Geopolitics, airline and ground transportation strategy and tech innovation – how will they all affect corporate travel in the coming years?
The Institute of Travel Management’s (ITM) Autumn Conference last week – kicking off with a look at the travel landscape from LBC presenter Ben Kentish – brought together corporate travel buyers and leading travel suppliers to debate these issues and share insights.
Find out how Reed & Mackay is meeting the needs corporate travel buyers shared as we head towards 2025.
Air travel
Travel buyers in attendance were asked to share what was the most important element to them in air travel. Soaring ahead with 82% of the votes was cost. Buyers will continue to ask for, and expect, access to cost-effective, flexible air fare choices. And they want to ensure duty of care to their travellers isn’t compromised.
Flexibility and cost-savings are already issues Reed & Mackay addresses with direction connection to British Airways NDC. Having this direct access to British Airways’ NDC content in Reed & Mackay’s technology suite means clients are able to find the best fares the airline has to offer.
Sustainability was the second-most important factor in air travel for corporate buyers at the conference, gaining 64% of the votes. As companies work towards their own Net Zero goals, they’re asking what airlines and travel management companies (TMCs) are themselves doing to become carbon neutral. Plus, how they can help corporate buyers in their quest towards the same.
Encouragingly, Reed & Mackay clients – whether using our proprietary online or offline booking tools – have the opportunity to compare and select more sustainable choices when booking travel. Furthermore, clients now have access to the latest technology updates that form part of a series of user-experience enhancements. These provide travellers with better visibility of travel options that are ‘in policy’. And that’s whether booking via our technology hub or with a Reed & Mackay consultant.
Ground transportation
Corporate travel buyers and industry suppliers also debated the issue of ground transportation – whether that’s train, car services or car hire – and how it needs to meet buyers’ high expectations.
Priorities from the buyer side include ease of booking, convenience and comfort across all ground transportation. Buyers are also requesting better accessibility for travellers with disabilities. Suppliers agree this was an issue both needed to collaborate on. Sharing data on traveller needs further in advance can help ensure their fleet could accommodate the request. Find out more about how the business travel industry can support travellers with visible and hidden disabilities in our Thought Leadership report.
Buyers were also asked whether they thought they gave enough focus and attention to ground transportation in their travel programmes. A significant 60% of them admitted they did not. Reed & Mackay is set to bring updates on its ground transportation offer in the coming months. Until then, check out the advice on rail and car hire we’ve given over the last year on how to get the best from ground transportation in your corporate travel programmes.
Get in touch
Mail hello@reedandmackay.com to discuss all of your travel and event management needs.
