The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the voice of the global business travel industry, supports the decision and recent announcement by the Biden Administration to no longer require non-US travellers entering the United States via air, land and seaports of entry to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and provide related proof of vaccination upon request.
Effective May 12, the move coincides with the Biden Administration’s end of the coronavirus public health emergency and the Presidential Proclamation on air travel, which also takes effect on the same day.
GBTA has been active throughout the pandemic in supporting the safe and thoughtful re-opening of the United States and returns to travel, especially for international travellers.
“As we mark the current phase of the pandemic, this latest development will serve as a strong driver in encouraging and facilitating international air travel. It will help further pave the way for business travel and its critical role in supporting and growing economies, companies, and teams around the world. It will also help free up critical time and resources, such as global staff and operations of airlines and airports, contributing to an improved passenger experience,” said Suzanne Neufang, CEO, GBTA.
GBTA’s April 2023 Business Travel Outlook poll shows the continued return of international business travel. Corporate travel buyers surveyed estimate their international bookings have returned to 63 per cent of their 2019 pre-pandemic levels (up from 54 per cent reported in January), and their current spending is back to 66 per cent (up from 58 per cent). Additionally, in the same poll, 50 per cent of all respondents surveyed said disruptions during their business travel – such as cancelled or delayed flights, long security lines, crowded airports, or long bag check lines – have somewhat or greatly reduced their willingness to travel for work.
