2007 Business Travel Outlook
On November 15 2006, as part of the Safe Harbors seminar series, we hosted
the 2007 Corporate Travel Briefing. Representatives from the National Business
Travel Association, MEDEX Global Group, Transportation Security Administration
and Concur Technologies presented critical information regarding business travel
in 2007 to travel managers and travel arrangers.
The overall theme of the event was ensuring that all of the available tools
are being utilized to make the best possible decisions when purchasing travel.
Using an online booking system for online savvy travelers, use a travel
counselor for hands on support or complicated reservations and integrate
purchases through one seamless expense system are some ways to monitor and curb
rising travel costs. Lastly, utilize your dashboard for all resources from
online boarding passes to travel insurance to tracking your flight.
Below are some highlights from each presentation:
The Cost of Business Travel is Rising
Kristi Long, Senior Director of Education at the National Business Travel
Association (NBTA) cited statistics predicting car rental rates will increase by
6% and hotel rates and airfare will increase by 7% in 2007. She also added that
the cost of airfare is the largest controllable expense for businesses followed
by hotel.
Integrate Booking and Travel Expense Management
Tony Alberotanza, Client Services Manager at Concur Technologies, Inc., makers
of Cliqbook online booking tool, presented the newest advances in online travel
data integration that incorporate booking travel and seamless, real time expense
management.
Personal Safety When Traveling
David L. Mair, Director, Client Relations at MEDEX Global Group presented
personal safety tips for travelers. He focused on high risks factors that should
be avoided while traveling, including:
- Little awareness in reading surroundings
- Little awareness of local/regional issues
- Standing out in the crowd
- Language differences
- Traveling solo
- Local drinking establishments & hotels
- No firm travel arrangements
- No organized support system
The number one way that people are kidnapped in foreign countries is by
reading your name off of a sign that a driver is holding at the airport,
duplicating the sign and standing in front of the real driver. To avoid this,
have a code word that travelers can ask from the driver.
Some interesting suggestions for female travelers are to wear a wedding ring
- even if you are single. Even a cheap, fake ring can go a long way in deterring
criminals. Also, wearing your hair down or in a pony tail should be avoided;
this makes an easy way for someone to grab you.
TSA
Keith L. Moore from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) spoke about
ways travelers can get through security lines faster. One way is the 3-1-1
system - 3 quarts/1 bag/1 person. Having your personal items in a 3 quart bag
will help you get through faster.
Seminar Series in 2007
The Safe Harbors seminar series will continue in 2007 with smaller seminars at
our corporate offices throughout the year and our Corporate Travel Briefing in
November, 2008. Don't miss these opportunities to learn valuable travel
information from industry experts! Visit SafeHarbors.com to learn more.
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