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JOHANNESBURG – Travellers, travel managers, bookers (and those holding the purse strings) face a mixed picture in 2026, with significant cost variations depending on where they’re heading.

The latest FCM data reveals some surprises: global airfares are down, certain hotels are more affordable than last year, but flying within Africa isn’t getting any easier. Here’s what to watch for – and how to make your company’s travel budget go further.

Africa: Flight constraints, accommodation relief

If your work takes you around Africa, you’ll still face crowded flights and limited options. Many airlines haven’t restored full schedules post-pandemic, so even as demand returns, it can be tough to find a seat when you need one. Mummy Mafojane, General Manager for FCM South Africa, notes, “If you’re not booking early and keeping an eye on route capacity, you could end up paying a premium or missing out on the flights you want.”

But there’s good news on the hotel front – especially in South Africa itself. Compared to early 2025, Cape Town hotel rates are down 19%, and Johannesburg hotels are 13% cheaper. Hotel rates in key African hubs such as Nairobi and Lagos are also considerably down, while Cairo is holding steady too. This is, in part, due to a development boom in Africa with a surge in hotel construction across the continent – leading to increased competition and more rooms (at cheaper prices).

“It’s a welcome change for travellers who’ve been squeezed by rising accommodation costs for years,” says Mafojane.

Global routes: broad-based savings

Here’s another welcome surprise: international travel is getting cheaper. Business class fares are down 4% and even economy tickets are 3% lower than last year. The reason? Although lower fuel costs have played a role, Mafojane explains that demand has actually fallen short of original forecasts, and airlines have had to adjust their pricing strategies to stimulate demand.

And it’s not just the price of the ticket, but ancillaries too (think seat selection, Wi-Fi and extra legroom). Seat selection fees are down 2%, Wi-Fi charges have fallen as much as 7%, and extra legroom is 3-5% cheaper.

“The decline in these add-on costs means you can often travel more comfortably without busting your budget,” says Mafojane.

If you’re heading to Asia-Pacific, you’ll find even more value. Hotels average $170 a night, and the typical business trip costs just $972, far below the global average of $1,600. Europe’s a mixed bag: hotels are up on average, but there are more flight options, thanks to a 4.3% increase in flights and 5% more seats in early 2025.

Regional hotel variations and the bleisure opportunity

Globally, hotel rates are up 10% to an average of $201, but there are big regional swings. While Europe and the US have seen price hikes, the Middle East offers deals (Dubai is down 18%, Doha down 13%), and Asia-Pacific and Australia/New Zealand are more affordable, often with perks like free Wi-Fi and breakfast.

These trends are making “bleisure” – tacking a few personal days onto a business trip – more attractive. “We’re seeing more travellers extend their stays, especially in affordable destinations,” says Mafojane. “Combining business and leisure can actually stretch your travel budget further and improve your overall travel experience, as long as you stick to company policy.”

Smart traveller strategies for 2026

Whether you’re booking for yourself or working with your company’s travel team, these tips will help you get more value:

• Don’t default to one airline (unless your airline of choice is stepping up in terms of loyalty benefits or serious corporate savings). Check for the “best fare of the day”—you could save more than you think.
• Book 2-3 weeks in advance. FCM’s data shows this is when the best deals are available.
• Keep changes to a minimum. If your change fees start to creep up, rethink your booking habits.
• Pick your destination with care. Some regions offer far better value than others, especially for meetings, events and incentives.
• Look for hotels that include extras like breakfast and Wi-Fi; these add up quickly.

The bottom line

2026’s travel landscape is anything but predictable, but the data shows clear opportunities for savvy South African travellers. As Mafojane puts it: “If you know where to look and plan ahead, it’s possible to travel better for less, even when the market is volatile. Be flexible, ask questions, and use the tools at your disposal. That’s how you’ll get the most from your business travel this year.”

“We’re seeing that the most successful business travellers today are those who understand the cost landscape and work collaboratively with their travel teams,” agrees Juan Antonio Iglesias, Head of FCM Consulting, EMEA. “It’s about being informed and making smart choices that benefit both the traveller and the company.” With the right approach, you can turn global shifts and local quirks into cost savings, extra comfort, and maybe even a little more time to enjoy the journey.

Johannesburg – From early boarding to fluffy hotel robes, ancillary fees – those optional extras added to your base travel price – have become a cornerstone of the modern travel experience.

For airlines especially, ancillaries represent a massive revenue stream. These add-ons now account for billions in annual revenue globally, fundamentally reshaping how carriers price and package their services. What started as simple baggage fees has evolved into an entire ecosystem of upgrades, from seat selection to Wi-Fi access.

