Mobile Technology to Revolutionise Corporate Travel

Amadeus and the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) have released results of a report titled Upwardly Mobile, which revealed that mobile technology is set to transform the entire travel experience for business travellers, improving their access to information and services.

The Upwardly Mobile report surveyed 72 travel managers across the globe and gathered opinions from technology experts worldwide through more than 30 interviews.

Security emerged as a major benefit of mobile technology for corporate travellers. 100% of the respondents indicated that ‘tracking and communication of travellers for security purposes’ was a major benefit of mobile technology. 98% of respondents saw definite value in mobile technology’s ability to provide corporate travellers with up-to-the-minute security alerts in event of a crisis. 92% of respondents appreciated the ability to receive GPS directions via a mobile device, and 88% saw benefit in being able to change their travel reservations while on the road.

Peter Smith, Vice President of the Business Solutions Group at Amadeus Asia Pacific said, “This survey demonstrates that the corporate community are increasingly recognising the benefits of mobile technology in terms of productivity, flexibility, and employee welfare. These findings are particularly relevant for the Asia Pacific region, where we observe a high rate of adoption for new technology and mobile devices.”

The report findings showed that mobile technology will revolutionise the way that corporations operate, allowing travellers to book and amend flights, make hotel reservations, as well as complete expense forms while travelling. These time-saving features will increase productivity and efficiency as employees will need to spend less time on travel-related tasks in the office.

Upwardly Mobile also found that mobile technology will help corporate travel managers meet travel policy requirements and promote compliance. For example, in the case of a cancelled flight, employees will be able to instantly access approved supplier lists, ensuring that they follow company policy rather than choosing costly alternatives.

However, while the report clearly demonstrates that travel managers are aware of the benefits offered by mobile technologies, they have so far made little progress in implementing changes. Some 80% acknowledged the role of mobile phones with enhanced features to improve corporate travel but only a handful have integrated these services into their travel programmes.

Smith said, “Recognised as an indispensable tool in the corporate world today, mobile devices represent an ideal platform for communication within the travel industry. The study has clearly illustrated that mobile technology represents the next step forward in travel technology.”

Amadeus, together with mobile solutions provider GTS Interactive, recently launched the Amadeus SMS Solution, an industry-first web-based tool that allows travel managers to send travel information to their customers via SMS.

With this tool, travel managers can alert travellers to essential trip details conveniently via their mobile phones, including travel itineraries, e-tickets, flight information, Passenger Name Record (PNR) data, and any changes to the Ticketing Time Limit (the date by which a booked ticket must be issued). The tool can be easily accessed through the Amadeus Selling Platform or Internet Explorer.

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