Corporate Travel Agencies: A Pre- and Post-Pandemic Comparison
4th of October 2024
5 minute readThe pandemic has changed the way businesses travel and how corporate travel agencies operate. If you’re wondering how these agencies adapted and what to expect now, we’re here to guide you through the differences. Let’s explore how corporate travel has evolved before and after the pandemic.
Corporate travel agencies have adapted significantly since the pandemic. Pre-pandemic, they focused mainly on booking and managing travel logistics. Post-pandemic, they prioritise health protocols, remote travel management, and flexible cancellation policies, while still ensuring cost-effective solutions.
The changes brought by the pandemic have reshaped the corporate travel industry. Keep reading to learn how corporate travel agencies adjusted their services, what improvements you can expect, and how these changes could impact your business.
Corporate Travel Agencies: A Pre- and Post-Pandemic Comparison
The corporate travel industry experienced one of the most significant disruptions in history during the COVID-19 pandemic. What was once a thriving sector with frequent business trips and packed meeting schedules came to an abrupt halt as lockdowns and travel restrictions were implemented globally. As the world adjusted, so did corporate travel agencies. This article explores the key differences in how corporate travel agencies operated before and after the pandemic.
Focus on Travel Logistics and Cost Savings (Pre-Pandemic)
- Before the pandemic, corporate travel agencies largely focused on the logistical side of travel. Their primary responsibility was to book flights, hotels, and transportation, ensuring everything was organised smoothly. The goal was to minimise the hassle for businesses while saving money through exclusive partnerships with airlines, hotels, and rental services.
- Cost savings were a major driver for companies working with corporate travel agencies. Agencies could offer discounts and special rates, providing small businesses and large corporations alike with travel solutions that fit their budgets. The pre-pandemic world of business travel revolved around efficiency, reliability, and securing the best deals for clients.
Safety, Health, and Flexibility (Post-Pandemic)
- Post-pandemic, the priorities of corporate travel agencies shifted dramatically. Safety and health became the top concerns for businesses. The introduction of new health protocols—like COVID-19 testing requirements, mask mandates, and vaccination proof—meant that agencies needed to adapt quickly. They had to stay informed about constantly changing regulations in different countries and help their clients navigate these complexities.
- Another significant change is the need for flexibility. Companies are more cautious about booking travel in advance, given the uncertainty that still lingers around travel restrictions and potential new health crises. As a result, corporate travel agencies began offering more flexible cancellation and rescheduling options. These changes allowed businesses to plan their trips with the confidence that they could adapt if circumstances changed.
Digitalisation and Remote Travel Management
- Before the pandemic, while digital tools existed, most corporate travel management still relied on in-person meetings and traditional communication channels. However, with travel grinding to a halt and companies shifting to remote work, the need for digital tools in travel management surged.
- Post-pandemic, corporate travel agencies now offer advanced digital platforms that allow businesses to book, modify, and cancel trips remotely. These platforms integrate directly with company travel policies, offering a streamlined process for booking flights, hotels, and other services while tracking expenses in real-time. Remote travel management tools provide businesses with the flexibility they need in an ever-changing travel landscape.
Greater Emphasis on Duty of Care
- Another major shift post-pandemic is the increased focus on “Duty of Care” responsibilities. Businesses are now more aware of their obligations to protect their employees’ well-being while travelling. This means ensuring employees’ health and safety throughout their trips, particularly when travelling to regions still affected by the pandemic or other health risks.
- Corporate travel agencies have responded by offering more comprehensive travel risk management services. These include real-time travel alerts, emergency support, and health risk assessments, ensuring that businesses can keep track of their employees and provide assistance if needed.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Travel
- Sustainability became a growing concern even before the pandemic, but post-pandemic, it has become a priority for many companies. The reduced levels of travel during lockdowns gave businesses an opportunity to rethink their environmental impact. As a result, many companies are now looking for more eco-friendly travel options.
- Corporate travel agencies have responded by partnering with airlines and hotels that prioritise sustainability. Some agencies now offer carbon-offsetting programmes or suggest greener travel options, such as rail travel over flights or staying in eco-certified hotels. This shift towards sustainability is one of the more positive long-term outcomes of the pandemic.
