Introducing the latest myCWT product and service enhancements
Building on our digital, omnichannel myCWT platform, our new products and services will simplify travel management for you and your employees – anytime, anywhere, anyhow.
Note: Featured services may not be available in your country at this time. Please reach out to your CWT representative for more details.
Hear from Chief Product Officer, Erica Antony as she shares the key product highlights of 2024, along with the key areas driving innovation.
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2040: Baseline, Boom or Bust
As we enter an era of rapid transformation and unprecedented challenges, it is essential for travel managers, meeting & event planners, and corporate decision-makers to look ahead and frame our current strategic thinking with a clear vision of the future. Business travel and meetings and events (M&E) are poised for significant change over the next decade and a half, driven by a complex interplay of sustainability goals, technological advancements, evolving work models, and geopolitical dynamics.
In this paper to mark the 10th anniversary of our Global Business Travel Forecast, we explore, for the first time, a long-term vision of the future and potential trajectories through three distinct scenarios, each offering insights into how these forces should affect policy-making, budgeting and priorities. By examining these scenarios, we can better understand the diverse possibilities that lie ahead and the strategic imperatives required to thrive in each potential future.
Based on trajectory data analysis and interviews with industry leaders, behaviorists and climate tech founders, this forward-looking approach enables us to anticipate changes, strengthen our strategies, and make informed decisions that align long-term objectives. It is through this lens of foresight and adaptability that we can build resilience, seize opportunities, and navigate the complexities of the future.
We invite you to reflect on the insights presented, and consider how your organization can prepare for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Together we can ensure that travel and meetings remain catalysts for growth, scalability and sustainable practices.
- Scenario development is both an art and a science
- Megatrends Shaping the Future of Business Travel, Meetings and Events
- Sustainability goals the new crux of corporate policy
- Technology Revolutionizes Travel Management
- Modern work models spark new travel patterns
- Changing demographics open doors to new opportunities
- Three Scenarios: Base case, boom and bust
- Future-proofing strategies
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CWT GBTA Global business travel forecast 2025
When it comes to pricing, global business travel has finally reached an enduring, higher baseline. Prices will continue to rise in 2025, but only moderately, so expect a period of normalized growth.
However, this pricing environment, one of marginal gains and price regularity, is fragile. Global leisure travel has now realized a lot of its pent-up demand, while corporate travel has been resurgent, with 2024 edging at preCovid levels.
There are many factors at play, whether its volatile oil prices, labor costs and constraints, inflationary pressures, and geopolitical factors. As this elevated baseline edges upwards, albeit marginally, travel budgets will come under increased scrutiny, especially as travel patterns and attitudes change.
It’s why business travel can’t be viewed in a silo, and the true value to an organization must be fully realized. This forecast can help with those calculations.
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Capitalize on emerging technologies in corporate travel
Technological advancements are accelerating at an unprecedented pace. How will emerging innovations like Generative AI, blockchain, and self-sovereign identity (SSI) transform corporate travel?
BTN and CWT probed global CEOs, travel managers, industry consultants and tech experts on the promises, questions, and expectations these innovations raise and how they are set to reshape traveler experience, cost control and service delivery in corporate travel and events.
Download and discover
- The technologies that will have the greatest impact on corporate travel in the next 2-5 years
- How these emerging technologies are poised to control costs, enhance service and security, and boost efficiency
- The critical challenges, opportunities, risks and roadblocks each innovation raises
- What travel managers, buyers and experts anticipate from these innovations
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CWT introduces TIM – a new AI analyst that transforms travel data analysis through natural conversation
CWT today announced the launch of TIM – short for Trends, Insights, and Metrics – a new AI Analyst that takes CWT’s Analytics reporting solution to the next level by enabling conversational, follow-up interactions with travel data.
This launch builds on CWT’s announcement in November 2024, when the company integrated AI-powered search and visualization capabilities into its Analytics platform. That enhancement made it significantly easier and faster for users to access and analyze data using simple, natural language queries. With TIM, CWT is now advancing that functionality further – from single-question interactions to dynamic, dialogue-based analysis that mirrors a real conversation.
“With TIM, we’re not just improving how users access and understand their data – we’re transforming the entire experience,” said Erica Antony, Chief Product Officer at CWT. “This conversational AI Analyst makes it easier for users to explore complex insights in a more fluid, intuitive way, helping them uncover the ‘why’ behind the numbers – and ultimately, better understand the return on investment of their travel spend. It’s about equipping organizations with smarter, faster decision-making tools, without needing specialized analytics expertise or fluency in corporate travel terminology.”
By allowing users to ask follow-up questions and probe deeper into the drivers behind their data, TIM makes it simpler for travel managers to uncover actionable insights – and it also democratizes access to travel intelligence across the organization. Stakeholders in Finance, Sales, HR, and Security teams can now independently access, understand, and act on travel data without requiring specialized analytical skills or familiarity with corporate travel terminology.
