Getting With the Program - Carlson Wagonlit Travel

CWTvIsIon Issue 3 - January 2008Looking AheadThis issue of CWT Vision looks at some of the trends inbusiness travel that our clients and suppliers are focusing onas they look at 2008 and beyond. We at CWT are committedto continuing to address these developments and helping ourclients derive greater value from their travel program in anevolving market.The business travel management industry has significantlyevolved in the last few years. Business travel has grownconsiderably—it now represents US$300 billion worldwide—driven primarily byglobalization and economic growth. The multiplicity of distribution channels (from globaldistribution systems to suppliers’ own Websites), coupled with complex pricing models,has made managing business travel challenging. The most advanced companies haveresponded by consolidating their travel programs, using technology to drive efficienciesand performance, and outsourcing travel management services. And yet the demandsare increasing, in terms of service, savings, security and now sustainable development.In this context, effectively managing business travel has evolved into a professionalservices activity that delivers measurable value.As the article “Effective Travel Management 2010” indicates, our industry will not standstill. Greater segmentation of services will appear. Companies will look for additionalsavings through several means: demand management, consolidation, outsourcing, awell-defined travel policy, increased compliance and incorporating meetings and eventsinto the travel program. Service will be increasingly centered on enhancing the traveler’sexperience from the planning stage through post-trip expense reporting. Security willalso be stepped up as duty of care toward employees becomes not only a moralobligation but a legal one. New emphasis on sustainable development and corporatesocial responsibility will also become a permanent concern.Dialogue and cooperation among industry players are essential to moving the businessof business travel forward. As the journey continues, we look forward to hearing fromand working with you.On behalf of everyone at Carlson Wagonlit Travel, I would like to wish you a happy newyear, filled with great accomplishments.Hubert JolyPresident and CEO