Travel urged to stand up to its critics and be proud of its positive impact

Business Travel Association chief executive Clive Wratten told Barclays Travel Forum delegates the industry should stand up to its critics, and remind them travel "is a critical part of what we do as humans”.

"It’s time for us to stand up and say we will be proud of what we do, not only of the way we deliver economic growth around the world, but what activities we do to make it better for the planet,” said Wratten, speaking at the forum on Thursday (9 May) during an ESG – environmental, social and governance – panel.

Wratten said ESG was quickly going “everywhere” in travel, with the industry making strides when it comes to being more environmentally and socially conscious.