The Institute of Travel Management (ITM) says it will offer complimentary business level membership from now until the end of April to new or existing members who are currently on furlough or displaced.?

This will give those members access to all ITM resources, educational opportunities and virtual events, including attendance at the 2021 ITM conference ¡®Revive¡¯.

The move is part of ITM Community ¨C ¡°a programme of initiatives to help buyers and suppliers navigate the impact of Covid-19 on their professional lives¡±.?

The organisation has also said it is increasing the number of virtual events it is running in the first half of 2021, including a new series of bi-monthly travel category showcases focussing on a specific area or sector of business travel.

Scott Davies, ITM¡¯s CEO said: ¡°As our industry tackles a third UK lockdown, some of our members who previously may not have been furloughed or displaced, now find themselves in this position. Moreover, some of our members are sadly furlough veterans, but this furlough may not resemble previous experiences, when reduced hours were more commonplace rather than a complete absence.

"The Covid-19 pandemic has also led to almost half of buyers feeling increased pressure to justify their roles within their organisation as travel came to a complete stop.¡±