New packages for small and medium-sized companies were launched in 13 European countries this week by Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT).
CWT Connect Express and CWT Connect Business are aimed, respectively at small and medium companies in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Celine Guerton, Carlson's EMEA mid-market director, said that companies with a travel
budget of less than 2 million represent nearly 50% of the European business travel market.
She added that these companies expected information on the best available rates, online access, continuity between on- and offline services, efficient transaction services and customised service and advice which the CWT tools provided.
She said that CWT Connect Express was created for small companies with no managed travel programme but which needed "but need basic, cost-effective travel-management tools
and services."
Its functions included travel planning tools, online booking and online reporting.
CWT Business Connect, for mid-sized firms, provided in addition to these functions, integration of company travel policy, global reporting, account management and enhanced safety and security information.
Martin Warner, executive vp, global accounts and solutions, said: "The launch of CWT Connect across Europe is consistent with our strategy to provide globally a three-tier offering that meets the needs of companies of all sizes.
"CWT Connect Express, CWT Connect Business and CWT Connect Enterprise, for large or global companies that want tailor-made solutions, is our response."