Brussels, Belgium – Today, BT4Europe, the European Network of Business Travel Associations, officially launched its Transition Pathway for Sustainable Business Travel document in Brussels. This pivotal document represents one of several commitments made by BT4Europe to support the European Commission’s Transition Pathway for Tourism, which were published by the Commission in July of this year.  The initiative aims to foster collaboration across the business travel sector to create a more sustainable future.

"Achieving sustainable business travel depends on cross-industry collaboration," stated Angela Lille, the Chair of the Sustainability Working Group of BT4Europe. "Sharing resources and knowledge across sectors fosters solutions that reduce environmental impact while maintaining business efficiency. It is essential that sustainability becomes as measurable as price in the travel sector."

The Transition Pathway for Sustainable Business Travel document underscores the necessity of creating sustainable travel products and services through a lifecycle approach. By engaging stakeholders early in the process, the industry can develop practical solutions that not only address environmental concerns but also enhance the customer journey.

"Transparency on CO2 emissions should be embedded at the point of sale and on every invoice," Lille added. "This practice will encourage competition to reduce carbon footprints and promote eco-friendly practices within the industry."

BT4Europe’s Climate Action Plan is designed to support this transition by encouraging industry-wide cooperation and conducting a materiality analysis to identify the most impactful areas for change. By prioritizing sustainability, businesses can lead in environmental responsibility while meeting regulatory requirements.

"We are here in Brussels to meet with leading representatives of Europe’s airlines, railways, and the European Commission to chart a path forward," said Angela Lille.  She concluded "By adopting these strategies, companies and organisations can not only meet regulatory demands but also lead the way in shaping a more sustainable and innovative future for business travel. We invite everyone to explore the full roadmap and join us in reshaping the future of business travel!”

For more information about BT4Europe and the Transition Pathway for Sustainable Business travel document, please visit bt4europe.com or download

Media Contact:
Mark Watts

LP Brussels

Rue d’Arlon 40

Brussels 1000

+32474060185

markwatts@lpbrussels.com              

Inspiring Travel Experiences -  Trade and MICE Event

16 Octobre 2024 from 05.30 pm to 09.00 pm - Westhive Geneva

Worshop & networking cocktail arranged by Axium by Parker, a partner of MPI France Switzerland.

A small country in the heart of Europe, with deep historical roots, constantly evolving, and which is constantly reinventing itself at a time of local travel. 

Discover historical sites, amazingly preserved natural landscapes, fairytale castles and gastronomic peaks, places of relaxation and great cultural intensity.

Are you an event organizer, a corporate meeting planer ?

Let yourself be seduced by a variety of modern and eco-responsible services, places and accommodations. You will leave with new and inspiring ideas for your next events.

Link to register : https://axiumbyparker.com/cp/invitation-mice-luxembourg/

Zurich, September 27^th, 2024 - Kuoni Business Travel is now part of the Swiss sustainability program, Swisstainable. From the outset, we have been honored with the Level III – Leading certification, the highest recognition within the program. Our participation in Swisstainable highlights our long-standing commitment to sustainability and provides clear guidance on the sustainable options available to our corporate clients.

"We are delighted that Swisstainable has recognized us with Level III, acknowledging our long-term dedication to sustainability. Taking responsibility for people, animals, and the environment remains one of our strategic goals," says Emma Arvidsson, Head of Corporate Responsibility at DERTOUR Suisse.

Andreas Schneider, Head of Business Travel Switzerland at Kuoni Business Travel commented:

"Securing Level III certification within the Swisstainable program is a proud achievement for our team and a clear indicator of the progress we've made in integrating sustainability into our business model. This accomplishment not only reflects our current efforts but also drives us to elevate our commitment even further. Our aim is to ensure that sustainability is not just a component of our services, but a core principle that guides every decision we make in shaping the future of business travel."

This recognition inspires us to further implement our goals and initiatives. In the coming years, we aim to embed sustainability even more deeply within our teams and expand our travel offerings under our in-house label, "engage." We will also continue to advance other strategic priorities such as animal protection, child protection, and climate action, ensuring that our business travel services align with these important values.

