A recent survey by Airbus shows that 89% of US companies with annual revenue of over $500 million plan to fly more for business in 2023. Of these companies, 25% believe their company’s business travel will more than double. That’s a lot of planning, researching, and booking on the horizon for travel managers.
It can take a long time to plan a business trip as travel managers must align all the moving elements involved, such as employee housing, transport, and security. So, what if we told you that you could simplify the process with one easy-to-use tool? Sounds too good to be true, but an online booking tool (OBT) can help travel managers streamline the process and gain back valuable time.
These benefits may be why a recent survey by ITM found that the number one priority for traveler buyers in the year ahead is online booking tool optimization. Here’s how to win at business travel using an OBT.
5 ways to win at business travel using an online booking tool
Reduce research time
An online booking tool for business accommodation provides an all-in-one platform for travel managers to plan and book housing. According to research by AllStar Plus, one organizational challenge for travel managers is spending too much time browsing websites. With an OBT, you can say goodbye to wasting hours researching suitable options through multiple websites. Instead, you’ll have access to a range of accommodation types, including serviced apartments, aparthotels, condos, hotels, and short-term rentals, all on one site.
An OBT allows users to filter the marketplace by property type, the number of rooms and bathrooms, and amenities, such as smart home devices, workout classes, and high-speed internet. What’s more, you’ll be able to add a property to a short list where you can then compare options and show employees a list of approved housing.
Access pre-vetted suppliers
On an online business travel marketplace, such as 3Sixty, suppliers are already vetted and compliant. This means travel managers won’t have to source supplier verification for each option they pursue, saving you hours of research. A tech platform automates the sourcing of over one million accommodation suppliers – all of which are completely vetted, performance-managed, and cost-effective, using geo-mapping technology.
Involve employees
Travel accommodation is not a one-size-fits-all, some employees may want to stay in a hotel near the city, whereas others may prefer a quiet short-term rental away from the hustle and bustle. And, don’t forget that business travel can be stressful. When employees have to travel outside of their comfort zone, after having little say over how they’d like to travel and where they’d prefer to stay, this stress will be amplified – leading to unsatisfied and less motivated employees.
So, why not involve your employees in the business travel planning process? OBTs make it easy to give employees more say over where they stay. Simply create an approved accommodation shortlist based on the traveler’s preferences and then allow the employee to choose their favorite option. Or, give employees free rein to find their preferred housing on the tool – while being assured that the accommodation is budget-friendly and compliant.
Find the perfect housing
Employees are 20% more productive when they’re happy. So, if you want to keep employees focused when on the road, ensure business travelers have comfortable accommodations for their trips or relocations. Provide suitable housing that can act as a home away from home – a place where they can fully relax and recuperate after traveling or spending long days attending meetings and events.
OBTs with built-in Home Match™ technology help travel managers find the perfect accommodation for each business traveler based on their individual preferences and needs.
Save on costs
Business travel costs are unsurprisingly set to rise in the year ahead. In response to this, budget control has moved up from the sixth position to third in travel buyer priorities for 2023. The good news is that OBTs offer travel managers a large range of housing options at real-time competitive rates. Added features, such as a bid model platform, help drive down accommodation costs, enabling managers to leverage spending for below-standard supplier rates. If you find a housing option you like the look of, simply place a bid and wait to see if you can save even further on your business travel booking. What’s more, 3Sixty’s online booking tool is free to use and is backed up by our price guarantee.
Start winning at business travel planning with an easy-to-use online booking tool for business travel accommodation suppliers. This tech software can support travel managers in reducing time and budget spent while providing a trusted way to get employees involved, and pre-vetted housing that can be tailored to company policy and employee preference.
3Sixty
3Sixty, the business travel industry’s most secure and intuitive accommodation platform, helps employees to book and manage their stay in over one million quality, cost-effective rooms and properties around the world.
Try our online booking tool today to streamline the business travel planning process.