Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Top 10 Corporate Travel Trends for 2024
January 17, 2024
They’re all over social media: laptop in one hand, fresh coconut in the other as they work beachfront in an exotic location. In addition to their photo-taking skills, there’s a lot to potentially learn from these digital nomads - individuals who travel place to place while working a full-time job from wherever they go. If you also travel for work, especially for extended periods of time, it may be a good idea to look to these fellow travelers (so to speak!) for trips and tricks.
Like many extended stay business travelers, you may find yourself staying in a serviced apartment, such as those offered by Synergy Global Housing. You’ll have everything you need for a long-term stay: furnishings, a full kitchen, housewares, linens, 24/7 guest service and more. However, there’s always room to make your business travels even more efficient, comfortable and productive.
We’ve rounded up numerous resources that digital nomads love, divided into categories, that business travelers like you can benefit from as well. Take advantage of them on your next trip.
The landscape of corporate travel is on the brink of significant transformation, propelled by a multitude of trends reshaping the way businesses navigate and manage their travel programs. Recently at the NY GBTA Education Day Will Tate, consultant at GoldSpring Consulting, shed light on the top 10 trends that are set to redefine corporate travel in 2024 and beyond. We highlight them here.
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence emerges as a beacon of change within corporate travel, despite being in its infancy. Highlighted were the hurdles of labeling, tokenization, and transparency, posing challenges to AI's full potential. Even so, the applications of AI are extremely promising.
Expense Reporting: AI’s analytical capabilities can streamline expense report analysis, potentially reducing errors and expediting approval processes.
Enhancing Airport Operations: AI has the potential to revolutionize airport experiences by expediting customs, guiding passengers efficiently, and enhancing overall airport operations.
Meeting Enhancements: AI can facilitate personalized room setups, catering arrangements, and overall meeting efficiency.
Transformation of Online Booking Tools: The potential disruption of traditional online booking tools looms as AI steps in to automate and optimize the travel booking process.
2. Ubiquitous Profiles
The emergence of ubiquitous profiles heralds a new era of travel efficiency and unparalleled personalization. These profiles facilitate smoother travel arrangements by utilizing up-to-date information. They are able to streamline interactions between travelers and suppliers, ensuring seamless transactions and engagements for enhanced efficiency. Moreover, ubiquitous profiles elevate the travel journey by tailoring experiences by supplier and by trip, offering more personalized recommendations and enhancing the overall booking and travel experience.
3. Sustainability
Navigating the complexities of sustainability within corporate travel presents both challenges and innovative solutions. These days a growing number of travelers are opting for sustainable travel choices, which highlights the growing importance of sustainability in corporate travel and its influence on decision-making. The challenges faced by corporate travel managers and suppliers alike are the lack of consistent measurement standards and varied approaches to implementation.
4. NDC Remains Off-channel
NDC, or New Distribution Capabilities, offers buyers a more consumer-friendly air travel booking experience that is less costly than the GDS. NDC’s are here to stay was the consensus by a panel of experts at NY GBTA, but they additional pointed out that corporate travel buyers are moving slowly to adopt as they look for solutions that are proven and scalable at larger organizations.
5. Enhancing the Traveler Experience
The traveler experience remains vital and with travel rebounding to 70-80% of 2029 levels, a significant mindset shift in how we prioritize travel is underway. Buyers need to ensure trust in the travel industry while innovating to create stickiness and enhance the overall travel experience. At the same time, companies are looking at policy adaptations which could include not reimbursing certain types of travel or shifting to per diems to manage costs effectively. It will be interesting to see how these two competing priorities play out over the course of the year to provide an enhanced traveler experience, while still cutting costs.
6. Personalization Continues to Dominate
The challenges and triumphs of personalization remain a focal point in corporate travel. Suppliers have had an ongoing challenge identifying the customer—whether it is a corporate or an individual. This particularly comes into play when pricing for air or hotel is based on a call and response, making it hard to discern the traveler's identity. In addition, there are more applications geared toward individual travelers, resulting in a better user experience for them. In 2024 we look to solutions and applications that will enhance personalization for corporates, raising the bar on traveler experience.
7. Labor Challenges: Acquiring and Retaining Talent
In the face of rising labor costs, companies are grappling with attracting and retaining talent. While technology like AI Chat resolves simpler problems, the demand for skilled labor remains crucial for handling complex issues. Challenges with staffing for airline pilots, travel companies (TMC’s) and hotels are pervasive and will continue for the next year or so.
