In 2024, it’s not just about corporate trips—it's about smart, safe, and sustainable travel. Do you know 79% of corporate travelers are now seeking eco-friendly options? And about 70% believe in leisure travel, also known as bleisure travel.
So, what does this mean for your company? Let’s analyze the key trends that will shape the next era of corporate travel.
A New Era of Hybrid Work and Travel
COVID-19 has completely changed the way we work, and hybrid work settings are now the benchmark for many companies. With employees switching between home and office, corporate travel today is not just about flying in for a meeting. Instead, it’s becoming more integrated with remote and hybrid work models. Here, employees either extend their trips for personal excuses or blend travel with leisure.
In this new era, companies have redefined their travel policies for a smooth and productive trip. For this, remote work tools and cloud-based technology make it easier for employees to keep track of travel schedules, budgets, and more while on the move. Also, many travel suppliers make it possible for businesses to manage payments for not just employees but also different workers. They include contract workers, clients, guests, and interview candidates, such that they can even adapt to the modern workforce.
Tech-Enabled Travel Management
One of the most notable trends in corporate travel is the involvement of advanced technologies. From AI-powered booking platforms to travel management apps, companies are promoting these technologies to simplify the overall experience. While Machine Learning (ML) plays a great role in managing bookings, tracking expenses, and monitoring travel compliance. AI and ML together can analyze past data to recommend hotel chains, predict flight delays, and more.
Moreover, real-time notifications, chatbots, and AI-assisted solutions are improving the experience for corporate travelers. The question is, how? AI and ML-enabled tools provide instant updates, answer questions, and resolve issues regarding your corporate trips. Thus, in the end, this technology helps businesses manage their travel data, analyze trends, and achieve cost savings.
Health & Safety Come First
As we move into the post-pandemic world, employees' health and safety have become top priorities for companies. Now, they are placing more emphasis on traveler well-being and required travel supplies to ensure safety is higher than ever before. This includes keeping all the employees up-to-date on safety and health protocols, offering rebooking options, and investing in travel insurance. In addition to this, many organizations are opting for risk management solutions that track employees' locations in real time.
It’s not just about tracking their whereabouts but also offering support during emergencies. Moreover, travelers can also benefit from health rules implemented by hotels, airlines, and event organizers. These include improved sanitization practices, contactless check-ins, and on-site medical support.
Rise of Bleisure Travel
Bleisure travel, the blend of business and leisure trips, is trending nowadays. And why shouldn't it? Who doesn’t want to enjoy their trip while working and earning? To enjoy a weekend getaway, many modern business travelers seek to combine their trips with leisure activities. This ensures exploring new destinations and balancing work with relaxation.
Thus, this flexibility in corporate travel can improve employee satisfaction and productivity while reducing exhaustion. Many companies started adopting bleisure-friendly travel policies, which allow employees to customize their trips. Hence, in turn, blend business tasks with leisure time.
Sustainability Takes Center Stage
Organizations and business travelers are taking a step forward for sustainable travel options. As environmental concerns begin to grow, companies are increasingly focusing on sustainable practices in their travel programs. This includes choosing eco-friendly hotel amenities, flying carbon offset, and encouraging the use of electric vehicles.
Meanwhile, many travel suppliers are offering greener options in response to this increasing sustainability. This includes sustainable hotels, intended flight choices, and eco-friendly travel packages. Businesses that adopt sustainability into their travel policies are not only enhancing their brand reputation but also more employees and customers in their teams. Hence, for organizations today, sustainability is not just a trend but a necessity.
Ready for the Future of Corporate Travel?
As we look ahead, the future of business travel is bright. In the coming years, it will be filled with innovation, flexibility, and extra focus on the well-being of travelers. Companies that introduce new technology, prioritize health & safety, and support hybrid work settings will be better prepared for what’s ahead.
The future of corporate travel is not only about traveling to different locations. It’s also about creating an experience that empowers employees, supports business goals, and promotes sustainability.
So, is your business ready to adopt these corporate travel trends? If not, the time to adapt is now.
