Product updates

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.}

Q2 – 2025

Hear from Chief Product Officer, Erica Antony as she shares the key product highlights of 2024, along with the key areas driving innovation.

Oct 8, 2024

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.
1. Scenario development is both an art and a science
2. 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
3. Three Scenarios: Base case, boom and bust
4. Future-proofing strategies
Download 2040: Baseline, Boom or Bust (1.17 MB)
Sep 19, 2024

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.

Download CWT GBTA Global business travel forecast in PDF format (1.17 MB)
May 6, 2024

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
Download Emerging Technologies in Corporate Travel in PDF format (1MB)
Jan 26, 2022

Three innovations that helped make travel available to more people
Few areas of life have evolved more than travel or been as central to the evolution of societies, birth of new cultures and global innovation.

Travel exists to proliferate experiences and bring people together. And you don’t have to look very far to chart an astronomical growth curve. In 1970 just over 310 million passengers had flown on a plane worldwide. By 2019 that number grew to 4.5 Billion. While the percentage of people who have flown relative to world population remains small, pandemic-bolstered digital acceleration will only serve to democratize travel further.

Machine learning, artificial intelligence, payment options and more will continue to ease the process of travel making it more accessible and affordable.

CWT turns 150 this year. From the company’s early days inventing the world’s first sleeper car in 1872 to our current role in the evolution of travel distribution, here are 3 inventions that have transformed travel in our company’s lifespan.
1. Travel distribution
  IBM and American airlines completed the creation of the first computer reservation system in 1964, thus establishing the base of the GDS as we know it today. Today all eyes are on the next iteration of travel distribution commonly referred to as NDC.
  
  In 2021, CWT celebrated the first-ever tickets issued using a corporate booking tool, Cytric and off-line on Amadeus’ Selling Connect Platform.
2. Changes to ticketing
  Prior to 1804, tickets were hand-written. The first passenger train in 1804 launched the printed ticket, with details of the point of departure, a destination and a passenger.
  
  1969: The first magnetic tickets were issued on the Paris Metro, making it faster and easier to move around.
  
  2007: The advent of smart phones and technology allowed two devices to exchange information, marking the dematerialized travel ticket.
  
  2011: CWT launched its mobile services offering with a free mobile services application that allows travelers to access their travel itineraries directly from their mobile devices while on their trips.
  
  2022: CWT will make car and rail bookings easier by bringing them into its myCWT platform on web and mobile.
3. Extending networks
  Building networks whether in routes or computer networks has helped deliver more options to more people.
  
  1800s: Rail networks extended across continents during this period
  
  1920s: Airline networks extended rapidly as new technology enabled longer routes and the ability to carry more passengers
  
  1928: Full-service Wagons-Lits agencies spring up in rail ticket offices throughout Europe.
  
  1930s: Telex, originally developed to share military messages, connected teleprinters to each other over voice telephone lines, as opposed to pricey dedicated telegraph lines
  
  1969: the ARPANET is the first large-scale, general-purpose computer network to connect different kinds of computers together.
  
  2006: CWT finalized acquisition of Navigant International, extending its network in North America and reinforcing its presence in Asia Pacific
  
  2019: CWT launched myCWT platform. Multi-channel, travel buyers and their traveling employees can choose how to access the travel services they need .
Following the recent announcement of a $100 million investment in the myCWT travel management platform and innovative products, CWT will continue to shape the world of business travel by bringing traveler wellbeing centre stage, making sustainable business travel available to more people, delivering smart solutions that drive personalization, bringing to life a new air distribution model and so much more.

Image credits: Adobe Stock
Jan 25, 2022

Belinda Hindmarsh appointed Chief Operating Officer of RoomIt and China

CWT, the Business-to-Business-for-Employees (B2B4E) travel management platform announces the appointment of Belinda Hindmarsh as SVP, Chief Operating Officer of RoomIt and China, effective immediately. In this newly created role, Belinda will spearhead commercial development of RoomIt, CWT’s global hotel distribution division, and of CWT’s operations in China – seeking to further leverage the growth trajectory and potential of both operations.

After joining CWT in early 2018 to lead Global Sales Effectiveness before becoming Senior Vice President, Global Market Management & Market Development in 2020, Belinda now joins CWT’s Commercial & RoomIt leadership team, reporting into President & Chief Commercial Officer, Patrick Andersen.

