Travel Risk Management – What Companies need to Know!

Travel Risk Management - What Companies need to Know!Travel risk management is a proactive, comprehensive approach to protecting your employees and company from travel risks. It’s not just about how effectively your organization responds to a crisis, but how well you can actually prevent a crisis from happening. In today’s ever-changing world, more and more businesses are making corporate traveler safety and security a top priority, and corporate travel management is just one piece of the puzzle in making travel safer, lower-stress and more cost effective.

Traveler Insecurity

Many people who frequently travel for business experience anxiety because of terrorist attacks and natural disasters, but it much is more likely that they will run into snags such as a robbery or car accident when traveling. Corporate travel consultants who are available 24/7 can help ease business travelers’ fears and help them solve these kinds of problems regardless of which time zone they’re in.

Planning ahead

Another way to mitigate the impact of risks associated with corporate travel is to have policies, plans and processes in place. Travel and expense management solutions that provide tools, services and solutions to business travelers before a trip are not only vital to mitigating travel risk; they can also lessen the financial impact when problems do arise.

When it comes to corporate travel risk management, the importance of being prepared cannot be overstated. A corporate travel management company will help your business develop and enforce a comprehensive travel risk management plan that includes guidelines for safe travel practices.

One of the biggest obstacles companies face is their employees’ lack of knowledge about their company’s current procedures. Well-defined guidelines help travelers gain an understanding of their responsibilities and procedures they are required to follow in case of an emergency.

Information about travel warnings, assistance with visas & passports, and plans for making travel changes in case of disaster gives employees a sense of security and peace of mind, which leads to increased productivity while they’re traveling for business. If your company is on the small side, travel management for small business is an invaluable tool that can help you streamline travel services.

Real-Time Information & Global Connections

For many organizations, it can be difficult to rapidly an d accurately determine if their travelers are impacted by unexpected events. Many companies rely on information from news sites or social media for risk alerts, but these sources are often unreliable and inaccurate.

Corporate travel management companies have access to tools and technology that monitor real-time global happenings such as weather events, terrorism, political or health crises, which allows them to inform travelers who may be impacted right away.

Immediate Assistance

If something does happen, the response should be coordinated, seamless and immediate. A business traveler may need medical treatment, security, evacuation services, new accommodations or last-minute transportation, and working with a global travel service company significantly reduces the time it takes to identify and help travelers who need assistance.

Careful planning and coordination within your organization is a must when developing a travel risk management plan. Working with an experienced corporate travel management company that provides these services can make it much easier to effectively respond to and resolve any scenario that may arise.

5 Travel Tips for Corporate Travelers

Travel Tips for Corporate Travelers | GTI TravelCorporate travel can be interesting but in today’s fast-paced world it’s essential to be prepared for anything. Packing, rushing to make a flight and being constantly on the move can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Staying organized and keeping a positive attitude can help make traveling easier, especially if you have a global travel service to help with reservations, upgrades and itinerary changes.

Here are five simple things you can do to minimize stress and maximize productivity while traveling for business:

Join Rewards Programs

Members of rewards and loyalty programs often receive early boarding and first-class upgrades on flights, hotel rooms, rental cars and other services. If you belong to a rewards or loyalty program, customer service agents are more likely to provide you with top-notch customer service. You may think these programs only cater to corporate travelers from large companies, but even if you are part of a smaller company, joining rewards programs is worth it. Maximize the benefits you get from using rewards programs by working with a company that specializes in travel management for small businesses.

Pack Light

Lugging huge bags around and worrying about lost luggage is stressful. Waiting for checked baggage when you land can also throw a wrench in your corporate travel schedule if you can’t pick it up in a timely manner. Pack light and bring only a carry-on with the essentials you need for your trip. Skipping checked baggage can also have a positive impact on your budget—saving on little things can really add up when it comes to travel and expense management solutions. You can also save time by keeping a carry-on suitcase packed with clothing, shoes, accessories and toiletries.

Keep Your Cool

Good manners matter. Although you may be annoyed about your flight being delayed or getting the wrong type of rental car, you have a much better chance at upgrades, making itinerary changes and receiving excellent service when you are polite and treat people with respect. If you find yourself in a sticky situation that you just can’t deal with, enlisting the services of a corporate travel management company can help you get the issues resolved quickly without having to directly deal with the mess.

Dress Well

You may receive better service if you look presentable and well-dressed. Wearing clothing that doubles as meeting or presentation attire is also a good idea in case your baggage goes missing or you’re running late.

Use Corporate Travel Consultants To Plan Ahead

Experienced corporate travel consultants can help cut down on stress by taking care of arrangements such as air, hotel, car rental and rail reservations. Many are available around-the-clock and will also assist you with details such as meeting and event registration, changes in flight arrangements, baggage problems and other issues that make travel a headache.

Corporate travel consultants typically have vast global networks of travel connections and the latest technology at their fingertips, and will ensure that you’re maximizing savings and using business perks and miles to their fullest.

Simply put, skilled travel counselors who understand the particulars of corporate travel services can make your corporate travel more enjoyable, stress-free, and cost effective.