For business travel bookers this means navigating an increasingly complex landscape of choices (and hidden costs). And while some ancillaries genuinely enhance your journey, others simply drain your budget without delivering meaningful value. And left unchecked, these extras can make a significant dent in corporate travel spend – turning what seemed like a reasonable base fare into something far more expensive.

So, which extras should you say “yes please” to – and which should you simply smile, and swipe left on? Let’s break it down.

What Are Ancillary Fees, Really?

“Ancillaries are any charges outside the base price of a ticket or room. And they’re not going anywhere,” says Herman Heunes, GM of Corporate Traveller South Africa. “Some offer comfort and productivity, but others quietly overspend your budget.”

From choosing a seat to checking out of a hotel, you and your employees face endless offers for optional add-ons. A few hundred rands here and there might seem harmless, but across an organisation they can snowball into tens – or hundreds – of thousands in hidden costs annually.

Airlines: Holding the Title for Ancillary Kings

Gone are the days when a ticket came with all the perks. Today’s airlines – especially low-cost carriers that now account for 31% of global capacity – have embraced unbundled pricing. Some make up to 50% of their revenue from extras, and full-service carriers are following suit.

Common airline ancillaries include:

• Seat selection and extra legroom
• Flexi fare upgrades and change fees
• Checked baggage (sometimes carry-on)
• In-flight meals, drinks and Wi-Fi
• Priority boarding and fast-track access
• Lounge or shower access
• Bidding systems for upgrades

Heunes recommends bundled fare classes: “Business travellers should book tickets that already include essentials – luggage, meals, and flexibility. It’s often cheaper than adding services later.”

For long-haul or overnight trips, paying for premium economy – or even business class – can lead to more productive workers upon landing, potentially saving on hotel nights too.

Hotel Ancillaries: The Hidden Cost of Comfort

Hotel extras are equally pervasive, and often unexpected. You may find fees for:

• Early check-in or late check-out
• Wi-Fi and streaming access
• Valet or on-site parking
• Minibars and in-room dining
• Charges for guests, amenities, or cleaning fees in rentals
• Spa, gym, or workspace access

To reduce expenses, Heunes suggests partnering with a travel management company (TMC) – especially one with global buyer power – that can negotiate inclusions like breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi in your corporate hotel contracts. Regular travellers should also leverage loyalty programmes, which often offer upgrades, free Wi-Fi and late check-outs.

“Some charges like resort fees or short-term rental cleaning fees only appear at checkout. A good booking tool will highlight these ahead of time, while a TMC will negotiate hard on your behalf,” Heunes notes.

Ground Transport: When a Car Isn’t Just a Car

Once straightforward, car hire now includes a menu of add-ons:

• Insurance tiers (basic to premium)
• Fees for extra drivers
• GPS or added equipment
• Refuelling surcharges
• Roadside assistance or toll plans
• After-hours pickup/drop-off fees

“Most companies already have insurance that covers rentals, so double-paying at the counter is unnecessary,” says Heunes. “We’ve helped clients reduce disputes and reimbursement claims by bundling in essentials like insurance and fuel terms.”

Extras to Avoid (or Use Sparingly)

• Minibar and in-room dining: Typically overpriced and generally covered by per diems anyway
• Hotel “resort” or facilities fees: If you’re not using the extras, question the charge upfront
• Premium seat selection on short-haul flights: Unnecessary for quick trips
• Redundant car rental insurance: Check your existing coverage first
• Overpriced airport Wi-Fi or snacks bought on the fly: Often better to plan ahead or bundle

And one worth fighting for?

Late check-outs and early check-ins are important for business travellers, especially when long-haul flights arrive at stupid-o-clock. Not only can you grab a shower, but the ability to rest – or fire up your laptop and start working – is often invaluable and well worth including in your corporate contract.

5 Strategies to Minimise Spend

When every rand counts, it’s key to stay in control of extras. Here are five best practices:

1. Bundle the Basics: It often pays to choose fare classes or hotel deals that include standard services – like baggage, Wi-Fi, and meals – upfront, rather than add them à la carte later.

2. Track and Report: Use your travel platform’s reporting tools to identify where ancillary spending is spiking – by supplier, destination or trip type. Visibility is the first step to savings.

3. Update Your Policy: If employees routinely opt for certain ancillary services – such as extra baggage, airport transfers or Wi-Fi – consider including them in your travel policy, as well as negotiating them up front as part of your corporate agreement.

