A recent ACTE poll indicates that new emphasis on the business traveler as a key link to increased corporate revenue is changing the standard approach to travel management.
The Association of Corporate Travel Executives and American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) are exploring a new level of partnership in 2015. According to an announcement by ACTE’s Executive Director Greeley Koch, GBT will be working with the association on a global level to redefine “industry innovation” through a joint focus on education and traveler needs. The announcement was made on April 13, 2015, as GBT signed on as the association’s first Chairman’s Circle Global Access Partner.
“The key word is ‘innovation.’ ACTE’s relationship with GBT marks a major innovation in travel industry sponsorship and support with the new ACTE Chairman’s Circle Global Access designation,” said Koch. “We are going beyond the limiting parameters of typical program support, to explore new industry forces as the drivers of innovation for business travel technology, increased traveler effectiveness, and maximum profitability for the traveler’s company.”
“GBT and ACTE share parallel philosophies, especially when it comes to service,” said Steve Curts, Chief Strategy Officer, American Express Global Business Travel. “Our vision at GBT is to become a more customer-centric organization that considers the needs of companies and their travelers in everything we do – from our own internal systems and recruitment strategy to our booking platforms and, above all, customer service. Moreover, we are investing in the capabilities and relationships that allow us to pursue this kind of innovation.
“We look forward to advancing the industry dialogue on how to achieve innovation through the educational content and research we have prioritized as part of our relationship with ACTE.”
A recent ACTE poll indicates that new emphasis on the business traveler as a key link to increased corporate revenue is changing the standard approach to travel management. “A significant number of our members are exploring alternatives to the shaving and saving approach to business travel management,” said Koch. “Shaving a dollar here, a euro there, and a yen someplace else is not the best use of a travel manager’s time and talent. While cost savings is important, it is best viewed in context with generating corporate revenue.”
The worldwide capabilities of GBT are a good match for ACTE, which recently became the largest travel trade association source of global travel management educational programs, hosting 70 events in 20 countries. “ACTE is firmly established on six continents, a claim no other business travel association can make,” said Koch. “GBT is known everywhere.”
ACTE and PBTA Announce New Travel Education Partnership
ACTE and the Pittsburgh Business Travel Association are officially “Education Partners,” following a joint announcement by ACTE’s Executive Director Greeley Koch and former PBTA President Sean McCurdy. Speaking before a general session of ACTE’s Global Travel Conference in Atlanta, April 12-14, Koch and McCurdy outlined the objectives of the new partnership, with the first joint event to occur in the fall.
“I can’t imagine a more auspicious setting for an announcement of this magnitude,” said Koch. “The PBTA and ACTE have a parallel mission in exploring new dimensions in business travel management. These include the freedom to exchange ideas, speakers, and data generated by our respective memberships. This is the year of innovation, and this partnership is the best way to advance our common interests.”
Koch stated that ACTE and the PBTA would begin joint studies, surveys, and the sharing of expertise effective immediately, with the potential for hosting special projects as industry demand required.
“The ACTE partnership is is a true milestone for PBTA, as an independent association with some of the most distinguished industry professionals as members, PBTA is looking forward to working with ACTE as we launch this new exciting partnership. ACTE’s respect for autonomy and accomplishment, and a commitment to exploring new association models will allow PBTA to provide our members with best in class educational content,” said McCurdy.
PBTA President Mary Taylor said, “At PBTA and ACTE, the membership comes first. Our primary consideration is providing the tools and environment for business travelers to complete their corporate objectives. And that means being open to new ideas, new methods, and the kind of dialogue that makes all of this possible. I have great expectations of this shared endeavor.”
While the two associations may begin sharing speakers and data immediately, the first joint event has been tentatively scheduled for the fall of 2015.
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