What New Services Can Businesses Expect from Corporate Travel Agencies?
The post-pandemic world has seen corporate travel agencies expanding their service offerings to meet the new needs of businesses. Here’s a look at some of the latest services now available:
- Health and Safety Tracking: Agencies now monitor health advisories and COVID-19 regulations to help businesses make informed travel decisions.
- Flexible Booking Systems: With the uncertainty of future restrictions, agencies offer more flexible booking options with easier cancellations or changes.
- Virtual Meetings and Hybrid Events: Some agencies have adapted by offering solutions for virtual or hybrid meetings, where in-person attendance is reduced, and the remainder is done online.
- Mobile Travel Management Apps: Agencies have improved their digital offerings, providing mobile apps that allow travellers to manage itineraries, receive real-time updates, and stay informed about any potential travel disruptions.
These new services show how much the corporate travel industry has evolved, helping businesses navigate travel in a more flexible, health-conscious, and sustainable way.
Here is a table of some of the biggest corporate travel agencies in the UK:
| Agency Name | Services Offered | Specialty | Headquarters |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) | Full-service corporate travel management, including flights, hotels, ground transportation, and meeting solutions | Large enterprises, global reach | London, UK |
| HRG (Hogg Robinson Group) | Corporate travel, expense management, and data analytics solutions | Customised business travel solutions | Basingstoke, UK |
| FCM Travel Solutions | Corporate travel management, online booking tools, expense management, and travel risk management | Technology-driven solutions for businesses | London, UK |
| CTM (Corporate Travel Management) | Travel management, travel risk mitigation, and cost-saving strategies | Personalised travel programs for SMEs | London, UK |
| BCD Travel | Global travel management services, data analytics, and online booking tools | Global reach, sustainability-focused | London, UK |
| Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) | Business travel, meetings & events, and data-driven travel solutions | Multinational companies, data-driven strategies | London, UK |
| Key Travel | Corporate travel for humanitarian, academic, and faith-based organisations | Niche sectors like NGOs and non-profits | London, UK |
| Diversity Travel | Travel management services for non-profit organisations, government, and academic sectors | Specialised travel for non-profits and NGOs | Manchester, UK |
| ATPI Group | Corporate travel, marine and energy sector travel management | Marine and energy sectors | London, UK |
| Gray Dawes Group | Travel management services, risk management, and technology solutions | Personalised business travel services | Colchester, UK |
This table provides a list of the top corporate travel agencies in the UK, highlighting their services, specialties, and headquarters locations.
FAQ
How did corporate travel agencies operate before the pandemic?
Before the pandemic, corporate travel agencies mainly focused on travel logistics, providing cost-saving deals for flights, hotels, and other travel services. Their goal was to ensure smooth travel for businesses with minimal disruptions.
What are the biggest changes in corporate travel after the pandemic?
Post-pandemic, the biggest changes are the increased focus on health and safety, flexible booking options, and digitalisation. Agencies now offer more flexible cancellation policies, remote travel management tools, and detailed health protocols.
How do corporate travel agencies ensure traveller safety?
Corporate travel agencies now prioritise traveller safety by offering risk management services, real-time alerts, and up-to-date health regulations. They help businesses keep track of employee travel and provide support in case of emergencies.
Can corporate travel agencies help with virtual and hybrid meetings?
Yes, some corporate travel agencies now offer solutions for organising virtual or hybrid meetings. These services allow businesses to combine in-person attendance with virtual participation, offering more flexible meeting options post-pandemic.
What new tools are available for managing travel after the pandemic?
Corporate travel agencies now offer advanced digital tools such as mobile apps, online booking platforms, and travel management software. These tools allow businesses to book, modify, and monitor travel remotely, ensuring more control and convenience.
As businesses continue to adapt to a post-pandemic world, corporate travel agencies have evolved to meet new challenges. With a greater emphasis on health, safety, and flexibility, companies can now rely on their travel agencies to provide a more streamlined, secure, and efficient travel experience. Whether you’re managing remote employees or organising international trips, the changes to corporate travel agencies are here to support your business’s needs in this new era.