Airlines, Workforces and Disruption: GBTA’s Latest Poll Explores Key Drivers Poised to Shape Business Travel

The global business travel industry continues working its way toward a forecasted $1.158 trillion in travel spending in 2023 – but economics only tell part of the story. Even as the industry gains momentum, new developments and approaches are anticipated to shape the path ahead.

New Distribution Capability (NDC) marks a paradigm-shifting approach in airline retailing and access to fares with implications for travel programs. Rebuilding the industry workforce and fostering the next generation of industry professionals is also underway. And at a time when so much has changed, so has the state of the business traveler’s experience, especially when faced with disruption.

GBTA’s latest Business Travel Outlook Poll released today explores the status and impact of these key areas based on insights from over 800 global industry respondents.

Here are just a few of the takeaways from April’s GBTA Poll:

• 53% of buyers say some airlines are trying to roll out NDC too quickly.
• 48% of buyers say they have not yet started to implement NDC.
• 81% of buyers say they need more information on NDC.
• 50% of respondents say concerns about travel disruption has somewhat or greatly reduced their willingness to travel for work.
• 58% say their company continues to experience labor shortages and/or recruitment challenges in some capacity.
• Buyers estimate their domestic travel bookings are back to 72% of pre-pandemic levels and spend is back to 74%. International bookings are estimated to have recovered to 63% and spending to 66%.

You can read today’s announcement here and access the full GBTA poll results and key highlights.

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Crisis24 Intelligence Brief

China - Officials in mainland China to replace COVID-19 PCR test requirement for all inbound travelers with an antigen rapid test from April 29.

Germany - Unionized public transport workers will strike across five German regions, April 26. Travel delays and disruptions likely.

Peru - Authorities in Peru reopen Juliaca's Inca Manco Capac International Airport (JUL) and clear roadblocks April 25.

Taiwan - Officials close runway at Taoyuan International Airport, Taiwan, April 26 due to suspected explosives. Flight disruptions possible.

United Kingdom - Unionized civil servants to strike across the UK April 28. Disruptions to public services, international travel, and shipping highly likely.

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