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A recent survey from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) and HRS, the leading global corporate travel and payment technology platform, highlighted how changes in workforce and a faster-than-expected return to travel are transforming managed travel. The survey was conducted in late June and respondents were travel managers and procurement leaders from the US, Canada, and parts of Europe.
According to the research, 54 percent of those surveyed say business travel has rebounded faster than expected, while 77 percent report they are spending more time troubleshooting traveler issues.
“The intersection of employee workplace trends and travel management is quite frenetic these days. These realities spur opportunities for forward-thinking finance, human resource, procurement, and travel leaders,” said HRS CEO Tobias Ragge. “Technologies addressing these trends are being launched and refined, with friction-reducing automation improving the everyday experience for employees. How quickly are you examining which solution best works for your workforce while also maximizing your operational budgets? This is the issue we see more frequently in our corporate engagements this year.”
Return of Corporate Travel Meets the Evolving Composition of Travel Departments
- More than half (54 percent) say the acceleration of business travel’s return has occurred “more quickly” or “much more quickly” than they expected at the beginning of the year.
- Nearly four in five (77 percent) say that they spend “more time” or “much more time” troubleshooting traveler issues. More than half (52 percent) reporting taking “more time” or “much more time” analyzing data.
- When asked what skill set they would seek if they could add a new team member, the convergence between customer service and data expertise is evident. Four in ten (40 percent) said customer service skills are in demand, while 35 percent seek data management expertise.
Reshaping the Office?
- Two-thirds (67 percent) believe that once all their offices are open, hybrid work scenarios will dominate. Only nine percent anticipate that all their colleagues will return to the office full time.
- Two in five respondents (40 percent) report that their companies have reduced their office space.
- Nearly two in five respondents (39 percent) say their company is hiring more remote workers than they did prior to the pandemic.
- Almost four of five travel managers (79 percent) say remote working policies boost employee morale, while 72 percent believe these policies help with talent recruitment.
“It’s great to see that business travel is coming back. The vast majority of suppliers and travel management companies continue reporting booking increases each month. But as outlined by the survey, the evolution we’ve seen since the pandemic is driving tremendous change across the business travel ecosystem,” said GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang. “Travel management teams now have a broader range of issues to address beyond negotiating supplier deals. The C-suite is more likely to promote the digitizing of more processes, implemention of sustainability initiatives, and steps to enhance satisfaction and security. Leaders are adjusting and taking steps to manage programs accordingly.”
The complete survey report is available via HRS at this page, while GBTA members can download a copy of the report via the GBTA Hub.
Visit gbta.org for more information.
[09.26.22]
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New Irizar CEO Imanol Rego
Bus and motorcoach manufacturer Irizar has announced that the Governing Council has named Imanol Rego as the new CEO of the Irizar Group. He will take up the new position after September 26 to drive the Group forward and tackle the new challenges of the future of mobility.
Rego will take up the role after vast international experience in several high responsibility positions, from supply chain management to global business, and he has broad knowledge of several sectors as well as the Group after being general director of Irizar e-mobility.
He will assume his role with the goal of continuing developing and innovating with sustainable technology and transport solutions for all clients and passengers.
“The world is facing a climate and energy challenge. And the Irizar Group provides a wide range of transport solutions that span electromobility and other energy sources, always with the goal of responding to the efficiency and sustainability challenges the world of today presents us with. The transport of the future is already here and we want our clients and passengers to keep enjoying the group’s innovations and technology,” says Rego
In unanimous representation of the Governing Council, Irizar S.Coop President Koldo Mendizabal expressed his complete confidence in Rego who, as leader of a technologically advanced organization, will drive solid and sustainable growth, reflect its team values, maintain commitments to clients and, first and foremost, stimulate the maximum operating efficiency of the Irizar brand.
Visit irizar.com for more information.
[09.26.22]
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James “Jim” Moseley, the former president of industry software TripTracker, the Limousine Association of New Jersey (LANJ), and James Limousine, has passed away. He was 80.
James Moseley
Moseley’s career in the industry spanned decades, first as owner of James Limousine, which he founded in the early ’80s in Cherry Hill, N.J. While searching for reservations software for his operation, he stumbled upon what would become TripTracker, a company he ultimately went on to purchase in 1986 and which he ran with his son, Jim. TripTracker expanded exponentially over the years to become a full-service operations management software used across the country.
“Jim Moseley was one of chauffeured transportation’s good guys. Kind, generous, a true gentleman … I consider myself very fortunate to have known him,” says LANJ Executive Director Patty Nelson.
Moseley was also a pivotal president of LANJ. During his tenure in 2014, Uber was continuing to ramp up its presence in the tristate and subsequently impacting area operators due to what was largely regarded as preferential treatment by the state. Moseley was one of several LANJ board members who testified at the New Jersey State House to oppose bills that would give Uber unfair advantage to luxury transportation operators. Additionally, in conjunction with the neighboring Philadelphia Regional Limousine Association, he formed a committee that would help to unify efforts with state regulatory authorities to combat TNCs in Philadelphia. He was also instrumental in installing a LANJ Line to the benefit of operators, establishing the 2015 Sponsor Title Program to benefit vendors, and establishing a membership committee. The association, which had recently consolidated within the state, also officially changed its moniker under his leadership.
Moseley retired from the industry in 2016.
“Jim was a true gentleman and always gave back to our industry with his time, money, and expertise. He was always there for us and he will be sorely missed. We will keep his family in our prayers,” says Tim Rose of Dolphin Transportation, who is also a past president of LANJ.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Chauffeur Driven extends our condolences to the Moseley family and friends.
[09.20.22]