CCRA’s Dic Marxen sees corporate travel agent salaries rising by double-digit percentages because of the profession’s aging workforce and dearth of new labor. He wasn’t surprised to see Travel Leaders Group this month create a scholarship program for military veterans. Marxen had a similar idea three years ago that died at the feet of federal bureaucracy, but he isn’t… Read More »
In corporate travel, sometimes there is tension between what is best for the employee doing the traveling and what is best for the organization footing the bill. Travel programs strive to find a balance that suits both. Arlene Coyle is chief commercial officer for corporations in the Travel Channels division at Amadeus IT Group. She discusses how a… Read More »
The decision by Siemens to move all hotel sourcing to HRS isn’t only about improving the $101 billion industrial manufacturer’s lodging program. It supports a traveler-centric philosophy through flexibility and choice that’s also reflected in other areas like air travel and booking channels. Process efficiencies are a bonus. “This is not open booking by definition,” said Albert James… Read More »
During decent economic conditions, traveler satisfaction is big in travel management circles. Everyone wants happy, healthy and productive employees, and many see that translating to improved corporate performance. Tripbam founder and CEO Steve Reynolds takes a contrarian view. He argues that it’s impossible to measure the return from giving travelers what they want. And once they start getting… Read More »
In the wake of the school shooting massacre in Florida a month ago, Delta Air Lines announced it would no longer offer discounted travel to members of the National Rifle Association. The NRA opposes banning the public sale of military-style firearms. Delta was one of a number of travel companies last month to cut ties with the NRA. Delta said it was attempting to stay neutral on divisive… Read More »
Travel management always has been about communication. Today it’s called engagement, and it’s crucial. Collecting feedback from travelers, coordinating with various departments and getting the right messages to the C-suite can be daunting. Repositioning the travel manager’s role may help. A recent job posting at Tesla reflects today’s thinking. The corporate travel manager for the Americas region that… Read More »
Today’s From The Field contribution could not be more timely — or serious. It came to us the day before news broke of alleged gender discrimination and sexual harassment at a corporate travel agency. In this submission, Databasics CEO Alan Tyson calls on those involved in sending employees on the road to better recognize and prevent such misconduct.… Read More »