The Business of Travel

GBTA Europe Tech Committee - Rethinking Corporate Travel with AI 11.05.2026 23m

AI in corporate travel is no longer theoretical. It is operational. In this episode of Business of Travel, the GBTA Europe Technology Committee takes a practical look at how AI assistants are being deployed across managed travel programs. Host Lenny Hornsby speaks with Johnny Thorsen, a technology leader with hands-on experience implementing AI solutions, about availability, onboarding, ideal client fit, limitations, and measurable impact. The discussion moves beyond buzzwords to address real questions: Where is AI working today? Where does human intervention still matter? What governance and data considerations must travel leaders understand? For corporate travel managers and global program owners, this episode provides a grounded framework for evaluating AI tools in managed travel. Speakers: Heinz Lennard Hornsby (Lenny) – Chair of the GBTA Europe Technology Committee Johnny Thorsen – VP Strategic Business Development, Serko Ltd. Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

GBTA BTI - A View From Europe 04.05.2026 27m

Diving into the European business travel outlook, using recent data from the GBTA Business Travel Index, our annual global benchmark sponsored by Visa, Chris Ely, Research Director, GBTA sits down with Romain Mialane, Visa, Sales Director, Europe. What you'll hear: What Europe data really says How payments data adds context What travel managers should be paying attention to as we head into the next planning cycle. Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

GBTA BTI Global Highlights 27.04.2026 23m

In this episode of GBTA's The Business of Travel, Chris Ely, Research Director, GBTA, sits down with Edward Galvin, Head of Visa Commercial Solutions, North America, to unpack what the latest GBTA Business Travel Index (BTI) forecasts about the state of business travel worldwide. From the big-picture forces driving global spend to a closer look at how key regions are performing, they break down the numbers behind the headlines and what they mean for travel programs and suppliers. The conversation also explores how technology and AI are reshaping everything from the traveler experience to payments and program management, before closing with a clear-eyed outlook on where business travel spending might head next. Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Jet Fuel Pricing and Supply Risk: Implications for Global Business Travel 27.04.2026 24m

While the situation continues to evolve, regional experts discuss how disruptions across the Middle East are having global ramifications impacting aviation, fuel availability, and airline operations. Designed for global travel buyers, this episode aims to provide clarity, context, and actionable takeaways to support informed decision-making in global business travel. Hear scenario-based insights and actionable approaches to help you navigate volatility and plan with greater confidence, focusing on practical implications for cost management, supplier strategy, and programme resilience. Moderator: Calum Hawley, Chair of GBTA Transportation Committee and Managing Director, BTC Global. Ben Park – Direct Seat, Regional Europe, GBTA and Executive Director Travel & Sustainability Parexel Peter Harbison, Chairman of Greener Airlines and co-founder of FACTS Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Reframing Sustainability: Navigating Uncertainty with Action | The Carbon Compass 20.04.2026 25m

Geopolitical uncertainty, shifting ESG narratives, and budget pressures are forcing companies to think differently about sustainability. This session dives into how organizations are turning these constraints into catalysts—reframing sustainability as business value, leveraging it as a competitive advantage, and finding innovative ways to fund and scale their efforts. Speakers: Townsend Bailey, VP Global Corporate Responsibility Strategy, Reporting, & Technology, IHG Amelia DeLuca, Chief Sustainability Officer, Delta Air Lines Page Motes, Chief Compliance & Sustainability Officer, Hertz Brought to you by GBTA Foundation Sustainability Partners Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

GBTA M&E APAC Power Talk Series – Episode 1 - Featuring Destination Singapore with Carrie Kwik from Singapore Tourism Board 30.03.2026 21m

About Episode One: Singapore has a 2040 vision for the future of business events. What does that mean for the rest of APAC? In the latest episode of Business of Travel, GBTA's APAC MICE Power Talks series, Navodit Srivastava, Hospitality Cloud Leader for Cvent in Asia Pacific, sits down with Carrie Kwik, Executive Director, Conventions, Meetings & Incentive Travel, Singapore Tourism Board to explore how one of the region's leading destinations is preparing for the next two decades of MICE growth. They unpack infrastructure investment, sustainability priorities, evolving buyer expectations, and what it takes for destinations to remain competitive in a complex regional landscape. About APAC MICE Power Talks GBTA APAC MICE Power Talks is a thought-leadership podcast series created by the GBTA APAC MICE Committee to explore how the business events industry is evolving across Asia-Pacific. Designed for corporate buyers, destinations, venues, DMCs, and industry partners, the series brings forward practical conversations on strategy, innovation, sustainability, technology, and the future of meetings and events in one of the world's most dynamic regions. Each episode features candid discussions with industry leaders and decision-makers, focusing on real challenges and opportunities shaping MICE programmes today. The intent is not promotional, but insightful—offering perspectives that help planners, suppliers, and stakeholders make better-informed decisions in a complex, multi-market environment. A defining feature of the podcast is its destination-focused approach. Selected episodes spotlight specific APAC destinations, including established hubs and emerging markets. These conversations go beyond surface-level narratives to examine each destination's MICE ecosystem—covering infrastructure, policy developments, sustainability initiatives, talent, technology adoption, and the unique experiences they offer to global and regional buyers. By combining destination voices with corporate and industry perspectives, GBTA APAC MICE Power Talks provides a balanced view of how destinations are positioning themselves for the future of business events. The series serves as a platform for shared learning, regional collaboration, and forward-looking dialogue—bringing APAC destinations into focus through meaningful, industry-led conversations. Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

