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Hospitality Net
13-06-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
GBTA Brings Industry Voices to Capitol Hill to Champion Business Travel's Value and Future
Over 100 GBTA members engaged U.S. lawmakers during the GBTA U.S. Legislative Summit to advocate for policies that support economic growth and global mobility Representative Rick Larsen and Senator Jerry Moran receive 2025 GBTA Navigator Awards for championing business travel in the U.S. Alexandria, VA – More than 100 members and constituents of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) converged this week in Washington, D.C. for the GBTA U.S. Legislative Summit 2025 with the collective purpose of advocating for the vital role and value of business travel. Through direct meetings with Senators, Representatives and congressional staff, members from GBTA's 38 U.S. chapters shared insights and championed policies to advance business travel's impact as an economic driver and to create a more connected and resilient travel ecosystem. Held June 10-12, the Summit provided industry professionals with the opportunity to network, learn, and engage directly with legislators to underscore the value of business travel in the U.S. economy. GBTA also advocated for streamlined international travel including policies that enhance the traveler experience and restore confidence in U.S. entry processes. GBTA participants also discussed the need to modernize the U.S. air traffic system, support Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and improve passenger rail to provide viable travel alternatives. For more than two decades, GBTA has hosted legislative fly-ins to connect business travel experts with U.S. policymakers to foster understanding, advocate for priority issues and facilitate a better experience for business travelers. By promoting the strategic role of business travel in driving economies, innovation, jobs and strategic collaboration, we foster a more resilient future for business travelers and those who support them. Suzanne Neufang, CEO, GBTA Setting the Policy Agenda for Business Travel Summit attendees heard perspectives directly from members of Congress including Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada) and Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Washington), as well as from various experts on critical topics including air traffic system modernization, the evolution of SAF and improving U.S. passenger rail travel. In close to 150 meetings with legislators, attendees shared GBTA's policy priorities for U.S. business travel. Based on these priorities, GBTA constituents asked legislators to: Support the modernization of the air traffic system Improve business travel at U.S. borders Support funding for the hiring of 5,000 additional Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers Reject efforts to extend the diversion of the 9/11 Passenger Security Fe Support additional resources for CBP's implementation of the Entry and Exit Program in order to accelerate the safe facilitation of business travelers at the nation's points of entry Support the inclusion of the extension of the Clean Fuel Production Credit (45Z) through 2031 Support future funding for U.S. rail improvements Summit attendees also shared with Congressional members key takeaways from the 'GBTA U.S. Economic Impact Study: Business Travel's Impact on Jobs and the U.S. Economy' outlining how U.S. business travel contributes $484.4 billion annually, or 1.9% of the U.S. gross domestic product. They also showcased GBTA's recent poll results reflecting industry concern about the potential negative impact of U.S. government actions on business travel. GBTA Recognizes U.S. Legislators for Championing Business Travel GBTA announced Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Washington) and Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) as the 2025 recipients of its prestigious 'GBTA Navigator Award.' The award is presented to elected officials who have been strong advocates for issues integral to the business travel industry and recognizes them for championing the needs of business travelers and the broader travel sector. Rep. Larsen is the Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and in his role, he has advocated for safety and efficiency for aviation. Last year, he worked in a bipartisan fashion to pass the Federal Aviation Administration Re-Authorization Bill, which included several GBTA-supported priorities such as safety improvements to the National Airspace System, studies to improve accessibility concerns, and workforce investments to train more pilots and air traffic controllers. This year, Rep. Larsen has worked with the Department of Transportation to make improvements to our nation's air traffic control system, strategically enhance the workforce for long-term success, and foster innovation to improve aviation safety. Sen. Moran has championed increasing the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Late last year he formed the bipartisan SAF Caucus to find ways to promote technologically innovative solutions to create a sustainable aviation industry and increase U.S. competitiveness in the domestic