When traveling for work, you want your trip to be managed appropriately and professionally. Corporate workers lead busy lives and adding booking flights and hotel searches to your to-do list is unrealistic. This is where corporate travel managers can help.
What is a Corporate Travel Manager?
A corporate travel manager provides professional guidance for their clients on a deeper level than an app or digital platform can. However, a corporate travel manager does more than guide and manage. They think strategically when it comes to their clients’ needs and budget so you can worry less. The relationships corporate travel managers have within the industry are unlike any connection digital software can provide. Though busy corporate workers can—technically—manage their own business trips, working with a travel manager provides peace of mind, industry knowledge and timely action.
Tasks a Corporate Travel Manager Performs
Corporate travel managers wear many hats in the industry. Below are a few of the most important tasks they take on to make sure their clients are well taken care of.
Organize and Oversee Plans
When asking what a corporate travel manager does, you are also asking what responsibilities they take on for both their clients and behind the scenes. One of the major roles a travel manager tackles is the organizing and overseeing of travel bookings and plans. This process includes seeking out lodging and transportation for clients as well as finding and confirming any appropriate insurance coverage. Corporate travel managers also research the best possible value so their clients can balance both budget and productivity. This sometimes means making phone calls and scheduling meetings to make sure clients get exactly what they need.
Manage Finances
Travelers often have a budget in mind when traveling for either leisure or business. Travel managers support clients with needs ranging from creating a budget to handling on-site spending. Corporate travel professionals can also manage credit card spending and limits, as well as expense reports. On-site spending can often feel tough to discuss with coworkers. Travel managers can provide guidance so trip expenses are appropriate.
Understanding Technology
It’s no secret the travel industry has been impacted by apps and digital platforms attempting to do exactly what a corporate travel manager does. Though technology continues to make its way into many industries, it doesn’t mean workers can’t embrace digital growth. There is a lot of technology that makes business travel easier and your corporate travel manager can help you take advantage of it! With new technological breakthroughs come faster, easier ways to track travel data and make informed decisions.
