Tariffs, Middle East Conflict
SOURCE: TRAVEL WEEKLY, 8/18

Business travel between Australia and the US among small and medium enterprises grew nine per cent in the first six months of 2026 compared with the same period last year, according to Corporate Traveller, the SME-specialist division of ASX-listed Flight Centre Travel Group.

The growth came in a year marked by economic and geopolitical disruption, including a 10 per cent US baseline tariff on Australian goods introduced in February after the Supreme Court struck down the prior tariff regime, and a conflict between the United States and Iran that erupted the same month, disrupting global aviation, shipping and oil markets for much of the first half.

Industry Spotlight

Acceleration Challenge
Sustainable Procurement Is Gaining Momentum Across Travel Programs of Every Size

Large travel programs have been early movers in sustainable procurement – but the latest data shows momentum is spreading.

While sustainability remains deeply embedded among large programs, smaller programs are gaining ground too. That matters because progress across the industry depends on participation from companies of different sizes, regions, and stages of maturity.

A few signals stand out:

• 93% of large travel programs factor sustainability into procurement decisions
• Smaller programs increased from 46% to 50%
• 100% of BTN100 travel programs who joined the #GBTAAccelerationChallenge, report incorporating sustainability into procurement

The opportunity now is to turn growing interest into consistent practice — through clearer criteria, better benchmarking, and practical tools teams can use.

Access the latest sustainable procurement resources: Insights Report, Playbook, and Standards.

Join the GBTA Acceleration Challenge to benchmark your business travel program sustainability across four different areas including the supplier engagement.

Take the Next Step in Your Business Travel Career

Apply for special access to GBTA membership and professional development.

Professional growth is easier with the right community, resources, and learning opportunities behind you.

For a limited time, eligible US business travel professionals can apply for discounted GBTA membership and receive 50% off any on-demand GBTA Learning course.

This opportunity is designed to help professionals strengthen their industry connections, build practical skills, and prepare for their next career step.

Applications close September 16.