Over 100 GBTA Members engaged U.S. politicians during the GBTA U.S. Legislative Summit: Advocate for policies that promote economic growth and global mobility
Representative Rick Larsen, Senator Jerry Moran and the GBTA Navigator Award 2025 for championing Business Travel in the U.S.
Alexandria, VA – More than 100 members and constituents of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTAThis week, the converged in Washington, D.C. GBTA U.S. Legislative Summit 2025 The purpose was to advocate for the value and importance of business travel. In direct meetings with Senators and Representatives as well as congressional staff members, members of GBTA’s U.S. 38 chapters shared their insights and championed policy to advance the economic impact of business travel and to create a connected and resilient travel eco-system.
The Summit was held from June 10-12 and provided a platform for business travelers to interact with lawmakers, learn about the benefits of travel, and network. GBTA advocated for streamlined travel, including policies to enhance traveler experiences and restore confidence in U.S. Entry Processes. Participants in the GBTA also discussed the importance of modernizing the U.S. Air Traffic System, supporting Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and improving passenger rail as viable travel alternatives.
Since 1992, GBTA’s legislative fly-ins have brought together U.S. government policymakers and business travel professionals to facilitate understanding, promote priority issues, improve the experience of business travelers, and advocate for them. We promote the role of business travel as a strategic tool for driving economies, innovation and jobs, and strategic collaboration. This helps business travelers and their supporters to have a more resilient and successful future. Suzanne Neufang, CEO, GBTA
Establishing the Policy Agenda for Business Travel
The summit participants heard directly from members including Sen. Jacky Ros (D-Nevada), and Rep. Rick Larsen, (D Washington)., As well as various experts on important topics such as air traffic system, evolution of SAF, and improving U.S. rail passenger travel.
In over 150 meetings, attendees discussed GBTA’s agenda with legislators. policy priorities for U.S. business travel. GBTA members asked their legislators, based on these priorities:
- Support for the modernization and expansion of air traffic systems
- Enhance business travel across U.S. border
- Support funding for the hire of 5,000 extra Customs and Border Protection Officers
- Reject any attempts to divert the 9/11 Passenger Safety Fe
- Support CBP in implementing the Entry and Exit Program to speed up the safe facilitation of international business travelers at U.S. points of entry
- Support the extension of Clean Fuel Production Credit 45Z through 2031
- Support future funding for U.S. railway improvements
Participants also shared their key takeaways on the summit with members of Congress “GBTA U.S. Economic Impact StudyBusiness Travel and its Impact on U.S. Jobs” They also highlighted GBTA’s recent research on the contribution of U.S. Business Travel to $484.4 Billion annually or 1.9% in U.S. Gross Domestic Product. They also highlighted GBTA’s latest poll results Reflecting industry concerns about the possible negative impact of U.S. Government actions on business travelers.
GBTA Honors U.S. Legislators who champion business travel
GBTA announced Rep. Rick Larsen and Sen. Jerry Moran as 2025 recipients of the prestigious “GBTA Navigator Award.” The award recognizes elected officials for their advocacy of issues that are important to the business travel industry.
Rep. Larsen, the ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has been a strong advocate for aviation safety and efficiency. Last year, he worked with bipartisanship to pass the Federal Aviation Administration Re-Authorization Bill. The bill included GBTA-supported initiatives such as safety upgrades to the National Airspace System. Rep. Larsen worked with the Department of Transportation this year to improve our nation’s system of air traffic control, enhance the workforce strategically for long-term success and encourage innovation to improve aviation security.
Sen. Moran fought for the increased production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. He formed the bipartisan SAF Caucus late last year to find ways of promoting technologically innovative solutions for creating a sustainable aviation sector and increasing U.S. competiveness in the production of SAF at home. Sen. Moran has been actively involved in the promotion of aviation safety, through legislative efforts as well as oversight of Federal Aviation Administration. He has pushed for bills to improve aviation, such as the NOTAM Improve Act, and he has pressed FAA leadership about safety system failures, and progress on implementing improvements.
The GBTA U.S. Legislative Summit, the only U.S. event to advocate for legislation that will improve the business-travel industry. The Summit this year was made possible by Altour Hotels, BWH Hotels Cornerstone, Delta Airlines Enterprise Mobility, CIBT United Airlines and USiLAW.
About GBTA
The Global Business Travel AssociationGBTAThe world’s premier business travel trade association, headquartered in Washington, D.C., serves stakeholders from six continents. GBTA’s 8,000+ members advocate and represent the $1.48 billion global business travel and meeting industry. GBTA Foundation and GBTA deliver world-class media, education, events, advocacy, and research to a global network of over 28,000 travel professionals. Visit the website for more information. gbta.org.
The GBTA Foundation
The mission of the GBTA Foundation is to assist the Global Business Travel Association in creating a positive impact on people and the environment. The GBTA Foundation focuses its efforts on the execution and strategy of GBTA’s global sustainability programs. It supports initiatives related to climate change, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and other talent-related issues via education, advocacy, and research. For more information, visit gbtafoundation.org.
Debbie Iannaci
GBTA Global Communications, PR & Research
+1 305 301 7057
GBTA