4. Negotiate With Suppliers: Through a travel management company (TMC), you can often secure better-value packages with bundled ancillaries – including premium perks like lounge access or early check-in.

5. Educate Your Travellers: A quick chat about unnecessary upgrades and snack bar raids can go a long way. Informed travellers make smarter decisions – and fewer expense claims.

Knowing When to Say “Yes” to Extras

Herman sums it up simply: “The question isn’t if should we use extras, rather it’s which ones offer real value in terms of ease, productivity and traveller wellbeing.”

If a changeable ticket helps navigate shifting meetings, pay the fee. If premium seating ensures your team arrives fresh and focused, consider it an investment. If a bundled hotel rate saves you time and hassle? Go for it.

“Travellers who are comfortable, informed and well-supported deliver more value when they land,” Heunes concludes. “Extras done right boost returns far more than they hurt the budget.”

-ENDS-

MEDIA CONTACT

For more information about Corporate Traveller, or to interview Corporate Traveller South Africa GM Herman Heunes, call Sonnette Fourie on 081 072 2869 or email sonnette@bigambitions.co.za.   

About Corporate Traveller

Corporate Traveller is a division of the Flight Centre Travel Group, dedicated to saving businesses across Southern Africa time and money. Corporate Traveller has the benefit of being part of the world’s third-largest travel retailer, leveraging its global negotiating strength. It has access to over 50 of the world’s leading airlines and deals with more than 100 000 hotels around the world to guarantee savings for clients. Corporate Traveller provides clear, consolidated reporting of all its clients’ travel activities, helping them to control travel spend and identify opportunities to save costs.

Issued by:

Big Ambitions

Sonnette Fourie

sonnette@bigambitions.co.za

+27 81 072 2869

The brand will provide a true heart and home for independent travel agents and agencies with a polished new visual identity that reflects the Group’s experienced global community, industry leading technology and comprehensive product marketplace.

The name Envoyage combines the notion of connection through envoy and travel through voyage. The“bridge” in the logo represents the growth journey our travel agents and agencies can experience and the incredible travel journeys their customers can go on with us.

Flight Centre Travel Group Global Leisure CEO James Kavanagh said a new global brand will allow the company to continue nurturing the huge potential they see in the independent travel space.

“Independent travel has been one of the fastest growing divisions for us in recent years and the investment in our new brand signals the significant role we expect the network to play in our future business model.

“It’s our ambition that Envoyage will become a global powerhouse – the most comprehensive, trusted and recognised independent travel brand in market.”

Chantal Gouws, General Manager of Envoyage South Africa said Envoyage is the culmination of extensive market research, industry consultation and in-depth design.

“The new brand proposition is compelling, memorable and versatile. Our research tells us Envoyage conjures up an air of prestige, a feeling of security and an immediate association with travel and personalisation, so it truly embodies everything our independent division is about.

“Being part of Envoyage will offer agents the best of both worlds – the freedom of running their own business their way, coupled with the power of a truly global brand and community.

“We look forward to welcoming our existing network of incredible independent agents and agencies alongside newcomers into the Envoyage family.”

About Envoyage: 
Envoyage is a global network of independent travel entrepreneurs, dedicated to shaping the future of travel through collaboration, innovation, and excellence. With a commitment to empowering its members, Envoyage offers cutting-edge solutions and comprehensive business support to drive success in an ever-evolving landscape. Visit join.envoyage.com to learn more.

Media contact:

Tracy Porter 

Phone: +27 (0)82 891 4353 

Email: tracy.porter@envoyagegroup.co.za 

The China Tourism Academy predicts that the recovery process of the inbound and outbound tourism market will further accelerate in 2024, with annual inbound and outbound tourism trips exceeding 264 million trips.

WTM Africa has formed a strategic buyer and media partnership with China Travel Online, a leading Chinese outbound travel portal, to facilitate engagement with key Chinese tourism stakeholders at the 2024 show in Cape Town.

China Travel Online connects destinations, attractions, hotels and other travel suppliers worldwide to Chinese operators and professionals. It is also a one-stop shop for resources, e-commerce, news and networking for Chinese travel and tourism companies and professionals.

The collaboration will see WTM Africa host several prominent Chinese buyers for pre-scheduled business meetings and networking sessions with exhibitors during the three-day event from 10 to 12 April 2024.

The China Market session during the WTM Africa conference is another highlight. It will share the latest China outbound market updates with the industry and how to penetrate the world’s largest tourism source market effectively.

