The Big Idea: How divisive debates in travel are shaping the future

Feb 9, 2026

The Big Idea: How divisive debates in travel are shaping the future 

The verdict is in! After three fiery debates across GBTA’s APAC, Europe, and Australia conferences, we’re unpacking the results, reactions, and revelations that shook the business travel community.

This isn’t a replay; it’s a deep dive into what the debates revealed about the future of our industry. Which arguments swayed the audience? Where did consensus emerge, and where did fault lines deepen?

Join us as we explore the key insights and implications from these high-stakes discussions:

• The Future of OBTs: Are they on the brink of extinction, or evolving with AI and chatbots?
• Next-Gen Traveller Behaviour: Does flexibility drive better outcomes than rigid policy?
• Biometrics & Secure ID: Will tech streamline travel or create new global challenges?

Expect candid analysis, surprising trends, and expert commentary on what these debates mean for travel programs, technology, and the traveller experience. If you want to know where the industry is headed, and why, this podcast has the answers.

Brought to you by BCD

 

Moderator:

• Chris Elmitt, CEO LIVVE 

Speakers:

• Sarah Whiting, Senior Director Global Solutions Engineering, BCD Travel
• Siobhan Prideaux, Sr Director Sales , BCD Travel

 

Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod  
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License