 

Contact us: sales@kuonibusinesstravel.ch

A solution to simplify and accelerate B2B payments

In today's business world, fast and efficient solutions are extremely important, especially for larger companies. Often, corporate travels must be organised at short notice for employees who have not been issued a corporate card by the company. In addition, the manual administration of payments means a major effort for regular business expenses.

This is where Visa Commercial Pay (VCP) comes in: a digital platform for efficient expense management and flexible B2B payment options based on virtual corporate cards. VCP simplifies processes, minimises administration and increases efficiency. The easy-to-use application is available as a desktop solution or mobile app and can be seamlessly integrated with existing ERP systems. But what is it that makes VCP so special?

Advantage for corporate travel and spontaneous payments

Companies are often faced with the challenge of providing means of payment spontaneously. Without having a corporate card from their company, employees often have to use their personal cards or cash to pay for expenses on business trips. After their trip they claim the expenses, which takes time and effort.

With VCP, companies can issue virtual corporate cards in real time and customise them to according to the intended use. For example, a card for business travel can only be approved for hotels or taxi costs. Employees can request the card via the app and an administrator can activate it immediately. To document payments more easily, receipts can now be photographed and stored directly in the app. 

Conclusion

VCP offers companies greater flexibility with minimal bureaucracy. When combined with virtual corporate cards, payment processes can be made more efficient, secure and customisable. 

Contact our experts to find out more about how Visa Commercial Pay can benefit your business. We look forward to hearing from you!

André Dehm
Visa Commercial Solutions
dehma@visa.com

Learn more about Visa Commercial Pay
Learn more about the Visa business cards

To set the broader course and narrative for the new mandate, four important strategic documents have set the framework for the debate. Find below a short overview together with an analysis of the relevance for BT4E.

1.     Letta Report	1
2.     Council Strategic Agenda 2024-2029	2
3.     Commission Guidelines	3
4.     Draghi Report	4

 

1.    Letta Report

Who? The EU Council and the Commission gave Enrico Letta, the former Italian prime minister, a mandate to write an independent High-Level report on his vision for the future of the Single Market. The report then served as an inspiration to the Strategic Agenda of the Council (discussed in this report).

When? The Report titled “Much More than a Market” was published April 2024.

What? The report is a 147-page document with 6 sub-categories. The sub headline is titled “speed, security, solidarity – empowering the single market to deliver a sustainable future and prosperity for all EU citizens”.

General overview:

Find below some key takeaways:

• Letta wants to implement a “fifth freedom” focused on research, innovation, and education to strengthen the Single Market’s internal dynamics and global competitiveness.
• Letta wants to reduce regulatory burdens, particularly for SMEs.
• Letta wants to enhance the EU’s economic security through more effective mobilisation of both private and public resources (for example reinforcing the Capital Markets Union).
• Letta wants to tailor strategies to balance the deepening of internal market integration with the necessity of reinforcing external economic relationships (re-evaluate trade policies, focusing on fostering strategic partnerships etc).
• He even cites in his introduction ‘During this journey, I also experienced firsthand the most glaring paradox of EU infrastructure: the impossibility of travelling by high-speed train between European capitals. In a continent as small and densely populated as ours, which has also embarked on the path of environmental sustainability, it would have been natural to travel by train, the quintessential green mode of transportation. However, this is currently impossible and seems unlikely to change in the near future, as concrete operational plans remain merely theoretical.’ He makes a particular mention of the need to correct this paradox.

BT4E:

Of particular interest to BT4E is that one sub-sub section is titled “the single market as a catalyst for seamless and sustainable transportation in the EU”. He argues that the strategic development of the transport sector is “indispensable for the (…) transition towards a green economy” (p. 83).  This can only happen through real integration on the physical, legal, administrative and technical levels. Although much of the ideas are not new, transport enthusiasts are hoping that the report will breathe new life into “tired topics”. Find below some key policy measures Letta advocates for, of interest to BT4E:

• TEN-T funding should be increased, the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) needs to be redesigned.
• Measures are needed to complete the Single European Railway area through EU-wide integrated multimodal information, ticketing, and payment services framework, and a comprehensive pan-European high-speed rail (HSR) network. The establishment of a comprehensive, pan-European high-speed rail (HSR) network, seamlessly linking all EU capitals and major urban centres, would represent an  unparalleled opportunity to revolutionise European travel and catalyse EU integration
• Improving the role of stakeholders by a ”once only approach” to avoid uneccesary multiple consultations.
• Digitalisation of social security coordination for instance fully implementing EESSI (electronic exchange of social security information) and ESSPASS (European Social Security Pass).
• • Also calls for the enhancement of the European Labour Authority (ELA)

 

2.    Council Strategic Agenda 2024-2029

Who? Every five years, EU leaders agree on the EU’s political priorities for the future.  

