This week, BTE reports on three developments which may increase pressure to reduce business travel and one which promises to make life easier for TMCs.
Philip Carlisle, chief executive of the UK's Guild of Travel Management Companies, believes this week's doubling of air passenger duty will have little impact on corporate travel. But a conservative estimate suggests the increase will cost members' clients a total of around £130 million a year.
On its own the additional cost may do little to deter business flyers but many straws eventually add up to a serious burden. We also report on double digit hotel price rises in many major cities, the result of a sellers' market which will continue to make rate negotiations an uphill struggle. It is increasingly crucial to secure last room availability and ensure agreed rates are loaded in GDSs if buyers and customers are to avoid expensive surprises.
Meanwhile KDS's new software, which is designed to integrate green policy and should become commercially available later this year, will enable travellers to offset carbon emissions. Companies which encourage staff do do so will either have to cut back trips or swallow yet more additional costs.
Against this background, improved technology launched in Europe by Sabre may prove a counterweight. The company claims it will save TMCs and airlines time loading fares and conditions, increasing the likelihood that clients will get the best deal in the shortest possible time.