The Big Idea: How divisive debates in travel are shaping the future 09.02.2026 18m

The Big Idea: How divisive debates in travel are shaping the future The verdict is in! After three fiery debates across GBTA's APAC, Europe, and Australia conferences, we're unpacking the results, reactions, and revelations that shook the business travel community. This isn't a replay; it's a deep dive into what the debates revealed about the future of our industry. Which arguments swayed the audience? Where did consensus emerge, and where did fault lines deepen? Join us as we explore the key insights and implications from these high-stakes discussions: The Future of OBTs: Are they on the brink of extinction, or evolving with AI and chatbots? Next-Gen Traveller Behaviour: Does flexibility drive better outcomes than rigid policy? Biometrics & Secure ID: Will tech streamline travel or create new global challenges? Expect candid analysis, surprising trends, and expert commentary on what these debates mean for travel programs, technology, and the traveller experience. If you want to know where the industry is headed, and why, this podcast has the answers. Brought to you by BCD Moderator: Chris Elmitt, CEO LIVVE Speakers: Sarah Whiting, Senior Director Global Solutions Engineering, BCD Travel Siobhan Prideaux, Sr Director Sales , BCD Travel Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

When the Data is the Story 12.01.2026 36m

In an era where data tells the truth about traveller motivations, "When the Data is the Story" explores how numbers can illuminate narratives of culture, identity, and experience. Drawing from the 2025 Traveller Identity Consensus report, Evita Robinson and Dr. Alana Dillette reveals how BIPOC traveller data does more than quantify, it humanises and reframes the industry's understanding of community-driven exploration and global movement. Key Takeaways: How to translate raw data into storytelling frameworks that reflect lived cultural experiences. The role of inclusive data collection in shaping equitable tourism narratives. Strategies for leveraging insights from underrepresented travellers to inform media, marketing, and policy. Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Rethinking Corporate Travel with AI - Episode 2 29.12.2025 15m

Brought to you by the GBTA Technology Committee Europe. In this episode Sarah Whiting & SkyLink (Episode1), Christopher Feuerecker & Blockskye (Episode 2) and Heinz Lennard Hornsby & Serko, Content will be about AI, revolutionizing the industry with a new approach, challenges with the customer demand (scope, requirements, etc.) This is the second in the podcast series featuring Christopher Feuerecker & Danielle Caviar, VP Sales Blockskye. Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Are the roles of traditional TMCs becoming obsolete or just going through a serious shake-up? 04.11.2025 14m

Corporate travel management: obsolete relic of the fax machine era… or the industry's best-kept secret weapon? Depends who you ask. Airlines will say, 'We don't need TMCs.' TMCs will say, 'Good luck with duty of care when your VP of Sales is stuck in O'Hare at 11pm.' This 20-minute discussion will focus on the predictions and fears of the TMC's future role Speakers: Stephanie Lachance EHI, Strategic Sales Director Mauro Di Re, Travel Portfolio and Corporate Expenses – Managing Partner at American Iron & Metal (AIM) Brought to you by the GBTA Canada tech committee Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Personalising the Business Travel Journey: 5 Key Trends You Need to Know 13.10.2025 14m

Personalising the Business Travel Journey: 5 Key Trends You Need to Know Dan Norris, Andrea Batchelor, Juliet Howie, Jo Westlake GBTA Europe Accommodations Committee Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Rethinking Corporate Travel with AI - Episode 1 29.09.2025 9m

This is the first in a series of podcasts from the GBTA Europe Technology Committee - exploring the opportunities for AI in the business travel industry. First up is Sarah Whiting & SkyLink. Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Corporate Travel Tuesday with the Allied Leadership Council: Trends and Priorities 23.09.2025 21m

The business travel industry is fueled by innovative supplier companies who focus on serving the needs to both corporate travel programs and the travelers these corporate customers send out on the road for work trips. GBTA is fortunate to have many of these innovative supplier companies serving on its Allied Leadership Council – which is made up of its top industry supporters across several travel categories. In this podcast series, GBTA Allied Leadership Council members along with key executives from their companies discuss top company focus areas, the latest business travel trends they're seeing, and what the future holds for corporate travel programs. Moderator Suzanne Neufang, CEO, GBTA – New York, NY, USA Jorge Cruz: Executive Vice President, Global Sales & Marketing Yannis Karmis: Senior Vice President, Product Planning & Development Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

The Future of Business Travel Leadership: Re-shape, Re-frame, and Reinvigorate 17.09.2025 29m

