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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Business travelers find they are very productive while on the road due to more technology options
According to the CWT Connected Traveler Study, released today by Carlson Wagonlit Travel, business travelers are bringing more devices, and feel more productive as they are on the road conducting business. The survey of more than 1,900 business travelers found that travelers on average carry four different types of technology (mobile phone, tablet, laptop, etc.), with the smartphone being the one “travel tool they can’t live without,” as more than 80% of travelers across the globe rely on their phone to conduct business.
Global findings
With technology, most travelers (88%) believe travel is easier to navigate today. This has led a significant majority of travelers (78%) to seek opportunities to travel for work and nearly as many find business travel to be stimulating (72%). Today’s travelers are experienced and use that knowledge to plan their trips. More than half (55%) of travelers rely on prior travel experience while planning trips, in addition to hotel websites (54%) and airline websites (50%). Airline and hotel apps make up the bulk of app usage for travelers (45%) while map apps also see heavy use (41%).
“The business traveler can be so much more productive than even five years ago thanks to technology,” said Simon Nowroz, chief marketing officer, Carlson Wagonlit Travel. “Think about the advances where a business traveler used to have so much down time between a flight, taxi and hotel. Now, they can login and work while on the plane or wherever they happen to be. With the continued emergence of the tablet, as well as numerous apps, travelers don’t feel out of touch as they carry out business.”
According to the study, work-based relationships and productivity are strengthened through business travel. Nearly 9 in 10 business travelers (86%) said travel helped them build new knowledge and perspective, while 80% said business travel boosted their productivity. Additionally, more than 9 in 10 (93%) said that travel positives outweighed negatives when it comes to building and maintaining relationships at work, while nearly 8 in 10 (77%) say the same about their home lives.
Business travelers did have two key areas of concern.
Two-thirds (67%) of travelers said they believe travel is safer today. However, nearly half (46%) remain concerned about their safety. This has led more travelers (68%) to “sometimes or always” purchase travel insurance. Business travelers also have difficulties maintaining routines and wellness. More than half of travelers (54%) say that their exercise and wellness habits are disrupted when they travel.
According to the study, as travelers connect with co-workers or family, they often use different methods. With family or friends, travelers chose calling (44%), Skype (24%) and text (17%) as their preferred communication methods. However, they connect with co-workers differently: email (44%), calling (24%) and texting (14%).
Regional differences
There were similarities across the Americas, EMEA and APAC. However, APAC travelers felt more in control (84%) in being able to manage their responsibilities compared to Americas (76%) and EMEA (73%) travelers. Travelers from APAC (53%) were also more likely to say that travel took time away from other work, causing their co-workers to pick up some of the slack.
When it comes to personal relationships, around a quarter of travelers from the Americas felt that travel strained their relationship with their spouse or significant other (27%), more than their EMEA and APAC counterparts (22%). This is likely the reason that travelers in the Americas tried significantly harder to stay connected with family (50%) than APAC (31%) and EMEA (27%) travelers. APAC travelers were more likely to miss important events – with more than half (51%) missing at least two social events or occasions within the past 12 months compared to EMEA (44%) or Americas (42%) travelers.
“There are many variables that can make a business trip a success or a failure in the eyes of the traveler,” said Nowroz. “The easier we can make it for travelers to be organized, the more we help them have a better overall experience.”
About the survey
The CWT Connected Traveler Study was created by Carlson Wagonlit Travel and conducted through Artemis Strategy Group March 30-April 24, 2017. Survey data was collected from more than 1,900 business travelers between the ages of 25-65 from the Americas (Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico and the United States), EMEA (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom) and APAC (Australia, China, India, Japan and Singapore). To participate in the study, business travelers were required to have made more than four business trips within the past 12 months. The purpose of this study is, to understand how business travelers stayed connected to both work and home while on the road.
About Carlson Wagonlit Travel
Companies and governments rely on us to keep their people connected. We provide their travelers with a consumer-grade travel experience, combining innovative technology with our vast experience. Every day we look after enough travelers to fill almost 200 Boeing 747s and around 100,000 hotel rooms, and handle 95 corporate events. We have more than 18,000 people in nearly 150 countries, and in 2016 posted a total transaction volume of US$ 23 billion.
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About Artemis Strategy Group
Artemis Strategy Group (Artemissg.com) is a communications research firm specializing in brand positioning, thought leadership and policy issues.
