Companies invest highly on corporate travel to gain new prospects and client. Business travel also help in expanding their business and enhancing brand awareness. However, managing corporate travel is a responsible and taxing job. Hiring corporate travel managers helps in managing the trips efficiently and increases the overall ROI for the company. Business travel managers have sound knowledge and vast connections in the industry to find the best prices for transport and accommodations of the employees.

Who is a corporate travel manager?

A corporate travel manager is in charge of all travel booking arrangements for business travelers and organizations. They handle flight bookings, hotel accommodations, car rentals, and all other elements associated with corporate travel. If you are planning to become a business travel manager, you must first know the steps you need to take to become a true professional in this challenging job.

Why is a travel manager important?

Companies need trustworthy personnel to reduce travel costs and manage their ROI. Travel managers remain in direct contact with TMCs and employees to provide safe and efficient travel. They help reduce the overall cost of a business trips. Further, companies having a dedicated travel manager increases the overall output of the company as staff don’t have to manage their trips on their own and can focus on the jobs they have.

Steps to become a corporate travel manager

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We have listed the most important steps to becoming a corporate travel manager.

1. A degree/diploma obtained in travel

Most businesses prefer hiring business travel managers with a diploma or a degree in the travel management domain. Some employers may also insist on a high school diploma or equivalent. If you don’t have one, consider taking classes in English or a foreign language. It will prepare you for college-level courses. If you want to switch from another career field to corporate travel, you can begin by taking online courses through an accredited university.

2. Enroll in travel management training programs

There are many corporate travel training programs offered through independent training institutes. These programs can be completed in a year in most cases. The curriculum is designed to teach you all the skills needed to become a competent corporate travel manager. You will learn how to book flights and hotels efficiently and make other travel arrangements for clients.

3. Obtain a license from DOT

The Department of Transportation (DOT) mandates that all corporate and other travel agents and professionals must obtain a license before they can apply for work in the industry. The eligibility for obtaining a license varies based on whether you plan to become a general or corporate travel agent.

Applicants must pass a written exam that covers subjects such as airline regulations and general security. The license must be renewed every two years by paying a fee.

4. Professional training

The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) provides corporate travel managers with the best professional training and networking opportunities. When you qualify for an ASTA membership, you can access multiple educational resources and career development tools such as resume building and interview preparation. ASTA members can obtain their licenses from the Department of Transportation.

5. Excellent communication skills

As a business travel manager, you constantly interact with clients traveling for business. Often, they may be in a rush to get their trip booked and may have many questions. You must be able to communicate clearly and answer all their queries promptly and to their satisfaction. It is essential to make your clients feel valued. You must also develop your customer service skills to provide an enjoyable experience to all your clients.

6. Stay informed about latest travel trends

The travel industry landscape is constantly changing as it keeps adapting to newer tools and emerging technologies relevant to the industry. New developments keep taking place in booking processes, security, and other key areas. They are aimed at easing the travel plan process. You must be up to date with these developments to be able to provide your clients with what your competitors may be already offering. You must also keep a close watch on the laws and policies related to foreign travel. This will help you plan your clients’ business trips more efficiently.

As a business travel manager, you must stay informed about these changes to provide your clients with up-to-date information and suggestions.

What does a corporate travel manager do?

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A corporate travel manager not only takes care of booking but also coordinates every other aspect of business travel for their clients. Apart from the basic role of booking air tickets, and hotel accommodations, you may also have to coordinate with local rental car services to ensure your clients can travel without any trouble. You may need to make restaurant reservations based on the culinary needs of clients.

Business travel managers generally work regular business hours. However, you may have to work overtime and even on weekends to sync with the travel schedules of clients.

The core duties of a corporate travel manager are:

  • Booking flight tickets and hotel accommodation.
  • Booking local rental cars for business travelers
  • Coordinating ground transportation
  • Making restaurant reservations
  • Researching to find the best deals on all the above
  • Creating itineraries based on client needs
  • Providing quality customer service to resolve issues that may crop up during a business tour
  • Tracking expenses and planning expense reports
  • Remaining updated with the latest news relevant to the travel industry

Corporate travel manager job description

Corporate travel managers are responsible for managing transport and creating itineraries of the employees. They should be able to communicate effectively with various departments and global TMCs for efficient travel managers. They must have sound knowledge of managing finances, making travel policies, choosing right Duty of Care, and hands-on experience of travel management platforms.

What skills do corporate travel managers have?

Business travel managers must have proven industry experience in handling clients’ travel needs efficiently. They must have sound knowledge of international travel regulations, local customs, and currencies. The skills that a corporate travel manager is expected to have include:

  • Knowledge of industry reporting and processing
  • Working knowledge of computer systems
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Proven skills in negotiation
  • An analytical mind and the ability to respond to resolve problems quickly

Conclusion

As a corporate travel manager, you must be an excellent multi-tasker as you will have many things to handle. A clear view of how to become a business travel manager will ensure the smoothest hiring and after-hiring work. It will also help you gain the accounts of the best companies and businesses around you. Corporate travel managers can leverage trip management platforms such as Paxes for easy booking of corporate trips.

How To Become A Corporate Travel Manager FAQs

Is corporate travel management a competitive field?

Yes, of course. With businesses expanding operations quickly, their staff must travel to fulfill business obligations and duties. There are many managers operating in the industry, so to get into the top echelons, you must deliver sterling performances consistently.

Why should I keep updating my knowledge?

The travel industry is constantly changing, with new technologies and rules coming into play with time. You must keep updated with these developments to provide quality service and solutions to your clients.

Do I need to be tech-savvy to be a successful corporate travel manager?

The travel industry is being increasingly driven by technology. You must have a working knowledge of how these technologies and tools work to remain competitive.

Are there enough opportunities available for a fresh business travel manager?

You may have to work harder to gain the trust of potential clients in the initial stages. Once you gain experience and start delivering the goods, you can expect to make rapid strides ahead.

How can I ensure steady growth in my business travel manager career?

The best way is to keep upgrading your skills and keep yourself current with the latest developments in the industry.

How can a Corporate Travel Manager assist our company with travel needs?

Corporate travel managers can assist our company by providing strategic planning, policy development, cost negotiation, booking and reservations, expense management, emergency support, employee support.

Why is it important for businesses to have a Corporate Travel Manager?

Corporate travel manager helps in strategizing, executing, managing, and optimizing business travel.

How can a Corporate Travel Manager help our company save on travel expenses?

Travel managers help in negotiating discounts, policy enforcement, expense tracking, and budgeting to save travel expenses.

How does having a Corporate Travel Manager benefit both the company and its employees?

Cost savings, policy adherence, risk mitigation, strategic decision-making, and enhanced productivity contribute to overall financial and operational efficiency. Well-managed travel arrangements, support services, and adherence to safety protocols enhance the overall travel experience, contributing to employee satisfaction and well-being.

How are last-minute travel requests managed efficiently by the Corporate Travel Manager?

Through their industry connections and knowledge about the supplier policies, corporate travel managers efficiently manage last minute requests.

What kind of support services does the Corporate Travel Manager provide to employees during their trips?

Establishing communication protocols, providing local assistance and offering 24x7 services are some of the top support services.


Pratyush

Pratyush is a traveling enthusiast who always looks for innovations in business travel management. He has 5 years of experience writing content on corporate travel management and working closely with expert business travel facilitators.