As interesting as the next new thing can be, sometimes it’s the boring old stuff that needs attention. Core processes, data capture, spend management. Yawn. When Germany-based Conichi hit the market four years ago, its mobile app leveraged beacons and personalization, and facilitated digital hotel room door opening. The company’s focus is different now. Conichi still provides some of those… Read More »
Despite the priority of safety and security for business travelers, few employers comprehensively vet the hotels they use. It’s time-consuming and expensive. Two new organizations are helping with the task, joining the longer-established Safehotels Alliance. Ugosafe hopes in September to launch its evaluation program covering Africa. It’s an initiative of Paris-area hospitality security company S2H (Smart Security for… 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 »
One of the first applications of blockchain to corporate travel is in the works at hotel distribution and contracting specialist HRS. Spurred in part by discussions with sourcing client Siemens, HRS is testing blockchain-powered smart contracts, allowing clients and hotels to negotiate rates that change based on environmental conditions. In another scenario, blockchain supports identity verification at check-in. The… Read More »
It’s clear that travel risk management is a top priority for travel management professionals (1, 2). Recent industry research, though, showed companies are at varying stages of preparedness. The demand is there. Company leaders, investors and regulators may insist on certain measures. Travelers are asking, too. One-quarter of the travel managers polled in April 2017 by the Association of… Read More »
Travel management’s top priority for a long time was cost control. Now, duty of care and traveler safety are front and center. Traveler satisfaction continues to rank a bit lower (1, 2). Nevertheless, corporate travelers seem to be a pretty satisfied bunch, at least according to 2017 industry research. It sounds counter-intuitive. Business travel is grueling. The list of headaches and… Read More »
GBTA will consider “all forms of accommodations” for a forthcoming update to its hotel request for proposals template. Aiming to complete the update in time for 2019 rate negotiations, GBTA will establish a volunteer task force to determine which new elements to incorporate, according to an association official. Bringing home-sharing into the annual hotel RFP process would be… Read More »