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Hotel safety & security e-Book
Essential insights to keep your traveling employees safe
Going above and beyond traditional hotel safety and security
Safety and security remains a priority for many travel managers. Especially with unfortunate events and acts of Mother Nature, these unforeseeable moments can occur during any business trip. Our e-book includes a collection of guidelines on selecting lower risk accommodation, booking accommodation within your program, and best practices on traveling safely.
Sneak peek: What can travelers do to stay safe?
- Request a room away from the lobby or public areas.
- Stay on a mid-level floor between three and seven. Lower floors are less safe; higher floors pose a greater risk during a fire.
- Ask the front desk representative to write your room number down instead of saying it aloud. If spoken, request a new room.
These tips are a glimpse of the insights you will uncover.
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CWT Names Bindu Bhatia as new Managing Director, Asia Pacific
Carlson Wagonlit Travel, the global travel management company, has announced Bindu Bhatia will become the new Managing Director, Asia Pacific, effective 1 September. Bindu succeeds Kai Chan, who will be leaving the company on 31 August after making significant contributions during her five-year tenure.
“Asia Pacific is the world’s fastest-growing market for corporate travel – there are huge opportunities here,” said Kurt Ekert, CEO of Carlson Wagonlit Travel. “Bindu is perfect for her new role: with her proven entrepreneurial skills, commercial savvy, and deep understanding of the global travel market, she will hit the ground running.”
Bindu Bhatia has been with the company for more than 20 years in a number of key roles, most recently serving as Senior Vice President, Global Program Management, where she has looked after CWT’s biggest global clients. Bindu has extensive leadership experience in strategic client management, operations, people management, and business development. Reporting to Kelly Kuhn, Chief Customer Officer, she will soon be relocating to CWT’s Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore, where she will have responsibility for approximately 3,000 people across nine countries.
Ann Marie Stone will be taking over Bindu’s current role, also effective 1 September, reporting to Cathy Voss, Executive Vice President, Global Program Solutions. Ann Marie has been with the company since 2000, most recently serving as Vice President, Global Program Management.
The Asia Pacific nations notch up growth rates in the high single digits, year after year. CWT is a key player here, with local teams who understand the culture, client needs, market dynamics, and regulation across this diverse region, and each year we book travel for millions of travelers across Asia Pacific. Recognizing that success, CWT has been named “Best Corporate Travel Agency” in Asia Pacific at the TTG Travel Awards for the past five years running.
CWT is evolving into the world’s first truly digital travel management company, investing significant resources in technology and people to achieve that goal. Alongside rolling out CWT 3.0, CWT’s digital transformation program, Bindu’s focus will be on continuing to provide value to our customers, and growing our business by positioning CWT as the preferred global business travel company for companies across Asia Pacific and beyond.
About Carlson Wagonlit Travel
Companies and governments rely on us to keep their people connected. We provide their travelers with a consumer-grade travel experience, combining innovative technology with our vast experience. Every day we look after enough travelers to fill almost 200 Boeing 747s and around 100,000 hotel rooms, and handle 95 corporate events. We have more than 18,000 people in nearly 150 countries, and in 2016 posted a total transaction volume of US$ 23 billion.
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Strength in global economy means higher travel pricing in 2018
According to the fourth annual 2018 Global Travel Forecast, travel prices are expected to rise sharply in the coming year, reaching nearly 4% increases in some sectors.
Released today by Carlson Wagonlit Travel, the global travel management company, and the GBTA Foundation, the education and research arm of the Global Business Travel Association, The 2018 Global Travel Forecast shows global airfares are expected to rise 3.5% in 2018; hotel prices are expected to be 3.7% higher; and ground transportation such as taxis, trains and buses are expected to rise only 0.6% – significantly less than the 3% inflation forecast for 2018.
“The higher pricing is a reflection of the stronger economy and growing demand,” said Kurt Ekert, president and CEO, Carlson Wagonlit Travel. “The global numbers from this forecast should be considered strong leading indicators of what 2018 will mean for global businesses, as we anticipate higher spending.”
“Geopolitical risks, uncertainties in emerging markets and ever-changing political environments in Europe and the United States mean today’s travel professionals have more than ever to take into account when building their travel programs,” said Jeanne Liu, GBTA Foundation vice president of research. “The most successful programs will have to keep a watchful eye on both geopolitical risks and a rapidly-changing supplier landscape as they reevaluate strategy often and adapt as necessary.”
