United Kingdom

 

Travel apps v travel policies?

Just a few years ago most of us had never even heard the word ‘app’, let alone used one. Now travellers are increasingly happy to make purchases through this super-convenient mobile technology, but are they good news for your business travel policy?

 

What’s it all about?

 

The use of apps has sky-rocketed, and travel apps are among the most popular. BA has reported 650,000 downloads of its app, which allows passengers to check in and generate an on-screen boarding pass, while InterContinental Hotels Group has experienced a 1000% increase in bookings from mobile devices in just over a year.

 

The ‘easy factor’ attributable to travel apps is obvious, but to what extent are mobile travel apps a negative invention for the business travel industry, when travel policies are considered? Is it the case that where travel policies are carefully drawn up, apps are working hard to make them easily ignored?

 

Our take on things

 

Instead of companies banning apps we should aim to create mobile solutions that complement business travel policies.

 

The largest potential savings will come when apps direct travellers to book with preferred suppliers, keeping them constantly in touch and within policy.

 

New CWT app...

 

From October 2011, the latest CWT app, CWT To Go , will be available to download for free on all smart phones. It will allow travellers to:

 

• access their itinerary directly from their mobiles
• check which terminal they are departing from
• obtain visa information
• call their CWT office at the touch of a button for bookings and amendments

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