8. Rise of Integrated Solutions
Integrated technology solutions are gaining prominence, offering comprehensive packages that encompass various components such as TMCs, booking tools, etc. These solutions are particularly appealing to smaller companies due to their simplicity and ease of implementation. The question is, are they good at all components of travel management?
9. Blockchain: A Disruptive Force
Despite minimal adoption, blockchain’s benefits are undeniable. Essentially, it unlocks information that was private and removes the middleman who was charging fees to allow access. There are many applications for its use, including disintermediating GDS fees by directly integrating with the carrier, eliminating credit card fees since airlines and hotels can be paid directly, and overall improving the travel booking experience removing the need for expense reports.
10. Integration of Meeting and Transient Travel
Sourcing meetings and travel together can provide better spend insights and visibility, as well as support an enhanced duty of care. At present there are challenges to booking these two components together as the bookers are typically siloed and neither the TMC nor meeting planner are solely responsible.
Summary: Navigating the Future of Corporate Travel in 2024
The corporate travel landscape in 2024 stands at the threshold of transformation, propelled by a spectrum of trends. From the promising integration of AI to the evolution of ubiquitous profiles, sustainability initiatives, blockchain’s disruptive potential, traveler-centric approaches, personalization challenges, labor dynamics, integrated solutions, and the convergence of meetings and travel—each trend paints a vivid picture of a landscape undergoing profound change.
These travel trends collectively redefine how businesses perceive and harness travel as an essential strategic component, promising efficiency, personalization, cost optimization, and a renewed focus on traveler experiences. The amalgamation of technology, sustainability, and strategic innovations forms the cornerstone of this new era, paving the way for a travel landscape that prioritizes both functionality and the human touch. As we navigate these trends, their impact promises to shape a future where corporate travel seamlessly aligns with business objectives while ensuring enhanced experiences for all stakeholders involved.
Our friendly team is on hand to discuss your furnished apartment requirements today.
Need to pack a hefty coat or jacket, or even a puffer? Use vacuum storage bags to compress them so they don’t take up your whole suitcase. Most come with a small hand pump, perfect for travel.
Noise-canceling headphones
Just like at home, there’s never a guarantee that your workspace during travel will be quiet. Thankfully, you don’t have to don a clunky pair of bucket-style cans: today’s noise-canceling headphones are slim and sleek. Get yourself a pair of AirPods Pro, Bose QuietComfort® Earbuds, or any of these alternatives.
Laptop stand
A laptop doesn’t have to be on your lap, or even flat on a surface. Being able to elevate and adjust your laptop can vastly improve your ergonomics while on the road, and you can do so with a laptop stand. The one appearing most frequently on digital nomad blogs is the Roost V3, or any similar products by Roost.
Wireless mouse
Using a mouse can make all the difference when it comes to precision and dexterity on your laptop. Stay minimalist and go with a wireless one, for which you can’t beat Logitech. Your filthy touchpad will thank you.
Long charging cables
Most of us have a standard 1-meter charging cable for our smartphone, but savvy travelers know to pack a 2-meter or even a 3-meter cable as well. You never know where your nearest outlet is going to be, and we all love being able to use our phone in bed while charging it.
Getting Around
On an extended stay business trip, the travel doesn’t end when you reach your destination. Here are some great solutions for transportation and finding your way around during your stay.
Turo
Looking for an alternative to traditional rental car companies? Turo is like Airbnb for cars, in that you rent a car directly from the car’s owner. It’s available in major cities across the US, as well as Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto and London (all cities Synergy serves, by the way!).
Uber One / Lyft Pink
We all know Uber and Lyft, but did you know they each offer memberships? Uber One is $9.99/month and gets you 5% off Uber rides, 5% off Uber Eats orders and other perks. Lyft Pink is $19.99/month and gets you 15% off Lyft rides, priority airport pickups and more. Use the services enough and the membership will pay for itself.
Google Maps (with a hack)
You can’t beat Google Maps for directions, especially when it comes to public transit. And there’s a great hack for international travel or poor reception: find out how to use the app offline. It’ll save you on international data fees – and frustration.
