Travel agencies will no longer be just suppliers for business trips, but consultants for the well-being of traveling employees.
The service supply chain in Business Travel is at the center of the Travel Manager's concerns. More and more travel managers recognize the importance of obtaining quality and sustainable options when negotiating with business travel suppliers .
Sustainable obligations for businesses from the European Union
Sustainability is certainly one of the trends that is becoming increasingly widespread. In reality, as early as 2022, the Supply Chain Act promoted by the European Union aims to progressively convey the objectives of companies towards responsible management that protects the environment and the community . The commitments required of companies also concern choices in the supply chain, not only within national borders but also abroad. This is a key step because the sustainable responsibility of companies is not only valid at home, but is also a duty in the countries where you operate for a trip.
June 1, 2023 marked another date to remember along this journey. The European Parliament not only confirmed the regulatory line, but actually expressed its intention to strengthen it. We should expect stricter sustainability guidelines for companies in the future . green regulations more closely in the supply chain. The message from the European Union is clear: the future of European companies will depend on their ability to adapt to sustainable policies in every aspect of their business. The objective is not to impose new obligations to respond to, but to develop a greater sense of social and environmental responsibility.
How will the role of business travel agencies change?
Business travel agencies will increasingly provide consultancy services in the future; they will be strategic partners to ensure the well-being of traveling employees. This means that they will not only propose rates or packages in line with the customer's requests, but will be at his side in defining satisfactory policies and procedures for travellers. Business travel agencies like Alma Travel will be able to support the planning of itineraries that are functional to the business, but at the same time profiled based on the traveler to reduce stress as much as possible. In the future, the meaning of "wellbeing" on the move will go far beyond activities exclusively related to travel logistics and the information to be provided will also concern fitness and recreational attractions in the location. Let's not forget that we are in a world that places individual experience at the center of the perception of the quality of a service. Furthermore, it will be up to travel agents to promote sustainable travel alternatives that also protect the well-being of the environment. From this point of view, AlmaTravel is the ideal partner for cutting-edge solutions in the digital travel field and process management in business travel, with a focus on aspects of environmental sustainability .
However, in the coming years we must expect a further evolution or rather expansion of the activities requested from suppliers. To address the challenges of sustainability and individual well-being (and at the same time capitalize on the opportunities of corporate mobility), travel agencies will need to develop strategic partnerships with technology companies and urban mobility platforms . Such collaborations will enable ticket integration and data sharing, helping to make travel services more convenient, efficient, sustainable and traceable.