Singapore (2010-02-08)

OPTIMISING hotel spend, improving traveller compliance, optimising simple bookings, and driving air and ground transportation savings are the top four areas of higher priority for travel managers in 2010, according to a survey by Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT).

“Driving savings was the mandate for travel managers throughout 2009...This will be the case in 2010 as well, even as the economy improves and business travel picks up,” said Cathy Voss, CWT executive vice president, global programme solutions.

The report surveyed 169 travel managers to identify their key priorities for 2010.

Forecasting the year ahead, CWT anticipates a decline in negotiated hotel rates; little, if any, demand for dynamic hotel pricing from travel managers and buyers; higher average ticket prices for air travel as industry consolidation and capacity reduction continue; and the reinforcement of ancillary fees. Furthermore, competition for rail travel will increase and car rental companies will continue to control costs while increasing rates and no-show fees.

CWT also foresees efforts to enhance the  traveller experience through mobile services, paperless boarding passes and wireless Internet for air and rail travel.