European travel buyers’ network BT4Europe has urged the European Commission to ensure that upcoming new laws make travel “efficient and competitive” for firms.
The EU is currently reviewing several new initiatives that will impact business travel in the coming years. These include Multimodal Digital Mobility Services (MDMS), the Single Digital Booking and Ticketing Regulation (SDBTR) and the Code of Conduct for Computerised Reservation Systems (CRS).
MDMS covers how transport services are displayed and sold on digital platforms and SDBTR is aimed at simplifying rail travel and booking process across the EU.
BT4Europe said it backs “comprehensive” implementation of an MDMS framework that includes booking capabilities, regulation of cross-border transport services and “transparent filtering” mechanisms.
It also endorses the political guidelines from commission president Ursula von der Leyen, which emphasise that "people should be able to use open booking systems to purchase trans-European journeys with several providers."
Meanwhile, the commission is evaluating whether the CRS Code of Conduct remains effective or should be amended or completely replaced. BT4Europe said that this code is “outdated and no longer fit for purpose” and needs to be revised to “reflect today’s technological landscape and commercial practices”.
Lotten Fowler, who chairs BT4Europe’s economic impact working group, said: "To drive sustainable, seamless and competitive business travel in Europe, BT4Europe believes we urgently need digital mobility frameworks that reflect the realities of today’s travel ecosystem.
"BT4Europe is clear: outdated regulation risks stifling innovation. It’s time to align EU policy with the digital needs of modern business travellers."