Rome2rio
Sometimes you just need to figure out the best way to get from point A to point B, but your usual maps application isn’t cutting it. Rome2rio will help you plan a route to where you need to be, even if it involves multiple modes of transportation: car, bus, train, bike, walking, ferry or plane.
Work & Productivity
Put the “business” in business travel with the help of these resources for working on the go.
ExpressVPN
Using a virtual private network, or VPN, is a good idea no matter where you’re working from. When traveling for work and using unfamiliar WiFi networks, like in a hotel or coffee shop, it’s even more important.
ExpressVPN is a favorite among many, not just digital nomads. It costs as little as $8.32/month, and is a frequent advertiser on podcasts – listen in to your favorites and look out for a discount code. NordVPN also tops many lists.
Workfrom
A change of scenery from time to time is a great way to keep the creative juices flowing and break up your workday. When the need arises, use the search functionality offered by Workfrom, which allows you to find places to work nearby! You can filter by which establishments have power outlets, fast WiFi, late-night hours and more.
World Time Buddy
What time is it? What day is it? Business travel across time zones can be disorienting, and it’s important to know your local time and that of your colleagues.
World Time Buddy is a popular solution that allows you to see world times in a simple visual format, convert time zones and even schedule meetings. No more accidentally Slacking your coworker when it’s 2am where they are.
Google Workspace
Most of us are familiar with Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc. However, you’d be amazed by how many (free!) apps and tools Google Workspace offers, all cloud-based, including but not limited to:
Google Drive – Cloud storage up to 1TB
Google Flights – Search for flights across multiple airlines, all at once
Google Calendar – Create shared calendars
Google Meet – Video and voice calls
Google Forms – Generate and distribute simple forms or surveys
Google Keep – Maintain notes, lists, photos, audio, drawings and more
All of these apps can be accessed on desktop or mobile, for the ultimate on-the-go productivity.
Health & Wellness
Work-life balance still matters when you’re on business travel. Stay physically and mentally well while away from home with these resources.
Classpass
Although it’s evolved a bit over the years, Classpass is still going strong. Here’s how it works: first, choose a plan that allots you a number of credits per month, ranging from 6 to 80 credits. Then, use your credits to attend classes at local fitness establishments (yoga, spin, crossfit, etc.) or for open gym time.
Here’s the best part: you can also use credits for beauty and wellness treatments, such as manicures, haircuts or massage! Participating establishments are located all over the world, so it’s great to use while traveling.
Teladoc
Ask your healthcare provider if they offer Teladoc, or a similar telehealth service. It’s a tremendous benefit during travel when you need to speak with your doctor, and you can usually secure an appointment on short notice – even same-day. If you need medication, your provider can prescribe you what you need via video call and have it sent to a local pharmacy.
Calm
Move over Headspace, hello Calm. This increasingly popular meditation app can help you get better sleep, reduce stress and anxiety, improve your focus and more. Plus, who wouldn’t want to drift off to a calming Sleep Story read by Matthew McConaughey? Try it free for seven days, after which a premium subscription is $14.99/month.
Food
Whether you prefer to go out, stay in or a little of both, these foodie and traveler-approved resources will keep you well-fed during extended stay business travel.
Eater
You may think Yelp is the go-to site for finding the best local restaurants, but real foodies know that’s not the case. Many Yelp reviews are written by tourists, not locals, and people are generally more likely to write about negative experiences than positive ones on review sites. Instead, see if the city you’re staying in has an Eater site. Eater has a pulse like no other on local restaurant scenes, from ethnic eateries to fine dining.
The Infatuation
The Infatuation is another great food site for honest reviews, guides and features on local restaurants. With coverage in nearly 50 cities, including international ones, there’s even more to love. Follow them on Instagram, too – they have an account for almost every city they cover!
Meal kit delivery services
Those staying in a serviced apartment or other extended-stay housing are fortunate to have access to a full kitchen. Being able to cook your own meals is a huge plus, and meal kit delivery services can make it a whole lot more convenient. The ingredients for each meal come in just the right amounts, so you’re not stuck buying a bundle of carrots when all you need is a single carrot. Travel blogger Cory Lee lists even more reasons it’s great for digital nomads and extended stay business travelers. There are too many options to name just one, so check out Bon Appétit’s top favorites.
Community
Creating a sense of community is worth the effort no matter where you are, and for how long. Use these tools to help you connect with others during your travels, either online or in-person.