2018 Air Projections
The uptick in global airfares comes as crude oil prices rise, in spite of airlines adding an expected 6% capacity in 2018. Complicating airline pricing is increased segmentation of basic fares among large carriers. Travelers now have the option of choosing a basic economy, restricted fare versus various upgraded fares, with specific service options and pricing varying by airline.
- Asia Pacific expects to see a 2.8% rise in 2018 pricing with domestic demand increasing, particularly in China and India. However, as many of the economies in Asia strengthen, weaknesses in infrastructure – and airports in particular – are increasingly becoming apparent.
- Across EMEA, air travel is anticipated to continue growing, with prices rising 7.1% across Eastern Europe and 5.5% in Western Europe. However, Middle East and African countries only expect a 3% increase as they face ongoing security threats and an oil industry that is still in recovery. Currency fluctuations in Europe may further impact airfares in 2018. Given limited competition and the upcoming summer 2018 World Cup in Russia, Eastern Europe may again have the most significant price increases in the region.
- Across Latin America and the Caribbean, prices are expected to change little in 2018 – up only 0.3%. Airlines have cautiously added capacity back into the market. Broader analysis of South America shows a 20% increase in scheduled flights by the end of 2019. Low cost carriers are well positioned for this area given the low penetration in the region. And, new, more efficient aircraft coming into in operation will lower operating costs in 2018.
- North America will see prices rise by a modest 2.3%, according to our projections. Citing the potential for stronger U.S. travel restrictions, flights to the United States have already been reduced accordingly. Canadian airlines are expected to aggressively compete given new market entrants and capacity growth of about 11% in 2017 and 12% in 2018. With the region’s air travel market nearly flat year-over-year in early 2017, competition is fierce between carriers who now compete on branded fares rather than on bundled fares or by carrier type.
2018 Hotel Projections
Globally, the 3.7% average increase in hotel prices masks what is actually happening on a regional level. Europe is expected to post strong increases, while other regions are barely keeping up with inflation. Additionally, prices are expected to fall in Latin America and the Caribbean. We expect the impact of the 2017 mergers will be felt during the 2018 RFP season.
Suppliers are progressively moving corporate buyers away from fixed, negotiated hotel rates and toward dynamic rate pricing. There is also a global trend towards “smarter” hotels, with hotels investing in beacon technologies, messaging, in-room entertainment and more. Increasingly tech-savvy guests will use apps to check in and out, unlock their hotel room door, operate the television remotely and control room temperature.
- Across Asia Pacific, hotel prices are likely to rise 3.5% – with a large discrepancy as Japanese prices are expected to fall 4.1%, but New Zealand is set to rise a full 9.8%. Strong economies means demand is increasing in the APAC region. Buyers should anticipate a more challenging discussion with newly merged hotel groups, especially in high-volume markets such as Bangkok, Beijing, Shanghai and Singapore.
- Across EMEA, hotel prices are likely to rise – 6.6% in Eastern Europe, 6.3% in Western Europe, but only 0.6% in the Middle East and Africa. Norway is expected to lead with increases of 14% expected for 2018, while Russian hotel prices will rise 11.9% thanks to increased demand from hosting the 2018 Summer World Cup.
- Within Latin America, hotel prices are expected to fall 1.2%, with steep declines in Brazil (down 8.7%) and Argentina (down 2.7%). However, Peru and Chile are expected to see 7.7% and 5.5% increases, respectively. Buyers may see efficiencies in 2018 as bigger brands purchase independents and upgrade systems. Capacity is being added throughout the region with an estimated 449,500 new hotel rooms being constructed between late 2016 and 2025 – a 57% increase in supply. Sharing economy accommodations are still not very popular for corporate travel in Latin America, given structural security concerns.
- North America hoteliers may be banking on economic growth as demand has leveled off since mid-summer 2016 – but supply is expected to continue growing steadily through 2018. With international travel projected to grow 4% in 2017 and 2018, U.S. hotel growth is expected to be concentrated primarily along with the West Coast and in Washington D.C. In Canada, Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal are expected to maintain good pricing power amid a weak Canadian dollar.
