With business travel growing at a fast pace, travel management can be a complex and time-consuming process. That’s why organizations are turning to business travel management agencies to streamline their travel management and ensure a smooth traveler experience.
However, with the advancement in technology, it is imperative to opt for an agency that offers a travel management software solution that makes use of the latest technology trends.
This way, you can stay ahead of the curve and provide your business travelers with the best possible travel experience.
Below are the latest technological trends that make a business travel agency to stand out from others.
1. Cloud-based Systems
Cloud-based software utilizes remote servers to store and manage data. One of the primary advantages of this technology is the ability to access the software application from any location with an internet connection.
This means that employees and managers can easily access the travel management software solution at any time to retrieve important information and complete necessary tasks.Â
Using a cloud-based system offers multiple advantages, some of which include:
Centralized access to data: Having all data in one place gives everyone access to the same information, which reduces the risk of duplicate data. Further, you can quickly retrieve the information without searching through multiple systems.
Increased savings: Companies can simply pay for the specific features and resources they require based on a subscription-based payment model for cloud-based systems.
This allows them to avoid the cost of software licenses they do not need or use, thus saving money that would have been wasted otherwise.
Minimal maintenance: Cloud software requires minimal maintenance because the software provider is responsible for maintaining the underlying infrastructure, updating the software, and resolving any issues that may arise.
This means that travel agencies do not need to worry about the technical details of maintaining the software themselves.
Integration with third-party software: Cloud software can integrate with third-party software to provide additional functionality and streamline business processes. For instance, a travel management software solution can integrate with accounting, CRM, and ERP software.
Scalability: Cloud software is highly scalable, which means it can easily handle increases in users or data without requiring additional maintenance or hardware upgrades.
2. Artificial Intelligence
Chatbots
AI chatbots are software programs that use artificial intelligence to converse with users through text or speech. These chatbots offer significant benefits to the business travel agency by providing round-the-clock customer support and obtaining valuable feedback from business travelers.Â
Chatbots are particularly useful for answering common questions and solving routine inquiries, such as flight changes or delays, which can free up time for travel agents to focus on more complex tasks. In addition, chatbots offer multilingual support, enabling travel agencies to assist customers across different geographies.
Personalization
As the travel industry continues to evolve, business travelers increasingly demand personalized experiences.
To meet this demand, business travel management agencies are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver customized travel experiences to their customers.
By analyzing a customer’s search history and preferences, AI technology can offer travel recommendations that align with their interests and budget. This level of personalization enables companies to enhance the travel experience for their employees, leading to increased satisfaction and productivity.
Forecasting
Artificial intelligence sets a business travel management apart by offering the capability to predict travel-related events. By analyzing vast amounts of travel data, AI can identify patterns and correlations that enable accurate forecasting of popular destinations, preferred additional services, and potential disruptions that may impact upcoming trips.Â
Moreover, with the help of AI, travel agencies can find the best deals with the help of cost predictions. These insights empower travel management agencies to optimize their inventory, save costs, and ultimately provide a superior travel experience for their clients.
3. Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) technology provides a computer-generated 3D environment that can help agencies give their clients a better idea of what a place looks like before they book it. Travel agencies can partner with hotels to create a more realistic preview of a room or conference venue.Â
VR helps business travelers get a good sense of what the place looks like, what features it has, and what amenities are available. This enables travelers to make better choices about where to stay or have a meeting.
As a result, the business travel agency that offers this experience gains increased loyalty and a competitive advantage in the industry.
4. Big Data Analytics
Big data analytics is the process of analyzing complex data sets to identify patterns that can be used to make better business decisions. This involves using advanced data analytics tools to handle large volumes of data from various sources.
Business travel management agencies can use big data to analyze customer behavior and preferences, such as travel patterns, booking history, and feedback. Additionally, you can use big data to mitigate the risk of fraud. By analyzing large data sets, agencies can quickly identify suspicious activities and take proactive measures to prevent losses.
