Corporate travel has evolved dramatically over the past decade. With companies relying more on travel to expand their reach and achieve business goals, the role of corporate travel agents has become essential.
Whether you’re managing travel for a small business or a global enterprise, corporate travel agents offer specialized services that can help streamline processes, guarantee compliance, and reduce costs.
A corporate travel agent works with companies to manage and optimize their business travel needs. They provide expert advice, access to negotiated rates, and technology tools to streamline booking and expense management. By using a corporate travel agent, businesses can better control their travel spend and improve the overall travel experience for employees.
Key responsibilities of corporate travel agents:
There are many reasons why businesses turn to corporate travel agents. The most significant benefits include cost savings, policy enforcement, and improved traveler experiences.
The role of a corporate travel agent has undergone significant transformation, especially when integrated into modern travel management companies. Traditionally, corporate travel agents acted merely as intermediaries, handling bookings, processing changes, and managing traveler preferences through very manual processes.
However, today’s corporate travel agents work within sophisticated platforms that combine automation, data analytics, and personalized service to deliver a more efficient and seamless travel experience.
Here’s how their role has changed, especially when combined with a modern corporate travel management platform:
Corporate travel agents within a modern corporate travel management company can leverage advanced technology to enhance every step of the travel management process. Integrated platforms allow agents to access real-time travel data, streamline bookings, and enforce policy compliance. By operating within this digital ecosystem, agents can offer more accurate and efficient solutions.
The digital tools provided by travel management platforms like Navan allow agents to offer personalized support at scale. Agents have access to each traveler’s preferences, booking history, and loyalty programs, enabling them to suggest the best options that suit both the traveler’s needs and the company’s travel policy.
In a modern travel management company, corporate travel agents have access to a wealth of data to help them optimize business travel programs. These analytics allow agents to identify patterns in travel spending, make informed recommendations, and suggest cost-saving measures that align with the company’s objectives.
Modern corporate travel agents can help businesses enforce travel policies in real time. For example, the Navan platform’s dynamic policy features allow companies to set and update travel guidelines; agents guarantee that bookings comply with these rules, helping to prevent overspending or non-compliant bookings.
By integrating into modern travel management platforms, corporate travel agents have evolved from manual booking facilitators to strategic partners in business travel management. They leverage technology to streamline operations, support compliance, and offer personalized support, helping businesses achieve both efficiency and cost savings in their travel programs.
Consider the level of travel agent support available when selecting a corporate travel management platform. No matter how advanced the technology, travel disruptions can happen at any time, and access to real-time assistance is essential.
Make certain that the platform you choose offers 24/7 support from experienced travel agents who can resolve issues quickly and efficiently. Also be sure that agent support is available across multiple channels, including phone, email, and live chat, so travelers can get help in the best way for them — whether they’re dealing with a last-minute flight cancellation or a complicated booking change.
As businesses continue to expand globally, the need for efficient, cost-effective travel management has never been more important. Modern corporate travel management platforms like Navan combine human expertise with cutting-edge technology to streamline operations, support policy compliance, and offer round-the-clock support to keep your employees moving smoothly.
Schedule a demo with Navan today and see how our integrated platform can save your company time, reduce costs, and provide 24/7 support to your travelers.