Business Travel Show Europe: 3 takeaways from day one, and why you should meet Navan on day two

One busy day of meetings done, one more to go!

We’re halfway through Business Travel Show Europe in London and the event is in full swing. 

Yesterday at booth J40 we spoke to travel buyers about the challenges they’re currently facing. The common themes we heard: companies have significantly varying access to NDC content, and some are missing out on and overpaying for airfares as a result; travel buyers are under pressure to keep costs in check; and companies are looking to their TMCs to provide an extensive selection of rail content to help them achieve their sustainability goals.

3 key takeaways from day one

1. NDC is an opportunity not to be missed

In an industry of OBTs, GDSs, and TMCs, the one acronym on everyone’s lips yesterday was NDC. Travel buyers increasingly expect their TMCs to get air content from multiple sources, including GDSs, aggregators, and direct NDC connections with airlines. With NDC fares representing a total savings opportunity of up to 12%, according to Navan analysis from last year, the cost to companies of missing out is significant. The shift to NDC is happening at pace, and it’s clear travel managers now expect their TMC to provide suitable airline content at the best possible price.

2. Cost control is still front of mind

With many companies hyper-focused on streamlining costs and travel prices having risen in recent years, many travel and procurement managers are being tasked with keeping costs in check while ensuring their employees can continue to make those all important in-person connections. Navan helps by rewarding travellers and travel bookers whenever they save their company money, so employees get an incentive to spend less, and their company reduces its travel spend. The best thing? Navan funds it all. Navan customers see 11% savings on hotel bookings in Europe thanks to Navan Rewards.

3. Rail is increasingly in demand

For many companies, hitting sustainability goals is more important than ever. To help their efforts, travel buyers want their TMCs to offer a broad selection of rail content on top of the air inventory they get. In addition to helping reduce company emissions, travelling by rail can also save companies money. Navan has Europe's leading train inventory, with more than 40 European rail companies available, including UK Rail, OUIGO, SNCF, Renfe, Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia, and Eurostar.

Now for day two. We’re ready to welcome you to the Navan booth today. Here’s why you should come and see us.

4 reasons to visit us at booth J40 today

• Last chance to enter a raffle and win an Airwheel suitcase worth £600! Win and you could be rolling through airports for the rest of your travels — airport terminals will never be the same again.
• The best swag in town! From water bottles to travel packing cubes and a few more surprises. Drop by to see what goodies we have waiting for you.
• Free-flowing cocktails (and mocktails) from 4–6pm. Word on the street yesterday was that they were the best drinks on the exhibition floor… Don’t miss out!
• Travel made easy — it’s what we do. Whether it’s our extensive travel inventory that saves companies money, our 15 NDC airline connections, leading rail inventory sourced from more than 40 carriers in Europe, or innovative sustainability features, we’re sure Navan can help your company reach its goals in the same way it does for thousands of other companies worldwide.

Ready to have a conversation? Drop by booth J40 at BTS Europe today. 

See you later!