Xaveer Fluitman is regional director business travel at Booking.com. He will be providing tips on how travel managers can have a traveller-centric programme and still maintain control of the policy at Business Travel Summit Amsterdam.
What does traveller centricity mean to you?
Traveller centricity means choice, flexibility, transparency and ease of use. Booking a business stay should be every bit as smooth and enjoyable as making plans for your next holiday.
What will it look like in the future?
Business travel is undergoing a transformation inspired by technology, which continues to positively disrupt how travellers plan, book and stay, whether travelling for leisure or business. The traveller centric future is seamless, personalised and easily adaptable on the go. It's all about removing complexity and opening up additional freedom and choice.
What is the single most important piece of advice you would share with buyers about traveller centricity?
A traveller centric approach that provides optimal flexibility and choice doesn't mean sacrificing oversight or duty of care. With the right platform, tooling and technology, buyers can keep up with travellers' ever-evolving expectations and needs with the confidence that they're making the right choices, all the while maintaining the desired levels of control.
What impact will it have on buyers and travellers?
If you give travellers the personal choice and flexibility they crave, it not only means happier travellers and more productive trips, it also means peace of mind and efficiency for buyers, not to mention more travellers booking their travel within policy. It's all about leveraging the right tooling and finding smart solutions that are tailored to modern business needs and a workforce increasingly on the move.