26 November 2009

Technology taking off in business travel

Almost three quarters of travel managers use self-booking tools for business travel, according to a new study.

But only a minority make use of social networking media.

Research by the Institute of Travel & Meetings looked at the measured savings and technology types adopted by corporations across their travel and meetings programmes.

The ITM found that:

*70% of buyers managing business travel presently utilise self booking tools

*58% utilise expense management software and 52% use technology for traveller tracking

*33% were planning to implement mobile traveller updates and 25% were planning to implement meeting booking tool solutions in the future

*Estimated measured and proven savings achieved through self booking tools averaged seven per cent

*Only eight per cent utilise social networking type tools as part of their travel and meetings programme

ITM chief executive Paul Tilstone said: "The results suggest that the years of building technology solutions have paid off.

"From front to back end, technology is now an integral part of any transient business travel programme.

"The indications are that the same will occur to the meetings and events sector in due course and that the emphasis for those managing mature travel technology programmes will move to mobile traveller solutions."

The responses suggest that the cost and workload associated with implementing and maintaining technology solutions is regularly underestimated by both buyers and suppliers.

Colin Goldney, managing director of the ITM’s research partner Argate said: "The plethora of technology solutions allows corporations for the first time to really build innovative and tailored solutions.

"But in a highly complex and fast changing market, it’s difficult to know which technology types will deliver ongoing efficiencies and what the true service and saving abilities are.

"It appears that a much bigger time and financial commitment is required by those managing programmes for technology to deliver to expectation."

by Phil Davies

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Which Technology?

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By Clare Murphy, Friday, November 27, 2009