Welcome to the latest instalment of ‘The View’. Here we ask Reed & Mackay experts to share their ideas and insights around a topical issue affecting the business travel and event sectors and highlight solutions.
Global business travel spending is forecast to reach $1.64 trillion in 2025, with hotel rates anticipated to stabilise, rising by 1.9% worldwide. This trend reflects a surge in new properties and an easing in inflationary pressures on hotels.
So, how are expanding hotel options changing the game for corporate travel buyers? Reed & Mackay Director, Lodging Partnerships Tanya Whitney offers her insights and highlights the advantages of Reed & Mackay’s access to competitively priced hotels with additional perks through Navan’s Lodging Collection, plus talks about Reed & Mackay’s partnerships with Expedia.
What are the key elements travel buyers look for when selecting hotels to include in their travel programme?
When selecting hotels for their travel programmes, travel buyers consider factors such as cost-effectiveness, location, safety and security, and amenities such as Wi-Fi. They are also increasingly focused on flexible cancellation policies, sustainability initiatives, and diversity and inclusion features.
The Navan Lodging Collection Hotel Program is designed to meet these needs by offering a curated selection of hotels that combine convenience, quality and policy alignment, ensuring seamless integration into any corporate travel programme.
What are the positives about offering travel buyers a wide range of hotels?
Offering travel buyers a wide range of hotel options provides several benefits. These include competitive pricing, access to perks such as free upgrades or late checkouts, and loyalty programme opportunities for frequent travellers.
The diversity of choice also accommodates varying traveller preferences and global business needs. Additionally, with integration into reporting tools, expense tracking is simplified, and our programme analysis helps boost traveller satisfaction and ensure policy compliance.
Does increased choice make it easier for travellers to stick to their company’s travel policy?
When managed effectively, greater choice makes it easier for travellers to follow their company’s travel policy. We provide clients with a selection of high-quality, policy-compliant options, helping travellers find accommodation that suits their preferences while staying within programme guidelines.
Furthermore, our advanced booking tools highlight preferred properties and they can prioritise the lowest rates, guiding travellers towards policy-friendly choices without feeling constrained.
Are there any downsides to too much choice and how do we combat them? Do we guide clients through what best suites their programme?
Too much choice can lead to decision fatigue or confusion, potentially causing travellers to delay bookings or book outside of policy. We are able to address this by offering a curated selection of options tailored to each client’s travel programme and specific needs.
Our advanced booking tools can prioritise preferred hotels and the lowest rates at the top of search results, simplifying the selection process. This approach balances the display of relevant content with simplicity, ensuring travellers remain compliant while enjoying a personalised experience.
We’ve recently integrated Expedia into our tech suite; what impact will this have on clients’ travel programme?
The integration of Expedia into Reed & Mackay booking platform expands inventory, enhancing traveller satisfaction by offering more personalised options, while supporting duty of care.
Mail helloau@reedmackay.com to discuss all of your corporate travel and event management needs.
