In today's ever-changing travel industry, travel managers are having to adapt faster than ever before to accommodate new policies and procedures, while also doing more with less. Those who embrace an agile mindset have more of a competitive advantage and are likely to be higher performing. In this blog, originally produced by BTN Group, OMNIA Partners and Enterprise Holdings explore how forward-thinking decision-makers are adapting their travel programs to better anticipate and meet evolving demand.
Business disruptions due to the global pandemic over the last two years fundamentally altered business travel while also elevating the role and visibility of travel managers within their organizations. Faced with advising senior leadership about employee safety regarding domestic and international environment in a time of rapidly changing guidance and restrictions, many travel managers were called to the decision-making table for the first time to provide strategic input on how travel could support organizational goals.
Although car rental is a mature category, industry changes affecting rates, fees and technology cause procurement and travel to review their contracts every few years. The category is ripe with opportunities for increased cost savings and employee satisfaction, but there can be resistance to change. Employees get comfortable using the same provider and travel managers fall victim to the belief that all suppliers offer the same benefits.
As business travel continues to recover, how will travelers’ expectations change, and will corporate travel policies migrate more toward cost savings or traveler satisfaction? What changes from the pandemic might become permanent?
Enterprise and National partnered with BTN Group to identify differences in traveler and travel manager priorities. The study shows gaps exist, but not always over the issues you might expect.
