Hotel corporate program strategies aren’t straightforward at the best of times. A new “dual rate” pricing model could make lives easier for travel managers, but a lot more complex for the properties their employees will be checking in to.
The situation is dire for many suppliers, but corporate travel managers could help hotels and airlines prepare for the rebound — if they act responsibly.
Considering the widespread travels bans in place, Global Business Travel Association members are either overly confident about when normality will resume, or underestimate the seriousness of the situation.
The buzz around traveler satisfaction that’s been growing steadily over the last few years is now starting to resolve into meaningful conversations. Moreover, the opportunities that corporate enterprises are exploring when it comes to business traveler happiness are a bit surprising.
It all comes down to uncertainty, making consumers more cautious and businesses more likely to cancel travel. Unfortunately, this anxiety isn't going to end any time soon.
The partial government shutdown started just before Christmas, a slow time for work-related trips. But now that 2019 is well underway, business travelers are feeling an impact that will only grow if the impasse persists.
Corporate travel is working to solve some of the big problems that have prevented change, although it's hard to really see foundational change taking place across the sector anytime soon.