Global Business Travel Association Elevates the Business Travel Industry Through Strategic Advocacy in Europe – Travel And Tour World

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) continues its commitment to advocating for the policies that shape the future of business travel. In a recent series of high-profile meetings in Brussels, GBTA’s Advocacy team brought the needs and priorities of the business travel community directly to European policymakers, ensuring the industry’s critical voice is heard during pivotal discussions.

Strategic Meetings Across Institutions

Over the course of three productive days, GBTA’s Advocacy team, joined by representatives from Grayling Public Affairs, engaged in 15 strategic discussions. These included:

• Six Meetings with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs): Discussions with MEPs like Jens Gieseke (European People’s Party) and Sérgio Gonçalves (Socialists and Democrats) highlighted the distinct operational needs of business travel compared to leisure travel.
• Four Sessions with European Commission Divisions: Engaging with Directorates-General such as DG Move (Mobility and Transport) and DG Home (Migration and Home Affairs), GBTA addressed the operational challenges that business travelers face.
• Engagements with Key Industry Stakeholders: Airlines, hotels, and travel technology providers joined the conversation, emphasizing collaborative efforts to streamline travel and improve traveler experiences.
• Dialogue with the U.S. Mission to the EU: This meeting explored transatlantic cooperation and its implications for cross-border business travel.

Key Issues on the Agenda

GBTA’s advocacy addressed a range of pressing issues designed to benefit the business travel ecosystem:

1. Streamlining Travel Processes: Simplifying border controls, visas, and ticketing to remove unnecessary barriers for business travelers.
2. Maintaining Competitiveness: Ensuring European companies remain global leaders in travel-related innovation.
3. Sustainability in Travel: Encouraging investments and regulations that align with global goals for decarbonization while maintaining industry growth.

Business Travel’s Economic Significance

GBTA emphasized the substantial role business travel plays in the global economy, contributing $1.4 trillion annually. By engaging directly with policymakers, GBTA ensured this economic powerhouse is prioritized in decision-making processes. Discussions also explored the need for tailored policies to address business travel’s unique demands, such as reliable connectivity, flexible booking options, and expedited travel procedures.

Advancing Digital Solutions

One of the highlights of the discussions was the push for digital travel innovations. MEP Jens Gieseke expressed his strong support for digital travel documents, a concept poised to transform international travel by reducing bureaucratic hurdles. Additionally, GBTA advocated for the Single Digital Booking and Ticketing Regulation, which aims to simplify rail travel across Europe through a unified ticketing system, fostering seamless multi-modal travel options for business professionals.

Regulatory Updates with Far-Reaching Implications

GBTA secured key updates on regulatory changes that will impact business travel planning:

• Delayed Entry/Exit System (EES) Implementation: Initially set for rollout earlier, EES will now begin in early 2025 due to technical challenges, with ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) postponed to at least 2026. These delays provide stakeholders with critical time to adapt.
• Upcoming Sustainable Transport Investment Plan: Expected in 2025, this EU initiative will prioritize both decarbonization and competitiveness, ensuring that the travel industry aligns with Europe’s environmental and economic goals.

Sustainability and Competitiveness at the Forefront

GBTA’s engagements underscored the need for sustainable growth in the business travel sector. By advocating for investment in sustainable transport systems, GBTA reinforced its commitment to ensuring that the industry not only meets environmental benchmarks but also remains a driver of economic vitality.

Shaping the Future of Business Travel

These efforts are a testament to GBTA’s unwavering dedication to championing the interests of its members and the broader industry. By actively participating in policy development, GBTA ensures that the evolving needs of business travel are represented in key decision-making processes, fostering a future that prioritizes efficiency, innovation, and sustainability.

For industry professionals, GBTA’s advocacy means more than policy influence—it’s about laying the groundwork for a thriving, resilient, and forward-thinking business travel ecosystem.