Business travel and event buyers face new trends as the world of travel evolves and are searching for ways to solve corporate travel challenges.
Highlighted in the release of the Global Business Travel Association’s (GBTA) 2024 Business Travel Index Outlook last week were trends such as travelling for conventions and conferences, seminars and training revealed as the most common purpose of corporate travel. Furthermore, the GBTA’s outlook for corporate travel also highlighted ‘more of a focus on corporate sustainability’.
Meeting ESG goals
These insights corroborate findings revealed in our own discussions on key trends with corporate travel and event buyers at the recent Business Travel Show Europe (BTSE).
The travel buyers Reed & Mackay surveyed agreed corporate sustainability is a focus. And nearly three-quarters (70%) shared that they have an established Environmental Social Governance (ESG) mandate from their organisations.
To help clients reach their ESG goals and science-based targets, Reed & Mackay provides access to current, credible granular CO2 data and messaging at the point of sale, bespoke CO2 reporting and access to leading sustainability carbon-compensation portfolios.
In addition, new CO2 features in our proprietary technology are now available. As a result, clients are able to design and implement custom travel policies and approval flows based on projected CO2 emissions across air, rail, ground travel and accommodation options.
Learn more about how Reed & Mackay can support your company reach its sustainability goals.
Driving travel technology forward
GBTA’s 2024 Business Travel Outlook also highlights what potential positive impacts there could be for the business travel sector in the coming months. These include technological advancements. The most advanced tech is crucial for travel buyers. More than three quarters (83%) of those we surveyed at BTSE report their company uses an online booking tool (OBT).
And it’s client-focused technology that drives our own recent technological enhancements, just one way we’re looking to solve corporate travel challenges, Reed & Mackay Global Director of Product Fahim Khan points out. “The user experience for corporate travel booking tools is just as important as the platform’s core functionality. That is key to user adoption, so we’ve invested heavily in this area.”
So to meet this demand, Reed & Mackay unveiled a series of enhancements to its proprietary technology R&M/Book at BTSE. A new user interface and updated air booking journey are being rolled out. These are designed to deliver a richer and better-connected, end-to-end shopping and travel experience for users.
Service remains a key priority
When asked to highlight key priorities they expect from their travel management company, 20% of travel buyers we spoke to at BTSE cited dedicated service. As travel technology evolves, it’s integral personalised service still goes hand in hand to deliver the 360° travel experience. From Reed & Mackay’s knowledgeable and experienced consultants and 24/7/365 Incident Management Unit, to suggesting ways to save money and add value in business travel and delivering meetings and events programmes, dedicated service is at the heart of our client relationships.
