GBTA Honours Jan-Christoph Oetjen with Navigator Award for Championing Business Travel in Europe

GBTA announces MEP and Vice-President of the European Parliament Jan-Christoph Oetjen (Renew Europe, Germany) as the recipient of its prestigious "GBTA Navigator Award." The GBTA Navigator Award is given to elected officials who have proven to be strong advocates of the business travel industry. First introduced by GBTA in 2016, this is the first time the award has been presented to a European official.

"GBTA is pleased to honour MEP Oetjen with its Navigator Award," said Suzanne Neufang, CEO, GBTA. "Mr. Oetjen has demonstrated outstanding support for the business travel community in its recovery since the pandemic. His contributions to key debates have helped shape a regulatory framework which puts travellers and the planet first."

Ms. Neufang added: "Travel is a force for good, an opportunity to learn, communicate, share, experience and innovate. Business travel drives improvements across the global travel industry, as corporate travel buyers are increasingly tasked with delivering safe, efficient, and sustainable travel options. Business travel also brings people and teams together and fosters economic growth. The GBTA Navigator Award recognises those elected officials who have proven to be strong champions of the industry."

MEP Oetjen is recognised for his support of the business travel industry, in particular his role in leading key debates including:

- Promoting sustainable business travel by further supporting the decarbonisation of aviation, by empowering travellers to identify the most sustainable options, and by providing clarity and transparency on emissions accounting and reporting.

- Modernising the travel distribution ecosystem by unlocking the potential of multimodal business travel.

As the European Parliament's mandate draws to a close and Europe prepares for the election of a new Parliament and Commission, GBTA will continue its cooperation with EU policymakers. GBTA recently launched a report outlining the business travel sector's top priorities for the EU's next legislative cycle 2024-2029: "Shaping the Future of Europe Via Business Travel". As Europe heads into its next legislative term, GBTA emphasises that these priorities will ensure the sector remains a driving force for region's competitiveness and green transition.

Photo: Fulvio Origo from GBTA Italy (left) presents the GBTA Navigator Award to recipient, MEP and Vice-President of the European Parliament, Jan-Christoph Oetjen (right).