Many corporations (large and small) have given their travelers and travel arrangers the ability to plan trips via the Internet. However, a recent National Business Travel Association (NBTA) Study revealed that the biggest frustrations corporate travel managers have in today's business environment is harnessing the multitude of ticketing sources (including the Internet) and tracking related booking activity by employees. Northwestern Travel Management's Online Service Center can help!

The NTM Online Service Center consults with corporate travel managers who are looking for the right self-booking tool to offer their travelers. We can help you find a system that offers integrated information, is reliable and easy to use, and a system that is powered by a technology provider who has demonstrated experience in the travel business.

We'll help you determine if online booking is a good option for your organization, by asking the following:

• Is your company striving to reduce travel costs?
• Is your company moving toward an online procurement?
• Do at least 90% of your travelers have access to the Internet?
• Does your company mandate the use of contracted air, car, or hotel rates?

NTM has partnered with two leading companies to provide the ability for travelers to make reservations online:

WORLDSPAN TRIP MANAGER® --- WORLDSPAN TRIP MANAGER® Demo

OUTTASK CLIQBOOK --- OUTTASK CLIQBOOK Demo

Once you select the right product to meet your needs, NTM Online Service Center will assist with implementation to ensure your travel policy is loaded along with the appropriate negotiated contracts, preferred suppliers, cost control measures, etc. The Online Service Center can also be utilized as a "help desk" for travelers. We can answer your traveler's phone questions or provide other one-stop assistance when necessary.

There are many other options for an online booking system, such as GetThere, E-Travel, and ResAssist. If your company chooses to utilize another self-booking product, NTM can provide fulfillment services including:

• emergency after-hours service
• 24-hour ticketing
• quality assurance
• corporate reporting

For more information on Online Booking Solutions, please contact Angela Mickelson, Manager of Northwestern Travel Management's Online Service Center. Angela can be reached at or AMickelson.

Read More:
May 1, 2002, Book on the Internet with Trip Manager