GBTA Foundation Earns 2025 SPLC Leadership Award for Advancing Global Sustainable Travel Procurement Standards

The Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (SPLC) has named the GBTA Foundation, the cause-related arm of GBTA, a distinguished recipient of its 2025 Leadership Award in the Public Interest Advocate category. This recognition celebrates the Foundation’s dedication and success in generating positive outcomes through its pioneering sustainable procurement tools and standards.

The GBTA Foundation’s work to embed sustainability into an industry with $1.57 trillion in purchasing power culminated in 2024 with the release of the GBTA Sustainable Procurement Standards, which enable corporate travel buyers to consistently assess suppliers’ sustainability efforts. Developed in collaboration with GBTA Sustainability Partners and Sustainability Committee, the standards were vetted by more than 50 companies (buying organizations and travel suppliers like airlines, hotels, and car rental companies), as well as standard setters such as the International Air Transport Association, Travalyst and the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.

In the latest GBTA Sustainability Acceleration Challenge global benchmark, announced on November 10, 38% of companies say they consider climate criteria in supplier selection, and in 2026, the GBTA Foundation will be releasing a suite of practical tools to aid in their analysis. This will include case studies and scorecard templates which will allow buyers to make sustainable and data-driven decisions in procurement.

We’re proud to be recognized by SPLC, a respected leader in sustainable procurement. This recognition reinforces our conviction that strong collaboration across the travel supply chain can lead to meaningful transformation. Sustainable procurement is no longer optional—it’s becoming the foundation for how responsible businesses operate, and we’re excited to help drive that shift. Kelsey Frenkiel, Director of Sustainability at the GBTA Foundation

SPLC is delighted to acknowledge GBTA Foundation’s superb leadership in the field of sustainable procurement. The GBTA Foundation’s creative methodology and demonstrated, measurable impact underscore the vital, transformative role sustainable procurement plays. Their success offers a compelling example for organizations globally aiming to create a better future. Marc Heisterkamp, SPLC CEO

The SPLC Leadership Awards ceremony will be held virtually on Wednesday, December 3, at 2:00 pm EST. Registration details can be found on the SPLC Calendar of Events.