Travel Policy Questions to Consider…
1. Do
you have a clear and concise corporate travel policy?
2. Have you reviewed your corporate travel policy recently?
3. Does your travel policy have a purpose and attainable
goals?
4. Have the guidelines in your travel policy become
integrated into your financial strategies?
5. Do your travelers have access to the complete policy?
6. Do employees understand and adhere to the guidelines? |
More than ever before, defining and mandating adherence to
your corporate travel policy is key to managing your annual
travel expenses. A clearly written travel policy with strong
service and financial goals is the foundation for a successful
travel management program.
An effective travel policy sets fair and reasonable guidelines
which encourage traveler compliance. Topics to include in
the policy are:
- Utilizing the services of a dedicated travel management
firm
- Listing authorized classes of flight service (coach,
business, first)
- Reinforce the use of hotel and car rental preferred suppliers
- Maximizing the use of corporate discounts/contracts
- Procedures for expense reporting
Travelers will understand the value of moving market share
to preferred vendors and compliance with the entire policy
will yield the results the company needs to effectively negotiate
future discounts and ultimately control costs.
A corporate travel policy should be reviewed annually to
ensure that changes in the business travel industry and/or
changes in the policy (such as preferred vendors or specially
negotiated programs) are clearly outlined. Air, car and hotel
contracts as well as per diem rates can change throughout
the year and must be clearly outlined in the policy.
Any changes made to the travel policy should be promptly
communicated to the travelers. Continually providing travelers
with tips and reminders can reinforce the travel policy and
promote traveler adherence. The end result is a stronger travel
management program that offers measurable cost savings.
FACT:
88% of company executives are involved in writing their
travel policy, as travel is typically a company’s
second largest expenditure. |
Our Marketing and Communication manager is available for
consulting to develop a new corporate travel policy, update
an existing program, or assist with ongoing traveler communications
with details about your policy.
For more information on travel policy development, contact
Gina Zappa, Marketing and Communication Manager at
or via e-mail, GZappa.
Read More:
November 5, 2002, Travel
Budget Trimmer
|