2018 Ground Transportation Projections
Ground transportation pricing is expected to rise only 0.6% in 2018 (but 5.5% by 2022). Industry experts predict record new car sales over the next five years, pushing up per unit fleet costs, while used car pricing is expected to fall 50%, hurting residual value for used rental cars and making current rental car pricing unsustainable. Market-specific regulations for curbing emissions, and rising oil prices have suppliers’ already increasing availability of “green” rental cars.
Sharing economy players such as Uber and Lyft are expected to continue double-digit growth upwards of 10% in 2018, before settling down into single-digit growth for 2019. Their growth is under threat by costly regulation and government bans.
- Continued uncertainty in mining, and a cautious recovery in the oil and gas industry will result in flat rates for 2018 in Asia Pacific. Business continues to grow in China as most major car rental and sharing economy suppliers have a presence. Sharing economy suppliers Didi Chuxing in China, Ola in India and Grab in Southeast Asia have all achieved economies of scale that make them key competitors to more traditional car rentals firms and taxis.
- Ground transportation remains very competitive in EMEA. Prices are expected to remain mostly flat in Europe, and up a meager 1% across the Middle East and Africa. Rail continues to be a viable alternative to air travel throughout Europe, especially with enhanced security at airports.
- Prices are expected to rise slightly (1%) across Latin America. Brazil and Mexico are anticipating increased demand for car rentals in 2018 as their economies rebound. However, the rental car market there is still heavily fragmented. Uber is betting big on its Latin American business (despite issues in Brazil, Peru and Argentina) – especially after its recent departure from the Chinese market. Regional and international rental companies continue to expand and pricing is expected to stabilize.
- Canada is expected to see a healthy 4.6% increase in 2018, but the overall region will only be up 1%. Limited railways, along with improved income per capita and increased corporate travel, are expected to push up rental car rates in North America. Still a low-margin business, rental car companies have implemented operational efficiencies and made investments in technology to better manage fleets and improve utilization. Sharing economies continue to grow, but face improved competition from traditional cabs and government regulation.
About the 2018 Forecast
Forecast projections provided by CWT Solutions Group. Data analysis provided by Rockport Analytics.
Download the 2018 Global Travel Forecast now
About Carlson Wagonlit Travel
Companies and governments rely on us to keep their people connected. We provide their travelers with a consumer-grade travel experience, combining innovative technology with our vast experience. Every day we look after enough travelers to fill almost 200 Boeing 747s and around 100,000 hotel rooms, and handle 95 corporate events. We have more than 18,000 people in nearly 150 countries, and in 2016 posted a total transaction volume of US$ 23 billion.
Follow us on Twitter and Linkedin
About Global Business Travel Association Foundation
The GBTA Foundation is the education and research foundation of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the world’s premier business travel and meetings trade organization headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area with operations on six continents. Collectively, GBTA’s 9,000-plus members manage more than $345 billion of global business travel and meetings expenditures annually. GBTA provides its growing network of more than 28,000 travel professionals and 125,000 active contacts with world-class education, events, research, advocacy and media. The Foundation was established in 1997 to support GBTA’s members and the industry as a whole. As the leading education and research foundation in the business travel industry, the GBTA Foundation seeks to fund initiatives to advance the business travel profession. The GBTA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information, see gbta.org and gbta.org/gbta-foundation.
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Carlson Wagonlit Travel launches new division dedicated to hotels – RoomIt by CWT
Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT), the leading global travel management company, today announced the formal launch of its new business division wholly dedicated to hotel distribution – RoomIt by CWT. The new division is completely focused on creating and delivering a new and innovative experience to expanding access and providing greater variety to customer accommodations around the world.
“RoomIt by CWT simplifies the hotel booking process and puts the most relevant lodging options all in one place,” said Scott Brennan, president, hotels, Carlson Wagonlit Travel. “CWT is committed to giving our clients a wide range of global options at the most competitive rates and our investment into RoomIt will enable better, more personalized service to our travelers.”
RoomIt is designed to satisfy the ever-changing customer needs with increased functionality and personalization capabilities while equipping companies with the tools to effectively monitor employees’ travel schedules.
