American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) has joined ASTA.
While some of the company's subsidiaries, including Ovation Travel Group and Egencia, have been active members, the Society said this is the first time the entire corporate travel giant -- No. 3 on Travel Weekly's 2021 Power List -- has been a member.
GBT is a Premium member of ASTA, the membership category for agencies with more than $50 million in annual sales. It is also a member of the Corporate Advisory Council.
ASTA president and CEO Zane Kerby said there has never before been a need for a trade group like ASTA as the industry navigates the coronavirus crisis. He said the Society is "extraordinarily grateful to have a company like GBT in our corner as we fight to help our members overcome these challenges, which threaten both corporate and leisure travel alike."
"As the world returns to travel, GBT is working hard to deliver more value to clients and to make life easier for travelers as they get back on the road," said Rajiv Ahluwalia, GBT's senior vice president of partner solutions and supply marketplace. "We view ASTA as a key support system for that work, and are excited about our new partnership."