Carlson Wagonlit Travel has signed a resell agreement with business travel technology company, Rearden Commerce.
The deal means the travel management company will offer clients CWT Traveler Assistant, a system which allows travellers to book and manage their own travel, powered by the Rearden Commerce Platform.
The online product is compatible with most PC calendars, including Microsoft Outlook, and Lotus Notes.
"Our Rearden Commerce partnership gives clients another option and a best-in-market solution for meeting the needs of both their travellers and their corporations, particularly as we integrate the platform with CWT tools for travellers and travel managers," explained Brian Hace, vice president of client services for CWT North America.
"The agreement aligns with and further enables CWT's broader objectives around optimising clients' travel programs while providing exceptional service and assistance to travellers."
The companies announced the partnership agreement at the National Business Travel Association (NBTA) conference this morning (August 9) in Houston, Texas.
Hace described the product as "traveller-centric" but said corporations would benefit from increased control of travel and entertainment costs.
"We recognise CWT's leading position in travel management, and we're excited about this partnership to make the Rearden Commerce Platform available to its client base," said Patrick Grady, founder and chief executive of Rearden Commerce.
"We consider CWT's partnership further demonstration that the travel industry is moving toward offering a more consumer-like experience for travellers."