The Global Business Travel Association reported the findings of its 17^th poll looking at the impact of the pandemic on the business travel industry. According to the survey, 66 percent of GBTA members and stakeholders believe implementing Digital Health Verification (or vaccination passports) is the way to help employees safely resume business travel. Additionally, the poll found a positive increase in optimism as vaccine rollout ramps up globally.

“As momentum for the Digital Health Verification gathers pace, so does optimism for a safe return to business travel,” said Suzanne Neufang, CEO, GBTA. “We are continuing our advocacy efforts in Washington, Brussels and London to lobby for a consistent approach to re-open borders and safely allow business travel to resume. It is encouraging to see GBTA members feeling comfortable to travel after receiving the vaccine, and that the global vaccine roll-out continues to accelerate.”

The poll found respondents from Europe (72 percent) are more likely than those from North America (63 percent) to say issuing Digital Health Verification is a “good policy.” Half (52 percent) of suppliers and travel management companies are more optimistic than last month about travel’s path to recovery, with 40 percent reporting bookings from corporate customers increased.

When it comes to returning to business travel, a majority, at 84 percent, would be “very comfortable” or “comfortable” traveling for business once fully vaccinated. GBTA members and stakeholders expect non-essential domestic business travel will restart in the second half of 2021, with international non-essential business travel not rebounding until 2022. Nearly all (92 percent) expect to return to offices by the end of the year. When it comes to the greatest barrier to business travel, 49 percent said government policies restricting travel are the biggest hurdles.

The poll was conducted among members across the globe March 8–14, with 680 responses received. Read more poll results and key highlights here.

Do you believe Digital Health Verification will allow business travel to resume? When do you think you will return to your office and to business travel? Tell us about it. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.