Reddit
Reddit is one of the best places on the internet for people from all over to discuss topics and share resources. Because it’s less commercialized, you’ll find some of the most honest and real insights. Topics are divided into what are called subreddits.
For instance, there’s a subreddit on business travel, one on travel hacks and one for digital nomads. You can also find subreddits for almost any country, city or neighborhood in the world. Just use Reddit’s search bar to find subreddits, or individual posts.
Meetup
Who says you can’t make friends during business travel? It’s important to socialize and meet new people outside of work, even in a city you’re only staying in temporarily. Meetup is where people go to do just that. Use the site or the app to find in-person meetups near you, or host your own!
Nextdoor
You may use Nextdoor at home, but why not use it away from home too? Download the app and find the neighborhood you’re staying in, then get to know your temporary neighbors and the community. Members use it to share information and resources, ask question.
Other
We couldn’t let you go without mentioning these resources, which can save you a lot of hassle.
Dark Sky
No one can perfectly predict the weather – but Dark Sky comes pretty close. The hyper-accurate, hyper-local weather app can tell you down to the minute when to expect rain, snow, sun, clouds, etc.
When you’re traveling and unfamiliar with the local climate, this level of accuracy is key. You can even enable push notifications to know just when to whip out your umbrella. Dark Sky is $3.99 to download, and only available on iOS.
CLEAR
You may have noticed lately that TSA PreCheck lines at airports are getting longer and less efficient. Due to its popularity, PreCheck’s benefit of shorter, smoother security lines is beginning to dwindle. It may be time to upgrade to CLEAR, which allows you to confirm your identity via biometrics rather than traditional ID documents. CLEAR operates in over 50 airports throughout the US, and its lines tend to be shorter than those for PreCheck. An annual membership is $189, a bit more than TSA PreCheck, but some credit card reward programs offer a complimentary or discounted membership.
The landscape of corporate travel is on the brink of significant transformation, propelled by a multitude of trends reshaping the way businesses navigate and manage their travel programs. Recently at the NY GBTA Education Day Will Tate, consultant at GoldSpring Consulting, shed light on the top 10 trends that are set to redefine corporate travel in 2024 and beyond. We highlight them here.
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence emerges as a beacon of change within corporate travel, despite being in its infancy. Highlighted were the hurdles of labeling, tokenization, and transparency, posing challenges to AI's full potential. Even so, the applications of AI are extremely promising.
Expense Reporting: AI’s analytical capabilities can streamline expense report analysis, potentially reducing errors and expediting approval processes.
Enhancing Airport Operations: AI has the potential to revolutionize airport experiences by expediting customs, guiding passengers efficiently, and enhancing overall airport operations.
Meeting Enhancements: AI can facilitate personalized room setups, catering arrangements, and overall meeting efficiency.
Transformation of Online Booking Tools: The potential disruption of traditional online booking tools looms as AI steps in to automate and optimize the travel booking process.
2. Ubiquitous Profiles
The emergence of ubiquitous profiles heralds a new era of travel efficiency and unparalleled personalization. These profiles facilitate smoother travel arrangements by utilizing up-to-date information. They are able to streamline interactions between travelers and suppliers, ensuring seamless transactions and engagements for enhanced efficiency. Moreover, ubiquitous profiles elevate the travel journey by tailoring experiences by supplier and by trip, offering more personalized recommendations and enhancing the overall booking and travel experience.
3. Sustainability
Navigating the complexities of sustainability within corporate travel presents both challenges and innovative solutions. These days a growing number of travelers are opting for sustainable travel choices, which highlights the growing importance of sustainability in corporate travel and its influence on decision-making. The challenges faced by corporate travel managers and suppliers alike are the lack of consistent measurement standards and varied approaches to implementation.
4. NDC Remains Off-channel
NDC, or New Distribution Capabilities, offers buyers a more consumer-friendly air travel booking experience that is less costly than the GDS. NDC’s are here to stay was the consensus by a panel of experts at NY GBTA, but they additional pointed out that corporate travel buyers are moving slowly to adopt as they look for solutions that are proven and scalable at larger organizations.
5. Enhancing the Traveler Experience
The traveler experience remains vital and with travel rebounding to 70-80% of 2029 levels, a significant mindset shift in how we prioritize travel is underway. Buyers need to ensure trust in the travel industry while innovating to create stickiness and enhance the overall travel experience. At the same time, companies are looking at policy adaptations which could include not reimbursing certain types of travel or shifting to per diems to manage costs effectively. It will be interesting to see how these two competing priorities play out over the course of the year to provide an enhanced traveler experience, while still cutting costs.
