A New Frontier for Corporate International Travel?
The way we travel and the way we look at travel has definitely changed in recent times. Whether our new perception is related to vaccine requirements, increasing flight costs, accommodating delays or changing up how we pack our suitcases, we have plenty to consider before booking that ticket. With so many changes, it is so no wonder that so many of us are making some rookie mistakes that even sporadic passengers would avoid. Even Seasoned corporate travellers are encountering issues with overlooked passport expiry dates, post Brexit visa changes and oversized hand luggage errors. But how has this upheaval effected international corporate travel.
International Corporate Travel in 2022
When the global pandemic first emptied the business class lounges of international airports, it was obvious that worldwide business travel would be going through some changes. Given how many professionals were grounded for such a significant period, companies were forced to take a hard look at their travel strategy going forward and how best to adapt to the evolving circumstances. It wasn’t all bad news, however, with many organisations realising those parts of their output could easily be done remotely, avoiding the financial and carbon costs of traveling. But international corporate travel is still essential and valuable in a variety of circumstances from management and leadership requirements to incentive rewards, oversight trips, and more. What is now more prevalent in the decision-making process for international corporate travel is the risk factor.
Each investment in corporate travel must be evaluated to determine its level of necessity against the costs and efficiency of implementation. Whilst it may not have remained front-page news, the potential risk of covid disruptions is still high for management teams. So corporate travel planning needs to be aware of shifting border and vaccine policies. The key is to lower the risk profile and increase the effectiveness and outcome of the proposed trip.
So how can you improve the value of your proposed corporate travel goals? Here are some key factors to consider for 2022 and 2023:
New Destinations
As international corporate travel has begun to remerge, there has been a desire or ambition to explore new options, giving rise to a wave of new destinations and non-traditional locations expanding in popularity. These places that are off the beaten track offer good rates, fresh environments and excellent promotions to would-be visitors, however many do not have as established facilities for the corporate traveller. Before committing your company’s most prized asset, its people, to a mountain top conference or an incentive trip aboard a whaling trawler, look before you leap. Make sure you do your homework and thoroughly vet any destination with a business travel hat on rather than as a leisure traveller.
Travel Risk Assessment
Okay, we get it. Most people’s eyes glaze over when you mention risk assessment. But, completing a thorough travel risk assessment could avoid incurring thousands of dollars in expenses and wasting huge amounts of management time. Covid 19 has made the landscape more complicated and if you are not mitigating risks at each step of the planning process you are encouraging the onset of disaster.
Understanding Local Laws and Customs
Proper employee training prior to international travel can be more crucial than you think. Organising an orientation session from an expert could ensure that staff avoid the challenges of a simple misunderstanding in a higher risk area. The training could also cover useful travel tips that could save time, money and health, including advice like always carrying your passport when overseas as it is far harder to replace than lost luggage or a laptop.
Accessorise, Accessorise, Accessorise.
These days the extras can make all the difference. From helping hands to improve travel experience and reduce jet lag to corporate gifts, selecting the right products to ‘arm’ your employees with can make all the difference. Do make sure that they comply with international airline standards, so they don’t have to worry about getting held up.
Safe Internet Hygiene
When we travel internationally for business it is important to stay connected to the office and in-tune with developments in the news cycle. This means that corporate travellers need the tools to be able to ‘log on’ in airport lounges, trains, hotel lobbies and other unique locations. In some parts of the world, this can be complicated and carries substantial risks. Make sure that your team has personally protected WiFi devices and are well versed on protective measures when online including turning off auto-connect on their devices. Devices such as a Mifi wireless router are good value for money as a simple corporate travel solution to ensure your team are always safely connected regardless of location.
Take Advantage of Airline Apps
Almost all airlines have their own apps and added value pre-travel propositions that you can utilise to make the journey a bit smoother. In most circumstances this would allow travellers to pre-order meals, highlight dietary requirements, select seats, order excess baggage etc. Doing this in advance will save time and make your employees feel more comfortable about the upcoming trip. When they can feel more in control of their travel experience and understand the details of its routine, the entire process is likely to be more seamless and the employee can be more productive.
If you would like to talk to one of our expert Serindipity Solutions consultants about your international corporate travel needs or organising a company trip, please get in touch on john@serindipityevents.com or 050 5944226 today.