“CWT has delivered key milestones over the last year for both RoomIt and our China operations, which have been warmly received by clients and suppliers alike. We are now set to capitalize on these and accelerate our growth trajectory to fully realize our true potential in both operations,” said Patrick Andersen, President & Chief Commercial Officer. “Belinda’s leadership skills, operational expertise, and proven talents in CWT’s customer organization, positions us well for this next exciting stage in our RoomIt and China journeys and I am delighted to welcome her to my leadership team.”

Belinda has over 20 years’ experience in the travel tech space, having held various international and global operations, marketing, supplier management and commercial roles with Expedia Group and Aer Lingus.

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.
Jan 21, 2022

The download: 18 handy travel apps

You booked your business trip but you’re feeling about as experienced as a monolingual UN translator. After all, you’ve been on back-to-back video calls since the big bang. You can barely remember why it’s customary to wear shoes to a meeting, much less recall the speed-networking, client-schmoozing, international jet-setter you once were. This is where your trusty smartphone comes in.

There are loads of handy traveling apps you can use to jolt your muscle memory and ease you back into ‘experienced traveler’ mode, with confidence.

Pack it up, pack it in

While we have been traveling vast distances from bedroom to living room, the world of packing apps has progressed light years. Apps like OneBag, Easy Pack and PackTeo allow you to calculate weight and make lists using built-in templates, adding details like which bag to pack it in. Packr has similar features like auto-generated packing lists and weather forecasting, while also allowing for multiple destinations.

Time after time

Timeshifter synchronizes your circadian rhythm with your new time zone to create a custom travel plan. Just answer a few questions about your trip and your natural sleep cycle and the app presents you with an up-to-date timeline of when to sleep, when to get some sunlight, and when to avoid caffeine more than you’re avoiding Dave in ‘Accounts.’ Alerts help you stay on track. Similar apps include Sleep Cycle and Uplift.

Planning to dial in a colleague from Rio and another from Singapore? You can’t please all the people all the time but you can try. Time Buddy lets you enter multiple cities to show the corresponding times. Gone are the days of Googling “What time is it in Paris?” What next? Self-flying planes?

There’s a map for that

Google Maps still reigns supreme for coverage, finding the closest available latte to street-view spying on your prospect’s new office (Wait, are people using it for directions too?). There are loads of other apps that help you compare routes and travel options in real time. These range from global platforms like Rome to Rio and local scope apps like Citymapper. If you’re lucky enough to tack on a spot of leisure time, apps like AllTrails are great for hiking and biking, letting you measure air and light pollution and find nearby trails.

Living la vida local

Why eat a rubbery bowl of pasta in the place everyone knows is for tourists when you could sample a tasting menu from that up-and-coming chef you saw on ‘Chef’s Table’?

Apps like Spotted by Locals and Bimble let you peruse curated lists by lifestyle writers and food bloggers and keep track of your own favourite haunts. You’ll never again forget the name of that adorable café with the best croissants and ample plugs for your laptop.

Already been to the museum? Apps like Meetup and Eventbrite let you find local groups and events to suit any passion from fashion pop-ups to classical music and festivals for adult Lego fans (you do you).

Host your own gathering with one of hundreds of diverse venues found on CWT Easy Meetings.

Finally, just like you wouldn’t travel to a meeting without your shoes, don’t forget to download the award-winning myCWTapp to manage your bookings, organise your travel plans and chat to your travel counselor.
Jan 20, 2022

It can wait: Is it time for a digital detox?

Digital marketer on the benefits of a digital detox

Working in digital marketing, it’s not easy to admit that I sometimes get overwhelmed with all the digital stuff, and I feel that I don’t have enough hours in my day. Which is odd, as I’m sure I was much busier years ago combining work with raising a child, and still finding time to socialize with friends and family, go running or go to the gym and what not. The difference is that we didn’t have the internet, mobile devices, Netflix, Instagram and all that, guzzling up our time. And it seems like since the COVID pandemic is around, we are more digital than ever, at home and at work. Use of entertainment, chat and streaming services surged in the pandemic by up to 30% on some platforms. I have not had a face-to-face team meeting for almost 3 years!