6. Personalization Continues to Dominate
The challenges and triumphs of personalization remain a focal point in corporate travel. Suppliers have had an ongoing challenge identifying the customer—whether it is a corporate or an individual. This particularly comes into play when pricing for air or hotel is based on a call and response, making it hard to discern the traveler's identity. In addition, there are more applications geared toward individual travelers, resulting in a better user experience for them. In 2024 we look to solutions and applications that will enhance personalization for corporates, raising the bar on traveler experience.
7. Labor Challenges: Acquiring and Retaining Talent
In the face of rising labor costs, companies are grappling with attracting and retaining talent. While technology like AI Chat resolves simpler problems, the demand for skilled labor remains crucial for handling complex issues. Challenges with staffing for airline pilots, travel companies (TMC’s) and hotels are pervasive and will continue for the next year or so.
8. Rise of Integrated Solutions
Integrated technology solutions are gaining prominence, offering comprehensive packages that encompass various components such as TMCs, booking tools, etc. These solutions are particularly appealing to smaller companies due to their simplicity and ease of implementation. The question is, are they good at all components of travel management?
9. Blockchain: A Disruptive Force
Despite minimal adoption, blockchain’s benefits are undeniable. Essentially, it unlocks information that was private and removes the middleman who was charging fees to allow access. There are many applications for its use, including disintermediating GDS fees by directly integrating with the carrier, eliminating credit card fees since airlines and hotels can be paid directly, and overall improving the travel booking experience removing the need for expense reports.
10. Integration of Meeting and Transient Travel
Sourcing meetings and travel together can provide better spend insights and visibility, as well as support an enhanced duty of care. At present there are challenges to booking these two components together as the bookers are typically siloed and neither the TMC nor meeting planner are solely responsible.
Summary: Navigating the Future of Corporate Travel in 2024
The corporate travel landscape in 2024 stands at the threshold of transformation, propelled by a spectrum of trends. From the promising integration of AI to the evolution of ubiquitous profiles, sustainability initiatives, blockchain’s disruptive potential, traveler-centric approaches, personalization challenges, labor dynamics, integrated solutions, and the convergence of meetings and travel—each trend paints a vivid picture of a landscape undergoing profound change.
These travel trends collectively redefine how businesses perceive and harness travel as an essential strategic component, promising efficiency, personalization, cost optimization, and a renewed focus on traveler experiences. The amalgamation of technology, sustainability, and strategic innovations forms the cornerstone of this new era, paving the way for a travel landscape that prioritizes both functionality and the human touch. As we navigate these trends, their impact promises to shape a future where corporate travel seamlessly aligns with business objectives while ensuring enhanced experiences for all stakeholders involved.
Our friendly team is on hand to discuss your furnished apartment requirements today.
For extended stay business travel, a hotel may not cut it. Most of them are not well suited for long-term stays, containing little more than a bed, bathroom, nightstand and dresser. Let us key you in on another extended stay travel secret: serviced apartments.
They’ve got everything you need for a longer stay, and Synergy has them available all over the world. Search and book your accommodations and make your next business trip your most seamless one yet.
We have worked relentlessly to secure ISO 27001:2022 certification, the gold standard in global data security practices. This gives you absolute confidence that we uphold the most stringent standards of data security, and that your sensitive information is safeguarded to the highest possible degree.
Health & Safety
SynergySMART (Simple Mobile Apartment Reporting Technology) is a cloud-based application that facilitates the tracking and measurement of Synergy’s health, cleanliness and safety protocols across our global apartment inventory. A first of its kind in the accommodation sector, SynergySMART aims to elevate the level of consistency across our global portfolio to ensure guest satisfaction and traveler confidence.
24/7 support
By developing local teams with deep knowledge of their regions allows us to seamlessly serve clients everywhere. Our 24/7 regional teams are the cornerstone of Synergy's renowned guest support, but it's our real-time communication that truly sets us apart. We collaborate directly with clients, ensuring immediate responsiveness and adaptability in any market situation. This level of transparency and partnership creates lasting value for every guest.
Our friendly team is on hand to discuss your furnished apartment requirements today.
