Travel managers face new challenges

Latest research highlights expanded duties, increased stakeholder collaboration and rising demand for technology and tools

BCD Travel recently conducted a global survey of 187 travel buyers to gain insight into their responsibilities, collaboration with business stakeholders and the evolving industry landscape impacting their roles. The results highlight key trends in the expanding scope of travel managers' responsibilities, the teams they work with and the tools they need to succeed.

Key takeaways

• As travel managers face new challenges, their responsibilities have expanded to include areas such as travel procurement (68%) and payment and expense management (51%), with some also overseeing procurement or non-travel management functions;
• Their primary time commitments are focused on managing travel management company (TMC) relationships (53%), developing travel program strategies and engaging with travelers (47% each), and reporting and supplier management (44% each). Recent shifts in priorities emphasize cost control, data analytics, adapting to industry changes such as NDC, and leveraging new technologies;
• To demonstrate the value of travel programs to C-suite executives and other stakeholders, travel managers are increasingly focused on quantifying cost savings, aligning travel strategies with business goals and sharing key performance indicators (KPIs).

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