GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang
More 800 travel professionals from 28 countries convened at the Raffles City Convention Centre in Singapore last week for the GBTA APAC Conference, a growing event in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region hosted by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). Much of the event’s focus was on adapting and innovating the next wave of business travel married with sustainability and technology.
According to forecasts from the association—and shared with attendees—the region is enjoying a resurgence in business travel volume and spending.
More than 800 attendees from 28 countries joined the event
Highlights from the conference:
- Data from GBTA’s 2023 Business Travel Index (BTI) indicates the APAC region remains on course for playing a prominent role in global total business travel spending this year, encompassing 42 percent of global travel spend. China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and Indonesia claim spots among the Top 15 global markets.
- Taiwan (52 percent), Singapore (40 percent), Thailand (36 percent), New Zealand (34 percent) and Hong Kong (31 percent) represent the Top 5 APAC markets with the highest year-over-year growth in business travel spending between 2022-2023.
- According to the GBTA 2023 BTI, 40 percent of APAC business travelers flew business or first class, and 38 percent stayed at an upscale or luxury hotel on their work trips.
- At 45 percent, APAC business travelers are more likely to blend leisure travel with a business trip, which is higher than any other region surveyed.
“The business travel forecast for APAC looks strong and poised for success, as demonstrated by our record-breaking attendance at the conference this year. Having spoken to our regional members and industry professionals to better understand what’s important to them, I’m optimistic about the future. There’s definitely a good appetite for business travel in the APAC region,” said APAC for GBTA Regional Director Elle Ng-Darmawan in a press release.
Matt Assolin of RMA Worldwide
Rick Versace of A1A Global Ground
GBTA reported that high-ranking representatives from leading global organizations such as Google, EY, Jetstar Asia, The Ascott, and Changi Airport also joined the conference and offered their insights.
Additionally, GBTA will be opening its Board of Directors election on May 24. This year’s candidates—vying for one of three open Allied-At Large member seats—include two from our own industry: Matt Assolin of RMA Worldwide and Rick Versace of A1A Global Ground. You can view their platforms here, and good luck to our industry friends!
Members in good standing will receive an email from the association on May 24 with voting instructions, and the final winners will be announced during the GBTA Annual Business Meeting on June 26.
Visit gbta.org for more information.
[05.21.24]