GBTA Europe Conference Wrap-Up: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities in Business Travel

Dr. Ursula Ron

March 5, 2022

Finally, Meeting In Person

The GBTA Europe Conference in Berlin provided learning and knowledge-sharing opportunities for seasoned professionals and newcomers alike. From interactive sessions to lectures and interviews, the travel industry event searched for new approaches to the future of business travel. This industry constantly faces increasing complexity, making it harder for Travel Managers to deliver on core objectives such as satisfaction, traveler safety, and impact on company goals.

Above all this, the GBTA Europe Conference celebrated the ability to meet again in person! Here our reflections on the event for those who didn’t make it.

Shockwaves Felt Throughout The Event: The Russian-Ukraine Conflict

Global meetings like the GBTA Europe Conference usually have little room for politics. Despite this, Christoph Carnier, President of VDR, Germany’s business travel association, addressed the war head-on in his first opening words calling for an end to the Russian aggression.
A war playing out in Europe – now in the 21^st century – starkly contrasts what business travel is trying to achieve. At the very heart, the identity of this industry is about breaking down borders and barriers and bringing people together for cooperation and mutual benefit.

Duty Of Care In Time Of Disruption

Against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions, the concept of duty of care has assumed heightened significance. Corporate Travel Managers are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring the safety and well-being of employees. The ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict, coupled with the lingering uncertainties of the pandemic, underscores the imperative for robust duty-of-care protocols as part of optimized business travel policies. Despite best efforts, challenges persist, especially concerning the tracking of employees who book travel independently using vouchers or credits.

Tools for monitoring unused air travel tickets, tracking ticket refunds, and identifying direct exchanges with airlines are needed with real-time visibility into travel patterns to enable Travel Managers to swiftly respond to emerging risks and safeguard employee welfare.

Sustainability In Business Travel

From Mike Berners-Lee’s keynote to several breakout sessions, sustainability emerged as a core issue during the GBTA Europe Conference. There is a lot of confusion about how to reduce the business travel industry’s environmental impact. New business travel policies and corporate net-zero targets paired with a heightened awareness of employees need to be translated into a new way of business travel. The general take was that there is a growing consensus on the need for standardized emission data and strategic alignment with corporate goals.

Studies estimate that aviation contributes a net 3.5% of human-induced climate impact.

We Need Action Now

Mike Berners-Lee, professor at Lancaster University, acclaimed author of books, and a leading expert in carbon footprinting for enterprises, acknowledged that he wouldn’t have seen himself being invited to a business travel event only a few years back. But all signs point to higher awareness, and, according to Mike, the industry is more serious than ever about the issue. And rightly so, as we are at a critical moment in human history. We will need actions now to preserve the world for future generations. “Make travel count by acknowledging its impact and start decarbonizing the business travel sector.” Don’t aim for a perfect emissions calculation but start tracking and comparing trusted data.

GBTA's New Airline RFP Toolkit With Improved Sustainability Questions

The GBTA’s unveiling of the latest Airline RFP Toolkit, featuring enhanced sustainability metrics, marks a significant step towards achieving emission reduction targets. Empowering Travel Managers with actionable insights, this toolkit equips organizations to make informed decisions and drive progress towards sustainability goals.

GBTA's new Airline RFP Toolkit with improved sustainability questions

Seeking to reach their CO2 emission reduction targets, travel managers are now assessing and negotiating with air travel suppliers. GBTA, known for its extensive resource library, published the latest version of the Airline RFP Toolkit, which now has an extended sustainability section! Together with an evaluation matrix, the toolkit helps travel managers to make better decisions and build an action plan for their companies. At the event, GBTA encouraged attendees to start using the toolkit and asked for feedback for another fine-tuning to make sure the industry is using a common language.

Together Again - Finally!

One-on-one meetings, dinners, and parties to meet old and new friends and exchange thoughts with peers are part of the conference’s DNA.

Oversee, alongside BCD Travel and Enterprise National, celebrated the industry’s reunion at GBTA Europe by hosting a dinner at Privee in the Estrel. After the opening gala, the intimate and quiet setting gave room to exchange thoughts and truly reconnect.

As we reflect on the event, we extend our gratitude to all participants for their contributions and look forward to continued collaboration towards a sustainable and resilient future in business travel.

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