German travel managers association VDR has published a checklist template for companies to give employees preparing to resume travel in a landscape transformed by coronavirus. Described as a customizable "set of building blocks," the template steers travelers through key issues to consider across the entire trip cycle. Examples include pre-reservation research—starting with whether the journey is absolutely necessary—approval processes, required documents, making the right transport choices and hygiene precautions.
The document is one of the first outputs of a "Restart Business Travel" task force launched by the association. VDR has appointed former AirPlus International CEO Patrick Diemer, who left the company at the end of 2019, to lead the task force.
The task force also has published guidance for travel managers rebooting their programs for travel in compliance with German duty-of-care laws. "This is more important than ever during the coronavirus crisis because we can expect a greater risk to our safety and many conditions have changed—especially for travelers," the introduction to the guidelines stated.
Other initiatives include a manifesto outlining how VDR would like national governments and travel suppliers to support business travel resumption, and the launch of a resource portal for members.
"The corona pandemic has hit the business travel industry hard, and we expect major market changes," said VDR president Christoph Carnier. "A powerful business travel industry is indispensable for boosting the economy. As the business travel association in Germany, we see it as part of our mandate to accompany companies on their way back to a new normal in business mobility.
"Patrick Diemer is an excellently networked specialist with many years of industry experience, whose expertise is particularly helpful right now," Carnier added.