Back In Business

In its 19th poll, the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is reporting what it describes as the ‘most positive’ results yet.

The latest survey reveals that optimism is increasing and momentum is growing for a return to business travel and an increase in bookings – largely due to the success of the vaccine roll-out and introduction of vaccine passports.

Suzanne Neufang, CEO of GBTA, said of the results: “It’s reassuring to see so much momentum for a return to business travel, with more optimism, willingness to travel and an increase in bookings. Government policies remain the greatest obstacle to opening travel, particularly in the UK, Europe and Canada. Our advocacy teams continue to lobby on behalf of members, in London, Brussels, Ottawa, Washington and around the world for the responsive and safe re-opening of international travel.”

The new poll found that three in four GBTA buyer and procurement respondents feel their employees are ‘willing’ or ‘very willing’ to travel for business in the current environment, continuing the month-on-month positive trend for a return to travel.

And three out of four respondents also think issuing government-issued digital health verification (or digital green certificates and/or vaccination passports) is either ‘very effective’ or ‘effective’ in aiding the restart of business travel.

The GBTA also notes that as business travel resumes and demand accelerates, it’s a job seekers market as the industry fights to retain talent and win back talent lost during the pandemic.

To review the GBTA’s latest poll, go to https://www.gbta.org/research-tools/covid-19-member-polls .