Traveling for work can be an excellent way to discover new destinations and cultures, build a network and close sales. It can be costly and challenging to manage. With so many stakes managing cost-effectiveness while also ensuring employee satisfaction with regulations and compliance is a challenge for organizations of all sizes.
When it is time to plan travel arrangements there are different parties involved: travel management, travel agents and online booking tools and employees traveling for work. Each of them has a role and responsibilities.
A travel manager is accountable for the management of corporate travel as well as relationships with suppliers such as airlines and hotels. They can negotiate discounted rates or contracted rates that aren’t accessible to individuals. They can also utilize the global distribution system (GDS) to search for flight and hotel options for employees. This saves them time and stress by not having to contact each supplier individually.
For major events and meetings the travel management team can find venues to ensure they’re suitable for the size of the expected audience and logistics top portable chargers of the meeting. They can also arrange for restaurants, hotels and convention centers to host the event.
Many companies have a dedicated technology or software team that designs and maintains the company’s travel booking system, in addition to other apps that are specifically designed to track expenses and navigation, as well as changing currencies. These apps are useful to employees on their way and help keep an eye on their expense reports, as well as keeping them updated on important workplace changes and updates.