December 18, 2025

News to Know

The Future of Business Travel: Trends in Travel Technology
SOURCE: FORBES, 12/17

2025 marked a turning point in business travel. After years of exploration, artificial intelligence moved from concept to infrastructure. According to a study conducted by Serko and Sabre, more than 90% of corporate travel managers now use AI or generative AI in their programs, most often for cost savings, traveler experience and analytics.

In that same survey, 52% said AI exceeded expectations, while 45% said it met them.

AVIATION

United Airlines Launches New Mobile App Features to Deliver Personalized, Real-Time Travel Experiences (INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT REVIEW, 12/18)

Southwest Goes Global: A New Transatlantic Giant Emerges (SIMPLE FLYING, 12/17)

SUSTAINABILITY

Cost Reduction, Rather Than Sustainability, to Be the Top Priority for Business Travel Executives (SUSTAINABILITY ONLINE, 12/17)

HOSPITALITY

Amadeus Report Identifies ‘Pick ‘n’ Stays’ Trend (THE BUSINESS TRAVEL MAGAZINE, 12/17)

Dubai Introduces Contactless Hotel Check-In (AZER NEWS, 12/17)

In-Person Meetings Forecasted as Key Hotel Growth Driver in 2026 (HOSPITALITY TODAY, 12/18)

OTHER SECTORS

How Travel Companies Should Prepare for Agentic Commerce (PHOCUSWIRE, 12/18)

Industry Spotlight

APAC’s Largest Business Travel
Conference in 2026

Early Bird Rates Available Now

📣It’s Official: Registration is open for GBTA APAC Conference 2026, coming to the iconic Marina Bay Sands, Singapore on May 12-13, 2026!

This is where 1,000+ global business travel buyers and suppliers from across 30+ countries come together to connect, learn, and shape the future of business travel in Asia Pacific.

Learn More

Upcoming Events

The Year Ahead: 2026 Global Risk Outlook presented by the GBTA Risk Committee – GTP Credit Approved
January 20

The Year Ahead: 2026 Global Risk Outlook presented by the GBTA Risk Committee (APAC) – GTP Credit Approved
January 21

GBTA Canada Conference 2026 | Toronto
April 27 - 29

GBTA APAC Conference 2026 | Singapore
May 12 - 13

GBTA Convention 2026
August 3 - 5

View More Events

What a year it’s been for business travel and GBTA

As 2025 comes to a close, we reflect on a year defined by connection, growth, and global momentum for the business travel community.

From an around-the-world journey with our GBTA | APAC team to record-breaking regional events, stronger member-led governance, expanded advocacy, and a standout GBTA Convention in Denver, this year’s progress was made possible by you — our members, volunteers, and partners...

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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.

Get Started

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