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The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Canada Conference 2023, held from May 15-17, provided a platform to showcase the robust future of business travel in Canada. As the premier association representing the global business travel industry, GBTA welcomed over 685 registered business travel professionals and companies to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for its annual regional event. The conference featured a range of informative sessions, networking opportunities, and industry recognition events, highlighting the significance of face-to-face connections in shaping the future of the Canadian business travel landscape.

According to Nancy Tudorache, Regional Vice President-Americas at GBTA, bringing together industry professionals and organizations for the conference was crucial for understanding and preparing for the future of business travel in Canada. The event fostered an environment of peer-to-peer learning and engagement, providing valuable insights and fostering growth in the sector.

Throughout the conference, several key topics took centre stage, addressing critical priorities and opportunities in the Canadian business travel sector. These topics included the evolving needs of travel managers, the transformation of the passenger journey, the implementation of New Distribution Capability (NDC), sustainability practices in business travel, and the rebuilding of the industry workforce. The conference also featured dedicated sessions for both buyers and suppliers, facilitating productive discussions and collaborations.

GBTA Canada Conference

One of the highlights of the event was Suzanne Neufang, CEO of GBTA, presenting Canada-specific forecasts from the Business Travel Index™ (BTI) Outlook report. The report indicated that Canada experienced a projected year-on-year growth of 47% in business travel spending in 2022, positioning the country among the top 15 global markets with a total spending of $15.2 billion USD. The forecast for 2023 anticipates a further spending growth of 32%, reaching $20.1 billion USD. By 2025, Canada is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels, with an estimated annual business travel spend of $26.1 billion USD (over $35 billion CAD).

A distinguished panel comprised of representatives from the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC), National Airline Council of Canada (NACC), Association of Canadian Travel Associates (ACTA), and Meetings Mean Business Canada (MMBC) provided insights into the current state of the Canadian travel business industry from their respective association’s perspectives. Additionally, renowned figures like Jeffery Latimer, CEO of Canada’s Walk of Fame, highlighted outstanding Canadian achievements, and Renato Grandmont, Chief Investment Officer at Link Capital Advisors, LLC, discussed the trends impacting Canadian businesses on a global scale. The closing keynote by Richard Bartrem, President of 13 Stories Marketing, Inc., emphasized the significance of trust in building strong customer experiences and brand reputation.

During the conference, GBTA also recognized outstanding contributions within the industry. Shelly Lewchuk was named the recipient of the GBTA Volunteer Inspiration Award, while Jodi Francks and Marayka Wilson were honoured with the Business Travel Service Award (BTSA) for Canada.

In a significant announcement, GBTA revealed that Sharlene Ketwaroo-Nanoo would be stepping down from the GBTA Board of Directors to assume the role of Regional Director for Canada. This transition reflects Ketwaroo-Nanoo’s deep involvement and expertise in the Canadian business travel landscape. The position of Canada Regional Direct Board member will remain vacant until the 2023 GBTA Elections in August, adhering to GBTA bylaws as the position was uncontested in the previous election.

Denise Truso, GBTA Board President, expressed excitement over Ketwaroo-Nanoo’s new role and commended her contributions as a valued GBTA Board member. Truso also expressed gratitude to John Pease, who served as the interim leader for the region during the past months.

The GBTA Canada Conference 2023 marked a significant milestone in fostering collaboration, learning, and growth within the Canadian business travel sector. With a positive outlook and a strong forecast for the industry, the event reinforced Canada’s position as a key player in the global business travel market.