Corporate travel isn’t just about booking flights and hotels — it’s about making strategic decisions that drive growth.
Whether sealing international deals, attending game-changing conferences, or building powerful networks, efficient corporate travel management is crucial to modern business operations.
Many companies attempt to manage corporate travel internally, but this approach often leads to inefficiencies, missed savings, and added strain on resources. That’s why smart businesses turn to corporate travel companies for specialized expertise.
With so many options, choosing the solution that best suits your business needs can be overwhelming. Continue reading to understand the dos and don’ts of finding the perfect travel match and to get a time-saving checklist to simplify the selection process.
Before searching for the right solution, there needs to be an internal understanding of the company’s business travel objectives. Generally speaking, companies have one or more of the following travel objectives directly supporting their North Star.
Because business travel remains a crucial component of corporate strategies, understanding these objectives will help find a corporate travel company that aligns with the company’s business priorities. The positive effect of face-to-face interactions in building strong relationships and driving growth is clear. So to maximize these benefits and streamline the travel process, businesses can turn to corporate travel companies.
The Facts: Why In-Person Meetings Matter
Face-to-face requests are 34 times more successful than e-mail
Companies receive $12.50 in value for every dollar invested in travel
A recent survey found 80% of respondents were against using video conferencing to close deals
Read More: Why Business Travel Is So Important
Corporate travel companies are specialized service providers that manage business travel arrangements. Beyond booking flights, hotels, and car rentals, these companies may provide support with risk management, travel policy compliance, and expense tracking. These services allow businesses to create a smoother travel experience and minimize disruptions. Many corporate travel companies often offer 24/7 customer service, real-time travel alerts, and assistance with emergencies, so that employees feel supported during their travels.
Choosing the right corporate travel company can have a significant effect on a company’s operations — and bottom line. Corporate travel companies help businesses maximize travel budgets by negotiating better rates with airlines and hotels, offering analytics to track expenses, and identifying areas for cost savings. Additionally, they can boost employee satisfaction by making the travel experience more efficient and stress-free, which often leads to increased productivity and better overall morale.
Businesses can easily fall into common traps when selecting a corporate travel company. Avoid making these mistakes.
One of the most frequent mistakes is overemphasizing cost at the expense of essential services. Focusing solely on price can lead to choosing a travel management company that lacks key time and money-saving features, such as advanced expense-tracking technology or strong customer support. This can result in hidden costs, including missed meetings or untracked spending, which can outweigh the initial savings.
Another common mistake is neglecting the value of customer service and technology integration. Corporate travel companies that provide 24/7 support and proactively give real-time updates can significantly improve the travel experience.
Additionally, seamless integration with existing business technologies, such as expense management systems, can streamline processes and improve overall efficiency. Failing to prioritize these aspects can lead to inefficiencies and dissatisfied travelers.
Lastly, entering into long-term contracts without proper evaluation can restrict a company’s flexibility. These agreements can make it difficult to adapt to evolving business needs. Carefully review contract terms and confirm that your travel company of choice allows for scalability.
When selecting a travel partner, make sure that they meet internal business needs and offer services that enhance the existing travel program. Use this checklist to evaluate potential partners:
Business Travel Expertise
___Specializes in managing corporate travel
___Understands your industry and specific travel needs
Customer Service
___24/7 support for emergencies and travel disruptions
___Dedicated account managers for personalized service
___Responsive and quick resolution of issues
Cost-Effectiveness
___Competitive pricing for flights, hotels, and car rentals
___Ability to negotiate discounted corporate rates
___Expense reporting and analytics for tracking and optimizing travel spend
___Rewards program to incentivize smart spending
Technological Solutions
___Advanced booking tools (desktop and mobile apps)
___Real-time data and reporting capabilities
___Integration with expense management systems
___Automated approval processes for bookings
Risk Management
___Proactive safety and risk assessment services
___Real-time alerts for travel disruptions or emergencies
___Assistance with traveler safety and insurance options
Global Presence
___Strong international network and partnerships with big industry players
___Ability to provide seamless travel arrangements worldwide
___Support for multi-regional or global travel programs
___Works with multiple currencies wherever your employees are located
Customization and Flexibility
___Ability to tailor travel policies and itineraries to employee’s needs
___Flexible solutions for last-minute travel changes or cancellations
___Customizable reporting based on your company's preferences
Compliance with Travel Policies
___Certify that travelers adhere to your company’s travel policies
___Automated tracking of policy violations
___Guidance on optimizing compliance while minimizing costs
Sustainability Initiatives
___Offers eco-friendly travel options (carbon offsets, rail journeys, etc.)
__Ability to track and report on carbon footprints
References and Testimonials
___Positive client feedback and case studies
___Reliable references from other companies in your industry
___Track record of long-term client satisfaction
Ready to find a corporate travel company that leverages the latest technology for a stress-free voyage? Discover how Navan has solved travel and expense management.