In a world where we expect instant gratification, the corporate world is no exception. While many businesses have streamlined processes using technology, the travel industry still relies on outdated email-based systems. This can make the process of booking business travel complicated, time-consuming, and stressful. However, with the help of automated travel solutions, travel desks can simplify the process, save time, and deliver a better experience for everyone involved. Read on to know how automation can empower travel desks in any company.
It’s All About Instant Gratification
In today’s world, the demand for instant gratification is ever-increasing. Consumers expect products and services to be available at their fingertips, and the corporate world is no exception. While businesses have come a long way in utilizing technology to streamline processes, corporate travel management remains a laggard. Despite the advent of online booking tools, many companies still rely on outdated email-based systems for business travel management.
As a corporate travel management solution provider, ITILITE has witnessed this firsthand. Three years ago, when I joined ITILITE, I was surprised to see that most companies still operated on emails – the Travel 1.0 of business travel. In a world where we can get anything we want at the touch of a button, it was disheartening to see that the travel industry was still lagging behind.
As a travel manager or administrator, you know that the process of booking travel for your employees can be complicated, time-consuming, and stressful. But it doesn’t have to be this way. With the help of automated travel solutions, travel desks can simplify the process, save time, and deliver a better experience for everyone involved.
Travel Desk — Essential to Running Travel 1.0
The travel desk has always been a critical component of business travel. They ensure that approvals are secured over email, people are not trying to book last-minute travel, relevant options are shared with travelers, and cab drivers arrive on time, even with the pickup being at odd hours.
But the process of booking business travel can be a complicated one. There are many variables to consider, including a budget, policy compliance, and traveler preferences. The travel desk has to manage it all, and it can be a daunting task.
Travel 2.0 Has Technology at the Forefront, People at the Core
Fortunately, travel technology has come a long way in recent years, and automated travel solutions are at the forefront. By adopting an automated travel management platform, travel desks can elevate their roles in the company and improve the travel experience for everyone involved.
With an automated solution, flights and hotels can be booked instantly, especially if they are within policy. Travel desks can identify trends and highlight repeated defaulters for last-minute travel. They can recommend options automatically, including those that are contracted by the company. And if travelers need assistance, chat support is available within 60 seconds.
What Travel Desks Can Deliver Moving Forward?
While automation takes care of end-to-end travel management, travel desks can deliver much more with it. With automated travel solutions, travel desks can close deals with frequently booked inventory and drive real cost savings. They can identify repeated defaulters and get granular policies, such as sales booking last-minute travel. They can track NPS and create user delight.
In addition, the skills required for the future amongst automation in business travel include data analysis, policy management, and communication skills. Travel desks will need to be able to analyze data to make better decisions, manage policies to keep costs under control, and communicate effectively with travelers to deliver a better travel experience.
A Real-Life Example
One of our clients, a leading Indian food delivery company, recently adopted our automated travel solution. They were using a manual process to manage their travel, which was causing delays and frustrations for their employees. With the automated solution, they could book flights and hotels instantly, saving time and reducing stress for their employees. They also identified trends in last-minute bookings, which helped them optimize their travel policy.
The travel desk created more value for the company by negotiating better rates with airlines and hotels. They also delivered a better travel experience for their employees, which improved their satisfaction and loyalty to the company.
In conclusion, travel desks are doing more with automated travel solutions. By adopting an automated travel management platform, travel desks can simplify the process, save time, and deliver a better experience for everyone involved. They can close deals, identify trends, and create user delight. With the right skills and tools, travel desks can be at the forefront of the travel industry and deliver real value to their companies.