With TIM, users can:
- Engage in multi-turn, conversational queries to explore trends and outliers
- Ask follow-up questions to refine insights or shift perspectives
- Empower cross-functional teams with intuitive access to travel data
TIM is available as part of CWT’s Analytics reporting solution to all customers globally at no additional cost.
This latest innovation reflects CWT’s continued investment in making corporate travel management smarter, faster, and more user-centric – helping clients unlock the full value of their travel programs.
CWT is a leading global partner in business travel, meetings, and events. Operating across six continents, we deliver sustainable, tailored solutions that help organizations connect, engage, and thrive in an evolving world. Our myCWT platform integrates advanced technology with human expertise to simplify travel and enhance traveler and attendee experiences. Extensive global coverage, seamless data integration, AI-driven analytics, and carbon-conscious travel tools enable businesses to optimize their travel and meetings programs while delivering measurable value.
With 150 years of industry experience and a deep commitment to partnership, CWT collaborates with clients to shape the future of business travel and events, making them more efficient, responsible, and impactful.
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Upwardly Mobile: How travel managers and TMCs can co-create the future of business travel
“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change,” said Charles Darwin — who knew a thing or two about evolution. This is especially true in corporate travel.
The modern travel manager is a far cry from their counterpart of a decade ago. What was once a role centered on logistics, cost control, and policy enforcement has evolved into a strategic business function that intersects with sustainability, employee experience, risk management, and digital transformation. “Travel managers are no longer just managing logistics,” says Carrie McCabe, Vice President, Enterprise Customers, CWT, “they’re contributing to broader business goals.”
What’s changed?
The global pandemic spotlighted the importance of risk management and business continuity. At the same time, travel managers are now expected to align with sustainability goals, support the well-being and values of a new generation of employees, and contribute to broader organizational metrics.
Meanwhile, technology is overhauling everything. Emerging technologies in corporate travel outlines how travel managers are using data to make smarter decisions, track KPIs in real time, and collaborate more effectively with departments like HR, finance, and procurement.
Next Stop: re-evaluating the traditional relationship
What does this mean for the traditional client-travel management company (TMC) relationship?
“As the scope of travel managers’ roles have grown, so have their expectations of TMCs,” says Rob Coomer, CWT’s Senior Director, Global Customer Management. “This has meant we’ve had to broaden our own product and service offering and areas of expertise. That, in turn, means building and strengthening partnerships with innovative companies specializing in different areas such as sustainability, safety and security, and tax and immigration compliance, to bring greater value to our clients. The sheer complexity of the travel industry has made the need for close collaboration between stakeholders across the industry essential when we think about creating new solutions to meet the needs of travel programs — whether it’s introducing new sustainability options, expanding access to New Distribution Capability (NDC) content, or making business travel more accessible for people with disabilities. “
Despite these changes, some organizations still treat their TMC as a transactional vendor, hired to book travel and manage costs. But this outdated model no longer serves the needs of modern, global travel programs.
To realize the full value of managed travel, companies must move toward strategic partnerships with their TMCs. This means engaging early in the planning process, setting shared objectives, and maintaining open lines of communication. “We achieve the best results when we align with clients on broader organizational goals from the outset,” says McCabe. “Whether it’s optimizing spend, driving sustainability, or enhancing employee experience, that alignment is key.”
3 steps to a smarter partnership
So, what does a modern, strategic TMC-buyer relationship look like? It starts with a mindset shift, from vendor management to value co-creation. Here are three ways to evolve the relationship:
1. Collaborate on data and insights
Travel programs are increasingly data-driven. With AI, insights are more accessible than ever, not just for travel managers, but for stakeholders across the business.CWT’s AI-powered analytics are transforming how travel managers respond to global change. Through its enhanced Analytics platform, CWT enables near real-time insights by scanning and analyzing booking data, traveler locations, and key performance indicators. This allows travel managers to quickly identify and respond to disruptions such as geopolitical events or natural disasters, supporting proactive risk management and traveler safety obligations.
CWT’s AI capabilities help uncover trends in fare fluctuations and traveler behavior, enabling smarter decisions around booking windows and supplier negotiations. These insights are surfaced through intuitive, natural language queries and customizable dashboards. Beyond operational efficiency, AI tools support strategic planning by highlighting shifts in travel patterns, emissions data, and policy compliance helping organizations adapt their travel programs in real time.