I also show some signs of a device addiction; FOMO, disrupted sleep, concentration problems, and checking the news and social media a couple of times per hour. I guess this sounds familiar to a lot of people. Although some people, for example Millennials, might not see the problem, as they have not known a mostly analog life.

Every now and then I find myself longing for the ‘good old days’ when I had more time. Being a Gen Xer, I have lived those days when people read books and magazines on public transportation, or looked outside instead of staring at their phones. The days when there weren’t hundreds of TV channels available 24/7, no Facebook or Tik Tok, no influencers (with all due respect, is that really a job?), no people taking selfies or filming anytime and anyplace, no likes, and no zillions of advertisements for stuff that companies made me think I want. Nobody expected me to reply instantly to emails or WhatsApp messages. There was no social media pressure. And more important: no sleepless nights from reading the news or social media on my phone in bed.

Let me make this clear: I see the advantages that digital has brought, both for work and private life. I mean, digital banking is great, and so is parking with an app. I love Spotify and Netflix. And how did I ever get anywhere before Google Maps? However there must be a way to filter out the negative stuff and have a healthy relationship with digital. I need a digital detox.

Well, it turns out there are more than enough ways to do that. I started by deleting some apps from my phone and turning off the sound while I work or when I don’t want to be available. I also switched off push messages and sound from most apps on my phone.

Letting family and friends know that you are doing a digital detox can help, so they will be aware and can support you. So can finding other things to do like getting out of the house, going for a walk or having meals with family or friends.

Practice self-discipline and resist the habit of picking up the phone all the time. It can wait. Ironically there is even an app named ‘Focus’ that can help to cut down on digital activities and distractions.

There are many ways to digital detox, and everyone should find what works best for them. The most radical is a ‘digital fast’, where you give up all digital devices for a short time, from an hour, a day or up to a week. You can also schedule a recurrent digital abstinence where you pick one day of the week to go device-free. Or do a specific detox of a digital activity that you spend too much time on. It could even be a social-media detox.

The average US adult spends 11 hours a day listening to, watching, reading, or interacting with media. I’m not sure if this includes work and if the activities overlap but imagine the things you could do in 11 hours.

In addition, research suggests that limiting social media use to approximately 30 minutes per day can significantly improve well-being, decreasing symptoms of loneliness and depression.

So after the Dry January, why not try Digital Detoxing the rest of the year?

Image credits: Adobe Stock
Jan 19, 2022

CWT and Etihad initiate exclusive carbon offsetting partnership

Caption for featured image: Tony Douglas, Group CEO, Etihad Aviation Group (on the left) and Patrick Andersen, President & Chief Commercial Officer at CWT

CWT, the Business-to-Business-for-Employees (B2B4E) travel management platform and Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, today announce a unique carbon offsetting partnership initiative, as part of the launch of Etihad’s Corporate Conscious Choices programme. The first partnership of its kind between Etihad and a TMC, this initiative will see all CWT client bookings made on Etihad-operated flights automatically offset by the airline using the ICAO Carbon Emissions Calculation methodology.

Running between the period 1 January 2022 to 31 March 2022, this innovative global partnership will see all offsets purchased go to Etihad’s official offsetting climate action programmes in Makame Savannah REDD project in Tanzania, Peru’s Cordillera Azul National Park and Indonesia’s Katingan Mentaya Project.

Beyond this initiative, Etihad and CWT’s longstanding global partnership will continue to see them collectively and individually drive forward the carbon neutrality agenda alongside delivering tangible carbon footprint solutions.

“Seeking more environmentally responsible travel solutions is a continuing focus, and our initial offsetting partnership with Etihad is the latest in our range of such groundbreaking initiatives,” said Patrick Andersen, President & Chief Commercial Officer at CWT.

As a launch partner for Etihad’s Corporate Conscious Choices, CWT is one of the first organisations globally to participate in Etihad’s unique corporate sustainability programme, designed specifically for organisations committed to reducing emissions and operating sustainably, with rewards and incentives designed to proactively support pro-environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives and employee behavior.

“Innovation and sustainability are at the core of our business, and our carbon-offsetting partnership with CWT is another fundamental iterative step towards us realizing our ambitious sustainability goals to reduce carbon emissions in the air and through global partnership efficiencies,” said Tony Douglas, Group CEO, Etihad Aviation Group.

