Press Release
For Immediate Release
5 May 2008
ACTE JOINS CEA AS THE VOICE OF THE BUSINESS TRAVEL INDUSTRY
Alexandria, Va. --
The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) is leading the industry response for a more cohesive and streamlined energy policy, and will represent the buyer segment of air transportation in a special Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) Energy Day, on 22 May 2008. According to a statement issued today by association President Richard Crum, ACTE joined the Consumer Energy Alliance as a member in response to the drastic impact fuel costs have had on the travel industry. Four airlines have ceased operations in the last two weeks and more than 4,000 flight reductions are being recommended by industry analysts.
"The recent swift and steep increases in energy prices are pushing ticket prices higher, and this will likely continue through the end of the summer," said Crum. "The portion of a passenger's airline ticket needed to pay for fuel has risen from 15 percent to nearly 40 percent, resulting in substantial charges to the corporate consumer. Through ACTE's involvement with the CEA and its partners, we intend to educate businesses and the consumer so they will be empowered to make smarter travel decisions. "
Crum stated that these increases will have a detrimental effect on travel, and on businesses, like the hospitality and rental car industries, that rely on travel. He cited two reports published earlier this week (USA Today and The Beat), which showed that 44 percent of travellers and 42 percent of companies (respectively) are planning to cut back on travel this summer.
"According to the CEA, high energy prices cost the manufacturing sector 52,000 jobs last month alone," said Crum. "This crisis requires a new, more cohesive, and streamlined approach to energy development in the U.S."
The purpose of the CEA Energy Day event is to present a compelling argument for the accelerated development of environmentally-sound domestic energy resources, from wind and solar to nuclear, coal, and natural gas. The event will present a unique opportunity for business leaders representing manufacturers, agriculture, science, finance, and transportation to present a unified message to legislators on the impact of high energy prices. "Each of these sectors represents a cross-section of our membership," said Crum. "ACTE's involvement with the Consumer Energy Alliance is fully compatible with the business travel management industry's Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, first introduced by us in 2005," said Crum. "It is only fitting that the association which introduced CRS to business travel should take a stronger role in stabilizing the industry's energy costs, and in finding new energy resources."
CEA Energy Day participants include: Agriculture Energy Alliance, Air Transport Association, American Highway Users Alliance, American Trucking Association, National Association of Manufacturers, National Ocean Industries Association, National Restaurant Association, National Small Business Association, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
ABOUT ACTE:
The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) represents the global business travel industry through its international advocacy efforts, executive level educational programs, and independent industry research. ACTE's membership consists of senior travel industry executives from 82 countries representing the €200 billion business travel industry. With the support of sponsors from every major segment of the business travel industry, ACTE develops and delivers educational programs in key business centers throughout the world. ACTE has offices in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Canada, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and the United States. For more information on ACTE, please go to www.acte.org.
# # #
For more information, contact:
Debbie Flynn
CEO
Brighter Group
The Pod, London's Vertical Gateway
Bridges Wharf, Battersea
London SW11 3BE England
T: 020 7326 9880
F: 020 7326 9890
E: [email protected]
W: www.brightergroup.com