February 7, 2023

Check-In with Suzanne


Member-Led, Locally Driven: The Vital Role of Grassroots Initiatives

GBTA recently held its annual U.S. Chapter Leadership Summit, bringing together in Los Angeles nearly 200 attendees from across our 36 U.S. chapters. What always stands out for me is not only the engagement and enthusiasm of our chapters and their leaders, but also the crucial role their locally based grassroots efforts play in advancing our industry with programs, advocacy, support and more. The persistence, longevity and volunteerism they bring to the business travel communities in their cities and states not only advance our industry overall, but also makes us a stronger, better global association.

So much work and impact happens on the ground − and the same holds true in our regions worldwide. We are grateful – and better – because of the commitment of and collaboration with our many volunteers and partner associations in EMEA (including ABTA, DBTA, FBTA, IBTA, ITM, NATM, NBTA, VDR, GBTA Southern Africa and others); our regional entities in France and Italy; our local engagement in Latin America and Canada; and our growing efforts in Asia-Pacific.

If you haven’t heard, for the global business travel industry in 2023, optimism is in the air. This was confirmed in the Q1 2023 GBTA Business Travel Outlook Poll results we released last week. The return will vary and there are still potential economic headwinds, but 75% of corporate travel buyers are anticipating more business travel in 2023 than last year. Read the full poll results here, where we also explore employee willingness to travel, sector spending variances, easing of supplier staffing constraints, and the mixed outlook on China travel. 

In addition to travel buyers and suppliers, there’s also the third and very important segment of the business travel triangle: business travelers. They are our industry’s ultimate stakeholder and they are coming back post-pandemic − but they are different…

In an opinion piece for BTN’s “What to Watch,” I delve into four aspects of the evolving business traveler experience in 2023. More employees are untethered to traditional office spaces and there is a pent-up desire for travel in general. They are seeking more personalized and more eco-conscious travel options. The blended travelers of 2023 are ones we are all watching carefully, as they are not easily defined through the lens of pre-pandemic travel patterns. This is an opportunity to rethink and improve the business traveler experience, leading to a more engaged and satisfied workforce – and that’s good for companies, clients and business in the long term. 

I’d love to hear your thoughts−what do you think our industry should be thinking about in the year ahead?

Suzanne

AVIATION

Many Airlines Will Not Meet US 5G Upgrade Deadline -IATA (BUSINESSWORLD ONLINE)

Passenger Demand Recovery Continued in December 2022 & for the Full Year (IATA)

Japanese Airline Association to Make Onboard Mask-Wearing Optional (JAPAN TIMES)

HOSPITALITY

Hyatt Confirms Plans for Three New Properties in Saudi Arabia (BUSINESS TRAVELLER)

SUSTAINABILITY

What We Lose When We Put Sustainability Before Travel (THE COMPANY DIME)

Growing Importance Of Travel Sustainability Could Spell Trouble for Asia Pacific Airlines (CENTRE FOR AVIATION)

OTHER INDUSTRIES

Increased Business Travel and Spending Anticipated in 2023 (PHOCUSWIRE) – FEATURES GBTA

Rebound in Travel to Drive 'Solid' Results for Ride-Share Giants Uber and Lyft, Analysts Say (PROACTIVE INVESTORS)

Travel Advisors and Multi-Brand Hotels: Opportunities Go Beyond Luxury (TRAVEL PULSE)

Industry Spotlight


GBTA Conference 2023 Hamburg in Partnership with VDR
Call for Proposal Is Open

Deadline for submission is Friday, 17 February

GBTA is seeking industry professionals to contribute new ideas, solutions, and innovations for current issues and challenges that confront the travel industry. With your unique perspective and insight, we can continue to deliver the best education on the topics most relevant to business travel.

New this year! To streamline the submission and review process, GBTA has removed the draft PPT requirement. The entire session proposal can be submitted via the online form in the Submission Portal.

Learn More

 

GBTA Conference 2023 | Toronto
Registration Opens Tomorrow

Early Bird Rates:
Buyer $550 CAD | Supplier $1,295 CAD


Want to be the first to register for GBTA Conference 2023 | Toronto? Click here to make sure you're on the list and get a discount code the day registration goes live!

Want to Exhibit?
We expanded our expo hall for 2023, but booths are selling quick! Last year, the expo floor was sold out and we expect to do the same this year. Contact our exhibit team to secure your booth before they're gone!

Want to Sponsor?
Stand-out at the conference! Become a Sponsor and elevate your organization's brand awareness and credibility. Contact our sponsorship team if you're interested in sponsorship at GBTA Conference 2023 | Toronto.

Resources


Crisis24 Intelligence Brief

France - Labor unions continue campaign of strikes across France through early February; nationwide disruptions likely Feb. 7.

Middle East/North Africa - Severe weather forecast across parts of the Middle East through Feb. 9. Possible flooding and transport, business, and utility disruptions.

Syria and Turkey - Death toll rising early Feb. 7 amid widespread damage and disruptions following earthquakes in southern Turkey Feb. 6. Aftershocks ongoing.

United States - Authorities to heighten security around the US Capitol in Washington, DC, ahead of President's State of the Union address Feb. 7.

More Information

Upcoming Events

Ensuring Duty of Care: A Look at Travel Risk Management Best Practices
February 15 | 11:00 AM

GBTA Conference 2023 | Mexico City
March 15 - 16

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Spencer Brace, Head of Growth at TROOP explains why they took part in GBTA’s Sustainability Summit, what is needed to create a greener future for business travel, and how they are supporting the business travel industry’s sustainability journey.

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