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.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, was formed in 2003 and quickly went on to become one of the world’s leading airlines. From its home in Abu Dhabi, Etihad flies to passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. Together with Etihad’s codeshare partners, Etihad’s network offers access to hundreds of international destinations. In recent years, Etihad has received numerous awards for its superior service and products, cargo offering, loyalty programme and more. Etihad is recognized as one of the world’s leading airlines in response to COVID-19 and was the first airline in the world to fully vaccinate its crew on board. Etihad sees tackling the climate crisis as the most important issue of our time, and through strategic partnerships with major global aviation brands and OEMs, Etihad is relentless in its pursuit of industry decarbonisation. To learn more, visit etihad.com.
Jan 18, 2022

Podcast: Michelle McKinney Frymire on how to future-proof for 2025 and beyond
Michelle McKinney Frymire is no stranger to challenge. The (now former) CEO of travel management platform CWT, she was at the helm of making the company financially resolute at one of the toughest times in the history of travel. With $350 million of new equity, including a $100 million investment in technology and innovative products, the platform is entering a pivotal new period.

CWT is physically present in over 140 countries and staffed by 12,000 employees ranging in age from 18 to 90. As the company celebrates a whopping 150 years in travel Michelle talks about:
- How travel can drive opportunities for your business.
- How attitudes to work and life are changing and what that means for leaders.
- Climate anxiety, inclusivity, vaccine equity and the biggest issues to solve for.
[buzzsprout episode=’9982994′ player=’true’]

Download the transcript
Jan 13, 2022

Major trends for 2022 business travel
With the premise of being able to get back to traveling once again, 2022 will not only see people reconnecting, but also see the planning of a trip become as important as the trip itself. With considerations that simply weren’t in our lexicon pre-pandemic, like: travel corridors, quarantine, PCR tests and digital health passes, the 2022 traveler’s considerations, needs and wants have evolved. Let’s take a closer look at top three travel trends that will shape the travel industry this year and beyond.
1. Tech & Data: Travel checklists for business travel across 2022 has fundamentally changed and requires travelers to adapt to be able to travel safely and within the rules. As entry regulations, quarantine and testing parameters vary and frequently change across borders – navigating this complexity is essential to eliminate a traveler’s pre-trip anxiety. This is where data and tech come into play.
  
  Accurate and digestible travel information on one app or platform, accessible across multiple channels is key. And it’s not just about providing accurate up-to-the minute data, but also jargon-free, navigable instructions for the traveler to follow, alongside access to the relevant forms and documentation – all available in one screen tap
  
  Tools like the publicly accessible CWT Travel Essentials are designed to do just that. Arming travelers with all the necessary restrictions, procedures, and requirements for their unique trip – based on origin, destination, travel dates and traveler nationality.
2. Sustainability: Companies are expected to focus more on the social and environmental impact of their business travel programs post-pandemic. At the start of last year Accenture’s global travel survey revealed that employees are prioritizing an employer’s environmental initiatives more than ever before, when making career choices. Furthermore COP26 last November pointed out that net-zero commitments have become the norm for corporates. Taking all that into account, there is obviously a need for a well-defined road map to reach net-zero.
  
  Low carbon initiatives, biofuel programs and carbon emission estimates for business travel will therefore feature prevalently across 2022 business travel strategies, where finding the sweet spot between operational efficiency, cost, employee wellbeing and sustainability is pivotal. CWT’s responsible travel consulting framework ECO was launched over a year ago to help companies achieve this, and build more sustainably balanced travel programs.
3. Duty of care: Beyond these post-pandemic trends, as travel returns, travel managers and their travelers will continue to face other risks which need to effectively factor into a company’s travel management program. Natural disasters, political and social conflict, crime (including cyber-crime) and economic risks can affect the safety, security and health of travelers, as well as the outcome of their trip. CWT’s Traveler Tracking Tool and itinerary-based safety, security and medical alerts in its myCWT web and app helps employees handle the unexpected and make informed, proactive decisions about today’s travel risks.
Image credits: Adobe Stock
Jan 7, 2022

Jet-setting into 2022: How to set goals like a seasoned traveler

Every year the torpor and excess of the holiday season disappears, replaced by goal-setting and power shakes. Vision boards are drawn, nutribullets dusted off, and productivity and meditation apps downloaded. But this isn’t any old year. It’s, as the meme goes, “2020 too.” Funny but not that funny.

