Alexandria, VA -- The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) and the Government Travel Group (GTG) – NBTA’s government travel division – today expressed concern over reports of U.S. government agencies blacklisting cities for federal business travel and meetings because they are perceived as resort or vacation destinations. The association supports legislation introduced by Senator Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Representative Suzanne Kosmas (D-Fla) and Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) that would prohibit destination discrimination and stressed the importance of travel and meetings management for efficient and cost-effective corporate travel and meetings.

Kevin Maguire, CCTE, GLP, NBTA President & CEO, said, “Corporations across the world have embraced strategic corporate travel and meetings management to control travel expenditures, and this is a perfect example of why it’s time for the U.S. Government to follow suit. With a properly managed travel program, federal agencies can control costs and demonstrate the value of meetings and events in cities throughout the United States, no matter what a destination is known for to leisure travelers.”

The bipartisan bills introduced in both the Senate and House would prohibit federal departments and agencies from establishing a travel or meetings policy that takes into account the perception of a city as a vacation destination in determining event locations.

Maguire continued, “Whether it be in Las Vegas, Orlando, Milwaukee or Missoula, when determining where a business event should be held, a corporation or agency should always choose the most cost effective location – the area and venue that will provide the most return on investment. NBTA and GTG stand ready to work with the federal government to ensure that travel management policies are met and prospective cost-savings meeting destinations are not overlooked merely because of perceptions.”