GBTA Appoints 12-Member Asia-Pacific Board

The recent appointment of a 12-member Asia-Pacific board by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) has significant implications for the business travel industry in the region. In this blog, we explore the importance of this appointment and its impact on the Asia-Pacific business travel landscape. We provide an overview of the GBTA, discuss the significance of the Asia-Pacific region, detail the appointment of the Asia-Pacific board, outline their roles and responsibilities, analyze the potential impact on the industry, explore future initiatives, and conclude with thoughts on the significance of the board's work.

What is the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA)

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is a renowned international association that is dedicated to representing the interests of the business travel industry. Its primary mission is to advance the profession of travel management. The GBTA plays a crucial role in shaping the business travel landscape by advocating for policies and regulations that benefit the industry. It actively engages with governments, policymakers, and other relevant organizations to ensure that the voice of the business travel community is heard and considered in decision-making processes. By representing the interests of its members, the GBTA helps create a favorable environment for business travel and contributes to its growth and sustainability.

The association also places a strong emphasis on education and professional development. It offers a wide range of educational programs, certifications, and resources to enhance the knowledge and skills of travel management professionals. These initiatives enable individuals to stay updated with the latest industry trends, best practices, and technological advancements, empowering them to excel in their roles and deliver value to their organizations.

GBTA Expands Presence in Asia Pacific with New Advisory Board

1. The Importance of the Asia-Pacific Region

The Asia-Pacific region holds immense significance in the realm of business travel. Its rapid economic growth, emerging markets, and increased business activities have transformed it into a major hub for corporate travel. As multinational corporations expand their operations and seek new business opportunities, the Asia-Pacific region has become a key destination for business travelers.

The region's economic growth has led to the rise of numerous industries, including technology, finance, manufacturing, and hospitality. This growth has attracted investments, business conferences, and trade exhibitions, driving the demand for business travel. Countries like China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore have witnessed significant growth in business travel activities, with a surge in both inbound and outbound travelers.

2. The Appointment of the 12-Member Asia-Pacific Board

Recognizing the importance of the Asia-Pacific region in the business travel industry, the GBTA recently announced the appointment of a 12-member Asia-Pacific board. This board comprises industry leaders and experts who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. The appointed members come from diverse backgrounds and possess expertise in various aspects of the business travel industry, including travel management, corporate travel technology, hospitality, and aviation.

The new Board brings together many experts and diverse voices across the region. Their insights and industry experience will help GBTA be able to optimally serve the APAC region through the development of tailored programs and offerings for business travel buyers, suppliers, and companies in the region, Peter Koh, Executive Director, Head of APAC Integrated Travel and Expense for Goldman Sachs, will serve as Chairperson of the 12-member GBTA APAC Advisory Board made up of cross-regional business travel leaders，including：

Korean Barbara, Global Travel Manager, McDonald

John Holden, Regional Lead / Global Strategic Sourcing APJ, Workday

Carl Jones, former Managing Director, Southeast Asia, SAP Concur

Jonathan Kao, Managing Director-Greater China, BCD Travel

Amarnath Lal Das, Vice President – India Travel Meetings and Events, Accenture Solutions Pvt Ltd

Ewan Lin, Travel Operations Manager APAC / Global Category Lead (Hotels), Johnson & Johnson

Michelle Low, Global Vice President of Supply Chain, Synergy Global Housing

Mike Orchard, Principal Consultant, Lead of Product Development and Analytics Center of Excellence, FESTIVE ROAD

Bertrand Saillet, Managing Director, FCM Travel Solutions Asia

Timothy Tan, Senior Vice President Global Corporate Travel Management, UOB Bank

Nichola Winchester, Asia-Pac Travel, Meetings and Events Leader / Global Corporate Card Leader, EY

Responsibilities of the Asia-Pacific Board

The newly appointed Asia-Pacific board within the GBTA has a range of important responsibilities aimed at advancing the business travel industry in the region. These responsibilities include:

1. Advocacy

The board plays a crucial role in advocating for the interests of the business travel industry in the Asia-Pacific region. They engage with governments, policymakers, and other relevant stakeholders to promote favorable policies, regulations, and infrastructure that support the growth of business travel. For example, they may advocate for streamlined visa processes, improved airport facilities, or favorable taxation policies that benefit business travelers.

2. Education and Professional Development

The board focuses on enhancing the knowledge and skills of travel management professionals in the Asia-Pacific region. They develop and deliver educational programs, workshops, and certifications to ensure industry professionals stay updated with the latest trends, best practices, and technological advancements. These initiatives help professionals excel in their roles and contribute to the overall excellence of the industry.

3. Research and Insights

The board undertakes research projects to generate valuable insights and data specific to the Asia-Pacific business travel market. This research helps industry professionals make informed decisions and adapt to the changing landscape. For example, they may conduct studies on traveler preferences, emerging business travel destinations, or the impact of technology on travel management.

4. Strategic Partnerships

The board fosters strategic partnerships with regional organizations, industry associations, and key stakeholders to collaborate on initiatives that benefit the business travel industry. These partnerships can lead to joint research projects, knowledge-sharing platforms, and advocacy efforts that amplify the impact of their work. For instance, they may collaborate with local tourism boards to promote business travel destinations or partner with technology providers to enhance travel management systems.

Conclusion

The appointment of the 12-member Asia-Pacific board by the GBTA represents a significant step forward for the business travel industry in the region. By leveraging the expertise and experience of these appointed members, the board can drive positive change and advancements. As the Asia-Pacific business travel landscape continues to evolve, the board's work will play a crucial role in elevating standards, fostering collaboration, and ensuring the interests of business travelers and travel management professionals are well represented.