More work needs to be done to educate sellers of airfares and other travel products about IATA’s New Distribution Capability data standard.

NDC was first proposed over a decade ago and while development and implementation has been slow it is now starting to be widely adopted in the sector.

An initiative driven by the airlines, NDC modernises the old-fashioned EDIFACT-based data standards in which the airline industry has been based for decades.

A survey by industry body the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) of over 800 travel professionals has found, however, that confusion remains about NDC.

The study found that travel buyers believe the “needle hasn’t moved much” over the past six months in key NDC areas such education, clarity and speed of implementation.

A GBTA poll in October 2023 found similar results to the latest one carried out last month.

It found most buyers acknowledge a continued need for information and education about NDC (71% – same as in the October 2023).

A significant portion (45%) were still unsure if their travel management company (TMC) is fully prepared compared to 46% in October.

Suzanne Neufang, GBTA chief executive, said: “GBTA’s survey paints a picture of an engaged workforce in the business travel industry.

“Professionals are focused on core duties, and there’s a healthy sense of optimism about career expectations and opportunity in the year ahead.

“We are also benefiting from those new to the industry – with almost 20% of supplier professionals and 10% of buyer professionals coming to business travel from outside industries.

“The findings also underscore the importance of continuous learning and collaboration, particularly when managing change like the potential impact of NDC on travel programs.”

April’s study was the 34^th carried out by GBTA and collated insights from business travel professionals across 41 countries.

It came as the industry shows strong indicators toward reaching a spending forecast of $1.5 trillion USD in 2024.

The survey found a “significant majority” of global business travel professionals like or love working in the industry, reflecting a sense of optimism and career satisfaction.

Many respondents anticipate they will stay in their current role in 2024, and professionals continue to join from outside the industry. A quarter of industry respondents expect promotions within the next year.