When? Published in June.  

What? An eight-page document with three subtitles – a free and democratic Europe, a strong and secure Europe, a prosperous and competitive Europe.

 

General Overview:

The Strategic Agenda for this mandate can be compared to the one adopted in 2019, which had one of its four subtitles as "building a climate-neutral, green, fair, and social future." This year's agenda shifts focus, emphasising more general directives such as "strengthening resilience, preparedness, crisis prevention, and response capacities," rather than specifically concentrating on climate change preparedness. Yet, the agenda also stresses the commitment made to climate-neutrality, although after the notion to strengthen competitiveness.

 

BT4E:

Transport is mentioned one time in the document, in the context of “making a success of the green and digital transitions”. Here, the Agenda states “we will invest in ample cross-border infrastructure for energy, water, transport and communications” (p. 8).

 

3.    Commission Guidelines

Who? The document is Ursula von der Leyen’s political guidelines for the next European Commission.

When? July 2024.  

What? A 31-page document with concrete pledges under the title “Europe’s Choice”.

 

General Overview:

The document clearly shows a re-commitment to ambitious climate and environment goals, albeit framed in terms of economic competitiveness. For instance, claiming Europe is in a global race “that will dictate who will be the first to climate neutrality and first to develop the technologies that will shape the global economy for decades to come”. Some highlights:

• A ‘Clean Industrial Deal' in the first 100 days of the mandate to support the decarbonisation and industrialisation of the economy. The deal will be accompanied by an 'Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act' to channel investment in infrastructure and industry.
• Enshrining the 90% emissions-reduction target for 2040 in the Climate Law.
• Competitiveness fund to be proposed as part of negotiations on the EU’s next budget, which will run from 2028 to 2035.

 

BT4E:

• Recognises need for modal shift to meet climate objectives, and acknowledges in particular ‘cross-border train travel is still too difficult for many citizens’. Therefore  proposes a Single Digital Booking and Ticketing Regulation to “ensure that Europeans can buy one single ticket on one single platform and get passengers’ rights for the whole trip (p. 9).
• The guidelines propose several initiatives aimed to reduce the administrative burden, in particular for SMEs (p. 7):
• • Each Commissioner will be tasked with focusing on reducing administrative burdens and simplifying implementation, for instance by holding regular dialogues on implementation with stakeholders and preparing an annual progress report in front of the European Council and European Parliament.
  • New Vice President for Implementation and Simplification that will stress-test the entire EU acquit.
  • Proposals to simplify, consolidate and codify legislation.

 

4.    Draghi Report

Who? Ursula von der Leyen commissioned special adviser to the President of the Commission and former ECB president, Mario Draghi, to write a report on the future of European competitiveness.

When? Postponed, was scheduled in June.  

What? Formed of 10 macro areas focusing on three common threads: enabling European industries to scale up, delivering public goods, and securing supply of essential resources.

Digitisation in expense management offers companies enormous potential for optimising processes and thus increasing efficiency. Visa's virtual corporate cards are a modern solution in this sector: they work like physical cards but are purely digital – and offer decisive advantages for travel management.

Advantages for business trips and immediate payments in everyday business

Every day companies benefit from the many fields of application virtual cards offer – especially in travel management. Virtual cards can be activated for a set period of time, assigned an individual spending limit, and deactivated as needed. For example, if you need a payment solution for an employee's unplanned business trip, the virtual corporate card can be added directly to the employee's smartphone mobile wallet. They can then use the card immediately – for train or taxi transportation, accommodation, meals, or other expenses. There is no need to apply for a physical card which makes payment processes more agile. It also improves the efficiency of accounting, as billing can be done more easily and transparently.

