The Real Reasons Business Travelers Don't Get What They Want
Skift Take
Beyond limiting company spending, there are financial reasons why business travelers feel so constrained by corporate travel-booking policies. It's time for everyone to be honest about them.
The Global Business Travel Association Convention 2017 kicked off this weekend in Boston, with thousands of business travel professionals descending upon the Seaport District ready to schmooze and talk the future of corporate travel.
Last year's edition wasn't a thrilling affair, but a few issues did emerge that show how divided the ecosystem is when it comes to giving travelers more control over a business trip. One onstage argument between a car service provider and Lyft deftly illustrated the tension that remains in corporate travel.
The theme this year is "convergence," whatever that means. Despite all the talk from travel management companies about using digital tools to empower travelers, the core structure of the corporate travel ecosystem remains virtually the same as ever.
Technology can now track travelers in dangerous areas, automate expenses, and instantly rebook disrupted flights. It can simplify the booking process for travelers, allowing them to feel more in control of their trip through booking tools that pay attention to traveler preferences. These are all powerful advances.
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