Travel management companies may inhibit growth of business travel unless they shape up
July 18, 2011
Many aspects of business travel in the U.K. are expected to improve if they have not already, but travel management may be putting a damper on things. Some companies may not be properly planning business trips, which can be costly and lower the amount of travel that a business is willing or able to allow. Travel management agencies may also be contributing to the state of business travel in the U.K., according to the Air and Business Travel News.
Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) recently conducted a survey that examined the best practices for travel and expense management. Travel managers who were surveyed by CWT revealed that at least 15 to 20 percent of trips that are booked with outside assistance are unnecessary, which means that companies are often spending more than needed to book business trips.
However, Mapfre Assistance surveyed more than 500 business travelers and found a 34 percent rise in the first half of 2011 from the first six months of 2010. When people are on the road for work, they can use long-distance calling cards to stay in touch with their friends and families back home.