There has been a great a deal of hardship and loss for many people and that can take its toll during a period traditionally characterized by vim and vigor. Instead of parking our plans, how do we make 2022 the year we set goals in spite of uncertainty and ongoing restrictions? By approaching life like a seasoned traveler, you’re better equipped than most to roll with the punches.

Think on your feet

Whether it’s a language barrier or a cab driver who doesn’t show up, business travelers are used to obstacles and there’s often joy and humour in swerving them. Download Google Translate, hop on a scooter – it’s all a series of little adventures.

The same attitude can be applied to goal-setting. Once you have a goal and identify the obstacles you can plan to overcome them with an “if X then do Y” plan.

“Woop” – wish, outcome, obstacle, plan – is a method touted by behavioral scientists. There are free resources at woopmylife.org and an app to help improve confidence, concentration and performance.

The key lies in knowing your goal, your desired outcome and the obstacles to achieving it. You can then make incremental plans to overcome obstacles in advance. For example, if your goal is to exercise but you tend to make excuses by the end of the day, you could book a non-refundable class and put your gym bag by the door – helping you over the first hurdle.

Expand your perspective

One reason why people love to travel: it opens your mind. You realize that there’s no one way to live life. Visiting new places and meeting people shows you a worldview unlike your own and inspires creativity.

Some trips are being postponed due to Omicron, and colleagues unable to show up to meetings due to isolating. Now may be the time to bring an expansive mindset to introducing new meeting formats, brainstorming concepts or connecting with someone you wouldn’t otherwise.

Pack the essentials

Travel forces us to take only what we need, a useful skill in our current climate.

In the new book Four Thousand Weeks, a title referencing the average lifespan, writer Oliver Burkeman tells us to abandon the impossible – “the quest to become the optimized, infinitely capable, emotionally invincible, fully independent person you’re officially supposed to be.” It’s a pushback against the hyper-responsive, ‘inbox zero’ urgency of our age, now exacerbated by the blurred boundaries of work and home.

Burkeman argues that there will always be invitations declined, paths not taken, and far too many projects that seem worth doing. He advises that renouncing alternatives is what makes any choice meaningful and not to put off things that matter until a mythical time when you’ll be free to write that novel, launch that project or host a family reunion. Writing a single paragraph of your book while you’re isolating with Omicron is moving the needle on the record you want to play. Time is finite. Not waiting and making peace with what we can’t – or decide not to do – can feel liberating.
Jan 5, 2022

5 questions for Nick Vournakis, Chief Customer Officer

Nick Vournakis was recently promoted to his role as Chief Customer Officer. He is responsible for the health of, and relationship with CWT’s entire client portfolio. A CWT veteran, Nick has held a variety of commercial roles in his 20+ year career including overseeing CWT’s top 250 largest clients and managing several business units including global consulting arm CWT Solutions Group and the US Military & Government accounts.

We chat to Nick about changes in the business travel management landscape, the fundamental challenge of TMCs to help customers achieve new objectives and the benefits of early morning meditation.

How has the travel industry changed since you started your career at CWT, and what trends are you seeing?

When I started at CWT online booking tools were about to proliferate. Back then we saw a material and structural shift in the business as an entirely new channel was created that had not existed in the past – at least not for business travel.

We worked very closely with our clients to help them use technology to their advantage and lower their total cost of ownership. Interestingly, the fundamental principle of using technology to drive improvements in travel management and travel experience is still the core of our business. I do not see that changing in a post-pandemic environment. Now, however, we will be leveraging technology to solve for things like understanding travel requirements, jurisdictional and governmental regulations, vaccination restrictions, testing facilities, and overall ensuring traveler wellbeing. These are the elements of the travel decision making process that are necessarily changing the landscape of business travel management.

What is the best thing about your role?

No doubt the people. If there is a single thing that has kept me engaged at CWT for over 20 years, it’s the people I’ve been fortunate to work with. This holds true of our CWT employees, our suppliers and our customers as well. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been consistently surrounded by people who are supportive, good natured, curious and fun. I can attribute much of my own personal growth to the relationships built over that time and the congruence with my own personal values is incredibly rewarding.

How do you maintain a work-life balance?

