NBTA Europe and the German buyer-led business travel association VDR (Verband Deutsches Reisemanagement e.V.) have announced their partnership to build a stronger European buyer-led network. The deal, based on an initial one year partnership commencing in Spring 2011, will see VDR bring their more than 500 members and market intelligence from Germany to the network which started in January 2010.

VDR members will join a European network of 2,700 buyers and suppliers and gain access to over 70 resources, research papers and benchmark tools through the network.

The new partnership is the ninth to be announced despite the European arm of NBTA only starting 12 months ago. More announcements are expected in the New Year on further partners.

Speaking about the VDR partnership, Caroline Strachan, NBTA Europe Advisory Board Chairman, said, “We are so pleased that our German colleagues have made the decision to support the network on the anniversary of our inception. They have long been advocates for a dynamic buyer-led, European network and their inclusion will make NBTA Europe even stronger than it already is. With Germany now on board, NBTA Europe covers 80% of Western and Northern Europe.”

Dirk Gerdom, Chairman of VDR and Head of Global Travel Management SAP AG, added, “The VDR board has made the decision to join NBTA Europe as we can see the progress this group has made in the last 12 months. We have a strong ethic of buyer-led decision making at VDR and the goals and aspirations of NBTA Europe are well aligned with our own. Our members are increasingly looking for global contacts and information and NBTA Europe will provide that content whilst we contribute German intelligence to the network. We are delighted to be a part of this exciting venture – the partnership with NBTA Europe will strengthen the VDR network.”

Hans-Ingo Biehl, Executive Director of VDR, will join the Partnership Council headed by NBTA Europe managing director Paul Tilstone.