2. Employ consulting expertise
Consulting capabilities help clients use their insights to forecast effectively, and navigate complex trade-offs. For example, CWT Solutions Group’s ECO framework helps organizations balance employee well-being, climate impact, and performance KPIs. This kind of strategic guidance is becoming a key differentiator.3. Integrate travel with meetings & events (M&E)
There are clear benefits to combining the management of business travel and M&E, particularly when it comes to negotiating supplier agreements, managing traveler safety, and optimizing budgets. A unified approach can maximize buying power and ensure that travel and meetings strategies are aligned with broader company goals—whether those are cost containment, sustainability, or employee engagement.At the same time, combining business travel with meetings & events is an opportunity for those managing travel programs to move into broader, more strategic roles as employee collaboration or mobility managers. In addition to benefiting the organization, it expands the influence of the travel function and its team.
That said, the strategy needs to be deliberate. Organizations should ensure they have the right governance structures in place, with clear accountability and collaboration across travel and meetings stakeholders. Buyers who view travel and meetings through a strategic, unified lens, supported by a TMC with strong M&E capabilities, will be best positioned to drive greater value, insight, and impact across their programs
“Ultimately, the future will favor TMCs that invest in strong advisory capabilities, flexible service models, and a deep understanding of each client’s evolving business priorities,” says McCabe, “And travel managers who engage their TMCs strategically will be better equipped to drive value, resilience, and innovation across their organizations.”
Discover how to partner with CWT to build an agile travel program fit for the future
Your Business Travel & Meetings Management Company | CWTPlan for long-term transformation. Read 2040: Baseline, Boom or Bust
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From Friction to Flow
How a financial institution improved traveler satisfaction with user-friendly digital solutions and messaging support
The Challenge
A large North American financial institution with an annual travel spend of $50 million faced growing employee dissatisfaction with their online booking tool (OBT) for corporate travel. The OBT was outdated and cumbersome, lacking the modern user interface and integrated communication features that travelers had come to expect. As their travel volume increased, the organization needed a more user-friendly, efficient, scalable way to support travelers—especially for simpler trip needs—without sacrificing service quality.
Additionally, the company had a diverse traveler base, spanning all age groups and seniority levels. While their corporate culture favored digital tools and communication channels, VIP travelers often required high-touch service. The client needed a travel management solution that could support both ends of the spectrum.
The Solution
The client switched from their existing OBT to the myCWT platform. They quickly embraced the full suite of tools, including the profile management system, mobile app, desktop platform, and integrated messaging (chat) support for travelers. This shift aligned perfectly with their company culture, where messaging is already a preferred mode of communication across departments.
The ease of accessing travel support through messaging proved to be a game-changer. Travelers were able to access assistance directly from the booking interface and read and respond to messages at their convenience. For more complex requests, they still had the option to call and speak with a travel counselor over the phone.
The client also opted for 24/7 service for their VIP travelers through a “follow-the-sun” model. While it was expected that these travelers might revert to traditional phone support, many preferred to chat via messaging instead of calling, demonstrating the platform’s effectiveness even for high-level executives.
The Results
The adoption of myCWT led to a significant improvement in traveler satisfaction:
- More than 70% of all bookings were self-serviced by travelers. The online adoption rate was even higher for simple, point-to-point trips, reflecting the ease of use of the myCWT platform.
- The convenience of CWT’s messaging service quickly made it the preferred support channel for travelers. Adoption of messaging support climbed 60% in the six months after it was introduced, including growing usage among VIP travelers.
- Overall traveler satisfaction increased significantly, with our messaging support channel achieving a customer satisfaction score of over 90%.
The client’s executive assistants and travel arrangers embraced the new tools, promoting them internally and encouraging widespread use.
Messaging support is much quicker than email or phone. Travel requests are fulfilled 4x faster through messaging than by email, and ~85% of CWT messaging interactions are answered in less than 3 minutes.
Simplify business travel for your employees
Give them the digital tools they want and the seamless experience they expect.
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Cost centre to catalyst: 3 ways to position travel as a strategic asset
In an age of digital everything, the human connections we forge with one another give businesses a competitive edge. A 2025 survey by U.S. research firm Harris Poll finds that 91% of Gen Z workers prefer a balance between virtual and in-person opportunities to connect with colleagues and industry peers. 89% view relationships built at in-person events as crucial for building professional confidence and career growth.
Business travel plays a pivotal role in fostering these connections. Yet, quantifying its return on investment (ROI) isn’t so straightforward. “The landscape has evolved significantly, making the ROI of business travel more critical, and more complex,” says Raphael Pasdeloup, CWT’s Senior Vice President of Global Customer Management. “At the same time, calculating ROI remains one of the industry’s most difficult tasks, because it extends beyond a simple cost-benefit analysis.”
This complexity becomes even more pronounced during periods of economic uncertainty when travel budgets are often among the first to be cut. Travel cuts offer immediate savings helping CFOs meet short-term financial targets. But this approach can harm long-term growth.
Here’s how to demonstrate travel’s value and evolve your corporate travel program from a budgetary burden into a strategic asset.
