The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) today announced that it has commenced arbitration proceedings against the Georgia Business Travel Association for breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, and declaratory and injunctive relief for the return of proprietary information. GBTA has also reached out to potential Georgia Business Travel Association partners to notify them that their actions may have contributed to the Georgia Business Travel Association’s breach of contract.

On July 20th, GBTA notified the Georgia Business Travel Association that it had breached its then-current contractual obligations by entering into agreements with external organisations while still under contract with GBTA. In addition, the Georgia Business Travel Association’s actions and statements have suggested that it intends to develop its future business on a model created by GBTA, and may plan to continue utilising GBTA’s confidential and proprietary information. To date, the Georgia Business Travel Association has not complied with GBTA’s request to cease its actions.

On behalf of the GBTA Board of Directors, the following statement was issued by Jim McMullan, GBTA President and CEO, and Michael W. McCormick, GBTA Executive Director and COO:
“As we have said previously, we have a deep and abiding obligation to vigorously protect GBTA’s brand and intellectual property on behalf of all GBTA members and chapters. Although we will continue to work for a favorable resolution to this issue, in light of the Georgia Business Travel Association’s recent actions we are moving forward to protect the rights of GBTA, our members and affiliates.”