Alexandria, VA – Business travel and the role of the travel manager changed significantly during the pandemic. As business travel returns, many are questioning what changes will become permanent, and how the industry will continue to evolve to navigate new headwinds including inflation, Covid-19 infection spikes, and the threat of further travel disruptions.
The research study released today by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) and made possible by FCM — “The Evolution of Travel Program Technology” — explores how technology has impacted the travel manager’s role, the traveler experience, and the TMC business.
During the pandemic, digitalization and the use of technology accelerated as travelers were driven online, experiencing contactless and touchless travel. But surprisingly, this research now shows that two in five travel managers cite technology as one of their top pain points, highlighting that there is still work to be done in achieving the right balance. As companies return to travel and update their travel policies, many are using this opportunity to reassess supplier relationships and technology requirements for the post-Covid environment.
“The role of the corporate travel manager changed significantly as a result of the pandemic, elevating the position as companies navigated unprecedented challenges. Given the fast pace of change, technology has played a vital role in ensuring the efficiency of travel programs. Keeping updated and communicating with travelers has taken on renewed urgency for companies, and travel managers looking to their travel management company (TMC) to advise on innovative ways to manage travel programs effectively while keeping travelers safe,” said Suzanne Neufang, CEO, GBTA.
“The rapid pace of technological innovation presents tremendous opportunities for travel managers and managed travel programs as we return to business travel. Travel managers cite technology as the most important factor when selecting a TMC,” said Marcus Eklund, Global Managing Director, FCM. “The study also showed that on average nine in ten global travel managers say a consistent technology experience is of utmost importance. It is essential TMCs be at the forefront of technological advancements to advise travel managers, and help solve corporate global travel challenges.”
This survey was conducted from February 14 – March 21, 2022, by GBTA with responses from 309 travel managers based in the US, Canada, Europe and Asia Pacific. Exclusive early access to the report is available to GBTA Convention attendees via the FCM Travel booth, #2411 or to GBTA members through the GBTA Hub.
FCM is one of the world’s largest travel management companies with a 24/7 reach in over 100 countries. As a trusted travel partner for thousands of national and multinational organizations, including many household brands, Fortune and FTSE 100 companies, FCM’s agile and flexible technology platform anticipates and solves client needs supported by expert teams who provide in-depth local knowledge and duty of care as part of the ultimate personalized business travel experience. While as the flagship business travel division of the ASX-listed Flight Centre Travel Group, FCM is able to negotiate and deliver access to the widest network of airfares, hotels, and ground transport for unique and best-value solutions. The company recently debuted its new omni-channel platform featuring a ‘first of its kind’ customized end-to-end user experience.
Discover the alternative at www.fcmtravel.com.
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is the world’s premier business travel and meetings trade organization headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area with operations on six continents. GBTA’s members manage more than $345 billion of global business travel and meetings expenditures annually. GBTA delivers world-class education, events, research, advocacy, and media to a growing global network of more than 28,000 travel professionals and 125,000 active contacts. To learn how business travel drives lasting business growth, visit www.gbta.org.
Nikki Stimson
+44(0) 7764 618199
GBTA
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