Additional features of RoomIt include:
- A consistent, global booking experience
- An intuitive hotel-booking tool
- Travel management services for companies of any size
- Better research and booking tools to access great lodging options
- Travel management tools for tracking, reporting and payment
- Access to traveler loyalty programs and CWT’s loyalty boost program
About Carlson Wagonlit Travel
Companies and governments rely on us to keep their people connected. We provide their travelers with a consumer-grade travel experience, combining innovative technology with our vast experience. Every day we look after enough travelers to fill almost 200 Boeing 747s and around 100,000 hotel rooms, and handle 95 corporate events. We have more than 18,000 people in nearly 150 countries, and in 2016 posted a total transaction volume of US$ 23 billion.
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CWT appoints Michael Ryan as Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand
Carlson Wagonlit Travel, the global travel management company, has appointed Michael Ryan as Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand. Ryan will lead a team of nearly 280 people across six locations in Australia and New Zealand, and will be responsible for client satisfaction, client retention and new business.
“Michael’s customer focus and his keen understanding of the Australian and New Zealand markets will help us deliver on our digital CWT 3.0 strategy, which will give business travelers the kind of experience they expect from their leisure travel,” said Kai Chan, CWT’s President for Asia Pacific. “While compliance and savings remain key, more and more companies here are beginning to focus on their travelers’ overall experience – with the ultimate aim of boosting productivity.”
Michael will be based in Sydney and will join CWT’s Asia Pacific leadership team, reporting to Kai Chan.
Michael has more than 20 years of business development and management experience across a range of industries, including financial services, telecommunications and sporting goods.
He joins CWT from American Express’ Merchant Services division, where he was Vice President, Merchant & Loyalty Solutions, responsible for leading and growing the corporate and enterprise payments business in Australia and New Zealand. Prior to that, he held various roles at American Express, Optus, Adidas and Coca Cola Amatil.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Economics degree from Macquarie University. He enjoys traveling and experiencing new cultures, and is a health and fitness buff who loves cycling.
About Carlson Wagonlit Travel
Companies and governments rely on us to keep their people connected. We provide their travelers with a consumer-grade travel experience, combining innovative technology with our vast experience. Every day we look after enough travelers to fill almost 200 Boeing 747s and around 100,000 hotel rooms, and handle 95 corporate events. We have more than 18,000 people in nearly 150 countries, and in 2016 posted a total transaction volume of US$ 23 billion.
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CWT says many companies overspend by up to 5% of their hotel cost on Last Room Availability rates
CWT Solutions Group, the consulting division of Carlson Wagonlit Travel, today published research that shows a 5% gap between the perceived and actual value of Last Room Availability rates. For a company that spends US$ 20 million with their preferred hotels, that could amount to US $1 million.
“Last Room Availability rates have been the gold standard for hotel agreements since the 1980s, and no one has ever really questioned that. But we have now looked into this in great detail and it seems like the gold has lost some of its shine.” says Eric Jongeling, Director, Hotel Solutions. “Our research shows between 5% and 11% differences in some markets so travel managers should bear this in mind when negotiating global rates.”
The key findings of the research, which analyzed 7,300 2016 hotel bookings across 97 countries, revealed that:
- There is a 5% gap between perceived and actual value of LRAs. This can translate into millions lost each year for corporations on misperception of the value of LRAs.
- 44% of hotels charge a premium for including an LRA clause.
- 12% chance that the traveler will not be able to stay at their contracted rate – even with an LRA rate.
- Multiple hotels in a target market negates the need for an LRA clause.
- The perceived value differs considerably between premium and economy hotels and between cities.
About Carlson Wagonlit Travel
Companies and governments rely on us to keep their people connected. We provide their travelers with a consumer-grade travel experience, combining innovative technology with our vast experience. Every day we look after enough travelers to fill almost 200 Boeing 747s and around 100,000 hotel rooms, and handle 95 corporate events. We have more than 18,000 people in nearly 150 countries, and in 2016 posted a total transaction volume of US$ 23 billion.
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CWT Appoints Vishal Sinha as CEO in India
Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) has appointed Vishal Sinha as Chief Executive Officer of CWT India. He will be based in CWT India’s head office in Gurgaon.
Reporting to Kai Chan, CWT’s President for Asia Pacific, Sinha will be a member of CWT’s Asia Pacific leadership team. He takes over from Geeta Jain, who has moved into a new global role at CWT as Strategic Program Vice President, responsible for driving innovation and business transformation.
“India’s fast-growing business travel market represents tremendous potential for CWT,” said Kai Chan. “Vishal’s extensive experience in the industry will ensure that we are in a strong position to expand our business in this market, while providing the best possible service to our clients. He has a proven track record in developing successful organizations, and I’m confident our business in India will reach new heights under his leadership.”
