Convenience is at the core of living in today’s world. From using phones, ordering foods, groceries to booking instant cabs, everything is at our fingertips. How about using the same rule for corporate travel arrangements? Corporate travels are more common than apparent, more complex than not apparent. Remote or hybrid work models has not impacted them significantly either. Hence, there is something called a self-booking tool for corporate travel arrangements.
It is a simple software interface your employees can use for business travel bookings online. There are many corporate travel self booking tools in the market. However, choosing the right one requires deliberation. For that, we need to look at the real benefits of self-booking tools for companies.
How does a Self-Booking Tool for Corporate Travel Work
The functionality of a corporate travel self-booking tool is simple and straightforward. The provider of the tool will set up the CBT with your company’s travel policies, the preferred vendor, and the rates on offer. Your employees just have to search for suitable travel and accommodation options in the system and make booking for flights, hotels, or cabs without violating the travel policies agreed upon.
Examples of Corporate Travel
- Board and client meetings
- Industry conferences, workshops and seminars
- Trade shows and exhibitions
- Sales presentations
- Training sessions
- Site inspections
- Product launches
- Networking events
- Company retreats
Top 10 Benefits of Corporate Travel Self-Booking Tools
- Considerable Cost Savings
- Simplifies the booking process
- Maximises traveller safety
- Safeguards traveller information
- Personalised travel experiences
- Scales with your business growth
- Offers 24/7 support
- Efficient concierge services
- Supports sustainable travel practices
- Utilises travel analytics
Results in Cost Savings
Corporate self-booking tools (CBTs) significantly reduce travel costs for companies by facilitating both direct and indirect savings. First of all, these platforms provide access to a vast inventory of flights and hotels through a Global Distribution System, as employees get to choose the most cost-effective options available.
By partnering with major airlines and hotels, CBTs offer negotiated rates. Some tools even incentivize employees to select economical travel options. Advanced platforms utilise AI-powered virtual travel consultants to analyse historical travel data and suggest cost-saving actions.
The primary advantage of using a CBT lies in the corporate fares and discounts offered. CBTs effectively leverage preferred supplier relationships to negotiate better rates without additional fees. Over time, the cumulative effect of these direct and indirect savings adds to the company’s financial health.
Simplifies the Booking Process
Traditional travel booking often involves handling multiple platforms and comparing various options. It can be time-consuming and overwhelming for employees. A corporate travel self booking tool makes it easier by consolidating flight and hotel options into a single interface.
With just a few clicks, employees can quickly find and book travel that aligns with company policies. It also frees up their time for more productive tasks. Moreover, this automation reduces the administrative burden, minimising the chances of errors or missed bookings.
Maximum Traveller Safety
Ensuring the safety of employees during business trips is paramount, especially for women. Any social or political unrest, crime, diseases can interfere with the safety of employees. A self booking tool for corporate travel contributes to this by integrating real-time alerts and travel advisories that keep travellers informed of potential risks.
They can collect and monitor travel data to track your employees’ whereabouts. They come handy for immediate assistance in case of emergencies. This proactive approach not only protects employees but also reassures them that their well-being is a top priority for the organisation.
Safeguards Traveller Information
In an era of increasing cyber threats, safeguarding sensitive traveller data is vital. In fact, the best corporate travel self booking tools come with robust security measures, including encryption and compliance with data protection regulations. They are completely equipped to protect personal and financial information.
This promises that employee details are secure from unauthorised access or breaches. It also builds trust in the system and company.
Personalised Travel Experiences
Meeting individual traveller needs bound by company policies can be challenging. On the other hand, a corporate travel self booking tool personalises the experience by using predictive analytics to suggest options that align with past preferences and behaviours.
Employees can easily find and select accommodations and flights according to their preferences within the company’s guidelines. It results in increased satisfaction and comfort, encouraging employees to be more focused and productive during their trips.
Provides Scalability
As businesses grow, their travel needs become more complex. Likewise, modern corporate travel self booking tools are also designed to scale with this growth. Their flexible features can accommodate an increasing number of travellers and more diverse travel requirements.
If necessary, they can easily integrate with other enterprise tools, opening up for seamless expansion without disrupting current operations.
Offers 24/7 Support
Business travel doesn’t always follow a 9-to-5 schedule, and issues can arise at any time. Self-booking platforms that offer 24/7 support facilitate employees’ access to assistance whenever they need it. The world has already seen the efficiency of AI chatbots and automated customer service. Whether it’s a last-minute itinerary change, a flight cancellation, or a hotel issue, round-the-clock support is always there to resolve problems swiftly.
Supports Sustainable Travel Practices
More than 50% of companies prioritise sustainable travel practice, thanks to expanding corporate social responsibility. Self booking tools for corporate travel today support sustainable travel with environmentally friendly choices, e.g. flights with lower carbon emissions or hotels with green certifications.
Moreover, a corporate travel self booking tool can be made to track and report on the company’s carbon footprint. It is a huge step for companies to achieve their sustainable goals. By aligning with the growing demand for eco-conscious business practices, it fetches global recognition also.
In-Built Travel Analytics
Data-driven decision-making is inseparable from corporate travel management. And the latest corporate travel self-booking tools facilitate that effectively. You can use them to get a peek into spending patterns, policy compliance, and traveller behaviour. Companies can refine their travel policies with this info, negotiate better deals with suppliers, and identify room for cost savings.
Efficient Concierge Services
Corporate travel often requires more than just booking flights and hotels. That is why, self-booking platforms often include concierge service management. It enables travellers to have access to a full suite of services, from ground transportation to dining reservations. A corporate travel self booking tool with this feature evens out the process of arranging these additional services, handling logistics.
Efficient concierge service management increases the overall travel experience, making sure that all aspects of the trip are well-coordinated and stress-free.
Conclusion
Implementing a corporate travel self-booking tool is more than a logistical upgrade—it’s a strategic investment in your company’s future. These tools empower employees with autonomy and efficiency, encourage sustainable practices and data security. By choosing the right platform, businesses can not only optimise travel management but also reinforce their commitment to innovation, safety, and environmental responsibility.
FAQs
What is corporate travel booking?
Corporate travel booking refers to the process of arranging business-related travel for employees. For example, booking flights, hotels, and transportation. It often uses specialised online platforms to enforce a company’s policy compliance and cost efficiency.
What are the best travel booking platforms in India?
SAP Concur, Navan, Happay, TravelPerk, Webexpenses, Expensify, Coupa, Egencia, Spendesk, and Zoho Expense are some of the top platforms for online corporate travel booking.
What are corporate travel accounts?
Corporate travel accounts are specialised financial arrangements that companies set up with travel service providers, such as airlines, hotels, or travel agencies. These accounts streamline the booking and payment process for business travel, enabling companies to manage expenses, access negotiated rates, and consolidate travel spending for better financial control.
Who manages corporate travels?
Corporate travel is usually managed by travel managers, travel management companies (TMCs), or designated internal teams who coordinate travel arrangements. The important part is policy compliance, and optimising travel costs for the organisation.