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The GBTA launched the Global Equity Program, which offers sponsored memberships to support business travel professionals in emerging markets.

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the leading international organization for business travel, introduced its Global Equity Program (GEP). This initiative offers professionals in emerging markets a one-year sponsored GBTA membership, providing exclusive access to industry-specific education, networking and career development opportunities.

To be eligible, individuals must be business travel professionals residing in countries classified as low to upper-middle income by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). They must also hold a salaried role in the business travel industry and work for a company that does not cover the cost of GBTA membership.

The application process for GEP is now live online. Marriott International is the program’s inaugural sponsor, covering the cost of an annual GBTA membership for the first 20 approved participants.

“The GBTA is committed to improving access to an ever-expanding set of professional resources by continuing to foster a growing network of members in underserved countries,” said. Suzanne Newfang, CEO of GBTA. “Thanks to Marriott’s generosity, we are excited to make this vision a reality by providing underrepresented business travel professionals with opportunities to excel in their careers and contribute to their company’s success. We also look forward to welcoming more program sponsors and contributing new and diverse voices to the GBTA community.”

Applications will be accepted until July 18th or until current slots are filled. Following this, additional applicants will be placed on a waiting list for future openings. Acceptance notices will go out in August, with plans to launch more cohorts later in the year as more sponsors join.

“We are thrilled to see the Global Equity Program launched by GBTA. We were honored when they invited us to be involved – we didn’t even question it,” said Tammy Ruth, President, Allied Leadership Council, GBTA and Senior Vice President, Global Sales Organization at Marriott International. “If we allow the cost to contribute to our industry and access all the tools, education and opportunities that the GBTA has to offer, it means that our industry representation cannot contain all of its best thinkers. We are doing what is right to support our support of the GBTA’s GEP to welcome the diverse voices that are ready to drive the global business travel industry forward.

Once accepted, member benefits will be activated within two weeks. These benefits include access to a private network of business travel professionals, professional growth through educational programs, accreditation and training, exclusive industry insights including research, surveys and samples, as well as a wealth of on-demand content.

GBTA is headquartered near Washington, DC and operates globally on six continents. It has more than 9,000 members and manages more than $345 billion in business travel and meeting expenses annually.