Some other ways in which travel management agencies can leverage analytics to optimize business travel process are: reducing travel costs, increasing travel ROI, improving traveler experience and wellness, and increasing sustainability.
5. Mobile-based Application
Nowadays, mobile applications have become the preferred choice of business travelers. In fact, according to a survey, nearly two-thirds of travelers rely on mobile apps during trips. This is because mobile apps offer better performance than websites in terms of speed, add-on functions, and overall user experience.
Mobile applications aid business travelers by providing them the ability to manage their itinerary with just their mobile phones, especially when they are on the road.
Further, mobile apps provide real-time notifications regarding upcoming trips and changes in flight schedules, which keeps travelers informed and prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.Â
Further, mobile applications may also offer in-built communication options to help business travelers communicate with travel managers easily. Ultimately, a travel management agency offering a seamless and efficient mobile booking experience can stay ahead of competitors.
6. IoT (Internet of Things)
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical devices embedded with sensors and software, allowing them to stay connected and collect data.
In the travel industry, IoT sensors can be used to gather information on various aspects of travel, such as traffic conditions and other environmental factors.Â
Business travel management agencies can then analyze and utilize this data to optimize travel plans, improve safety, and provide a better travel experience for their clients.
Furthermore, IoT technology allows for location-based interactions, with the help of which travel agencies can send location-specific information to business travelers, such as potential weather disruptions.
IoT is also extremely beneficial in baggage tracking. With IoT sensors, travelers can be assured that their check-in bags won’t be lost, as they can track the location of their luggage in real-time.
This can be a significant differentiator for the agency, as lost luggage is a common source of frustration for business travelers.
7. Blockchain Technology
Blockchain technology presents a valuable opportunity for travel management agencies to improve how travelers book and pay for their trips.
By leveraging blockchain technology, travel management agencies can create a decentralized platform that allows travelers to book flights, hotels, and other travel services directly without the need for intermediaries.
This can result in faster and more secure transactions, reducing the fees associated with traditional payment methods.
Blockchain technology can also securely store sensitive information such as passport details and travel insurance policies. Further, it can streamline the process of information sharing between travel management agencies and as airlines. This results in a more efficient and seamless experience for travelers.
8. Voice Technology
Voice technology involves using voice-activated virtual assistants that enable travelers to perform various tasks using their voice. It can provide business travelers with personalized assistance via speech.
It’s particularly useful for people who are frequently on the go or have difficulty typing on touch screens.
A report says 73% of travel firms aren’t ready for voice technology despite the desire, recognition, and budget. By investing in voice technology feature, a business travel agency stands out from the competition.
David Chapple, Travel Technology Europe’s event director, said voice technology could revolutionize the travel industry. Innovators have recognized its ability to personalize search results, provide real-time information, and enhance the customer experience.
Voice technology is a promising tool for the travel industry to stay competitive and meet evolving traveler needs.
9. Geolocation Services
Geolocation services can play a vital role in ensuring business travelers’ safety and security while on the road. Live-tracking employees helps quickly identify safety concerns, like heading towards unsafe areas or being near disasters or unrest.
This allows you to take immediate action to ensure your travelers’ safety and assist them if needed.Â
Geolocation not only enhances the overall customer experience but can also help build the trust and loyalty of business travelers. By providing real-time tracking and support, companies can demonstrate their commitment to the safety and security of their employees.
Geolocation services uniquely set a best business travel agency apart from the competition.
Choose a Business Travel Agency that Offers Cutting-Edge Technology
In today’s fast-paced business world, adopting the latest technological trends is crucial for any travel management agency to stay competitive. Integrating mobile apps and AI, travel agencies offer personalized, safe travel experiences to clients.
ITILITE is a leading corporate travel management agency that offers cutting-edge technology to its customers. ITILITE ensures a hassle-free travel experience with AI chatbots, personalized recommendations, advanced analytics, and a virtual consultant.
Book a demo now and experience the benefits of our advanced technology firsthand.