Featuring Liz Fraser, Chief Revenue Officer at Serko, in this thoughtful conversation, we explore how leadership in business travel is transforming to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. From redefining purpose and embracing AI to reinvigorating company culture and building diverse, future-ready teams—this episode uncovers the mindset shifts, skillsets, and strategies that will shape the next era of leadership. Whether you're an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, this is your roadmap to leading with impact in the future of business travel. Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Corporate Travel Tuesday with the Allied Leadership Council: Trends and Priorities 19.08.2025 22m

The business travel industry is fueled by innovative supplier companies who focus on serving the needs of both corporate travel programs and the travelers these corporate customers send out on the road for work trips. GBTA is fortunate to have many of these innovative supplier companies serving on its Allied Leadership Council – which is made up of its top industry supporters across several travel categories. In this podcast series, GBTA Allied Leadership Council members along with key executives from their companies discuss top company focus areas, the latest business travel trends they're seeing, and what the future holds for corporate travel programs. · Moderator Suzanne Neufang, CEO, GBTA – New York, NY, USA · Frank Passanante, Senior Vice President & Global Head of Sales & HRCC, GBTA Allied Leadership Council Member, Hilton · Marizel De La Torre, Vice President Global Distribution, Hilton Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

GBTA Board View | Are You Ready for Convention? – A Buyer/Supplier Perspective 08.07.2025 34m

The GBTA Convention annually brings together thousands of professionals in person to connect, learn, grow and do business for the world's $1.4 trillion business travel industry. So what can attendees expect at the upcoming GBTA Convention 2025 in Denver, July 21-23, and how can they make the most of their experience? In this podcast, GBTA Board President, Mark Cuschieri, and travel supplier, Treasurer of the GBTA Board of Directors, Kevin Sullivan, join GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang to preview and discuss what's new, noteworthy and not-to-be-missed for attendees heading to this year's Convention. Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Corporate Travel Tuesday with the Allied Leadership Council (ALC) 01.07.2025 31m

The business travel industry is fueled by innovative supplier companies who focus on serving the needs to both corporate travel programs and the travelers these corporate customers send out on the road for work trips. GBTA is fortunate to have many of these innovative supplier companies serving on its Allied Leadership Council – which is made up of its top industry supporters across several travel categories. In this podcast series, GBTA Allied Leadership Council members along with key executives from their companies discuss top company focus areas, the latest business travel trends they're seeing, and what the future holds for corporate travel programs. · Lukasz Dabrowski – Senior Vice President, Global Supplier Relations, HRS · Kari Wendel - Vice President, Meetings Solutions, HRS · Moderator Suzanne Neufang, CEO, GBTA – New York, NY, USA Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

GBTA Allied Leadership Council | What's Hot in Business Travel 27.05.2025 30m

The business travel industry is fueled by innovative supplier companies who focus on serving the needs to both corporate travel programs and the travelers these corporate customers send out on the road for work trips. GBTA is fortunate to have many of these innovative supplier companies serving on its Allied Leadership Council – which is made up of its top industry supporters across several travel categories. In this podcast series, GBTA Allied Leadership Council members along with key executives from their companies discuss top company focus areas, the latest business travel trends they're seeing, and what the future holds for corporate travel programs. · Moderator Suzanne Neufang, CEO, GBTA – New York, NY, USA · Mike Guadagnoli – VP of Business Rental Sales, and Global Operations, Enterprise Mobility · Sirus Karimi - Vice President – Commute, CarShare & Car Club, Enterprise Mobility Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Thriving Through Change: How Sustainability can give your travel program a competitive edge | The Carbon Compass 30.04.2025 14m

In this episode of The Carbon Compass, Chrissa Pagitsas (CEO, Pagitsas Advisors) joins Fanny Everard (Sustainability Program Manager, GBTA Foundation) to explore how sustainability drives business value, insights on GBTA Sustainability Summit, and why sustainability is good for business —despite policy rollbacks. Interested in continuing the conversation? Join Chrissa, Fanny, and other sustainability professionals in business travel on June 10th at the GBTA Sustainability Summit. https://sustainability-summit.gbta.org/registration/ The Carbon Compass is the sustainability and planet-focused subseries of the Business of Travel podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please make sure to follow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gbta-foundation/ Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

WINiT Wisdoms | Rising above the Double Bind, a conversation with Katie Brown 16.04.2025 30m

Research says 80% of all women struggle with confidence, and in even greater numbers, the higher up you go in a company. This translates into fewer women rising through the ranks and reaching their greatest potential in the workplace. How can we be - and support - bolder risk-takers yet avoid the 'double bind' of being labeled too aggressive or assertive? Katie Brown will challenge you to rise above the double bind, sharing her story in rising through the ranks as one of few women who have trailblazed their way up in the ski industry. Podcast Interviewer: Cari Wurzbacher, Manager Government and Corporate Accounts at United Airlines. Speaker: Katie Brown, Vice President, Brand and Resort Strategy at Steamboat Resort Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License