Transform numbers into narratives
“Travel data should be used to tell a relevant, clear, and actionable story that uncovers trends, patterns, and anomalies requiring attention or action,” says Logan LaBonne, CWT’s Director, Product Management, Data & Analytics.
CWT’s Analytics reporting tool lets users explore travel data using natural language queries. This empowers teams across HR, finance, security, and sales to access insights without needing technical expertise or knowledge of travel-specific terminology. By asking questions like, “What were the average CO₂ emissions for international flights from Germany last year?” users get instant answers to enable quick and informed decisions. The platform also provides AI-generated summaries that spotlight key trends, such as changes in online booking rates or carbon emissions, along with context to support timely actions.
Cut costs, not corners
With real-time insights at your fingertips, you can monitor travel spend across departments and regions, assess policy compliance, and benchmark your performance against industry standards. But it doesn’t stop there. Thanks to the power of gen- AI, business intelligence has evolved beyond static reports. Now, you get faster, more personalized insights without needing a data analyst by your side.
One global equipment, components and services company consolidated their data for the first time through CWT, and discovered that it was spending 625% more on travel than estimated.
It’s not just savings. CWT’s business intelligence lets you track supplier performance, analyze traveler behavior, and run what-if scenarios that not only save money but also boost employee performance. It’s not just about managing travel but about using it to build cost-efficient, motivated and successful teams.
Forecast for agility
The first step to embedding your travel program at the heart of business success is to plan in line with objectives. Forecasting corporate travel by purpose, such as client meetings, training, and conferences enables more precise and strategic travel management. Since client meetings and training typically account for the majority of travel spend, tailoring forecasting methods to each trip type allows companies to align their travel policies with business priorities. This targeted approach helps maximize return on investment by focusing resources on high-impact activities.
Use advanced analytics to correlate travel expenses with business outcomes such as sales growth, client acquisition, and team building, along with priorities like reducing emissions, enhancing traveler satisfaction, and improving cost efficiency.
By presenting data-driven evidence of travel’s future impact on business objectives, you can reposition it as an investment rather than a cost and make strategic changes, fast.
Business travel is no longer just a line item, it’s a tool for growth. By harnessing data, embracing AI, and aligning travel with strategic goals, companies can turn their travel programs into powerful drivers of connection, performance, and value. It’s time to shift the narrative from cost centre to catalyst.
Discover how to partner with CWT to build an agile travel program fit for the future
Your Business Travel & Meetings Management Company | CWT -
Harnessing data insights
Laying the foundation of your event program with technology
Using data to make decisions is like having a superpower. Instead of relying on intuition, you base your choices on solid evidence, leading to better outcomes. Companies that effectively leverage data can understand market trends, customer preferences, and operational efficiencies. When everyone in the company embraces data, it fosters innovation, growth, and continuous improvement.
Organizations where employees embrace the use of data become more agile and responsive to changes. Promoting data usage helps identify and mitigate risks before they escalate, saving money and preventing issues. Data isn’t just about making decisions; it’s about driving the company forward and staying ahead of the competition. Technological advancements also support automation, freeing employees to focus on strategic activities, making the workplace more productive and dynamic.
Companies that utilize data for their event programs reap numerous benefits. Since Meetings and Events are integral to a company’s strategy and positioning, their data is crucial. Firstly, they achieve better visibility into activities, including small meetings that might otherwise go unrecorded. This transparency enhances brand alignment with visuals and messaging. Furthermore, accounting for all events strengthens a company’s negotiation power. Additionally, attendee behavior data provides valuable insights to clients, such as predicting the success of a product.
Clear visuals for better understanding
Visual charts transform abstract goals into tangible, easy-to-understand visuals. This makes it simpler to see relationships between different objectives of the event program and identify the most critical tasks to perform to reach those. Clear data helps engage stakeholders that can then get involved in setting priorities for the program, they are more likely to feel a sense of ownership and commitment when they see clear goals.
Optimize the data strategy for your events
Start by evaluating the current capabilities of your data capture and systems. Determine the specific data needed for your objectives and identify key data points to support them. Assess your technology capabilities and determine if your setup is optimized to align with your goals. Identify what processes need to be built or adjusted to align with this new framework.
Building confidence with trusted data
Clean, consistent, and accessible event data is crucial for effective decision-making and operational efficiency. Are you asking questions in a reportable way or just putting a ton of information in a text box? Providing answer values ensures your reports can be easily consolidated and reduces stress for the requester, as they know exactly what you need from them. At CWT we help our clients define KPIs and success metrics for the data sets to ensure they are on track. Consider data accessibility; it should be up-to-date and readily available to those who need it, empowering teams to make informed decisions quickly and effectively, enhancing performance and achieving goals.
