American Express Business Travel offers to help pinpoint savings opportunities
Tool assesses corporate travel programs
By Susan Avery -- Purchasing, 12/2/2008 1:19:00 PM
American Express Business Travel is making its travel program assessment available free of charge to travel managers at companies of all sizes in all regions of the world.
Previously available only to the company’s customers, the assessment analyzes key performance indicators such as online booking adoption, nonrefundable ticket usage and compliance to preferred suppliers and travel policies. Using the tool, American Express helped identify savings of more than $1 billion for its customers in North America last year.
In its 2009 Global Business Travel Forecast and Trends Report, American Express Business Travel said average travel costs are expected to rise 2.8% or $30 to $1,030 for a domestic trip next year. Average cost of an international trip will increase 4.3%, or $147, to $3,056. Average trip cost, consists of air, hotel and car rental costs.
In an online chat with travel managers last month, Charles Petruccelli, president of American Express Global Travel Services, reiterated the importance of travel to corporate strategy. He said, “Despite global economic challenges, travel is still an essential driver of business and economic growth.”
See also: Here’s how not to leave money on the table in supplier negotiations for 2009
See also: How to control travel costs
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