The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) – the world’s largest business travel association is collaborating with the European Commission to help shape the new EU rules that will apply to computerised reservation systems (CRS). GBTA have collated and submitted detailed views on behalf of European partners, corporate travel buyers and suppliers in response to the EU’s public consultation.

GBTA, believes that neutrality and transparency are critical to allow travel buyers to effectively compare the offers of multiple competing airlines. Fairer competition among shareholders of the air ticket distribution market provides consumers with choice and price transparency, as well as promoting the opportunity to stimulate demand through innovative new products.

Although the current EU Code of Conduct has improved overall transparency in the delivery of air fares, issues persist amongst travel agencies when displaying information to travel buyers. The current rules make it difficult to assess the break-down of the final price indicated, such as the presence of pre-negotiated rates.

GBTA supports a revision of the EU Code of Conduct to take into account the latest technological developments, prevent distortion of competition and ensure a level playing field for all participating carriers. This can be achieved by broadening the regulation’s scope to cover all new entrants in the air ticket booking industry, including GDSs, airlines or any online platforms able to influence prices of tickets and their distribution.

“GBTA welcome a level-playing field to ensure transparency and best value for the corporate travel buyer. Technological innovation allows for more dynamic packages, personalised to meet the individual traveller needs – it’s important that our industry can facilitate this forward-thinking approach” said Suzanne Neufang, CEO – GBTA