Build compliance policies
Event policies provide measurable insights, mitigate risks, and enhance efficiencies. Establishing clear guidelines for supplier selection helps secure better rates as the program grows. Building strong relationships with suppliers is crucial. Regular audits and assessments ensure consistent policy utilization. At CWT, we leverage technology to track and report compliance metrics, offering transparency and accountability for our clients.
Invest in technology with strong data capturing capabilities
Optimize technology with the mindset of improving data capturing capabilities. CWT has supported a leading technology company in developing a strategy and training program in order to provide them actionable insights. The company needed visibility over global meetings and events to track data on spend volume and suppliers, enhancing efficiency and decision-making. They required a strategy to support their goals, including a new global service offering and centralized registration with key data points and metrics. This approach resulted in a sustainable and scalable events strategy, reliable data, approved methodologies, and custom dashboards showing KPIs and ROI measurements, enabling confident business decisions and valuable insights.
Data as a living framework
Treat data as a living entity that continuously evolves and adapts. This living framework allows us to remain agile and responsive to changes, customer preferences, and technological advancements. By treating data as a living framework, we ensure it is always up-to-date, relevant, and actionable.
Continuous improvement cycle
A dynamic data framework requires continuous monitoring and maintenance to ensure data remains clean, accurate, and reliable. This ongoing effort helps avoid the pitfalls of outdated or incorrect data, which can lead to poor decision-making. Post-implementation monitoring ensures changes are sustained, allowing you to evaluate outcomes and identify further opportunities. Once identified, these opportunities can be transformed into actionable plans and implemented effectively.
Data is a journey
Consistently collecting, meticulously organizing, and thoughtfully analyzing data reveals patterns and trends that guide decision-making. This journey drives growth, innovation, and informed decisions. Start by defining goals and success metrics, review current processes for growth opportunities, and update technology to support new goals. Keep stakeholders informed to foster a data-driven culture. Establish a strategy, design accessible dashboards, and regularly review and collect feedback to continuously improve your program.
One step at a time
Data insights may seem overwhelming but take it one step at a time. Focusing on specific measurable goals will allow you to take steps with purpose. It may be tempting to solve all gaps at once, but incremental change can be just as impactful and more thoughtful at times. Consistent data is key for any goal you plan on pursuing. Build a data-driven culture by explaining the “why” will go a long way. Implementing quality controls will support your teams to ensure they understand and are accountable to the data points. Analysis of your event program will ensure that your incremental changes consistently show Return on Investment (ROI). Use the data to benchmark against both similar and more mature events programs, enabling your data strategy to grow and evolve alongside your program.
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Utrecht: A medieval city with a modern mindset
Utrecht offers a uniquely Dutch blend of historic allure and forward-thinking infrastructure. Just 25 minutes by train from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, this compact, yet cosmopolitan, city is not only well-connected — it’s also a great destination for meetings and events of all sizes.
The beating heart of the Netherlands
Utrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, dating back to Roman times. Its medieval city center is a maze of charming canals, Gothic churches, cobbled streets, and hidden courtyards — all anchored by the iconic Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands. This historic core, with its cozy cafés and boutique shops, makes exploring between meetings an absolute delight.
The Dutch Lifestyle: easy and open
The rhythm of life in Utrecht is relaxed and welcoming, with a strong emphasis on quality of life. The locals are known for their direct communication, efficient planning, and warm hospitality — perfect for business and networking. The city is filled with charming cafes, green spaces and picturesque canals.
Two wheels, one way of life
In true Dutch fashion, Utrecht is a cycling paradise — and it is home to the world’s largest bike parking facility, located at the central station. With over 12,500 bike spaces, it’s more than just a parking garage — it’s a testament to the city’s commitment to sustainability and accessibility.
Attendees can easily rent a bike and experience Utrecht like a local, gliding along scenic canals, through green parks, and past windmill-dotted streets.
Jaarbeurs: a premier conference venue
At the center of Utrecht’s business scene is Jaarbeurs, one of the largest and most versatile event venues in the Netherlands. Located right next to Utrecht Centraal station, Jaarbeurs offers a massive 100,000+ square meters of event space — from high-tech conference halls to sleek exhibition areas. It’s a hub for innovation and inspiration, ideal for large-scale conventions, trade shows and international events.
A district dedicated to museums
Utrecht’s Museum District is a vibrant and culturally rich area nestled in the heart of the historic city center. The district is home to several renowned museums, including the Centraal Museum, the Museum Catharijneconvent, and the University Museum. The district is also filled with charming cafes, green spaces, and picturesque canals, making it a perfect place to spend a relaxed day exploring. Several museums offer meeting and event spaces suitable for various gatherings:
- Centraal Museum provides versatile venues for meetings, workshops, and events. The Tuinzaal Boven is a multifunctional room accommodating up to 50 people, equipped with modern amenities. For larger events, the Auditorium offers a contemporary setting for up to 72 attendees. Additionally, the museum’s historic Nicolaïkerk and scenic Museumtuin (garden) are available for events, providing a unique cultural backdrop. Booking these spaces supports the museum’s cultural heritage initiatives.
