6 Reasons Why Your Company Needs a Corporate Travel Management Team

By Olivia Johnson - Trusted UK Business Expert

Last Updated 8th of December 2024

4 minute read

Managing business travel can be a complex task. From booking flights and hotels to handling travel expenses, things can quickly get overwhelming. Having a Corporate Travel Management (CTM) team can make a huge difference in ensuring efficient, cost-effective, and smooth travel for your company.

A Corporate Travel Management team helps businesses by managing travel policies, reducing costs, improving efficiency, ensuring employee safety, handling expenses, and providing 24/7 support. They take the stress out of travel planning, making sure that your employees can focus on work, not logistics.

Want to know why a CTM team is essential for your business? Keep reading to discover the six main reasons that show how they can make business travel easier, safer, and more efficient for your company.

6 Reasons Why Your Company Needs a Corporate Travel Management Team

Business travel is often necessary, but managing it can be time-consuming and costly. This is where a Corporate Travel Management (CTM) team comes in. Below are six reasons why your company could benefit from having one.

1. Cost Control A CTM team can help your company save money by negotiating better deals with airlines, hotels, and other travel vendors. They have the expertise and connections to secure corporate rates, discounts, and packages that might not be available to individual travellers. Additionally, they can implement travel policies that prevent unnecessary expenses, making sure that employees stick to the company’s budget while travelling.
2. Efficient Travel Planning Booking flights, hotels, and ground transportation can take up a lot of time, especially when it comes to organising group travel or last-minute bookings. A CTM team streamlines this process by handling all travel arrangements for your employees. They ensure that travel plans are organised efficiently, allowing your staff to focus on their work without having to worry about logistics.
3. Enhanced Safety and Duty of Care In today’s world, employee safety during travel is a top priority. A CTM team ensures that your company’s duty of care is upheld by keeping track of employee travel, offering real-time updates on travel restrictions or risks, and providing support in case of emergencies. This way, you can be confident that your employees are safe and supported throughout their trips.
4. Expense Management Keeping track of travel expenses can become a messy task if not managed properly. A CTM team simplifies this process by offering travel expense tracking, reporting, and analysis tools. They provide detailed breakdowns of all travel-related costs, helping your company monitor its travel budget and identify areas where savings can be made.
5. Compliance with Travel Policies A well-structured travel policy ensures that all employees follow the same guidelines when booking trips. A CTM team not only helps create these policies but also enforces them. This ensures that employees stick to approved booking platforms, preferred vendors, and budgetary guidelines, reducing the risk of overspending or non-compliant bookings.
6. 24/7 Travel Support Travel can be unpredictable, with flight delays, cancellations, or last-minute changes. A CTM team provides 24/7 support, so no matter what time zone your employees are in, they can get help when they need it. Whether it’s rebooking a flight or finding alternative accommodation, the team is always there to resolve issues quickly and minimise disruptions.

How to Choose the Right Corporate Travel Management Team

Choosing the right CTM team for your business is essential. Look for a team that offers customised solutions based on your company’s specific travel needs. Consider their experience, reputation, and the range of services they provide. Make sure they offer cost control, employee safety measures, and excellent customer support.

You can also ask for client testimonials or case studies to see how they have successfully managed corporate travel for other businesses. A good CTM team will offer not just booking services but also help you create policies that align with your company’s travel goals and budget.

FAQ

What is a Corporate Travel Management team?

A Corporate Travel Management team is responsible for handling all aspects of business travel for a company. They manage travel bookings, expenses, safety, and ensure that travel policies are followed.

How can a CTM team help save money?

A CTM team negotiates with travel vendors to get the best rates and ensures that employees stick to budgetary guidelines. They also track travel expenses and look for areas where costs can be reduced.

Can a CTM team handle last-minute travel arrangements?

Yes, a CTM team is equipped to manage last-minute bookings and changes. They offer 24/7 support to ensure that any issues with flights, hotels, or transport are resolved quickly.

What is ‘duty of care’ in corporate travel?

Duty of care refers to a company’s responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of its employees while they are travelling for work. A CTM team helps fulfil this duty by providing real-time updates on risks and offering support during emergencies.

How does a CTM team enforce travel policies?

A CTM team creates travel policies that fit the company’s goals and ensures that employees follow them. They monitor bookings to ensure compliance with the company’s approved vendors and travel guidelines.

Why is 24/7 support important in corporate travel?

Travelling can be unpredictable, and issues like flight cancellations or delays can occur at any time. A CTM team’s 24/7 support ensures that employees can get help whenever they need it, no matter where they are in the world.

Can a CTM team help with international travel?

Yes, CTM teams are experienced in handling both domestic and international travel. They can assist with visas, travel restrictions, and ensure that international bookings are made according to company policies.

By having a Corporate Travel Management team, your company can ensure efficient, cost-effective, and safe travel for its employees. It’s an investment in both productivity and peace of mind for your business.