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BCD Travel Study Sheds Light on Changing Responsibilities of Travel Managers – Image Credit Pexels
A recent survey by BCD Travel has shown that travel managers’ roles and responsibilities are evolving, with increased collaboration with stakeholders and a growing demand for advanced tools and technology. The survey, which gathered responses from 187 travel managers globally, delves into the changing nature of their roles, their interactions with company stakeholders, and the industry changes impacting their jobs.
The survey identified that travel managers’ roles have expanded to include travel sourcing (68%) and payment and expense management (51%). They also invest more time in managing relationships with Travel Management Companies (TMCs), developing travel program strategies, communicating with travelers, and handling supplier relationships. The focus in recent years has shifted toward cost control, data analysis, and technology.
The survey also provided insights into how travel managers measure their programs’ success. They prioritize quantifying savings, aligning travel strategy with corporate objectives, and sharing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) with their stakeholders.
Regarding collaboration, travel managers work most frequently with finance and procurement teams. Engagement with finance, sustainability, and security teams has significantly increased over the years, indicating a broader strategic role in company-wide initiatives.
Most travel teams report to procurement, finance, or human resources departments, emphasizing the close link between travel management and corporate budgeting functions. Almost half of the respondents said they use external consultants’ services to manage their travel programs.
Despite 60% of travel managers feeling equipped with the necessary tools, nearly half face budget constraints, particularly in procuring travel technology and services. Yet, they report high levels of job satisfaction, particularly regarding authority level, stakeholder support, and work-life balance.
The study underlines the strategic importance of travel managers in today’s corporate world and the need for advanced tools and technology. BCD Travel’s digital solutions support companies navigating the complexities of modern corporate travel, focusing on business intelligence, spend management automation, and managing carbon reduction goals.
Visit BCD Travel for more details.