- University Museum: Situated within the University of Utrecht, the University Museum offers a tranquil environment for meetings and workshops. The venue includes access to the museum and the adjacent Oude Hortus botanical garden. Various rooms are available, catering to different group sizes and event types. Optional services include guided tours and lectures by curators.
Where to stay
Whether you’re planning a luxury conference or an intimate strategy retreat, Utrecht has top-tier accommodations to suit every style and budget.
- Hilton Utrecht Central Station: Perfectly situated near Jaarbeurs and the central station, this sleek, modern hotel is ideal for international business travelers seeking convenience and upscale service.
- Radisson Blu Hotel, Utrecht: Located a short walk from the city center, this stylish hotel offers large meeting spaces, a wellness center, and easy access to Utrecht’s key business venues.
- Grand Hotel Karel V: For something with a personal touch and historic elegance, Grand Hotel Karel V is a five-star boutique hotel set in a former 14th-century monastery. Nestled within its own walled gardens, just steps from the Dom Tower, it offers a tranquil atmosphere with top-tier service. Ideal for VIPs, board meetings, or a luxurious wind-down after a busy day.
Suggested activities for attendees
- Canal cruise with dinner: Explore the medieval city from the water on a private evening canal boat with catering on board.
- Climb the Dom Tower: Take your team up all 465 steps for a panoramic view of the city.
- Botanic Gardens at Utrecht University: A peaceful retreat ideal for informal networking sessions or walking meetings.
- Dutch cheese tasting at a local cellar or cheese farm. Utrecht is surrounded by farmland that produces some of the Netherlands’ finest cheeses, and nothing says “local flavor” quite like sampling aged Gouda with a Dutch beer.
- Canal-Side Pannenkoeken: Enjoying the XL sized Dutch pancakes by the water is a very authentic Dutch experience. One of the most charming spots is De Oude Muntkelder, located in a historic wharf cellar right on the Oudegracht canal.
- The Rietveld Schröder House is a must-visit for architecture and design enthusiasts. Built in 1924, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a striking example of the De Stijl movement, featuring clean lines, primary colors, and an innovative use of space.
Dutch cheese Utrecht canal cruise Rietveld Schröder house Why choose Utrecht?
Utrecht combines centuries of history with modern business functionality. It’s accessible, sustainable, and vibrant — offering every amenity you’d expect from a world-class conference city, without losing the cozy, personal touch that makes Dutch cities so welcoming.
Whether you’re planning a large-scale international convention or a boutique boardroom retreat, Utrecht is ready to host your next unforgettable event. Interested in organizing your next event in Utrecht?
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Minneapolis-St. Paul: A tale of two cities
Minneapolis, along with its “twin” city St. Paul, provides an ideal combination of culture, nature and gastronomy to plan your next event. Known as the Flour Milling Capital of the World for more than 50 years, Minneapolis became a major U.S. city with its more than 20 stone flour mills in the late 1800s, powered by the extraordinary 50-foot drop of St. Anthony Falls. What started out as family-owned Gold Medal Flour and Pillsbury is now part of today’s food conglomerate, General Mills.
Thoughtful infrastructure
Headquarters to many major manufacturing companies, such as 3M, Cargill and General Mills, as well as popular consumer goods companies, such as Best Buy and Target, the Minneapolis-St. Paul area has the infrastructure to provide a first-class experience. As Delta Airlines’ second largest U.S. hub, many direct flights connect the area domestically and internationally. And, no need to be scared away from the Minnesota winters as Minneapolis boosts the world’s longest stretch of “skyways”—more than 10 miles of second-level enclosed pathways connecting around 80 city blocks.
We can’t forget the Mall of America, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the U.S. Groups can enjoy an afternoon of shopping, more than 28 rides in the indoor theme park and an aquarium, before ending the day dining at one of the myriad of restaurants throughout the four levels. Mall of America was even an early innovator around green initiatives. Its more than 5.6 million square feet has no central heating; the temperature is kept at a comfortable 70 degrees Fahrenheit with solar energy from 1.2 miles of skylights and heat generated from lighting, store fixtures and body heat. More than 30,000 live plants and 400 live trees act as natural air purifiers.
Outdoors paradise
The area is a boon for nature-lovers. Along with St. Anthony Falls, the 53-foot Minnehaha Falls is part of a 193-acre park featuring limestone bluffs and overlooks onto the Mississippi River. The Chain of Lakes—five lakes connected as one—makes a great afternoon for kayaking, paddleboarding or pedal boating. Lake Minnetonka, made famous by Prince in Purple Rain, is a haven for boating and fishing. And, not just in the summer! Ice fishing is a unique excursion for many attendees.
