Opinion: The future of business travel | Travel managers as strategic advisors

By Jenna Brown, head of Uber for Business UK

In the evolving landscape of business travel, the role of travel managers has transformed significantly.

They have transitioned from being coordinators to key strategic consultants, aligning travel with changing executive priorities.

This transformation requires a comprehensive skillset, including knowledge of diverse destinations, adherence to travel regulations and proficient customer service.

This shift, influenced by globalisation, technological advancements, changing employee preferences and the rise in ESG reporting, has reshaped their role in many ways.

They now juggle the dual responsibility of managing corporate travel needs while ensuring these align with larger organisational goals.

At the same time, the expansion of the business travel market, projected to grow 10.82% annually through to 2032, presents both challenges and opportunities in this fast-paced environment.

Adapting to new demands and challenges

The scope of travel management has broadened. Recent research from Uber for Business reveals that UK travel managers anticipate a range of challenges in 2024, including managing restrictions on travel and entertainment within businesses (33% cite this as a top challenge), finding tools for exceptional safety standards (31%) and meeting employee expectations for integrating personal and business travel (29%).

The changing landscape of corporate travel post-pandemic, with its fluctuating patterns and budget constraints, has brought additional complexities.

Companies are now prioritising flexibility in their travel policies, a shift that has placed new demands on the modern travel manager.

ESG requirements have also taken centre stage, with 89% of travel companies expressing optimism about the industry achieving its net zero targets by 2050.

Travel managers are tasked with identifying and mitigating environmental risks to ensure alignment with company-wide sustainability objectives.

This expanded role involves coordinating with different departments and a thorough understanding of ESG principles.

The increasing importance of data management

In this context, the role of data has become increasingly critical. Travel managers rely on data to increase efficiency, minimise costs and improve overall experiences.

The ability to make well-informed decisions in various aspects of corporate travel hinges on the quality of data at their disposal.

In turn, the growing volume of information necessitates effective data management.

Travel managers are therefore tasked with handling extensive amounts of data concerning bookings, expenses and compliance regulations.

The adoption of online booking tools (OBTs) and other tech solutions has become essential for streamlining these processes and navigating the unpredictability of travel disruptions.

When it comes to sustainability, data management has evolved into a pivotal requirement for monitoring and reporting a company’s carbon footprint.

It is critical in aligning with ESG objectives and bolstering a company's reputation and compliance with regulatory standards.

This increasing emphasis on sustainability, evidenced by over 1,700 organisations worldwide committing to emission reduction targets verified by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), underscores the necessity for tech solutions to support travel managers in meeting evolving expectations and responsibilities.

Adapting to global dynamics

As more companies expand their operations globally, there has been an increase in professionals travelling internationally to attend worldwide events and explore emerging markets.

For example, business travel to regions such as Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Africa has grown significantly.

When entering a new country, travel managers need to familiarise themselves with local laws to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of employees travelling abroad.

They must offer solutions that are tailored to individual preferences and aligned with company policies, including accommodating various travel options to suit the unique needs of travellers.

The way forward for travel managers

To effectively manage these evolving demands, travel managers must continuously update their strategies and tools.

They are transitioning into strategic advisors, balancing the management and reporting of employee needs with the overarching goals of the organisation.

As the role of travel managers becomes more integrated into strategic planning, they are expected to be proactive in foreseeing travel trends and adapting policies accordingly.

This may involve embracing new technologies, like AI and machine learning, to predict travel needs and risks, as well as developing more sustainable travel practices in line with global environmental standards.