Op-Ed: Buyers Need A Global Perspective To Manage Change
Borders do not confine business. Events taking place an ocean away impact our companies and our travelers. The true test of our ability as travel managers is how we continue to evolve in the face of new challenges.
It's humbling for me to look back on my first year as president and CEO of the National Business Travel Association and reflect upon how our industry has changed in just a few short months and how we, as corporate travel managers, continue to drive value for our employers and the industry in the face of adversity. In less than one year, we have endured a devastating hurricane season, the threat of an avian flu outbreak, skyrocketing fuel prices and the risk of terror overseas and at home.
Yet, during these times of uncertainty, business travel is back. The recovery can be credited in part to our role of providing strategic travel management to meet our employers' overall objectives, and at the same time it highlights the importance of effective travel management. Thanks to our support and efforts, our companies are focused on deriving value from corporate travel programs and our travelers are more productive. Though we have much to be pleased about within industry, many challenges still lie ahead.
How would your company respond to a terror attack in a major business district overseas or an outbreak of avian flu? As fuel prices continue to rise, how will your company adapt to keep travel costs in line with budgets? How could new visa and passport requirements impact business operations? How will changes in the aviation market impact fares and capacity?
While remaining optimistic, we must prepare for unforeseen events and worst-case scenarios. To do this, it is essential that corporate travel managers think with a global perspective. We must understand the world around us in order that we successfully navigate the next challenge in our industry.
Take in as much relevant news and information as possible, from a variety of sources. By being mindful of events at home and abroad, you will be better prepared to address new challenges. Attend internationally focused educational sessions, such as those offered at the NBTA Convention and the National Business Travel Association's events outside the United States. At these events, you'll gain valuable insight into global travel markets and expertise on effectively managing global travel programs. You'll also learn from your peers' experiences. It is perhaps through sharing knowledge with each other that we achieve the most understanding of issues and solutions to challenges in the corporate travel industry.
We also must remember that our international travelers are ambassadors of not only our companies, but also our country. It is vital that they understand world cultures and practices so that they may be successful in their business pursuits while overseas. Our responsibility as travel managers is to ensure they are safe and informed when traveling abroad. We can't do this without having an understanding of global markets, cultures and trends.
Most importantly, never stop learning. Education is always our key to success. We all must take every opportunity given to us to learn about the world around us, to learn about the ways in which we can enhance our corporate travel programs and to learn about any issue that may potentially impact our industry and the world.
It's been quite a year in the business travel industry. I look forward to the second year of my term as president of NBTA, as we navigate industry challenges and successes together.
In closing, I reiterate the importance of knowledge and global understanding as we move forward into the next chapter of corporate travel management. May the next year be filled with nothing but good fortunes for our industry and further valuation of the importance of corporate travel management to business objectives.
National Business Travel Association President And CEO Suzanne Fletcher.