Though business travel has picked up pace post COVID, it is not a new concept. Businesses have been organizing and managing travel since the beginning of trade and commerce. However with the growing competition and availability of transport, corporates are carrying out trips more than ever. With the advent of modern technologies and introduction of specialized travel management companies, corporations are leveraging the resources in the best ways possible. These TMCs powered with AI fueled platforms provide excellent support to businesses and offer customized business travel. Today organizations can create personalized business services with pin-point precision for high productivity. Let us explore some of the top ways to customize any business travel.
How to customize business travel
1. Personalized travel profiles
Most of the travel platforms use data to fuel search results and provide customized flight and hotel as per the preferences of employees. Individual accounts are created on these platforms for organizations and their employees. Account management has seen a drastic rise over the past few years. These accounts can be used for efficient budget planning, monitoring out of policy bookings, and scouting cost saving opportunities. Understanding the preferred airlines of employees based on factors like loyalty programs, seating arrangements, and in-flight services can provide better experiences. Similarly, recognizing individual preferences for specific hotel chains, loyalty programs, and room amenities will assist in enhancing overall comfort and satisfaction.
2. Budget flexibility
Companies set clear limitations on the budget of each trip to ensure high ROI. Therefore, travel admins and employees have to pay special attention while booking flights and hotels and providing a high level of comfort to the traveling employees. Additionally, there are numerous other considerations such as meals, onground transport, stationary, and more. You can also offer employees travel stipends so that they remain within the budget and don’t exceed beyond the limits set. Communicating clear guidelines on budget flexibility ensures employees are aware of the boundaries while still having the freedom to optimize their travel experience.
3. VIP treatment and wellness programs
When high profile meetings are considered, VIP travel is crucial for the success of any business trip. Organizations should pay extra care and attention to these travel plans. While planning VIP trips, you should give preference to comfort and convenience over cost. You can take help from corporate travel agencies who specialize in high profile travel and have contacts with luxury suppliers such as chartered planes, first class flights, 5 star hotels, etc. Additionally, instituting recognition programs that reward high-performing employees with VIP travel perks, reinforces a culture of excellence and motivates employees to achieve exceptional results. Generally and specially for VIPs, travel admins should provide access to mental health resources, counseling services, and stress management tools.
4. Crisis management plans
Traveling overseas for business can present a number of challenges and sometimes emergencies. Travel admins should conduct pre-trip briefings to educate employees about potential risks and the company’s crisis management protocols. This will ensure better preparedness for any unexpected situations during travel. Admins should also establish prior connections with the emergency response team in the traveling country. They can take coverage from risk management companies in forms of Duty of Care. These packages cover insurance along with other necessary tools such as regular updates, chat support, etc.
5. Sustainable travel options
In the evolving landscape of business travel, organizations are focusing on sustainable practices. With proper customizations, corporations can book eco-friendly accommodations to ensure a reduced environmental impact. They can partner with hotels committed to energy efficiency, waste reduction, and water conservation. Further, businesses can create efficient corporate social responsibility goals. This conscientious approach not only supports global sustainability initiatives but also enhances the company’s reputation as an environmentally responsible entity.
Suggested Read: How To Progress Towards Sustainable Business Travel
6. Exclusive partnerships
Corporates can negotiate exclusive partnerships with travel providers enhancing the business travel experience. These collaborations can secure benefits such as room upgrades, complimentary services, and priority access. By establishing relationships with providers committed to enhancing employee comfort and satisfaction, organizations create a more enjoyable and efficient travel environment. These exclusive arrangements contribute to a positive corporate image and demonstrate a commitment to prioritizing the well-being of their employees during business trips.
7. Automated travel alerts
Corporates and TMCs can deploy real-time alert systems on travel challenges, flight delays, and alternative arrangements. This not only minimizes disruptions but also enables travelers to make informed decisions swiftly. Such automated alerts showcase a commitment to employee’s well-being, safety, and efficiency during business trips. In times of unexpected events or emergencies, this technological foresight ensures that employees are equipped to navigate challenges seamlessly.
Customizing business travel helps attain better results from travel investment. You can take help from travel management companies to provide customized business travel for corporations globally.
Suggested Read: Automation In Travel Management For Human Resources Team
Customized Business Travel FAQs
Why are personalized travel profiles beneficial for business travel?
Personalized travel provide customized search results based on employee preferences, aiding in budget planning, monitoring out-of-policy bookings, and enhancing overall travel experiences.
How does budget flexibility contribute to customized business travel?
Budget flexibility sets clear limitations while allowing travel admins and employees to optimize comfort within boundaries.
Why is crisis management essential in business travel customization?
Crisis management plans prepare employees for potential risks, offering pre-trip briefings, and emergency response connections.
