Travel buyers will put more emphasis on data and mobile technology to direct their travel programmes in 2015, according to a new study.
The Carlson Wagonlit Travel Travel Management Priorities report has found “leveraging data to build predictive analyses and benchmarks” will be the top priority for buyers this year.
CWT said this underlines that with better visibility, travel managers are able to steer their travel programmes towards their particular business objectives.
Other top priorities for buyers include deploying a fare tracking and rebooking solution, promoting mobile apps to increase travel efficiency and leveraging big data to adapt the travel policy.
The study of more than 1,100 travel managers were asked about their plans for 2015 as well as ranking 12 programme priorities.
CWT’s executive VP with responsibility for global marketing and enterprise strategy, David Moran, said: “Travel managers are looking to translate data into insights and promote mobile technology to improve traveller experience.
“Ultimately it’s about refining travel programmes, and we’re working with clients to develop the best tools and benchmarking they need to make the most of their travel programmes in 2015 and beyond,” he added.
The 12 priorities identified in CWT Travel Management Priorities 2015 are:
Leveraging travel data to build predictive analyses and benchmarks – 63%
Deploying a fare tracking and rebooking solution - 62%
Promoting mobile apps to increase traveller efficiency on-the-go – 60%
Leveraging big data to adapt the travel policy – 55%
Streamlining expense management processes – 51%
Considering dynamic pricing opportunities for hotel sourcing – 50%
Implementing a door-to-door online booking tool – 42%
Providing recommendations to improve traveller wellbeing – 39%
Managing hidden costs of travel-related stress – 37%
Further promoting travel policy through social media – 35%
Implementing a virtual payment solution – 32%
Engaging and rewarding travellers for policy compliance through game techniques – 29%