- Details
- Category: Industry News
A new poll from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) explores the impact that the recent actions of the Trump administration are having on the worldwide business community, which includes tariffs and policies that restrict entry from certain countries as well as advisories against travel to certain destinations. The poll paints a more cautious picture than the optimistic forecast released by GBTA last year.
According to the report, uncertainty in the global economy is causing companies to be a bit less optimistic with their business travel spending. Those surveyed include travel buyers, suppliers, and travel management companies from around the planet.
Key highlights from the report’s executive summary:
- 7% of buyer organizations have revised their corporate travel policies for travel to or from the US since January 2025, and another one-quarter (25%) say they are planning to or will consider doing so in the future, while 64% are staying the course.
- Up to 20% have or are considering canceling, moving, or pulling attendance from meetings and events located in the US.
- 10% are planning or considering canceling employee attendance at US events.
- When it comes to relocating meetings or events from the US, a total of 14% say their organization has already done so (8%) or is considering it (6%). Companies located outside of the US are three times more likely to relocate meetings to somewhere other than the US.
- Respondents’ top concerns for long-term impact of US government actions are related to economics ─ namely business travel costs (54%) and potential budget cuts (40%) ─ along with additional travel processing and administration needs such as visas or documentation (46%). This was followed closely by traveler-focused concerns such as employee willingness to travel to the US and increased safety and duty of care (both at 37%).
GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufant
“While the outlook for global business travel was incredibly strong coming into 2025, our research now shows increasing concerns and uncertainty within our industry, considering recent actions taken by the US government. Traveling for work plays a vital role in supporting business growth, resilient economies, strong diplomatic ties and valuable connections,” said GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang. “Productive and essential business travel is threatened in times of economic uncertainty or in an environment of additional barriers and restrictions. This undermines economic prosperity and damages the many sectors that rely on global business travel to survive and thrive.”
While the report is sobering, Neufang did highlight two factors that could change the outlook: if there’s sustained economic pressure or uncertainty weighing on company budgets and if cross-border travel and global workforce mobility to and from the US are restricted.
Visit gbta.org for more information.
[04.22.25]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
A rendering of the future Jacksonville facility
Daimler Coaches North America has announced that it has broken ground on a 43,700-square-foot delivery and service center in Jacksonville, Florida. In addition to a 16,000-square-foot shop and maintenance center, the 11.9-acre site will include a dedicated training and delivery center for customers and service partners.
The Daimler Coaches team celebrated the start of construction
According to the announcement, this expansion enhances customer support by centralizing operations and providing a premium experience for both new Mercedes-Benz Tourrider motorcoaches and pre-owned coaches, a vehicle that was designed specifically for the North American market and will be delivered from this new facility. Available in business and premium models, the three-axle high-decker motorcoach offers best-in-class comfort, safety and luxury features to meet the needs of operators across North America.
The company’s Tourrider bus
“Building this new facility underlines our continued commitment to the North American market and focus on our customers. It will provide them with a modern environment for the delivery of their Mercedes-Benz Tourrider coaches. We are also showcasing our pre-owned vehicles,” said Daimler Coaches North America President & CEO Thomas Rohde.
Visit mercedes-benz-bus.com for more information.
[04.22.25]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
Coffee With ILLBA, the Illinois Limousine & Bus Association’s regular webinar series, returned on Tuesday, April 15. Operators from around the world were logged on for a timely conversation on building and managing a global affiliate network. Moderated by ILLBA Executive Director/Secretary Paula DeBiasi of ChicagoCoachworks, the online session featured a trio of panelists, including Richard de Krijger of DMC Limousines (Amsterdam), Yoali Garcia of Godandi & Sons (Latin America), and Andreas Haase of Royal American Group (Central & South America/Caribbean).
DeBiasi began the webinar by stating that this is her favorite Coffee With ILLBA topic to cover, as she always learns something new. After she introduced the panel, the experts weighed in on the topic of marketing and sales strategies. De Krijger advised all attendees to attend the various industry trade shows as they allow face-to-face interaction with potential affiliates. Garcia advocated for digital segmentation on services like LinkedIn, while also singing the praises of GNet, which allows seamless communication between operators/affiliates. Meanwhile, Haase encouraged operators to contact and regularly communicate with their existing customers.
ILLBA Executive Director/Secretary Paula DeBiasi of ChicagoCoachworks
Inspired by a question from an ILLBA member, the conversation shifted to the process of vetting affiliates, leading each of the panelists to weigh in on the topic. Haase advised operators to have a checklist and service level agreement to standardize procedures, while de Krijger recommended avoiding using Google reviews to vet operators as they don’t present an accurate picture.
“Having a global presence demands excellence,” said Garcia, who believes that booking in advance is a key to success with global affiliates, making note of cancellation policies among operators in different countries/markets.
Other topics discussed included the difference of service levels across the globe. DeBiasi shared a story about a client being disappointed in a lack of leather seats during a ride in Saudi Arabia, unaware that the luxury may be unavailable in the desert climate.
“Learn to accept cultural nuances,” said DeBiasi.
The lively webinar also covered large events in various worldwide markets and the importance of indicating the proper time zone when booking trips with clients. Again, GNet’s value was praised, particularly solving the communication difficulties between countries.
The webinar was recorded and is available for free to all operators on ILLBA’s YouTube channel. Click here to view.
The next ILLBA event is a breakfast meeting on May 13 at a location to be determined.
Visit illba.org for more information.
[04.21.25]