“This partnership with China Travel Online allows us to bring leading Chinese industry players together with tourism suppliers from across Africa, paving the way for future growth,” says Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director for WTM Africa.

De Jager emphasises that the Chinese outbound travel market presents an enormous opportunity for the continent, especially in light of the fact that South Africa has been one of the first three nations on the continent to roll out the welcome mat to Chinese visitors in the post-COVID era.

“As this vital tourism source market picks up again post-COVID, connecting Chinese stakeholders with Africa’s diverse offering through partnerships like this will help accelerate recovery on both sides,” De Jager adds.

According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), at the end of  2023, international scheduled flights from China to the rest of the world reached over 60% of 2019 pre-pandemic levels. This presents an excellent opportunity for South Africa to bring Chinese visitors to its shores.

“We are excited about this partnership and the possibilities it unlocks for tourism growth between China and Africa,” comments Marcus Lee, CEO of China Travel Online.

The 2024 edition of WTM Africa in Cape Town will include business meetings, content sessions, and networking focused on empowering the expansion of African tourism.

To attend WTM Africa 2024 and bolt-on events visit: https://www.wtm.com/africa/en-gb.html

To attend ILTM Africa, visit https://www.iltm.com/africa/en-gb/enquire.html

-ENDS-

Issued by: Big Ambitions 

Contact: Sonnette Fourie

Tel: +27 81 072 2869

Email: sonnette@bigambitions.co.za 

World Travel Market (WTM) Portfolio comprises leading travel events, online portals and virtual platforms across four continents. The events are:

WTM Latin America takes place annually in the city of São Paulo and attracts around 20,000 tourism professionals during the three-day event. The event offers qualified content together with networking and business opportunities. In this its tenth edition – there have been nine face-to-face events along with a 100% virtual one, which was held in 2021.

Next event: Monday 3 to Wednesday 5 April 2023 – Expo Center Norte, São Paulo, Brazil

http://latinamerica.wtm.com/

WTM Africa launched in 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa under the Africa Travel Week umbrella.  In 2022, WTM Africa facilitated more than 7 thousand unique pre-scheduled appointments, an increase of more than 7% compared to 2019 and welcomed more than 6 thousand visitors (unaudited), the same number as in 2019.

Next event: Monday 3 to Wednesday 5 April 2023 – Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town 

http://africa.wtm.com/

About ATW Connect:  Africa Travel Week’s digital arm, is a virtual hub packed to the seams with interesting content, industry news and insights, and the opportunity to hear from experts on a variety of topics in our new monthly webinar series. All with the aim to keep all of us in the travel and tourism industry connected. ATW Connect focuses on inbound and outbound markets for general leisure tourism, luxury travel, LGBTQ+ travel and the MICE/business travel sector as well as travel technology.

Arabian Travel Market (ATM), now on its 30th year, is the leading, international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. Arabian Travel Market is part of Arabian Travel Week. #IdeasArriveHere

Next event: Monday 1 to Thursday 4 May 2023, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai

https://www.wtm.com/atm/en-gb.html

Arabian Travel Week is a is a 10-day long festival of events taking place within and alongside Arabian Travel Market 2023. Providing a renewed focus for the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector, it includes the live ATM exhibition, ILTM Arabia, ARIVAL Dubai, Influencers’ events and activations, as well as Travel Forward. It also features the ATM Buyer Forums, ATM Speed Networking Events as well as Business Traveller Africa Awards 2023.

Arabian Travel Week takes place from 1 – 10 May 2023

https://www.wtm.com/arabian-travel-week/en-gb.html

WTM London, the leading global event for the travel industry, is the must-attend three-day exhibition for the worldwide travel and tourism industry. The show facilitates business connections for the global (leisure) travel community. Senior travel industry professionals, government ministers and international media visit ExCeL London every November, generating travel industry contracts.

Next live event: Monday 6-8 November 2023 at ExCel London

http://london.wtm.com/

WTM Global Hub, is the new WTM Portfolio online portal created to connect and support travel industry professionals around the world. The resource hub offers the latest guidance and knowledge to help exhibitors, buyers and others in the travel industry face the challenges of the global coronavirus pandemic. WTM Portfolio is tapping into its global network of experts to create content for the hub. https://hub.wtm.com/

About RX (Reed Exhibitions)

RX is in the business of building businesses for individuals, communities and organisations. We elevate the power of face to face events by combining data and digital products to help customers learn about markets, source products and complete transactions at approximately 400 events in 22 countries across 42 industry sectors. RX is passionate about making a positive impact on society and is fully committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people.  RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. www.rxglobal.com

About RELX

RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 35,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York Stock Exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.

*Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at http://www.relx.com/investors

Why the interest in certain hot topics? “Corporate travel is navigating a lot of complexity lately,” says FCM Travel GM Bonnie Smith. “From carbon emissions to data analytics, there’s a steep learning curve for travel managers right now.”

What do these popular blogs tell us? Corporate travel priorities in South Africa are rapidly evolving to meet global trends. Sustainability discussions lit up in 2023, with companies facing rising demands to curb air travel emissions through creative offsets. Bleisure also went mainstream as travellers were interested in injecting some play into business trips. And travel managers realised the need to double down on risk and savings strategies to ensure safe, cost-effective trips.

There’s more to the 2024 crystal ball, and as we enter a new year, these issues raise important questions, says Smith. “How can we turn sustainability pledges into action? How do we blend purpose and profit for better business trips?”

Smith looks at the hottest topics in corporate travel – as revealed by the articles FCM Travel readers clicked on – and what they mean for the year ahead.

Shift happens: Why travel and expense policies need an upgrade for the modern workplace

This blog looked at the need for a makeover of corporate travel and expense policies, and it’s got everyone talking for good reasons.

Smith puts it this way, “Those old-school corporate travel and expense policies? They were made for a time when everyone was glued to their office desks and travel was predictable. But times have changed, and it’s high time we give these policies a fresh coat of paint.”

So, why did this article become such a hit? Well, it’s practical and relatable. It takes on the pain points of dealing with paper-driven processes in a world where remote work and flexible schedules rule. It shines a light on the importance of user-friendly, tech-savvy solutions and the need to cater to the preferences of the younger generation of business travellers. In a nutshell, it’s telling us that in 2024, corporate travel should be all about flexibility, technology, and a dash of personalisation to keep everyone happy.

The big lesson here? Businesses need to roll with the changes in the modern workplace. To stay competitive and keep employees in high spirits, it’s time to give those travel and expense policies a modern makeover.

5 Ways to stretch your rands in the most expensive cities in the world

FCM’s guide on stretching budgets in expensive global cities outlined useful rand-busting tips without compromising duty of care, safety or the overall traveller experience.

The article spotlighted just how extreme costs have climbed. According to ECA, the average cost of a work trip to New York tallied up to an eyewatering cost of, on average, $796 per day. That’s around R14 638.14!

But forewarned is forearmed. What we learned? With some prep work, creativity and insider help from a savvy travel management partner, cost control is possible even in exorbitant locales. The insight for 2024? Continued inflation means getting more bang for bucks will be non-negotiable. Companies keeping travel costs in check through guidance like this will keep their bottom line healthy and travellers smiling.

Business travel dead time? The loophole to escape the always-on work mentality

This insightful blog post confronted the mania around maximising every minute while on work trips, far beyond Dolly Parton’s 9-5 of old. But Smith argues this tendency can backfire: “The need to be productive has become overwhelming. When people travel for work, they feel the pressure to work around the clock and make every minute productive. But this is, in fact, counterproductive.”

The piece revealed this constant busyness can hamper trip goals and cause burnout. Instead, savvy corporates will make downtime their me-time, plan time off (hello bleisure!) and use any ‘dead time’ to strategise or study (bring the notebook to jot down ideas). With just a mindset shift, that dead time can turn into something meaningful, free from guilt or stress.

Key insight? Encourage employees to embrace downtime guilt-free. The mental health benefits will show in better work and happier travellers all around. Expect duty of care considerations in 2024 to include ample downtime defence.

Innovations to expect in business travel in 2023

Another key blog post was the innovations of note in 2023, which included contactless travel and biometric recognition, VR and AR, traveller tracking and mobile apps, and even how to keep track of lost baggage (thank goodness, the lost baggage mountains of 2022 seem to be behind us!)

This forward-looking blog spotlighted how tech can help us work smarter, not harder. In short, think personalisation and simplicity. These upgrades also provide vital back-end support. Centralised approval flows, automated policy compliance, and consolidated data analytics saves travel managers precious time while enhancing duty of care.

Key lesson? Cutting-edge tech is making business travel sharper than ever.

The NDC explained: what it really means for the corporate traveller

It’s not much of a surprise that the The NDC explained: what it really means for the corporate traveller? was a top performing blog for FCM Travel. The buzz around NDC couldn’t have been any louder in 2023! Research from Business Travel Show revealed that one in five buyers (18%) believe the NDC offers more transparency with pricing, but boy, did it generate debate. On the sustainability front, NDC is a perk – enabling carbon-conscious flight comparisons and greener choices all around.

