APAC corporate travel trends companies should prepare for

Business travel is still one of the secret sauces to global success and profitability. The latest scoop from the 全球商务旅行协会 (GBTA) shows business travel is on the fast track to change, with APAC companies riding unique waves of trends and challenges.

What’s hot off the press? Digital tools make travel a breeze, and a green thumb for 可持续旅行. Companies in this rollercoaster need to keep their seatbelts fastened and eyes on the road to stay competitive.

In this article, we’re diving into the most crucial APEC corporate travel trends and serving up some spicy, actionable strategies for businesses to ride these waves like pros.

More pressure to implement sustainability policies

In the APAC region, the passion for sustainability in corporate travel is sky-high, reflecting a broader cultural and economic vibe of environmental love. But here’s the kicker: turning this eco-awareness into real action is like trying to herd cats. This tricky situation partly arises from the intricate dance between travel programs and sustainability initiatives within companies.

Typically, travel programs partner up with sustainability teams, offering moral support and advice. Data shows that a hefty chunk of travel programs are consulted—59% on reducing emissions and 54% on emissions reporting. Despite their busy involvement, they often don’t call the shots, which can throw a wrench in achieving sustainability dreams.

Interestingly, buyers in the APAC region and Europe are more likely to say their travel programs are in the driver’s seat for cutting carbon emissions, highlighting some regional flavour even within APAC. Meanwhile, North America and Latin America are still warming up to these proactive practices, underscoring APAC’s top-tier game in merging sustainability with corporate travel.

To level up from sensitivity to action, APAC companies need to upgrade travel programs from backseat advisors to front-row integrative players in sustainable business travel.

This means giving corporate travel managers more freedom and tools to champion eco-friendly measures actively. Toss in some cutting-edge digital tools for emissions tracking and roll out comprehensive education programs, and you’ve got a recipe for a more actionable approach to sustainability.

With these moves, companies won’t just help increase eco-friendly travel options but also boost their competitive edge in a region where eco-friendly values are the name of the game.

Keeping the comfort up for business travellers

Ensuring the comfort and satisfaction of business travellers has become a critical focus as companies recognize its direct impact on employee productivity and well-being.

Interestingly, while most business travel professionals globally reported a pay bump this year, the increases are more like a gentle nudge. One-quarter of them received—or expect to receive— little salary increase of 2.5% or less, while two in five got a modest boost between 2.6% to 5%. Only a lucky 15% saw a more significant rise exceeding five percent. This modest financial stability might just foster a happier workforce in the travel biz.

In the Asia Pacific, business travel pros are the real movers and shakers, more prone to career transitions and expecting this trend to continue. They’re likelier than their counterparts elsewhere to foresee company changes, promotions, or title updates. This career dynamism could be a golden ticket for companies to boost worker satisfaction by aligning career growth opportunities with their staff’s evolving dreams.

Globally, an overwhelming 85% of business travel professionals are happily clocking in, with many saying they like or love their gig. However, APAC pros are a bit more nuanced, viewing their work with a mix of pros and cons or even just tolerating it. Despite this, a solid 80% report a good work-life balance, with 35% calling it great and 45% decent.

In order to boost business traveller wellbeing in APAC, companies should create an environment that champions career growth and work-life balance. By addressing these areas, businesses can keep their employees motivated and efficient, driving better outcomes in the ever-dynamic APAC region.

Better travel expense tools for enhanced management

In the APAC region, where corporate travel programs are the gatekeepers of payment processes, implementing top-notch travel expense tools can turbocharge management efficiency.

Data shows that 48% of APAC buyers report their travel programs have some degree of ownership in payment processes—more than any other region. This ownership highlights the need for snazzy expense management solutions that streamline processes and provide instant oversight.

Moreover, APAC travel programs are more likely than their North American counterparts (38% vs. 32%) to pick their payment providers, though they lag behind their European peers (46%). 

By adopting cutting-edge travel expense tools, APAC travel managers can expertly evaluate and choose the best payment providers, aligning with both regional and global best practices.

To ace these responsibilities, APAC companies must arm their travel managers with cutting-edge expense tools that deliver precise tracking, thorough reporting, and seamless integration with corporate finance systems. Doing so ensures more accurate budget management, reduces financial hiccups, and provides a crystal-clear, real-time view of travel expenses—ultimately fostering a more controlled and responsive travel expenditure environment.

Increasing popularity of corporate travel management companies

In the fast-paced world of APAC corporate travel, Travel Management Companies (TMCs) are becoming the rock stars of the scene, thanks to their knack for snagging killer rates with snazzy New Distribution Capability (NDC) APIs. These top-notch APIs let TMCs dive into a treasure trove of competitive rates from airlines, hotels, and ground transport providers, making them the ultimate wingman for companies looking to trim their travel expenses.

APAC travel managers, who often have the superpower of autonomy for their travel programs—like calling the shots on suppliers and vendors—should give a nod to the perks of teaming up with TMCs. Even if they’re part of a dream team making these decisions, they’re usually the MVPs in the decision-making lineup.

Plus, APAC travel programs love to roll up their sleeves and dive into Travel Risk Management (TRM) and meetings management. With a TMC buddy, they can weave in top-tier risk management tools and boost their event logistics game. By jumping on the TMC bandwagon, companies can not only keep travel risks in check but also nail down meeting venues with seamless efficiency, upping their compliance and security game.

As the corporate travel industry rides the automation wave, it’s showtime for companies to gear up for this transformation. Travel managers need to suss out how TMCs can be the Robin to their Batman, syncing with automated systems that do real-time expense tracking and comprehensive reporting. This savvy move will let travel managers keep their budget game-tight and discrepancies in check, all while giving employees a smoother travel experience.

By tipping their hats to the power of TMCs and NDC APIs, and gearing up for an automated future, APAC companies can hit the jackpot of financial control and operational excellence in corporate travel management.

TruTrip: The Cutting-Edge Solution for Modern Corporate Travel

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