How to choose the right corporate travel management partner

Choosing the right corporate travel management partner is a crucial decision for any business. An efficient travel partner can help streamline travel processes, reduce costs, and improve the overall experience for employees. This article will discuss the key factors to consider when selecting a corporate travel agency to meet the unique needs of your business.

Understanding your business travel needs

Before selecting a corporate travel partner, it’s important to assess your company’s specific travel needs. Whether you’re a finance leader, travel manager, or procurement professional, this step will help you choose an agency that aligns with your goals and provides the right services.

Consider the following factors:

• Company size: Larger companies may require more robust solutions, while smaller businesses may need more personalised attention.
• Travel frequency: If your employees travel frequently, you’ll want an agency that offers discounts and manages complex itineraries.
• Travel requirements: Some industries may require specialised services, such as global coverage or access to last-minute bookings.

Defining your company’s internal travel policies will also help you communicate effectively with potential travel agencies and guarantee a good fit.

Key considerations for selecting a corporate corporate travel management partner

When evaluating corporate travel agencies, it’s essential to consider several key factors that directly impact your business’s travel efficiency, cost management, and employee satisfaction. The right agency will be able to provide tailored solutions that align with your company’s unique needs.

Below are the primary considerations to keep in mind:

1. Industry expertise and specialisation

Not all corporate travel agencies are created equal. One of the first things to consider is whether the agency has experience in your specific industry or specialises in business travel. An agency familiar with your industry is more likely to understand the specific travel requirements, policies, and compliance issues that come with it.

For example, the travel needs of a tech company expanding globally will differ significantly from those of a manufacturing firm with regional operations. A specialised agency can offer recommendations based on its experience with similar companies, making it easier to handle challenges like last-minute bookings, global regulations, or managing employee preferences. Agencies with industry-specific knowledge can also help maintain compliance with sector-related regulations and offer customised travel solutions.

2. Range of services

Another crucial factor when selecting a corporate travel agency is its range of services. A one-stop solution that offers comprehensive travel management — covering everything from booking flights to managing travel insurance — can significantly simplify your company’s travel operations.

A wide range of services helps guarantee that your employees have everything they need in one place, reducing the administrative burden on your HR or finance departments. Features should include:

• Flight and hotel bookings: Does the agency provide a wide selection of flights and accommodations, including budget options and premium services?
• Ground transport: Offering solutions like car rentals, ride-sharing, or chauffeur services allows employees to travel seamlessly from the airport to their destination.
• Visa and passport services: An agency that can assist with visa applications and renewals is invaluable for international travellers.
• Travel insurance: A robust insurance offering helps mitigate risks associated with business travel, such as trip cancellations or medical emergencies.
• Expense management: Integration with your company’s expense management system means that travel expenses can be tracked and reported in real time, avoiding delays and improving financial oversight.

An agency that offers all these services in one platform will simplify the booking process, reduce errors, and save time for travel managers and employees.

3. Global reach

Whether a corporate travel agency has a global reach is a critical consideration for businesses with international operations. Managing global business travel comes with unique challenges — from dealing with different time zones to navigating foreign regulatory requirements and tax implications.

An agency with extensive global reach enables your employees to access various travel options, no matter where they are. This means:

• Access to flights, hotels, and ground transportation in various regions, even remote or less-travelled locations.
• The ability to negotiate better rates globally, due to partnerships with international airlines, hotel chains, and other travel service providers.
• Real-time support across multiple time zones, so your employees can reach out for assistance no matter where they are.

Additionally, agencies with global capabilities are well-versed in local laws, customs, and business etiquette, making it easier for your company to navigate international markets. Whether you’re dealing with changing visa requirements, regional health protocols, or safety concerns, a globally connected agency is better equipped to provide the level of service your company needs.

Common challenges in corporate travel management

Managing corporate travel can be complex and time-consuming, especially as business needs evolve and travel frequency increases. From unexpected costs to logistical issues, there are several challenges that businesses commonly encounter. Identifying these challenges early on is crucial in choosing a corporate travel agency that can address them effectively and provide a smooth, hassle-free travel experience for your employees.

1. Hidden fees and lack of transparency

Unexpected costs can quickly add up when working with an agency that doesn’t provide transparent pricing. Many companies are surprised by hidden fees, such as booking changes, cancellations, or service charges that weren’t disclosed up front. 

To avoid those surprises, choose an agency that offers transparent and up-front pricing with a detailed breakdown of all potential costs. This transparency helps your finance team stay on budget and builds trust between your company and the agency.

2. Poor customer service

Customer service can make or break your corporate travel programme, especially when things are unplanned. Inadequate customer service — particularly when unavailable 24/7 — can significantly disrupt travellers dealing with delayed flights, missed connections, or hotel issues. 

Selecting an agency offering around-the-clock support lets employees access help whenever they need it. Look for agencies that provide phone and digital communication options, such as live chat, email, and text messages to handle emergencies in real time.

3. Last-minute changes

In business travel, last-minute changes are inevitable, whether due to shifting client meetings, emergencies, or flight cancellations. Some travel agencies impose heavy fees for last-minute cancellations or modifications, which can strain your travel budget. 

Make sure your chosen agency is flexible in managing these changes and offers options for rebookings, refunds, or cancellations without steep penalties. A good agency will work proactively to accommodate sudden changes and minimise disruption.