The 40-acre Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home to the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry and 39 other permanent installations, was one of the first urban sculpture gardens and inspired the creation of many others. Groups can tour the outdoor Garden before finishing in the adjacent Walker Art Center, one of the most-visited modern and contemporary art museums.
Booming arts scene
The renowned Guthrie Theatre draws exceptional artists to perform the classics each year. Opened in 1963, it won a 1982 Tony Award for Outstanding Contribution to the American Theatre. Minneapolis-St. Paul was also home to many creative minds, including Prince, Bob Dylan, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Charles Schulz. In St. Paul, take a walking tour where Fitzgerald wrote his first novel and see Charlie Brown, Snoopy and more Peanuts characters come to life in bronze statues. Prince fans can tour his home, Paisley Park, which is now a museum of his life, before heading to First Avenue, the club that gave him his start, was a main location in “Purple Rain” and is still a thriving Minneapolis music club showcasing emerging and established acts.
Culinary delights
From award-winning chefs to can’t-miss diners, there is something for every taste bud. Who originated the Jucy Lucy hamburger may cause an argument between two Minneapolis diners, but there is no argument about the delights of its mouth-watering oozing of cheese—warning, multiple napkins may be needed! Celebrity chef and adopted Minnesotan, Andrew Zimmern, does not miss a day of “The Great Minnesota Get-Together”, the second largest State Fair in the U.S., which boasts more than 500 foods ranging many ethnicities and palates. For more upscale fare, Gavin Kaysen’s Spoon and Stable and Demi are recipients of national awards and his newly opened Mara is one of the most sought-after reservations.
Many hotel brands call Minneapolis-St. Paul home
To highlight just a few:
- InterContinental Saint Paul: The only area hotel located on the Mississippi River, sleeping and meeting rooms offer beautiful panoramic views. It also sits above historic caves popular with mobsters and speakeasies during Prohibition with its rail hub and proximity to Canada. The Wabasha Street Caves are just a short walk away, providing a unique group off-site dinner.
- The St. Paul Hotel: Built in 1910, the area’s first area luxury hotel has hosted some of America’s most defining figures, including President Kennedy and aviator Charles Lindbergh, and even employed a young Lawrence Welk as resident performer. From the front door, attendees step directly into Rice Park, home to many seasonal events, and is just a short walk from a vast number of museums, restaurants and theaters.
- Hilton Minneapolis: The state’s largest hotel with 821 rooms across 25 stories has an impressive entrance featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and a curated art collection showcasing Minnesota landmarks. The hotel offers extensive event facilities, including a 25,000-square-foot ballroom and 35 meeting rooms.
- Radisson Blu Minneapolis Downtown: Situated in the heart of downtown, the Radisson Blu offers modern accommodations with a touch of Scandinavian design. Guests can enjoy amenities, including an on-site restaurant, fitness center, and proximity to popular attractions, such as the Nicollet Mall and U.S. Bank Stadium. The hotel’s central location ensures easy access to Minneapolis’ vibrant arts and culture scene.
No matter the season, The Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul is an ideal destination for your next meeting or event. Whether your group likes to explore the outdoors or pick out the perfect gift at one of the 520 stores at Mall of America, there is a highlight for everyone upon their return home. CWT has been proud to call this our home for more than 30 years—we are experts in planning the perfect itinerary!
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Meet in the Arctic: Above the Polar Circle, beneath the Northern Lights
Sweden’s Arctic region is home to many extraordinary destinations that offer unparalleled experiences for corporate, incentive and MICE groups. These enchanting locations combine breathtaking natural beauty with unique activities and exceptional facilities, making them an unforgettable experience for your next retreat or conference.
Stunning natural beauty
Lapland is renowned for its stunning landscape. Abisko National Park and Lake Torneträsk in Abisko, along with the serene surroundings of Jukkasjärvi, provide a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. These destinations allow your team to reconnect with nature and find inspiration in the great outdoors. There are many exciting accommodation options.
- Abisko Turiststation – Located in Abisko National Park, this station offers hotel rooms and cabins. It’s ideal for nature lovers, with easy access to hiking trails and the Northern Lights. The hotel offers a unique experience at Aurora Sky Station on Mt Nuolja with Northern Lights Dinners, stunning views of Lake Torneträsk and the surrounding arctic mountains.
- Icehotel – Situated in Jukkasjärvi, the world famous ICEHOTEL is entirely made of ice and snow. Guests can sleep in thermal sleeping bags on ice beds and enjoy a morning sauna. The Art Suites are the highlight of the Icehotel. These suites are individually themed and hand-carved by artists from various disciplines. Staying at the ICEHotel truly is “life enriching moments”.