production of SAF. Sen. Moran is actively involved in promoting aviation safety through legislative efforts and oversight of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). He has championed bills to improve aviation safety, including the NOTAM Improvement Act, and has pushed FAA leadership on safety system failures and progress in implementing improvements. The GBTA U.S. Legislative Summit is the only event in the U.S. that advocates for legislation to make the business travel industry better. This year's Summit was made possible by Altour, BWH Hotels, Cornerstone, Delta Airlines, Enterprise Mobility, CIBT, United Airlines and USiLAW. About GBTA The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is the world's premiere business travel and meetings trade organization headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area and serving stakeholders across six continents. GBTA and its 8,000+ members represent and advocate for the $1.48 trillion global travel business and meetings industry. GBTA and the GBTA Foundation deliver world-class education, events, research, advocacy and media to a growing global network of more than 28,000 travel professionals and 125,000 active contacts. For more information visit About the GBTA Foundation The mission of the GBTA Foundation, the US 501c3 charitable arm of the Global Business Travel Association, is to help the global business travel industry create a positive impact and better future for people and the planet. The GBTA Foundation focuses on the strategy and execution of GBTA's global sustainability programs, supporting initiatives related to climate action; diversity, equity and inclusion; and other talent-related topics via education, research and advocacy. For more information visit Debbie Iannaci GBTA Global Communications, PR & Research +1 305 301 7057 GBTA
Khaleej Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Visax.co wins 'Best Immigration Agency in Asia' award
In a major industry recognition, has been awarded 'Best Immigration Agency in Asia' for its exceptional contribution to global visa consultancy and immigration support services. Headquartered in Sharjah, with a growing branch in Mawanella, Sri Lanka, is being celebrated for its legal transparency, personalised client services, and success in navigating complex immigration frameworks. This prestigious award comes as continues its upward trajectory as Asia's most trusted gateway to global visas, helping thousands of families, students, professionals, and investors realise their international dreams. The agency has earned praise for its high approval rates, strategic legal compliance, and multilingual, culturally sensitive client support. "Winning this award is a testament to the work our teams put in across borders every single day," said a senior spokesperson at Visax. "Our mission has always been to provide legal, ethical, and effective immigration solutions. This recognition reaffirms that we're on the right path." From European work permits and student visas to tourist visas and second citizenships by investment, Visax offers tailored, end-to-end visa solutions for nearly every country in the world. Its fastest-growing vertical — second citizenship programmes is helping high-net-worth individuals from countries like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the UAE gain global mobility, financial freedom, and security through legal citizenship pathways in Caribbean nations like St. Lucia, Dominica, and Antigua & Barbuda. "This isn't just about travel convenience," shared Arshad Nizam, branch manager of Visax Sri Lanka. "For many, it's about global access, business flexibility, and a better future for their families. We handle every case with confidentiality, compliance, and care." In response to the rising demand for skilled migration, Visax also facilitates legal work permit placements in countries like Croatia, Portugal, Poland, and Slovakia, by partnering directly with verified employers and offering comprehensive documentation services. This drastically reduces risks for applicants and shields them from fraud — a common issue in the immigration space. The agency is also a key player in student migration, offering full support for admissions, SOPs, financial documentation, and visa filing to countries like Canada, the UK, Australia, and Germany. "We're among the few in the region who integrate academic counseling with long-term migration planning," added Nizam. For tourist and visitor visas, Visax simplifies the process for destinations such as the US, UK, Canada, Schengen Zone, and Australia, ensuring professionally prepared applications with high approval potential. With physical offices in Sharjah and Mawanella, Visax operates through both in-person and virtual consultations, ensuring unmatched access and flexibility. "Whether it's a farmer in Punjab, a doctor in Colombo, or an entrepreneur in Dubai — we listen, we guide, and we deliver," the company stated. In a world where immigration is becoming more complex, award-winning service and client-first approach make it a beacon of trust and excellence in the global visa industry. As the company expands, it remains committed to turning visa applications into life-changing journeys.
