In the aftermath of the global pandemic, many thought corporate travel was a thing of the past, that businesses would have to find new ways to collaborate, and that with remote work becoming the new norm, employees would refuse traveling.
Yet, as time has shown, corporate travel has returned with a bang. Experts predict the business travel industry will reach a valuation of $2 trillion by 2028. This represents an increase of 188% in under a decade.
So, what’s responsible for this enormous growth? And how can businesses ensure that every business trip pays off? Let’s find out!
Innovative corporate travel tips to consider
New technologies and strategies are at the core of making business trips pay off. They help simplify business travel, reduce costs, and maximize productivity.
As the travel industry continues to evolve, so does the technology that makes it happen. With that in mind, let’s look at some key areas businesses should focus on when planning a business trip.
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Embrace AI technologies for optimal travel
Artificial intelligence (AI) already plays a major role in business. Its ability to simplify trivial and demanding tasks can support all modern workforces. But did you know that AI can also help transform how you plan and experience corporate travel?
AI can gather, analyze, and compare huge amounts of data. When applied to travel, you can easily plan and book a corporate trip away quickly and with little research.
Take Hopper, for example. The travel app uses AI to analyze over 30 billion price points across flights, accommodation, and rentals in seconds. AI tools like this can help you identify the best routes and booking times for your trip.
AI can also help personalize trips. It can use previous travel and employee data to customize elements of their journey. For example, if travelers have a specific health requirement, AI can find solutions to support them.
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Enjoy seamless connectivity with eSIMs
In business, employees must be in constant communication with each other. Otherwise, wires get crossed, and productivity plummets. But staying in touch can be challenging when traveling overseas. Smartphones often can’t connect to foreign networks. Workers turn on their phones and realize they’re isolated from colleagues.
In the past, the only solutions were to replace your SIM card or take out an expensive roaming package. And even then, there was no guarantee the service you received would be good enough for work. But, a new technology has emerged to simplify connectivity overseas.
An eSIM is a digital version of a traditional SIM card. Embedded in a mobile app, it allows you to change network operators with ease.
With an eSIM, you can enjoy reliable connections from the best networks in your host country. And all the setup and preparation can be done ahead of your trip for the ultimate convenience.
You can tailor your eSIM plans to your specific needs. You can choose the length of your trip and your data needs, and you can always top up your plan if and when needed. As data is charged at local rates, plans are all cost-effective.
Best of all, only one eSIM is required for all travel plans. This means that communication is one less thing to worry about when going on the road for work.
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Encourage eco-friendly travel
With the threat of climate change, sustainability has become a major factor in all walks of life, including corporate travel. Research shows that over one-quarter of business travelers are willing to decline a trip due to environmental impact.
As such, it’s essential to rethink corporate travel with sustainability in mind. This will not only help the environment but also support employees who want greener choices.
Simple policies you can introduce could be:
- Fly direct: While stopovers might save money, they also increase your carbon footprint. Choose to fly directly to your destination to cut emissions.
- Support green: Whether your airline or accommodation, you should research green travel options. Choose services that promote energy-saving and sustainability initiatives.
- Choose alternative travel: Choose green travel methods to offset carbon emissions where possible. If you need to fly, try to include trains and buses between airports, for example.
- Go paperless: Instead of printing documents, businesses can use apps to store travel essentials. Consider using cloud-based tools to share calendars and itineraries.
- Reduce travel waste: Encourage staff to bring reusable travel items with them. This can help reduce travel waste and pollution. Reusable water bottles, for example, are long-lasting and last a lifetime.
Making corporate travel a simple decision to make
Travel is often a necessity for businesses to stay competitive. Trips help foster strong relationships with clients and seize new opportunities. But corporate travel isn’t without its challenges.
By embracing new technologies, businesses can ease the hassle of working overseas. AI, for example, can simplify even the most complex trips and help boost productivity.
Likewise, eSIMs can ensure employees enjoy the best connectivity worldwide. By embracing these new solutions, you can make more trips out of town pay off.
