TRAVEL MANAGEMENT

American Express GBT has formed an alliance with Shell to stimulate the use of and investment in sustainable aviation fuel. This is being achieved by bringing together demand from businesses and airlines for business travel.

On 31 May, France announced the introduction of compulsory isolation for travellers from the UK. This measure has also been taken by Germany in response to concerns about the circulation of the Indian variant across the Channel.

A recent survey carried out by the GBTA shows a real desire on the part of companies to resume business travel, at least domestically. This positive trend is coupled with a growing interest in hybrid meetings.

With a provisional agreement between the European Parliament and the European Council, a new stage has been reached in the introduction of a digital Covid certificate within the EU. Its launch is now expected in early July.

AirPlus recently launched a new platform bringing together its virtual card solutions for corporate travel and B2B purchases. The programme includes improved ergonomics, enhanced security and new functionalities.

Reopening of hotel terraces and restaurants for hotel guests, gradual resumption of business events, Senate vote on the health pass: 19 May marks a new stage in the resumption of business travel.

Algeria plans to gradually reopen its borders to international travellers from 1 June, subject to the presentation of PCR tests less than 36 hours old on arrival.

Both Malaysia and Singapore have decided to tighten restrictions in response to the threat posed by the Indian variant in Asia. 

According to a new study published by BCD Travel, the duty of care, travellers' well-being and compliance with travel policy are travel managers' priorities, in that order.

Will videoconferencing tools, which have become indispensable in recent months, be abandoned or at least neglected by French employees once the crisis is over? That's what a study published on Tuesday by Zoom suggests.

Travelling on business from France to the UK is possible. But the entry ticket is still expensive, very expensive. The announced reopening of the UK's borders on 17 May still does not apply to France.

Since 8 May, France has been restricting access to travellers from seven additional countries, due to the increase in cases of Covid-19. In particular, those countries which appear to be heavily affected by the Indian variant. 

Asia is now in the eye of the Covid storm. As in Europe, countries are no longer able to control the spread of the virus, which is even affecting countries hitherto spared by the pandemic. This augurs ill for the reopening of the continent to business travellers...

Start-up TripActions acquires upmarket business travel agency Reed & Mackay.

Vaccination against Covid has entered an active phase and is gaining momentum in North America, Europe and now South America. It remains weak in Asia and non-existent in Africa. This should influence the reopening of countries and continents...

American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) has struck a major blow in the business travel sector with the acquisition of Egencia, announced on 4 May. In return, the Expedia group will acquire a stake in Amex GBT.

On 28 April, Members of the European Parliament approved the introduction of the digital green certificate, which will once again allow travel within the European Union. This decision has been applauded by those responsible for the transport and travel sector. The green certificate officially becomes the "EU COVID-19 certificate". 

A new study published by Amadeus confirms the impatience of business travellers, who are keen to get back on the road - and in the air - with insurance, information and contactless payment solutions. Mobile employees are also promising greater compliance with travel policy.

A study published on 22 April by the GBTA reveals signs of optimism about the recovery in business travel. The international business travel association also expects teleworking to become more widespread after the crisis.

The differences in quarantine or closure measures in Germany are linked to the fact that health responsibilities remain with the Länder (regions). On Angela Merkel's proposal, a new Covid prevention law has been adopted. It will supersede the laws at regional level.