Or imagine a different scenario: an employee needs to cover expenses on short notice. Companies can also respond to this with the virtual Visa card. The employee can be issued a virtual card with a defined limit to be used only for a specific purpose. Once the payment is made, the card is deactivated. This simplifies the tracking and auditing of expenses, increasing efficiency and transparency at the same time.

Security and easy integration

Whether on business trips or for ad hoc payments in procurement: thanks to encryption and tokenisation, sensitive data is well protected. What is more, Visa’s virtual cards can be seamlessly integrated into existing financial systems and accounting software.

Conclusion

For companies, the virtual Visa corporate cards offer an efficient, flexible, and secure solution that can be integrated into existing systems with minimal effort. They simplify financial processes, increase transparency and spending control, and provide quick and flexible access to liquidity. Our experts will be glad to help your company benefit from the virtual Visa corporate cards. We look forward to hearing from you!

André Dehm
Visa Commercial Solutions
dehma@visa.com

Zurich, July 26^th, 2024 - Kuoni Business Travel, a leading provider of corporate travel management, is pleased to announce the implementation of the Amadeus Fare Optimizer. This cutting-edge tool is set to transform the travel booking process by enhancing cost efficiency and operational productivity.

The Amadeus Fare Optimizer allows businesses to automatically monitor and optimize their travel costs. The software enables the automatic search for lower fares both pre- and post-ticketing, without compromising the quality or scope of the booked services. This innovative solution ensures that the best available prices are utilized, leading to significant savings.

Benefits of the Amadeus Fare Optimizer:

Automated Cost Savings: The Fare Optimizer continuously identifies and suggests lower fare options, minimizing the need for manual price checks and increasing operational efficiency.

Maximized Margins: Organizations can maintain the original ticket price while capturing the savings for themselves or sharing them with clients.

Enhanced Customer Loyalty: Passing on the savings to clients enhances their satisfaction and loyalty.

Increased Efficiency: The tool reduces the workload on employees, allowing them to focus on customer service.

Customization and Control: Businesses can utilize customizable rules and notification options to tailor the optimization process to their specific needs.

Andreas Schneider, Head of Business Travel Switzerland, Kuoni Business Travel stated:

“The combination of personal service and supporting technology is the unique DNA of Kuoni Business Travel. With the use of further automated software solutions, we effectively support the company's travel management to achieve savings without losing the focus on individual service.”

For more information: sales@kuonibusinesstravel.ch

 

The second edition of the GVA Workshop, which took place on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at the Le Chef restaurant at Geneva Airport, was a resounding success. With more than 100 attendees, this event confirms its status as an essential professional meeting for the travel sector.

The GVA Workshop aims to bring together airlines based in Geneva and travel agencies, tour operators, and Travel Managers from French-speaking Switzerland and neighboring France.

This edition welcomed more than 20 exhibitors, including: Air Canada, Air China, Air France, Air Mauritius, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, easyJet, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Gulf Air, Icelandair, ITA Airways, KLM, Lot, Luxair, Nouvelair, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, Saudia, SWISS/LH Group, Tap Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines.

The event took place in three parts: airline presentations in a "speed dating" format of 5 minutes each, followed by a conference on the future of aviation in Geneva, a round table discussion, and finally a cocktail dinner/networking session.

Given the interest and success of this event, Geneva Airport is already pleased to announce the continuation of the GVA Workshop in 2025!

For any information on our B2B events, please contact:

• Nicolas Simonin, Manager tourism/transport, nicolas.simonin@gva.ch
• Yves-Daniel Viredaz, Head of Marketing and business dev, yd.viredaz@gva.ch

Zurich, July 3^rd, 2024 – Kuoni Business Travel is pleased to announce its collaboration with One Global, a community built on the ethos of #togetherweareone.

Founded by Clarity Business Travel and World Travel Inc. in late 2022, One Global aims to chart a new path in the business travel market - one that emphasizes collaboration over competition.

The partnership brings together leading Travel Management Companies (TMCs) and suppliers from all over the world and leverages local expertise while providing a comprehensive global travel management solution - this collaboration sets new standards in the industry.

