Data analytics and mobile technology a priority in travel programs
The latest CWT Travel Management Priorities Report 2015 shows that travel managers globally will place greater emphasis on data and mobile technology to guide their programs. In addition, the focus will continue to be on cost savings and traveler engagement.
The study reveals that the top priority will be, at 63% 63% of responses, to use travel data to develop predictive analyses andcomparisons. This highlights the importance that travel managers place on having better visibility into data in order to target their programs and align them with their particular business objectives goals.
Next priorities include implementing a rate tracking and rebooking solution, with 62% 62% of those surveyed, and promoting the company's new and improved service offerings to its customers, including the implementation of a fee tracking and rebooking solution, ;the promotion of mobile apps to increase the efficiency of travelers during their journeys, which remains a key topic and ranked third with 60% of responses.
The CWT study emphasizes the importance of mobile technology, which continues to play a major role for both travel managers and travelers on the go.
In Europe, Middle East and África; respondents commented that their top three priorities for the next 12 months would be:
• The promotion of mobile apps to increase travelers' efficiency while on the move (60%).
• The implementation of a fare tracking and rebooking solution (59%).
• Using travel data for predictive analytics and benchmarking (58%).
About this report, David Moran, CWT executive vice president, global head of marketing and business strategy, said: "Travel managers are looking to turn data into insight and promote the use of mobile technology to enhance the traveler experience. Ultimately, it's about redefining travel programs, and we're working with clients to develop the best tools as well as the most advanced tools they need to get the most out of their travel programs in 2015 and beyond.
In December CWT released the first part of this study showing how travel managers expected data security, the global economy and mobile technology to be the three factors that will have the biggest impact on their travel programs in 2015. This is clearly reflected in their priorities this year.
More than 1,100 travel manager surveys were conducted for the report. In this year's study, in addition to ranking the 12 priorities on their agenda, they were asked to predict the impact of 11 established and emerging market trends. Since December, travel managers have been able to compare what they predict will be the top trends of 2015 with those of their peers through an interactive website.
CWT's Travel Management Priorities for 2015 are organized into five chapters corresponding to different aspects of travel: program content and purchasing; travel policy and compliance; travel search and booking; traveler information and traveler care; and expense management and reporting.
The 12 priorities identified in CWT's 2015 Travel Management Priorities are:
1. Use travel data for predictive analytics and benchmarking (63%).
2. Implement a fare tracking and rebooking solution (62%).
3. Promote móvile applications to increase travelers' efficiency during their journeys (60%).
4. Use Big Data to adapt travel policy (55%).
5. Streamline spend management processes (51%).
6. Take into account dynamic pricing opportunities for hotel purchases (50%).
7. Implement an online door-to-door booking tool (42%).
8. Provide recommendations aimed at improving traveler wellness (39%).
9. Manage the hidden costs of travel-associated stress (37%).
10. Further promote travel policy through social media (35%).
11. Implement a virtual payment solution (32%).
12. Get travelers to commit to travel policy compliance and reward them for it using gamification techniques (29%).
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