4. Compliance with company travel policies

Making sure employees adhere to company travel policies can be challenging, particularly in larger organisations. Non-compliance, such as booking outside approved vendors or overspending on travel accommodations, can lead to budget overruns and policy breaches. An ideal corporate travel agency will have systems to enforce travel policies in real time, so that bookings align with your company’s guidelines. Automated travel tools that flag or block non-compliant bookings can save time and money.

5. Limited travel inventory

Some travel agencies may not offer a robust inventory of flights, hotels, and other services, which can result in higher costs or inconvenience if employees are unable to book their preferred choices. 

To overcome this shortcoming, choose an agency with a broad travel inventory that includes multiple Global Distribution Systems (GDSs) and direct connections with airlines, hotels, and car rental services. 

6. Travel risk management and duty of care

The safety of travelling employees is essential, and corporate travel agencies must offer solutions for real-time risk management and duty of care. This includes providing up-to-date information on potential risks, such as health alerts, travel restrictions, or natural disasters, and tools for tracking employees while they travel. 

Agencies that offer robust risk management systems give businesses peace of mind and allow them to respond swiftly if any safety concerns arise.

7. Expense management integration

A common challenge in corporate travel management is more seamless integration between travel bookings and expense reporting. When travel expenses are handled manually or disconnected from the booking process, it can result in delays, errors, and increased administrative work. 

The right agency should offer integration with your company’s expense management system, allowing for automatic tracking of travel costs and maintaining compliance with travel budgets. This reduces the burden on travellers and finance teams by streamlining the expense reporting process.

By identifying these challenges and working with a corporate travel agency equipped to address them, businesses can improve travel efficiency, control costs, and provide employees with the support they need while on the road.

Technology, customisation, and integration to look for

Modern corporate travel management relies heavily on advanced technology, customisation, and seamless integration with business systems. The right travel management solution should provide tools and services that cater to your company’s specific needs while enhancing the employee travel experience.

Technology and integration capabilities

A travel agency’s technology can make or break the efficiency of your travel management. Look for the following features:

1. User-friendly booking platforms: Choose agencies that offer intuitive booking platforms with mobile-friendly interfaces. These tools allow employees to easily book and manage their travel.

2. Integration with business tools: The agency’s platform should integrate seamlessly with your expense management, ERP, HR software, and other internal systems. This integration helps streamline travel expense tracking, policy enforcement, and reporting, so that all aspects of travel management align with your company’s workflow.

3. Real-time tracking and reporting: Real-time tracking of bookings and detailed reporting on travel expenses is essential for controlling your travel budget. A robust platform will offer up-to-date data to help your company make informed decisions and optimise spending.

Flexibility, customisation, and personalisation

Every company has unique travel requirements, so flexibility and personalisation are crucial in selecting a corporate travel agency.

1. Tailored travel policies: Agencies should allow you to create custom travel policies that align with your specific business needs. These policies could include preferred airlines, hotel chains, or budget limits for different types of trips.

2. Adaptability to changes: As your business grows or shifts, your travel needs will likely evolve. It’s important to select an agency that can scale its services to accommodate changes in company size, travel frequency, and other factors.

3. Dedicated account managers: Personalised service is a key differentiator when choosing a travel agency. A dedicated account manager can offer faster response times and tailored support, making the travel process smoother and more responsive to your company’s unique needs.

Cost-effectiveness and transparency

Budget management is a significant consideration when selecting a corporate travel agency. The right agency should help control costs without sacrificing service quality.

1. Comparing costs vs. value: Instead of focusing solely on upfront costs, evaluate the overall value that the agency provides. An agency that offers competitive pricing while delivering high-quality services is more beneficial in the long term.

2. Transparent pricing models: Transparency is critical. Choose an agency that provides transparent, up-front pricing and avoids hidden fees or unexpected charges that could disrupt your budget. Agencies with transparent pricing models help businesses better plan and manage travel expenses.

3. Negotiated rates for frequent travellers: For companies with frequent travellers, it’s worth seeking agencies that offer negotiated rates on airfare, hotels, and other services. These discounted rates can result in significant savings over time, especially for businesses with a high travel volume.

Sustainability and corporate social responsibility

Many businesses are now incorporating sustainability goals into their travel programmes. The right corporate travel agency can help you track and reduce your company’s environmental impact.

1. Environmentally responsible travel: Look for agencies that provide tools to manage and reduce carbon emissions, such as options to compensate for travel emissions. Access to data on travel-related environmental impacts helps companies make more informed decisions about reducing their carbon footprint.

2. Agencies with ESG initiatives: Corporate social responsibility is increasingly important in travel management. Partnering with an agency that prioritises environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards can help your company meet regulatory requirements and sustainability goals while promoting responsible travel practices.

By focusing on technology, customisation, and integration, your business can select a corporate travel agency that meets your immediate travel needs and offers scalable solutions that drive efficiencies and cost savings over time.

The bottom line: choosing the best travel partner for your business

Selecting the right corporate travel agency is a strategic decision that can save time, reduce costs, and improve the overall travel experience for your employees. By considering factors such as technology, flexibility, and cost transparency, you can find an agency that aligns with your business needs and helps you achieve long-term success.

Ready to streamline your corporate travel? Schedule a demo to learn how Navan can help your business manage travel more efficiently.