Strategic travel management - mission impossible?
The work of travel managers goes far beyond buying airline tickets for employees; they ensure that travel is done in a cost-effective, safe and cost-efficient manner. To do this, they must compare and choose the best suppliers, taking sustainability criteria into account, in addition to managing budgets for each trip. For this reason, their figure is fundamental in companies and a guaranteed success factor if they want to remain competitive in the future.
The shortage of human and material resources makes the travel industry unable to meet the growing demand. Business travelers have to deal with delays at airports, train stations and hotels, which affects their travel experience.
Travel managers know that their job is far from easy. Even the majority (98%), according to SAP Concur's latest survey, believe their role will be much more challenging in the next 12 months compared to the same period last year. In addition, 28% of the managers surveyed confess to working under constant pressure to demonstrate to the company the importance of their role.
Many employees do not recognize the diversity and difficulty of the activities performed by travel managers. Many think that travel managers are only responsible for organizing the entertainment and leisure of employees, even though it is an essential task for a good atmosphere in the company. Travel managers are a strategic force who often work in the shadows.
The challenges to effective and appropriate travel management are enormous, due to economic pressures, sustainability demands and employee preferences regarding business travel (frequency, flexibility, etc.).
The challenges to effective and appropriate travel management are enormous, due to economic pressures, sustainability demands and employee preferences regarding business travel (frequency, flexibility, etc.).).
The business travel industry is dynamic and changing, and travel managers must be aware of new developments and trends. They must be fluent in several languages and have knowledge of business administration, human resources, tax law and information technology. Your professional profile also includes negotiation and travel organization skills.
To solve difficult problems, you need to act with determination and rely on solutions that work. According to McKinsey's key principles for business travel of the future, the key is to use real-time data in decision making
Travel availability and costs are constantly changing, and travel managers need to adapt quickly to these variations to avoid missing opportunities. To do this, they have real-time data that shows them the complete current situation, helps them to identify and manage traveler risks, as well as to locate and assist them if necessary. In this way, it is essential to be aware of the internal and external events of the company, to improve adaptability and flexibility in its planning.
In order to achieve a balance between optimal safety and flexibility of travel, it is necessary that business travel is adapted to each case and that traveling employees have more autonomy and decision-making capacity. For this reason, it is necessary to have digital travel management solutions that facilitate the implementation of these measures, or at least contribute to a smooth and satisfying business travel experience.
As we have seen, managers are responsible for designing a modern and effective business travel program. Therefore, meeting the needs of the travelers and following the guidelines of the company's management requires a change of role in the organization and the full support of the companies. Because a business travel program that delivers value is possible, as long as it is managed properly.
Because a business travel program that adds value is possible, as long as it is managed properly.