It’s also the reason that many companies work with a TMC like Egencia. Managing all these moving parts is the role of the travel manager. For instance, NASDAQ discovered the benefits of thinking through their travel policy and leading a change in policy and process that benefitted business travelers’ experiences and the bottom line. Duty of care policies also take a front seat when it comes to determining your travel policy.Īll of this allows an organization to manage costs, measure return on investment and help keep travelers safe.
Setting limits for travel, accommodation and per diems can be defined for specific regions and countries and take into account cultural differences in various parts of the world. Because business travel maps to business objectives, there are policies and controls in place that we don’t see when we book our leisure travel.Ĭorporations may have preferred vendors for hotels and car rentals, for instance. Consistency in policy definition and enforcement are key. Defining travel policies and proceduresĬlearly defined travel policies and procedures help rein in costs and ensure traveler wellbeing. The travel manager works with various stakeholders to build and direct that foundation. Traveler safety and risk management tools.Easy-to-use travel management tools and technologies.Clearly defined travel policies and procedures.Effective business travel programs are built on a foundation of: The business travel environment can shift unexpectedly, and the travel manager must proactively put travel policies in place to speed the corporate response and work to ensure traveler safety. Business requirements can change quickly, and the travel program must adapt just as fast. Working with a travel management company (TMC), travel managers make sure your travel program and policies meet the needs of your business and travelers.ĭownload the toolkit to redesign your travel programĭefining and implementing an effective business travel program is no easy task. It takes years of experience to master all of this. Their work could also involve procurement or working with external partners to get reimbursements for cancelled trips. Travel managers oversee and administer corporate travel policies and are traditionally tasked with travel expense management, leading vendor and partner contracts, monitoring business travelers’ needs and identifying cost savings. Their influence also goes far beyond business travel planning and reaches all the way to corporate leadership, making their role in informing how the corporate travel management program is structured an integral part of the organization. And make no mistake, they do much more than use a booking tool to reserve flights, make hotel reservations or book a car rental - their job description is much broader. Travel managers play a critical role in ensuring the success of a corporate travel program. A look at what makes up a travel manager’s job description