- Elite Hotel Frost in Kiruna, opening in June 2025, offers luxurious accommodations with 154 modern rooms and suites, two restaurants with stunning views, and a rooftop Vana Spa featuring infinity pools, saunas, and treatment rooms. The hotel also boasts a sky bar with panoramic views, modern conference facilities, and a design inspired by the local culture and natural beauty of Lapland, making it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers.
Unique activities for team building
The Arctic Circle offers a wide range of activities perfect for team building and fostering camaraderie among colleagues. In Abisko, you can enjoy thrilling snowmobile adventures, ice fishing, snowshoe hikes, and unforgettable Northern Lights tours with professional guides from Abisko Adventures.
The Magic of the Northern Lights
One of the most compelling reasons to choose Lapland is the opportunity to see the Northern Lights. Abisko is considered one of the best places in the world to see this natural phenomenon, thanks to its clear skies and minimal light pollution. The phenomenon is called the Blue Hole. Jukkasjärvi also offers excellent Northern Lights viewing opportunities, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Nature’s own fireworks.
Lapland in Sweden offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, exceptional activities, and unique facilities, making them ideal choices for corporate, incentive and MICE events.
Whether you’re looking to inspire your team, strengthen relationships, or simply enjoy a memorable experience, these Arctic wonderlands have everything you need to make your event a success.
So why wait? Start planning your next trip by reaching out to us at CWT Meetings & Events.
Image credits: Asaf Kliger – ICEHOTEL, Emilie Kihlén – Abisko Adventure, and Peter Rosén – STF Abisko Turiststation.
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Transforming Travel Management: IDOM’s and CWT’s journey to Digital Excellence
The customer
IDOM, a multinational company based in Spain, employs over 5,000 professionals to deliver top-tier consulting, engineering, and architecture services worldwide. They chose CWT as their travel management company, recognizing the significant value of CWT’s digital expertise and global presence.
The challenge
After several years with a local TMC, IDOM sought a partner capable of supporting their growth strategy by moving all travel bookings online. Starting from scratch and without a prior Online Booking Tool (OBT) in the organisation, they set an ambitious target of 80% online adoption within a year, all while enhancing traveller satisfaction. The initial implementation was launched at the national level, with plans to soon begin international consolidation in LATAM.
The solution
Leveraging their expertise as SAP implementers and their prior knowledge of SAP’s expense management software, IDOM identified SAP Concur as their online booking solution. The strong 20-year relationship between SAP Concur and CWT, benefited IDOM’s travellers to enhance their experience with access to the broadest selection of airfares, hotel and car rental rates, ensuring in this way a seamless transition from traditional offline to online bookings. Furthermore, CWT’s unique global profile database, integrated with SAP Concur, supported IDOM´s travel & expense program with a robust and adaptable data synchronization.
CWT’s Client Executive service forged a strong partnership with IDOM’s travel manager and IDOM’s SAP Concur team. Through regular meetings, they identified areas of improvement, enabling effective control and adjustment of the OBT settings as and when required.
The result
The clear objectives and strong client decision making process, combined with CWT’s and IDOM’s engagement of their travel, technological and multidisciplinary resources led to an impressive 85% online adoption rate within just the first year. IDOM’s dedicated team, entirely supported by the company’s senior management, drove this remarkable success by implementing the online solution as the new travel management system, with only the exception of the more complex multi-destination flights.
CWT’s strong drive for innovation in travel solutions also materialised in this project thanks to the Price Optimization Tool, delivering a 1.2% savings on air bookings.
More recently, IDOM has approved the implementation of CWT’s chat messaging service via Microsoft Teams. This solution offers IDOM’s travel arrangers a fast-track communication system by connecting them to CWT’s innovative instant messaging scheme.
IDOM’s partnership with CWT underscores the significance of digital transformation and global reach in contemporary travel management. The collaboration has accomplished a milestone in IDOM’s travel management system and its future growth and innovation.
“The collaboration between IDOM and CWT underscores our shared commitment to digital transformation and innovation in business travel. By leveraging New Distribution Capability (NDC), we aim to access a wider range of airfares and personalized travel options, enhancing the travel experience for IDOM’s employees while optimizing costs.”
Charo del Campo, IDOM’s Travel Manager
“We are very happy to collaborate with such an inspiring, future-oriented customer and bring our innovative solutions that will help them achieve their targets.” said Alessandra Pisanu, Senior Director, Global Market Management at CWT.
Carolina Corral Moratalla, the Client Executive at CWT who supports them with the data analysis adds, “We’re learning and growing together”.
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GBTA + VDR Europe Conference 2025
November 10-12, 2025
CCH – Congress Center Hamburg, Germany -
Business Travel Show America
October 15-16, 2025
Javits Center, New York, US -
BTN Strategic Meetings Summit, London
September 29, 2025
Convene 200 Aldersgate, St. Pauls, London, UK