Life balance is of paramount importance to me. Achieving that requires some discipline and structure. First and foremost, I tend to be quite an early-bird. I’m early to bed and early to rise. I use the dark morning hours specifically for my mental and physical health: reading, doing a daily crossword, exercising, meditating. I’m in the office (generally) by 8am. Second, and of equal importance, I don’t leave the office until I’m ’done’ for the day. This means when I’m home, I’m home and engaged with my family. The same holds true for the weekends. Finally, I’m fastidious about my calendar. I do not allow each day to be consumed by calls and back-to-back meetings. These three things mixed together has been a great recipe for me.

Is there a quote or person that motivates you in your professional and/or personal life?

Maybe less a quote and more a mantra: ‘Always leave something better than you found it’. I like the idea of creating legacy and the responsibility that comes along with that. I’d like to believe that people, systems, etc. can live well beyond the time in which we devote ourselves to them. So it is infinitely rewarding to see people who I have worked with closely succeed in their personal and professional careers and to see businesses that I have been a part of continue to grow and thrive.

How will travel management evolve in the next 5 years?

Travel management companies are going to be challenged to help corporates understand the real value of any individual trip and whether or not travel is necessary versus an alternate means of connecting – like video conferencing. We’ve learned a whole new way of working in the last 18 months and while I believe there is tremendous pent-up demand for sales organizations to get back on the road, we also need to understand the juxtaposition of corporate savings, traveler health and well-being and corporate social responsibility. What was perhaps considered lip-service in the past will no longer be the case going forward. TMCs will have to fundamentally challenge our core competence to help customers achieve new objectives like carbon neutrality. There’s an exciting future ahead and I’m thrilled to be part of that kind of transformation.

Image credits: CWT
Dec 23, 2021

A year in blogposts
One of the more blunt ‘year in review’ articles on a newspaper’s website at the end of 2020 began, “One last time, we look back on this strange year – and then let’s never speak of it again.” Thankfully, twelve months on we’re no longer relying solely on a dark sense of humour to see us through.

Over half of the world’s population has been vaccinated, families and colleagues have reunited across borders and huge strides have been made towards sustainability, equality and scientific breakthroughs.

2021 may look to have started with a storming of the US capitol and ended with Omicron but beneath the scummy surface of grim headlines, a steady stream of positive news has been bubbling away. Here’s a sample selection: pandas moved off the extinction list , China eliminated malaria, a human mind was wirelessly connected to a computer creating breakthroughs for people living with paralysis, and United flew the first passenger aircraft with 100% sustainable aviation fuel, coinciding with CWT becoming the first travel management company to join leading global companies in the drive toward sustainable aviation.

A review of 2021’s most read blogs revealed three standout themes:

More sustainable travel
Changes to our working lives
Hybrid/virtual events
We published over 100 blogposts in 2021. A January post by our now CEO, Michelle McKinney Frymire, was number one on the ‘most read’ list. It was published at the start of the year, and titled Is this the year the world will finally return to normal? We won’t lie. The mood remains one of uncertainty and the question isn’t entirely retro twelve months on.

In 2022, CWT will celebrate 150 years in travel. Look back at our history of innovation and one wonders what ‘normal’ even means. The leading themes are all indicative of change, the only constant. We may not return to normal but we’ll create new things together, stronger communities and technological advances underpinned by sustainability and wellbeing.

We look forward to sharing trends, insight and interviews with CWT’s subject matter experts and guests in 2022, here on our blog page.

In the meantime, here’s to a new year full of delivered promises, whenever the new year starts for you.

Image credits: Adobe Stock
Dec 21, 2021

CWT announces new board of directors

CWT, the Business-to-Business-for-Employees (B2B4E) travel management platform, announces the appointment, effective 13 December, of the new Board of Directors of CWT’s parent company, CWT Travel Holdings, Inc., following the successful financial restructuring of the company in November 2021.

The new board brings a strong blend of travel, hospitality, technology, and commercial expertise. Jim Abrahamson will serve as Board Chair and is joined by Alan Bowers, Ellen Keszler, Tom O’Toole, Donna Wells, Theresa Wise, and Michelle McKinney Frymire.

