Set the tone for business travel in 2023

This year has been big. Big for businesses that have been working hard to move on from the pandemic, and big for employees and bosses trying to manage the rebound in workload volume. It’s been no different for the business travel industry. But what did we learn from the past year and where are the opportunities for change and growth?

We asked some of our Australian team what are their predictions for the year ahead and what tips they had for SMEs keen to hit a high note with sales, growth and expansion over the next 365 days.

From John Baty, Head of Land & Air Supply:

How did 2022 compare to other years for the quality and quantity of offers and deals?
- 2022 did see some great quality offers, as hotels and airlines were keen to reconnect with travellers and be the supplier of choice as travel returns. Many of these were focussed around loyalty and status matching. There wasn't as many offers as there has been in previous years, but as more hotels and airlines head towards and greater capacity and more staff, I would expect there to be more offers next year. As far as pricing goes, it has skyrocketed and it looks like it will remain like this well into next year.
Your travel product advice for customers next year?
- Book early. As soon as you know your travel plans, lock it in to secure the best availability. Leaving bookings to late in the piece has seen customers pay substantially more than what they could have got, if they had booked further in advance. Sometimes this is unavoidable, but where you can, book ahead.
What’s your travel resolution for 2023?
- For me, it's about making the right choices when it comes to selecting which airline, hotel and car partners I book with. Travel does have an impact on our world and I want to be able to support suppliers that give me the option to make a positive difference. This could be starting with carbon offsetting my flights/stay, working with those that give back to local communities and looking for those that have strong environmental standards, that work to protect our beautiful world.

From Ben Povall, Head of Customer Success - Queensland

How kind is 2023 going to be for travel programs?
- There is no hiding from the fact that the cost to travel is increasing. Whilst we can now refer to better quality of data from last 12 months compared to travel during COVID we still recommend building in growth to any projected forecasting for 2023. The key focus will be on controllable factors such as booking lead time, change behaviour and use of preferred partners to ensure maximum value is obtained.
  
  The return to travel has seen a surge in demand for hotel rooms across the major domestic cities. Higher room volumes are required than ever before to leverage compelling contracted rates so we are seeing our customers testing out various options under our SmartStay product. Discounted dynamic rates and value adds to improve the traveller experience are proving highly appealing in the current market.
  
  In good news for 2023 there is more choice across key routes domestically than ever before with Rex entering the "Golden Triangle". There are now options for all spend and service expectation levels in air supply and Corporate Traveller can assist in ensuring our customers are signed up to the best fit airline programs for their needs.
  
  In terms of land transport we have thankfully seen supply in the car hire sector improve dramatically in major cities (regional areas still coming up to speed) and anticipate this continuing across 2023.
  
  We also believe the move towards travellers self booking through our CT Mobile App and online booking tool Savi will build momentum next year. Travel policy compliance, ease of booking and built in approval processes will be key components of any 2023 travel program.
  
  Finally, 2023 will be the year of travel programs being kind to the environment, with a focus on sustainability - both from a reporting and decision making viewpoint.
Your tip for businesses looking to improve traveller satisfaction?
- Involve your travellers where possible in the building of your travel program and policy. Involvement drives positive traveller engagement, ownership and compliance with policy. Clear and simple communication of the travel policy across the business is vital to ensure all involved in the travel process are aware of what is considered best practice. Confusion breeds dissatisfaction. Corporate Traveller offers a simplified, infographic "Travel Policy on a Page" to accompany any travel policy that has been an asset for many of our customers.
  
  Ensure all your travellers have their memberships up to date in their travel profile. Travel can be stressful at the best of times and benefits associated with membership status can often positively impact the service provided by a supplier, vastly improving the traveller experience.
  
  Finally, ensure all your travellers are aware of the soft benefits of Corporate Traveller's place in the Flight Centre Travel Group. Get access to exclusive deals and encourage your travellers to use their annual leave and take a well earned break at a great price.
What’s your personal New Year’s resolution?
- To book a few camping trips in with the family and to not become one of "those dads" when coaching my son's U6's football team for the first time next year.