Sinha will lead CWT India’s team of over 1,200 people across nine offices, delivering an exceptional customer experience to more than 180 corporate clients in India. He will also be responsible for growing CWT’s business in India, particularly with local companies and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), many of whom do not yet have managed travel programs.
Sinha has more than 20 years of experience in the travel industry, including considerable international experience. Most recently, he was Chief Operating Officer of TUI India. Prior to that he spent seven years based in Tokyo, Japan as a Regional General Manager at British Airways. He has also held a number of other business development and management roles at British Airways based in India, the UAE, Hong Kong and China.
Sinha holds a Master of Arts degree from Delhi University, as well as a Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing in the UK. He is fluent in English and Hindi.
About Carlson Wagonlit Travel
Companies and governments rely on us to keep their people connected. We provide their travelers with a consumer-grade travel experience, combining innovative technology with our vast experience. Every day we look after enough travelers to fill almost 200 Boeing 747s and around 100,000 hotel rooms, and handle 95 corporate events. We have more than 18,000 people in nearly 150 countries, and in 2016 posted a total transaction volume of US$ 23 billion.
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CWT Meetings & Events wins BASF as client in UK & Ireland, Nordics, and Baltics
BASF, the global chemical company, has chosen CWT Meetings & Events to run its meetings and events programs in the UK & Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
BASF chose CWT M&E due to its consolidated solution and broad variety of suppliers. The BASF team especially liked the visibility and control over spend, and the high quality on offer.
“We are thrilled to work with this new global client and are looking forward to our first wave of projects with BASF, which are focused in the Nordics,” said program manager Mi Horrocks, who will run the partnership in the Nordic markets. The relationship with BASF began in CWT Meetings & Events’ Danish head office in Copenhagen.
In the UK, the partnership will be run by program manager Simon Hubbard.
“We are delighted that BASF has tasked us with managing their meetings programs in a number of key markets, including the UK & Ireland, and we look forward to supporting their booking community over the coming months,” said Simon Hubbard.
CWT M&E will provide BASF with a meetings and events service from its Birmingham office, including venue find, events and small meetings. CWT M&E’s main UK office is based in East London and the Birmingham office opened in 2016.
CWT Meetings & Events (M&E) is an award-winning global corporate events management service. Representing all industry sectors, CWT M&E delivers comprehensive live, virtual and hybrid event solutions for thousands of customers every year. Ranging from end to end productions of some of the world’s largest and complex global conferences, through to intimate national teambuilding experiences.
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About Carlson Wagonlit Travel
Companies and governments rely on us to keep their people connected. We provide their travelers with a consumer-grade travel experience, combining innovative technology with our vast experience. Every day we look after enough travelers to fill almost 200 Boeing 747s and around 100,000 hotel rooms, and handle 95 corporate events. We have more than 18,000 people in nearly 150 countries, and in 2016 posted a total transaction volume of US$ 23 billion.
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Virtual payment makes business travel more efficient, compliant and fraud-resistant
Carlson Wagonlit Travel, the global travel management company, today publishes a white paper on The Virtues of Virtual Payment. The paper analyzes the shifting requirements of digitalized travel as business and government travelers increasingly turn to virtual payment. Virtual payment acts like a digital credit card that has a single use parameter that can be issued immediately and enables centralized billing.
“Virtual payment transactions use a unique ID, making it both easier to identify and track a transaction, and also practical in stopping fraudulent abuse,” said Clive Cornelius, senior director, of global card products, Carlson Wagonlit Travel. “This digital payment solution is a safe and attractive option for companies looking to centralize payment, reduce payment inefficiencies, liabilities and potential corporate card abuse – which in turn gives employers greater flexibility.”
Virtual payment solves many issues and challenges found in using traditional corporate credit card programs including:
- Availability. Not every employee who travels is issued a corporate card.
- Security. Credit cards can be lost, stolen, cloned or misused. Virtual payment lets companies tailor usage parameters including credit limits, dates of use, where it can be used, all of which increase travel policy compliance and decrease fraud.
- Reporting. All required reporting data is captured as the virtual card is created resolving reconciliation headaches.
- Compliance. Virtual card limits can be setup to only allow in-policy purchases.