“On behalf of the new board at CWT, I am delighted to say we are all very excited about joining such a great global company at this time of incredible long-term prospects for the travel-industry,” said Jim Abrahamson, Chair, CWT Travel Holdings, Inc. “We look forward to building upon CWT’s strong foundation and tremendous reputation of outstanding service to its worldwide clients and travellers, as well as its valued supplier partners, by helping CWT’s highly talented leadership team accelerate the company’s growth through its industry leading service and technology platform.”

Jim Abrahamson – Board Chair

Jim currently serves as Non-Executive Chair of the Board of VICI Properties, Inc. (NYSE: VICI) and as a Non-Executive director on the boards of CorePoint Lodging, Inc. (NYSE: CPLG), and BrightView Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BV). He was also formerly a Non-Executive director at La Quinta Holdings (NYSE: LQ), as well as a former member of the Board of Directors at InterContinental Hotels Group (LON: IHG).

Jim previously served as Chairman and CEO at Interstate Hotels & Resorts and, prior to Interstate, as President, The Americas at IHG, before which he served as a senior member of corporate leadership at Hyatt Corporation (NYSE: H), Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS) and Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT). He is also a former Chairman the Board of both the U.S. Travel Association and the American Hotel & Lodging Association, and he also served as President of the Marriott International National Association (MINA) owners association.

Alan Bowers – Audit & Finance Committee Chair

Alan is currently a Non-Executive director on the boards of CorePoint Lodging, Inc. (NYSE: CPLG), Ocwen Financial Corp (NYSE: OCN) and Walker & Dunlop Inc. (NYSE: WD). He was also formerly a Non-Executive director at La Quinta Holdings (NYSE: LQ).

Alan is a former President, Chief Executive Officer and a board member of Cape Success, LLC, (a private equity backed staffing service and information technology solutions business), MarketSource Corporation (a marketing and sales support service firm) and MBL Life Assurance Corporation. He has been a certified public accountant since 1978 and served as staff auditor, audit partner and managing partner, serving a diverse client base during his tenure at Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P.

Ellen Keszler – HR & Compensation Committee Chair

Ellen is a Non-Executive director on the boards of Sojern (the global travel data and media services company) and Shep (the travel data analytics and communications business). She was formerly a Non-Executive board director with Extended Stay America (NASDAQ: STAY), Farelogix, North Texas Public Broadcasting, Pros Holdings Inc. (NYSE: PRO), Travel and Transport, Yapta, and Routehappy.

Ellen has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Clear Sky Associates, a management and strategy consulting firm focused on the technology and travel industries, since 2008. She is a former President of Travelocity Business, Senior Vice President (North American Division) of Sabre Travel Network, and previously held various finance roles at Sabre Holdings, American Airlines, and JCPenney.

Michelle McKinney Frymire – Chief Executive Officer

Michelle McKinney Frymire has been CWT’s Chief Executive Officer since May 2021, prior to which she was President, Strategy & Transformation and Chief Financial Officer, where she led the company’s transformation, strategy, technology, human resource, procurement, and finance functions. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Spirit Realty Capital (NYSE: SRC).

Michelle joined CWT in 2019 and has over 20 years’ travel industry experience. Her leadership has spanned a broad range of functions with notable leadership roles as the CFO at Starwood Vacation Ownership, TruGreen LawnCare, and Service King Collision Repair. She began her career at American Airlines, and served in senior financial leadership positions with both Continental Airlines and Delta Air Lines. In addition, she held senior executive positions at several private equity portfolio companies managing a broad range of responsibilities.

Tom O’Toole – Nominating & ESG Committee Chair

Tom is a Non-Executive board director of Alliant Energy Corp. (NASDAQ: LNT). He was formerly a Non-Executive board director with Extended Stay America (NASDAQ: STAY), LSC Communications Inc., cxLoyalty, and Pegasus Solutions, Inc.

Tom is Associate Dean for Executive Education and Clinical Professor of Marketing at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, and has been a Senior Advisor at McKinsey and Company since 2017, immediately prior to which he was Chief Marketing Officer of United Airlines and President of its MileagePlus loyalty business. He was previously the Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Information Officer of Hyatt Hotels Corporation. In 2016, he was appointed, and then reappointed, by the US Secretary of Commerce to the Board of Brand USA, the public-private corporation charged with increasing travel to the United States.

Donna Wells

Donna is a Non-Executive director on the boards of Walker & Dunlop Inc. (NYSE: WD), Mitek Systems (NASDAQ: MITK), and Betterment. She was previously a Non-Executive board member with Apex Technology Acquisition Corporation (now NASDAQ: AVPT), and Boston Private Bank (now NASDAQ: SIVB).

