The Importance of Flexibility for Corporate Travelers
Corporate travelers undoubtedly require a certain amount of flexibility when they travel, in addition to high levels of comfort and convenience. Reputable corporate travel service companies should have flexible travel options available, especially if their clients have projects with variable or uncertain timeframes.
According to a study of business travelers conducted by Global Business Travel (GBT) and the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE Global), the marketplace for commercial airfare is more fragmented than ever. Although this gives passengers more flight options, it can be difficult for travel managers to maintain both the comfort and class that employees have grown to love and require.
Here’s why travel managers need to consider more flexibility for their road warriors.
Business Travelers Want More Flexibility
Research conducted in 2017 found that 31% of corporate travelers desired more autonomy and flexibility when traveling. By the first half of 2018, that number has already grown to 37%. Companies cannot ignore these demands, with 61% of managers claiming that their travelers are asking for improved technical access during their trips, allowing them to work remotely if needed. Today’s business traveler lives in a world of immediate convenience and expect near-instantaneous service. This thirst for convenience has spread to the realm of business travel even more.
New Organizations Are Leading the Way in Corporate Travel Flexibility
With most their staff being under 40, younger businesses appear to be leading the way when it comes to business travel comfort and convenience. These forward-thinking organizations are more willing to work with their travelers’ demands and adopt technical solutions to increase flexibility in booking and convenience. Companies implementing industry-leading technology like predictive booking apps and chatbots for employee support are a step ahead of their competitors. Any company wanting to maintain top talent and attract new hires ought to be taking note and harnessing the power of these new flexible solutions.
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
A survey of travel managers recently found that 38% of them believe that their travelers suffer due to a lack of access to non-GDS content. Although a global distribution system offers managers a cornucopia of ease and convenience, sometimes they inevitably have to look outside of policy to discover more travel options. It’s important to take non-GDS content into account, especially if you’re trying to expand your options to accommodate travelers looking for more flexibility.
Do you need a flexible, dependable booking option that supports both you and your travelers? Look no further than Adelman’s Ava, our proprietary mobile app that gives travelers everything they need—anywhere, anytime. Learn more about it here or contact us today to see how this could support your travel program.