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The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the premier business travel organisation in Europe, has announced an exclusive agreement with the Austrian Business Travel Association (ABTA) . The deal, based on the agreement with VDR – the German Business Travel Association, means the associations will operate an initial one year partnership commencing in June 2011. GBTA Europe’s network will grow by an additional 6% overnight as another 150 members join.
The new partnership is the tenth to be announced despite the European arm of GBTA only starting just 16 months ago.
Speaking about the ABTA partnership, Caroline Strachan, GBTA Europe Advisory Board Chairman, said, "The Austrian and German business travel associations already work closely together but each operates completely separately so this is yet another endorsement of the strategies we are adopting in Europe and beyond to bring networks of business travel professionals together. With Austria now on board and the continuing development of our francophone network, GBTA Europe covers 95% of Western and Northern Europe."
Christine Hafner, President of ABTA, added, "The ABTA board has been watching the growing relationship between VDR and GBTA Europe with interest. Our discussions with GBTA Europe have made it clear to us that this is a network in which we see tremendous value for our members and we are delighted our board approved the agreement."
Paul Tilstone, Managing Director of GBTA Europe will address delegates at the annual ABTA Conference on May 26th in Vienna.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
