Four tips for 2017 according to Amadeus’ Tony Carter
We welcome guest contributor Tony Carter, Managing Director at Amadeus IT Pacific to share his views on changes within the corporate travel industry.
The high level of global uncertainty means it’s more important than ever for corporate travel managers to see and understand their organisations travel patterns, spend and risk in real-time, and be able to quickly adapt. Legacy systems and processed aren’t up to the challenge. Businesses must have integrated cloud and mobile technologies at the heart of their corporate travel program if they are to remain competitive.
The emerging Millennial business traveller – for whom smartphones, social media and online shopping are the norm – have already embraced a technology-powered travel experience and expect the same seamless, personalised and flexible experience when they travel for business.
The rise of ‘Bleisure’ travel and the ease of self-booked travel is increasing out-of-policy bookings. This affects a business’ ability to manage risk and meet duty of care obligations, especially with the increase of volatile world events, both natural and man-made.
At the same time, businesses are struggling to strike a balance between cost savings, efficient operations, regulatory compliance and a good employee experience.
These trends highlight the need to adopt a customer-centric offering and optimise the travel process through technology. By adopting agile, integrated technology solutions, corporates and TMCs can exert more control over business travel to benefit not just the travel and finance teams, but all employees and the business overall.
Here are four reasons why technology needs to be at the heart of any corporate travel program.
- Save time and money through process efficiencies
While there is rapid change in many areas of corporate travel management, one challenge remains constant – sourcing relevant, reliable vendors and securing the best pricing. To keep costs down, it’s important to have strong content partner so you can negotiate the most competitive pricing for your company.
At the same time, tracking and managing travel and expenses remains a top challenge for finance. A report from GBTA found the average cost to process an expense report for a single night hotel stay is US$58, but if that report has an error in it (which 19% do), that cost doubles. By integrating mobile travel booking and expense technology, with receipt capture for recording other expenses like meals, you automate the creation of expense reports, saving the finance team valuable time and money. At the same time, it empowers employees to make smarter decisions and comply with company travel policies.
- Empower your employees to be productive
Flexibility continues to be a major priority for business travellers—whether it’s the flexibility to choose which technology will best serve their needs on the road or the travel itinerary that will best meet their business objectives.
The key to flexibility is having choice – your employees need to have access to a wide range of travel providers to find what they need and where they need it. Flexibility also means autonomy. By making the entire corporate travel experience – from planning to reimbursement – available to your employees online and on the mobile, you can give employees the flexibility and control they need to get the most out of their business travel. They can book and make changes anytime and anywhere, choose the options that best suit their situation, and cut out valuable time that would be spent liaising with a travel arranger.
- Increase travel policy compliance
In the age of traveller power, there is a high risk that employees will book outside the remits of your travel policy. A lack of compliance can result in significant missed savings through unauthorised or noncompliant travel bookings, which over the course of a year, or even a few months, can significantly impact the bottom line. By optimising your travel policy design and improving traveller compliance via an online booking tool, corporates can save more than 30% on their travel spend, according to FCM Travel Solutions.
- Meet Duty of Care obligations
Recent changes to occupational health and safety laws in Australia and New Zealand mean that the term ‘workplace’ now encompasses anywhere your employees are located and carrying out their work duties. Therefore, businesses must ensure their risk-management plan works hand-in-hand with their corporate travel program in order to meet their Duty of Care obligations.
As well as developing an effective corporate travel policy, companies must assess the risks of each location their employees are travelling, identify any high-threat locations and adopt proactive risk management and security measures. Should disaster strike, employers must be able to locate their travelling employees and respond quickly and effectively to provide immediate assistance if needed. Mobile technology that utilises GPS functionality, interactive mapping and messaging solutions provides one of the best ways to manage your duty of care.
Business travel pays off when it’s supported by the right tools. By simplifying, optimising and integrating end-to-end travel processes through the power of technology, corporates and TMCs can realise the benefits of better cost controls and processes, while empowering and liberating their employees.
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!