Khaleej Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Some firms allow working from abroad for up to a year; eligible roles revealed
Some UAE companies allow their employees to work for a certain period from abroad in order to retain the best talent and as part of remote work policies. In the post-pandemic period, companies have become more flexible when it comes to remote work, especially for certain roles in technology and consultancy sectors. In March, the UAE government allowed remote work systems for government entities outside the country, which would open up access to global talent without additional costs. Hana Abu Kharmeh, chief operating officer of Serco Middle East, said they offer global mobility opportunities that enable employees to work remotely from abroad, provided business needs are met and relevant tax and legal obligations are addressed. 'We've supported remote international working across a variety of roles and departments. This includes client-facing positions, such as advisory — where clients have agreed to the arrangement — as well as internal functions like HR and growth. These flexible models have allowed us to retain top talent, offer diverse career development pathways, and respond effectively to evolving workforce expectations,' she added. 'While there is no one-size-fits-all policy, the duration is typically agreed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the role, performance, operational requirements, and compliance considerations. Some arrangements have been formalised for six to 12 months at a time, with the option to extend where appropriate,' Hana added. Serco Middle East's COO noted that the purpose is to create 'a high-performance culture that supports both individual aspirations and operational excellence.' While speaking during a panel discussion at an event recently, Nasser AlBlooshi, managing director for UAE at Chalhoub Group, said the company allows staff to work four weeks every year from abroad if employees can sustain regular work hours. Mahesh Shahdadpuri, CEO of Tasc Outsourcing, said working from home became a huge possibility because of Covid-19 and technology and certain companies in the UAE allow employees to work from abroad. 'Going forward, individual companies have their own policies. We have seen in the US certain companies asking people to come back to work. Here in the UAE, certain firms do it differently. The essence is what your workforce wants, where are you in the evolution of your company, your objectives are clear, your culture is great, then it doesn't matter where people work from,' Shahdadpuri said. Hana added that the services sector such as advisory and consulting often lend themselves to remote arrangements due to their project-based nature. 'Similarly, technology and digital roles — including software development, data analytics, and IT services — typically allow for effective remote contribution. Corporate functions like HR, marketing, finance, and strategy also tend to support such flexibility, as do creative fields such as content development and design,' added Hana.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
The world's most powerful passports in 2025, ranked
The Henley Passport Index ranks the most powerful passports in the world for visa-free travel. Singapore is in the top spot with its passport, which allows holders to travel to 193 countries. The US passport can access 182 countries — it's tied for 10th place with two other countries. Thinking of visiting Brazil, Australia, or India with a US passport this summer? Not so fast ... or at least not before securing a visa. Some of the best wonders of the world require US citizens to obtain a visa before takeoff, an inconvenience in planning that long-awaited international getaway. US passport holders can access 182 countries globally without a visa, putting it in 10th place among world passports on the global mobility spectrum, according to the 2025 Henley Passport Index. Passports from 33 other countries provide more global mobility than a US passport and two other countries are tied with the US for mobility. The index is a ranking of passports based on how many countries their holders can access without a visa and is based on data from the International Air Transport Authority. Singapore is in the top spot with its passport, which allows holders to travel to 193 countries without first securing a visa. Japan had previously held the No. 1 position but has since fallen to No. 2, joining South Korea with access to 190 countries. Below are the countries with the most powerful passports, ranked by ascending number of visa-free travel options, based on the Henley Passport Index. This ranking is accurate as of May 2025. 10. Lithuania, Iceland, and the United States Passport holders from these countries can visit 182 countries without visas in 2025. Until April, US citizens were able to visit 183 countries visa-free. However, Brazil now requires US citizens to secure a visa before entering the country, dropping US passport holders one spot on the Henley Passport Index. 9. Croatia, Latvia, Slovakia, and Slovenia Holders of these passports can visit 183 countries without a visa in 2025. 8. Estonia, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates Travelers can visit 184 countries without a visa in 2025 if they have a passport from Estonia, Canada, or the United Arab Emirates. 7. Australia, Czechia, Hungary, Malta, and Poland Travelers can visit 185 countries without visas in 2025 with a passport from Australia, Czechia, Hungary, Malta, or Poland. 6. United Kingdom Holders of UK passports can visit 186 countries without a visa. 5. Greece, New Zealand, and Switzerland Travelers can visit 187 countries without a visa in 2025 if they have a passport from these countries. 4. Austria, Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, Norway, Luxembourg, and Belgium These passport holders can visit 188 countries without visas. 3. Ireland, Finland, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain These passports give access to 189 countries without a visa. 2. Japan and South Korea Holders of passports from Japan and South Korea can visit 190 countries without a visa. 1. Singapore Travelers can visit 193 countries without a visa in 2025 if they have a passport from Singapore. Zoe Rosenberg contributed to an earlier version of this report. This story was first published in January 2023 and updates were made in January 2024, June 2024, October 2024, March 2025, and May 2025. Read the original article on Business Insider
