Intuitive technology key to driving online adoption and travel policy compliance.
CHICAGO – At the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Procurement Symposium in Los Angeles, Orbitz for Business Vice President of Strategy and Account Management Mark L. Walton spoke to the importance of “consumerization” in corporate travel through the development of online tools that deliver a planning and booking experience that more closely mirrors the process business travelers already use for leisure travel. Such innovation will continually improve the corporate travel experience for travel managers and travelers alike, Walton argued, leading to increased online adoption and adherence to company policy while empowering travelers with intuitive, convenient technology that truly meets their needs.
“Travel managers prefer the control and minimized risk of a travel program sourced to a single TMC,” said Walton. “But with that control comes a perception among travelers that they have limited choice and flexibility, so we must continue innovating to deliver technology and tools that more closely match the ones travelers already use for their leisure travel bookings. Doing so will provide flexibility and convenience throughout the planning and booking process, which will in turn lead to the increased online adoption travel managers seek to effectively meet company goals.“
As the corporate travel brand of Orbitz Worldwide, Orbitz for Business launched in 2002 as the first travel management company (TMC) designed to mirror the experience of a leading consumer travel website, Orbitz.com. Over the past decade, Orbitz for Business has dedicated itself to delivering a consumerized business travel platform through purpose-built technology developed to meet the evolving needs of companies and their travelers – including the industry’s first end to end mobile booking solution – with a worldwide inventory of content, discounts negotiated on a global scale and proactive, expert traveler care that is accessible 24/7.
Adam Goldstein, cofounder of Hipmunk, moderated the GBTA Procurement Symposium panel titled “The Consumerization of Travel,” with Carol McDowell, manager of corporate travel services at FINRA, and David LeCompte, CEO of Short’s Travel Management, also serving as panelists alongside Walton.
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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.
