AMERICAN EXPRESS BUSINESS TRAVEL OFFERS COMPANIES A FREE PROGRAM ASSESSMENT TO HELP RECESSION-PROOF TRAVEL BUDGETS
Source: American Express Business Travel
Dec 2, 2008 - 10:58:50 AM
|
|
Cost Control Evaluations Saved North American
Clients More than $1 Billion in 2007
NEW YORK, December 02,
2008 -- To help companies recession-proof their travel programs and identify
further opportunity for cost savings, American Express Business Travel has
announced that it will begin offering a complimentary travel program assessment
to companies of all sizes in each region around the world beginning today.
Previously only available to existing American Express clients, the assessment
will use a proprietary solution to analyze key performance indicators such as
online booking adoption, nonrefundable ticket usage and compliance to preferred
vendors and travel policies. In 2007, American Express used the same proprietary
methodology to deliver more than $1 billion in travel savings for its North
American clients.
"We understand that companies are walking a tough
economic road right now, yet the imperative to travel has never been greater as
companies seek to cement business relationships," said Charles Petruccelli,
president, American Express Global Travel Services. "Because travel programs
represent the second highest discretionary cost a company incurs on an annual
basis, smart travel policies are crucial in the current environment. By opening
up access to our proprietary methodology through a free assessment, we will be
able to help companies around the world identify greater savings opportunities.
This approach can help ensure companies are realizing maximum returns on their
travel investment."
Companies interested in receiving the free assessment
can log on to American Express' corporate travel online community, www.BusinessTravelConneXion.com.
Requests for a complimentary assessment should be received by January 6,
2009.
Tools and Strategies to Help Companies Generate Savings in
Travel
In addition to the free travel program assessment, American
Express Business Travel also recommends several tools and strategies within its
solutions suite to help companies recession-proof their travel programs, manage
travel spending through this economic crisis and drive savings year
round:
X-Ray Vision - A dynamic reporting solution allows
companies to use new technology to monitor traveler activities in new ways. From
class of service traveled to how frequently they use company tools and programs
to book trips, the use of non-refundable tickets and advanced purchasing,
companies now have a magnified view into traveler behavior. With the collected
data, companies have the ability to even go one step further and compare their
travel spending to that of other similar companies and peer organizations within
their industry.
An Incredible Expanding Policy - A technology
solution to help companies manage travel spending beyond air, car and hotel
costs. By implementing a single online platform and utilizing preferred vendors
with negotiated discounted rates, companies can now manage restaurant spending,
packaging and shipping costs, web-conferencing and black car service. These
additional business services can account for nearly 50 percent of a company's
travel and entertainment costs and are currently not managed by most companies.
Aim to Reclaim - A service that identifies and tracks refundable
tickets, allowing travelers to reclaim lost travel dollars by finding and
processing unused e-tickets. While today's environment necessitates that tickets
be changed or cancelled at any time in conjunction with business trips with
constantly changing itineraries, managing these costs can lead to greater
realized savings.
Confirm they Conform - Technology that can
automatically confirm an employee has booked within company policy. This
solution offsets countless hours spent offering travelers specific guidance for
booking travel only to have them book outside company
policy.
Calculate Savings Realized - Proprietary methodology to
measure the effectiveness of the strategies and solutions implemented by a
company. This tool is able to calculate the true savings a company has realized
over a period of time, and goes hand-in-hand with the Opportunity Forecaster.
Peer Power - Finally, a social online community built for
professionals who manage travel for their companies. The site gives members an
opportunity to build relationships with their peers from other companies so they
can share ideas and best practices about the role of travel management.
Additionally, members will have access to a research library, message boards,
blogs, live polling and live chats with key members of the industry. Membership
to the site is free and can be accessed via www.BusinessTravelConneXion.com.
Mr. Petruccelli continued, "With our expertise, we can help companies
customize their travel program in a way that maximizes savings while keeping
travelers on the road, a critical element to generating revenue that will grow
and sustain their business year round."
About American Express
Business Travel
American Express Business Travel (www.americanexpress.com/businesstravel),
a division of the American Express Company, is dedicated to helping its clients
realize the greatest possible value from their investment in travel through
increased cost savings, outstanding customer service and greater spend control.
For small businesses, medium-sized enterprises and multinational corporations,
American Express Business Travel provides a combination of industry-leading
booking technology, travel management consulting expertise, strategic sourcing
and supplier negotiation support, and customer service available online and
offline, around the world.
American Express operates one of the world's
largest travel agency networks with $26.4 billion in global travel sales in
2007.
American Express Company (www.americanexpress.com) is a diversified
worldwide travel, financial and network services company founded in 1850. It is
a world leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, and
business services.
|
