The world of business travel is changing rapidly. PA Life interviews the experts at Carlson Wagonlit Travel to uncover the key trends for the coming year. “Travel management companies have all seen an increase in the use of travel apps and this will continue throughout 2014. The number of bookings made through these will go up, with mobile reservations set to triple over the next two years using devices such as iPhones and iPads. As companies all race to introduce new apps, travel bookers will find it much more straightforward to keep track of their executives and stay in touch with them while they are on the road.”
Christian Ryan, National Account Manager
“Generation Y, also known as Millennials, will head the social travel revolution. Those who are social-savvy will merge booking and management with social media such as Twitter, TripAdvisor and corporate social tools such as Yammer. We see more travellers thinking like consumers – they want choice in how they book. Therefore TMCs need to ensure they provide great tools that also keep them sticking to company policy.”
Bryan Daniels-Hepnar, Director, National Accounts UK
“Low-cost carriers (LCCs) such as easyJet are wooing business travellers, and in 2014 travel bookers can make the most of their flexible fares, which allow flights to be changed at no extra cost. Business travellers may choose more LCC flights due to their new seating allocation, business locations and business-friendly flight times. As LCCs see that business travellers are responding well, they may release more great initiatives.”
Alison Sypula, National Account Manager
“The government is recognising the value of national businesses and opening up more funding opportunities to support SMEs – a move CWT fully supports. Businesses can make the most of this funding in 2014, and use it to travel further afield to grab new business in emerging markets such as China and Brazil.”
Bryan Daniels-Hepnar, Director, National Accounts UK
“While there will be an increase in online and mobile booking, travellers will still need their travel plans managed for them. Travellers will be provided with a greater choice of booking tools but also encouraged to stick to their policy through gamification and other incentives. Recent feedback from our customers has shown that while they would like more choice, they still want travel policies in place.”
Keith Thomas, National Programme Manager
“In 2014, travellers will be looking for more door-to-door travel plans. This means they want their entire journey, from leaving their office or home, to the taxi to the airport, right down to the transfer to their destination, to be booked and managed in one place. Door-to-door booking saves time and also money by searching for the cheapest overall combination of options.”
Sara Banks, National Account Manager
“We’ve seen lots more business travellers use serviced apartments in 2013, and the trend will continue to grow this year. They are a great home-from-home for travellers, with the added benefits of housekeeping and 24-hour concierge. They are available for bookings ranging from a single night to months at a time, and also help to keep employees within policy, as the usual temptations found in hotels – such as full-service laundry, room service or the mini-bar – are not available.”
Suzie Pearce, National Account Manager
Carlson Wagonlit Travel provides travel management services for companies of all sizes. Its team of more than 900 agents is trained to help businesses find solutions to fit their needs. For more information, visit carlsonwagonlit.co.uk