CWT’s global virtual payment offering powered by Conferma, available since June 2014, connects to 26 different banking partners around the world and virtual cards created have expanded by 35% in the past 12 months. This alternative digital payment works in multiple currencies and is increasingly accepted by travel suppliers.
About Carlson Wagonlit Travel
Companies and governments rely on us to keep their people connected. We provide their travelers with a consumer-grade travel experience, combining innovative technology with our vast experience. Every day we look after enough travelers to fill almost 200 Boeing 747s and around 100,000 hotel rooms, and handle 95 corporate events. We have more than 18,000 people in nearly 150 countries, and in 2016 posted a total transaction volume of US$ 23 billion.
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Fifth annual Carlson Wagonlit Travel Responsible Business report shows accelerated success
Recognized in the top 1 percent of all companies worldwide rated for responsible business practices by EcoVadis*.
Carlson Wagonlit Travel, the global travel management group, has further strengthened its leadership in responsible business and is revealing significant progress in its June 2017 report. Through demonstrating continuous and substantial evolution and engagement in responsible business, CWT achieved the EcoVadis Gold rating in 2017, making it to the top 1% of all companies worldwide for responsible business practices.
“Being a responsible business is fundamental to the way we work – we live and breathe it every day, in everything we do,” said Kurt Ekert, president and CEO of Carlson Wagonlit Travel. “Our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) governance model is underpinned by public, long-term commitments, so people know that when they do business with us, they are partnering with a company and people wholly committed to all aspects of responsible business.”
CWT continued to improve in all seven of its CSR domains in 2016; Responsible Business Governance, Ethics & Business Behavior, Human Resources, Human Rights, Environment, Responsible Products and Services and Community Involvement.
Key achievements include:
- 94 percent of all 2020 Responsible Business objectives have been initiated.
- Over 99 percent of employees are trained in the Ethics and Compliance Program code
- 22 countries representing 80 percent of CWT’s total revenue reported environmental data.
- 75 community involvement initiatives in 2016 bringing the total to more than 300 since 2014.
- The Global Responsible Business Network expanded to 80 members across 32 countries and cover all functions of the business.
CWT also continues to strongly commit itself to the UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles, covering the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption. It also has a strong connection to ECPAT International, a global network of civil society organizations campaigning to end the sexual exploitation of children.
* The independent agency that assesses organizations‘ environmental, social and ethical performance
View the Responsible Business report June 2017
About Carlson Wagonlit Travel
Companies and governments rely on us to keep their people connected. We provide their travelers with a consumer-grade travel experience, combining innovative technology with our vast experience. Every day we look after enough travelers to fill almost 200 Boeing 747s and around 100,000 hotel rooms, and handle 95 corporate events. We have more than 18,000 people in nearly 150 countries, and in 2016 posted a total transaction volume of US$ 23 billion.
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Carlson Wagonlit Travel wins Employee Engagement award at JiveWorld17
“This award is a real honor, and demonstrates the strength of our corporate culture,” said Laura Jacquier, Head of Global Employee Communication. “Getting everyone on board so fast shows that everyone understood the value of this project, gathered around, and just made it happen.”Last year, Carlson Wagonlit Travel kicked off a strategic digital transformation plan in its drive to become the world leader in digital business travel, hotel and event management. This required an internal cultural shift to drive employee empowerment and accountability, improving the customer experience and fostering innovation.
To support this transformation, CWT launched the Jive intranet platform to over 19,000 users across nearly 50 countries. In just three months, the intranet achieved 75 percent adoption and was transforming the company’s culture – fuelling conversation and collaboration in multiple languages, all around the world. Adoption now stands at 83 percent.
Richard Thompson, representing Global Employee Communications and Human Resources, and Anthony Allinson, representing Product & Technology, were on hand to accept the award in Las Vegas.
Last month, CWT was awarded the Gold Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rating by EcoVadis, the environmental and social performance rating agency, placing it among the top 1% of all companies for its responsible business practices.
About Carlson Wagonlit Travel
Companies and governments rely on us to keep their people connected. We provide their travelers with a consumer-grade travel experience, combining innovative technology with our vast experience. Every day we look after enough travelers to fill almost 200 Boeing 747s and around 100,000 hotel rooms, and handle 95 corporate events. We have more than 18,000 people in nearly 150 countries, and in 2016 posted a total transaction volume of US$ 23 billion.