Donna was previously President, Chief Executive Officer and a board member of Mindflash Technologies, a B2B software company. Prior to Mindflash, she served in senior corporate leadership roles at financial services and FinTech leaders Charles Schwab (NYSE: SCHW), Intuit (NASDAQ: INTU), and Mint.com. Donna began her career at American Express (NYSE: AXP), where she launched the Corporate Platinum and Gold Rewards Cards, and led US Marketing and the B2B Affiliate business for the Expedia Group (NASDAQ: EXPE).

Theresa Wise

Theresa is a Non-Executive director on the boards of Acropolis Infrastructure Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: ACRO), VIASAT Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), Midcontinent Independent System Operator, and IMPINJ Inc. (NASDAQ: PI) and was previously a Non-Executive director for TCF Financial Corp.

Theresa has been principal consultant and managing partner of Utaza, LLC. since 2016, prior to which she served as Chief Information Officer and Senior Vice President of Delta Air Lines, and held the same role at Northwest Airlines before that.

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.
Dec 21, 2021

Emission critical

I was on the world’s first passenger flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel

Many paths in life have a way of coming full circle. On December 1^st, 2021, I was one of over 100 passengers who gathered to make aviation history aboard the world’s first passenger flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). United is the world leader in the usage and support of SAF, an alternative fuel made with non-petroleum feedstocks. The airline has agreements to purchase nearly twice as much SAF as the known agreements of all other global airlines combined.

I was invited to represent CWT as the first travel management company in Eco-Skies Alliance, a first-of-its-kind group of corporations working to reduce their environmental impact and decarbonize aviation by collectively purchasing a whopping 7.1 million gallons of SAF.

The flight departed Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and landed at Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National Airport on a new United 737 MAX 8 using 500 gallons of SAF in one engine and the same amount of conventional jet-fuel in the other engine to prove there are no operational differences between the two and to set the stage for scalable uses of SAF by all airlines in the future.

First flight thrills – 1974 to now

I made my way to gate B10 with a buzzing throng of media, government officials, and CEOs and execs from many companies, including Boeing. Before boarding we were asked to sign an ‘experimental flight’ waiver and I was struck with a familiar sense of excitement and trepidation that preceded the first flight I ever took. It was here at O’Hare, also on a United Airlines aircraft.

I was 10 years old and part of a group of kids in then Mayor Daley’s Neighborhood Program. United sponsored the flight to give kids the experience of flying for the first time. The plane was filled with kids from Chicago that – like me – had never flown. We flew over Milwaukee, Wisconsin and then back to Chicago. The captain greeted each of us and gave us pilot wings to wear on our shirts. I remembered the feel of my body pushing against the seat as the aircraft picked up ground speed. It felt exhilarating.

I pressed my face against the window for the entire flight trying to see if I could find my house and other landmarks like the Sears Tower.

As a young boy, that experience left me with a lasting love of aviation and the opportunities it brings. During college, I was a ramp agent during the summer and later cleaned planes on the midnight shift. After graduating from the University of Iowa, I returned to the ramp and then worked my way up the ranks at United taking several positions in sales, alliances and the international division including two overseas leadership positions in Europe.

In 1974 – the year of my first flight, 421 million passengers had flown internationally, according to World Bank data. By 2019, that number was 4.4 billion.

A wingpin for tomorrow’s kids

Air travel is such an integral part of our society, culture, and way of life today. The world has become smaller and much more accessible because of it. If future generations are to experience the feeling of the captain giving me a wing to pin on my shirt, we’re going to have to roll up our sleeves and work as a team.

CWTs partnership with United is a critical starting point in building momentum for change in our industry for the future.

Sustainable aviation fuel helps airlines cut emissions by around 80% compared to fossil fuel, removing the need to change the fuel supply systems or engines of the aircraft. Developing the technology to make SAF less expensive and more accessible won’t be solved in the immediate term, but it can be solved with the development of affordable, high energy density, low-carbon liquid fuels at scale.

We will need to be positioned at the cutting edge of the sustainability journey, like a kid at the edge of his plane seat – a life of opportunity, connections and serendipitous full circle experiences before him.