A greener future
Reflecting on our report from 12 months ago about the travel industry trends to watch out for in 2019, I think we can be reasonably satisfied with our predictions at the time. Artificial intelligence, augmented reality, APIS, NDC and One Order were all picked out as areas of increasing focus, while marginal air fare and hotel rate rises were forecast and uncertainty around Brexit was highlighted. One theme that is now conspicuous by its absence, however, is that of sustainability. Its profile has rightly soared in 2019, forcing corporates to consider how their travel programmes can be kinder on the environment and suppliers can operate more efficiently. Urgent action is required and we all have a part to play in preventing irreversible damage to our planet. Turn to pages 18-20 to find out our travel industry predictions for 2020.
The new year also heralds the opening of nominations for our event The Business Travel People Awards 2020 (see pages 24-25). Now in its 9th year, the awards recognise individuals and teams from across the TMC and supplier elements of the industry, so be sure to nominate those that have really shone in their role over the past year.
We're delighted to have picked up a few accolades of our own recently, namely three category wins at the Business Travel Journalism Awards. Our talented team took home the Editor of the Year and Supplement of the Year awards, the latter for The 2019 Guide to Serviced Apartments (subscribers to this magazine will have received the 2020 edition with this issue). Meanwhile, Gary Noakes won the Features Journalist of the Year award in the air travel category for his 'Suite Sensations' feature in our June/july issue. We'll be sure to keep up the hard work in 2020 and, on behalf of all the team at The Business Travel Magazine, we wish our readers a happy, healthy and successful 2020.