GBTA forms committee to drive diversity, equity and inclusion

DEI was created in response to market needs and at the request of GBTA’s members

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) has founded a committee to drive the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) agenda for its global members and constituents.

Its mission is to increase global awareness within the business travel industry of the many DEI-related issues facing travellers and colleagues – in the workplace, travelling, attending meetings, or handling travel needs.

DEI was created in response to market needs and at the request of GBTA’s members

The committee will provide the resources, education, and support to enable the travel industry to embrace and drive diversity, equity, and inclusion within organisations and the industry at-large.

The individuals appointed have been selected based on their strong and varied backgrounds and the contributions and insights they will bring to the table.

“This committee will lead the charge of making travel more productive, safe and comfortable while ensuring that inclusion and diversity remain at the forefront,“ said GBTA President, Bhart Sarin. “Our Board is excited to see how this new focus, and its practical application, can benefit travellers, corporations and the industry as a whole.”

The committee will join 19 other active committees already part of GBTA.

The business travel association also released a statement condemning the recent increase in hate crimes against Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and other Asian Americans in the US.

“Travel is a force for good. During these times, the travel ecosystem also needs to come together for the greater good. It should go without saying that no one should ever be targeted because of their race, gender, disability, or sexual identity,” said DEI committee chair J. Grant Caplan.

He added: “As business travel begins to return from the dangers created by the pandemic, we must ensure safety in all contexts, including inexcusable treatment at the hands of others.”