Even forward-focussed travel managers faced a firehose of new conundrums in 2023 – but as FCM’s review revealed, practical problems have practical high-tech solutions. Don’t be afraid of doing things differently – and reap the rewards. Here’s looking forward to 2024!

**ends**

For more information about FCM Travel, or to interview FCM Travel General Manager South Africa, Bonnie Smith, call Dorine Reinstein on 083 278 8994 or email dorine@bigambitions.co.za.

About FCM Travel:

FCM Travel, the flagship corporate travel brand at Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), is the business travel partner of choice for large national, multinational and global corporations. We are an award-winning global corporate travel management company ranking as one of the top five by size around the world. We operate a global network which spans more than 100 countries, employing over 6000 people.

FCM are transforming the business of travel through our empowered and accountable people who deliver 24/7 service and are available either online or offline. Leveraging FCM’s negotiating strength and supplier relationships in conjunction with our tailored business travel programs, our expertise delivers more for our clients where it matters most to them.

Visit us at www.fcmtravel.co.za

Issued by: Big Ambitions

Contact: Dorine Reinstein

Tel: +27 83 278 8994

Email: Dorine@bigambitions.co.za

Bonnie Smith, GM of Corporate Traveller, emphasises the increasing importance of hyperpersonalisation in travel services. According to Smith, “For a while now, giving customers highly personalised travel experiences has been important. But now, with technological advancements, we can take hyperpersonalisation to a whole new level. This means we can create even more personalised connections with travellers and interact with them more meaningfully.”

What’s driving the surge in the demand for a less generic approach to business travel? Smith believes the rapid technological progress is a reaction to evolving customer demands. Corporate travellers these days expect more than just hassle-free trips; they look for experiences that feel exclusively designed for them. It’s not just a preference anymore; it’s a clear expectation.

“With AI and machine learning in our toolkit, we’re entering an era where travel companies can tap into a goldmine of data to create travel experiences that truly align with each traveller’s unique needs and preferences,” she says.

“Hyperpersonalisation is changing up business travel by putting the traveller’s individual needs front and centre,” states Smith. “This approach transforms every aspect of the journey, from the planning stage to the trip. It’s about providing a convenient travel experience and deeply aligned with the individual’s preferences and requirements.”

This approach makes trip planning easier and more efficient for everyone. Travellers can choose from options for flights, hotels or car rentals that have already been customised to match their preferences and past choices. This hyperpersonalisation gives travellers more control over their travel experiences – something that younger business travellers increasingly want. “The shift here is from generic information delivery to a user-friendly experience,” says Smith.

For those working with travel management companies (TMCs), tech tools have long been used to help meet customer needs and get the job done efficiently. “For a TMC like Corporate Traveller, it’s about going beyond that and redefining what exceptional service entails. That means understanding travellers and paying attention to the little things,” she says. She adds that data protection and respecting travellers’ privacy are some of the challenges that corporates need to be aware of – and are questions to pose to a TMC when seeking their services.

And then there’s the issue of compliance. Could a hyper-personalised booking experience solve the problem of travellers booking off policy? Smith thinks so. “A TMC’s platform can show travellers a small number of perfect travel options based on their trip details, specific needs, past preferences, availability, risk assessment results, and the company’s travel policy. By customising the choices for each traveller while still sticking to the company’s rules, a highly personalised booking platform can improve compliance and make the booking process smoother. This careful matching of options to preferences and requirements while staying within the policy can benefit both the traveller and the company,” she concludes.

For more information about Corporate Traveller, or to interview Corporate Traveller South Africa GM Bonnie Smith, call Dorine Reinstein on 083 278 8994 or email dorine@bigambitions.co.za.

**ends**

About Corporate Traveller

Corporate Traveller is a division of the Flight Centre Travel Group, dedicated to saving businesses across Southern Africa time and money. Corporate Traveller has the benefit of being part of the world’s third-largest travel retailer, leveraging its global negotiating strength. It has access to over 50 of the world’s leading airlines and deals with more than 100 000 hotels around the world to guarantee savings for clients. Corporate Traveller provides clear, consolidated reporting of all its clients’ travel activities, helping them to control travel spend and identify opportunities to save costs.

Issued by:

Big Ambitions

Dorine Reinstein

dorine@bigambitions.co.za