Trends in Business Travel Management – What’s up in the UK?

 

What’s the next big thing in business travel? That’s the question every travel manager should be asking. Luckily, the Business Travel Conference (TBTC) in London on September 19-20 should provide a stack of answers… but here’s a sneak peek at some of the hot topics British travel managers are tackling right now.

 

Post-Brexit Budgets

Few travel managers disregard budget airlines these days. But the post-Brexit vote fall in the pound means even low-cost airlines are getting crushed by bumped up costs, so UK travel managers are currently keeping a very close eye on seat prices.

Moving forward into 2018 and beyond, expect to see more business conducted in the UK. Falling Sterling rates will make Britain cheaper for incoming travellers; although UK travellers heading overseas will face higher hotel costs.

 

Don’t Overlook Duty of Care

Duty of care will be a hot topic at this year’s TBTC. There’ll be sessions on bringing your business duty of care policy up to scratch and how to implement the policy whilst still looking after costs and other considerations. UK travel managers have noticed huge efforts from hotel chains to try and tempt travellers to book with them directly. While this may save money at face value, it causes a large area of concern in terms of security protocols being breached. Without oversight from a dedicated travel manager, the lines of communication can be blurred.

 

Millennials Prefer Mobile

At least a quarter of all business travel booked in the UK in 2017 has been via a mobile app. This is set to rise again next year. Given that younger groups of business travellers check their mobile on average 157 times a day, businesses that neglect to cater to this are missing a trick. Check out the sessions at TBTC that will help you understand more about using mobile apps in travel management.

 

‘Optional’ Extras

A survey by Fortune Magazine showed that 55% of travellers considered in-room technology and WiFi to be most important when booking business travel accommodation. As more and more premium hotels offer access to these services for free, travel managers are finding that the budget hotels that charge for these services aren’t always the most cost-effective option – when looking at the overall price of a hotel stay. There are numerous sessions at TBTC that will walk travel managers through the best hotel options for their business.

So, for UK- and overseas-based travel managers looking to keep ahead of the issues that are relevant to their business, TBTC will provide the knowledge and expertise needed, and give them valuable insight into the areas they need to keep an eye on moving into 2018.

Be sure to stop by our stand and say ‘hi’!

 

Photo by David Dibert on Unsplash

 

 

 

Five Reasons To Attend The Business Travel Conference 2017

The Business Travel Conference (TBTC) – happening in London between September 19 and 20 – is an unmissable opportunity for travel managers looking to make new connections and get some insider tips from those in the know.

Previous delegates describe TBTC as the only conference to attend if you’re in the industry! Here are five reasons you should come along too…

 

1. Learn the Tricks of the Trade

TBTC is a chance for anyone tasked with organizing company travel to absorb new information and gain the skills and knowledge needed to help them overcome the hurdles they face in their day-to-day roles.

This year’s program includes sessions on getting to grips with travel technology; how to get the best accommodation rates; negotiating airfares; and getting your rail fare spend under control.

 

2. Network!

Ok, so it’d be strange if you went to an event like this and didn’t expect to mix with other delegates and exhibitors. But the key difference with TBTC is that there are specific networking opportunities throughout the event; held in smaller and more friendly settings. You’ll be able to meet all the suppliers from the exhibition – including airlines, hotels, and travel technology specialists. Oh, and don’t forget: there’s also a free lunch and evening drinks reception (if that sort of thing appeals…!)

 

3. Over 60 Leading Business Travel Suppliers

Whatever kind of travel booking you’re responsible for within your company, you’re guaranteed to find plenty of leads to follow up on from the exhibitors at this year’s conference. Take a look at the exhibitor list here. You won’t get hounded or be given the hard sell, just the opportunity to walk around the exhibition and meet with the suppliers you want to connect with.

 

4. It’s Free!

A two-day pass (or one day if you can’t tear yourself away from the office) for the entire event is free for anyone who works in business travel planning. Last year more than 80% of attendees said they would be able to save their company more money as result of attending TBTC – and more than 90% said they took away ideas and knowledge that they could put into practice when back at work. Not bad for a free pass!

 

5. Come and Meet Arbitrip!

You’ve been reading the blog – maybe you’ve even learned a thing or two from us (!). But now we want you to come meet us in the flesh. Yup, we’re gonna be at TBTC too, so don’t be a stranger! Come talk to us and find out how we can help you manage your travel, save your company money when booking online and increase your travelers’ satisfaction.

We can talk you through how our technology works (if that’s your bag), give you advice, and explain the benefits using us will give your company. So do stop by and say hi: we look forward to meeting you!

You can find out more details about the conference here.