In 2021, GBTA’s Business Travel Index™ forecast that the year’s global business travel spending would be 40% less than prior estimates, a loss of approximately $550 billion in annual direct travel spending due to the pandemic.
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the voice of the global business travel industry, applauds the inclusion of the Omnibus Travel and Tourism Act in the Fiscal Year 2023
Also referred to as the “Tour Bus,” GBTA sees the bill as a positive step in restoring global business travel and meetings in the U.S. and abroad. “Face-to-face business meetings are instrumental in driving job creation, fostering team productivity, increasing corporate revenues, and facilitating expansion efforts,” said Suzanne Neufang, CEO of GBTA.
In September 2021, Neufang testified on behalf of GBTA and its members during the US Senate Subcommittee hearing titled “Legislative Solutions to Revive Travel and Tourism and Create Jobs” related to the Tour Bus.
Including these items is a significant step forward in government and business working together. In the Tour Bus, GBTA advocated for implementing and supporting the “Visit America.”
Program and create an Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism within the Department of Commerce. It will help ensure we continue to get back to business travel, one of the critical drivers for keeping economies moving worldwide. This role will be vital in establishing goals, pursuing strategies, and convening public and private sector stakeholders toward increasing international travel.
GBTA has been a long-time supporter and advocate of the Omnibus Travel and Tourism Act, passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate and is awaiting the signature of President Biden. Omnibus to support the recovery of the travel and tourism economy due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Written by: Matthew Thomas