GBTA Advocacy

GBTA Joins BTA and ITM in Urging UK Government to Consider Budget Impacts on Business Travel

Today GBTA joined the UK-based Business Travel Association (BTA) and Institute of Travel Management (ITM) to represent the business travel industry and their collective members on potential impacts to the sector and the market as the UK government prepares to announce its Autumn Budget on November 26, 2025.

In a statement to UK policymakers, BTA CEO Clive Wratten cautioned on behalf of the organizations: “Increasing the cost of traveling for work risks undermining growth at the very moment the UK economy needs it most.”

The organizations expressed concern related to several potential measures, including:

• A new overnight visitor levy
• A further rise in Air Passenger Duty (APD)
• The possible introduction of a pay-per-mile levy on electric vehicles

“Each of these measures, in isolation, adds friction to the UK’s economy,” the statement continued. “Taken together, they risk sending a signal that traveling for work, which is a key driver of national productivity, is being discouraged rather than supported.”

Additionally, GBTA, BTA, and ITM reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively with UK policymakers on solutions that foster economic growth without inhibiting business travel – with the goal of ensuring travel remains affordable, reliable and globally competitive.

Read the full statement here.

Industry Spotlight

GBTA Reasearch
GBTA and Visa Study Outlines Path to Stronger Corporate Travel Programs in India

As business travel continues to grow within India, corporate travel management, technology adoption, corporate card programs and payment practices are increasingly important ─ and companies must address critical gaps.

New research benchmarking India’s business travel and corporate payment landscape was unveiled today by GBTA, in partnership with Visa, at the inaugural GBTA India Business Travel Summit.

In this study of Indian travel buyers, some of the top findings include:

• nearly 70% reported an increase in both domestic (69%) and international (68%) business travel within their programs
• 77% rate the maturity of their travel program a seven out of 10 or higher
• only 38% rate the maturity a nine or a 10, indicating additional opportunities for program enhancements
• 30% of organizations do not use any corporate payment methods for travel within India

"It will become more essential than ever for corporate buyers to have effective processes for managing their spending,” said Joythi Varma, Country Manager, India for GBTA. “GBTA is committed to helping Indian business travel professionals foster this growth through in-person connections, insightful research and ongoing educational opportunities."

Read the full announcement here.

GBTA Convention 2026
Call for Reviewers

GBTA Members: Do you want to help shape the education sessions at next year’s Convention? Apply to be a peer reviewer! You’ll evaluate proposals, share your insights, and help guide the program at the premier global event for the business travel industry. Applications are open through December 1, 2025.

Not a GBTA Member? Join today to access exclusive benefits and grow your network.