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

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 

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 

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 

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 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   

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 

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 

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 

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 

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