Business travel is well on the road to recovery, as evidenced by the forecasts and turnout at the Global Business Travel Association’s (GBTA) 2021 Convention held last week in Orlando, Florida, and attended by Sam Keene, Covington’s Sr. Vice President Business Development. This years’ theme was “Ready. Safe. Travel.” 

The GBTA Convention is the world’s largest annual business travel convention and was attended this year by more than 3,000 travel professionals from more than 20 countries, which is about half of the typical pre-COVID attendance. The trade-show floor had more than 200 industry exhibitors which included; however, was not limited to, airlines, hotels, and rental car companies from all over the world, Travel Management Companies, Risk Management Solutions, and the growing Technology sector. In addition to Main Stage speakers in the morning and during the early afternoon, at least 50 Education Sessions were offered to registered attendees. There was a renewed focus on business travel recovery as well as the future of work, sustainability, inclusivity, diversity, and traveler safety and wellness.

 “This was certainly a GBTA Convention like no other, in a year that’s been like no other. But what was clear is that we’re getting back to business and getting back to travel,” said Suzanne Neufang, CEO, GBTA. “There were challenges due to the pandemic, but I am delighted to say that the event surpassed our expectations, especially in light of current circumstances. The convention marked a very positive step and we are now looking forward to our next in-person events such as the GBTA Europe in Berlin in December.”

GBTA released its latest Business Travel Index 2021-2025, revealing that travel spending is forecast to surge in 2022, with full recovery expected in 2024. In 2022 they expect flight prices to rise 3.3%, hotel rates by 13%, and ground transportation by 3.9%. This will be primarily driven by increasing demand, capacity constraints, sustainability demands, and increased labor and fuel costs.

Sam has been very involved with GBTA and the Virginia Chapter (VBTA) since he joined Covington Travel after a 26-year airline management career that was focused on Sales. He has served on the VBTA Board of Directors as an officer for the past 14 years which includes three terms as President, as well as serving as an officer on the GBTA Chapter Presidents Council (CPC) Board for two terms. Sam is currently a member of the GBTA Aviation Committee which is committed to the further development of the corporate travel buyer/airline relationship.

To learn more about GBTA, visit https://www.gbta.org/.