Over 685 registered business travel buyers, suppliers and other attendees and 58 exhibiting companies came together for main stage presentations, panel discussions, and education sessions along with Canada volunteer recognition and the conference’s signature “Big Night Out” networking event.
“Bringing together GBTA’s business travel community for insights, learning, and face-to-face connection time are all key to navigating and growing the sector in Canada. This event engages industry professionals and organizations in better understanding and preparing for the future of business travel while also enabling them to engage and learn in an incredible peer-to-peer environment,” said Nancy Tudorache, Regional Vice President-Americas, GBTA.
The forecast and outlook is strong for business travel in Canada. Canada is among the top 15 markets worldwide for business travel spending with $15.2 billion USD for 2022. In 2023, the forecast for spending growth is 32%, or a total of $20.1 billion USD. Based on current GBTA Business Travel Index™ forecasts, Canada is expected to be back at pre-pandemic levels in 2025 with an annual business travel spend of $26.1 billion USD, or over $35 billion CAD.
At the event, GBTA also announced Shelly Lewchuk as this year’s winner of the GBTA Volunteer Inspiration Award, and also recognized Jodi Francks and Marayka Wilson as the Business Travel Service Award (BTSA) winners for Canada.
GBTA also announced that Sharlene Ketwaroo-Nanoo has stepped down from the GBTA Board of Directors and will now join the association as its Regional Director for Canada. Ketwaroo-Nanoo’s new role is effective immediately. The Canada Regional Direct Board member position will remain vacant until the 2023 GBTA Elections in August.
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