We all know the trends affecting the world of managed travel now, but what aspects of the industry will be common place and the ‘norm’ in a few years.
The top 5 trends come from Airplus International’s latest micro-trends in managed travel report:
- Travel management mobile apps
According to the study 35 per cent of travel managers expect this trend to become the norm for the majority of bookings over the next few years.
Examples of travel management apps include mobile expense reporting, itinerary sharing and information about the travel programme, such as policy.
- Mobile payments
Mobile payment technology is only a couple of years old, even less within corporate travel, yet 35 per cent of buyers say this trend is already established within their company. And 31 per cent expect the trend to become more relevant in the future.
- Less travel due to virtual meetings
As a vivid example of sustainability in action, almost half of UK travel managers say their company travels less that would otherwise be the case due to greater use of virtual meetings.
- Use of social media
Exchanging views through review sites has become a standard part of the trip process for both leisure and business travellers. And more than half of travellers use social media – this figure can be seen as a wake-up call to buyers.
Travel managers using social media can influence travellers more effectively, correct misinformation and listen properly to what the traveller wants.
- Global/regional consolidation
Some 42 per cent of respondents say they have already consolidated their travel programs from a country by country structure to a regional or even worldwide basis and another 28 per cent are expecting to do it in the future, it looks like this trend is not set to reverse.
Supporters of consolidation say benefits include economies of scale and process consistency. Critics believe local subsidiaries do not receive best-in-market service.
To read the full report, Global Travel Management Study, click here