Through cutting-edge technology, service excellence, Service-Level Agreements (SLAs), Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), governance, and data security, One Global delivers a truly global solution that complements Kuoni Business Travel's high standards. Most importantly, it ensures pre- and post-trip reporting on a global scale.

Jodie Gentles, General Manager of One Global, stated: “The ‘mega TMCs’ make clients bend to their infrastructure – we don’t. One Global is big enough to cope and small enough to care. One Global is a true global partnership, benefiting customers and service providers sustainably. Our platform enables you to globalize your travel programs through industry-leading tech, local knowledge, and expertise from around the globe.”

Pat McDonagh, CEO of One Global, added: “One Global is deliberately different. We do not pretend to be one name above the door. We are honest and transparent about how we work and deliver the important global requirements while focusing on local needs.”

At One Global’s recent Community Partner Event in South Africa, Pat explained the importance of the One Global community: “The event is about building relationships where we can solve problems together effectively. It's not just about meetings; it's about having fun together and doing great things together. Laughing, having fun, and playing together build friendships and strong connections, making us a community rather than just a network.”

The event at Boschendal Farm in South Africa, brought together One Global’s 21 TMCs from around the world, as well as its suppliers. Business updates and industry insights were shared and there was the chance for partners to talk directly to the suppliers, as well as to the One Global team, forging even stronger links within the community for the future.

Kuoni Business Travel participated in all the networking sessions and team building activities during the week, as well as at the community day at Nondzame Primary School, where the One Global party worked together to paint a mural, replant school gardens, revarnish desks, clean walls, perform kitchen work, and remove rocks from the playground to make it safer.

Andreas Schneider, Head of Kuoni Business Travel Switzerland, stated:

“For us as Kuoni Business Travel it was a long journey that led us to One Global. We were looking for an international community that would reflect our Swiss philosophy in working with our customers and employees. It should not matter if the foreign turnover is 50,000 or 500,000 USD. This unique collaboration in the One Global community is based on trust and close collaboration and supports our Swiss DNA. People make the difference, supported by technology and not the other way around. We are proud to be part of One Global.”

Millions of people are headed to France’s capital city and surrounding regions this summer for the 2024 Olympic Games. Business travelers should expect inflated costs and the inevitable delays and strains caused by the influx of people. Rescheduling or moving business plans to dates outside of the events may be wise. If business trips to Paris are unavoidable during the Games, read BCD’s guide before you go.

What’s inside:

• The Games' impact on Paris airfares
• An outlook on Paris room rates
• Insights on rail transport and ticket availability
• Advice for travelers planning to rent a car
• Engagement and support for travelers in the city
• Info on airports and alternates, culture and safety
• Human trafficking and major events
• Tips for a sustainable trip
• A pre-trip checklist

Bonjour, Paris!

Paris will welcome an estimated 15.3 million visitors for the Games. With thousands of athletes, spectators, and dignitaries flocking to France’s capital, arrange lodging and transportation well in advance. To prepare:

• Book all air, hotel, rail and car reservations as early as possible and within company policy
• Ensure traveler profiles are updated so arrangers and agents can provide assistance, if needed
• Understand and plan around the available transportation options, including public transit, ride-sharing and car rental options
• Become familiar with the Paris locations, neighborhoods and venues you plan to visit
• Plan bleisure activities and buy tickets ahead of time for the Games or tourist attractions

Hotel rates are high, but occupation may not be

A reported 50% of Paris hotels have already been booked, but rooms are still widely available. In March, Paris tourism officials told The Independent that they aren’t worried about having enough rooms. In fact, they predict one in three hotel rooms will be empty during the Games. Based on BCD data pulled this month, Average Bed Rate (ABR) for a room in Paris with basic amenities is USD $397.25 or €366.65 for the Olympic dates. In 2023, ABR for the same room on the same dates was USD $203.53, or €187.85. Hotels will profit but not to a shocking degree.

 

Airbnb business isn’t exactly suffering. Many Parisians plan to leave the city for the summer and rent their homes at a high cost. In January, The New York Times reportedaverage Airbnb prices for Olympic dates surpassed USD $540.25, or €500, nightly.

 

GET THE GUIDE >

 

Will the anticipated Paris crowds live up to the hype? Maybe not.

Studies of large events have shown that host cities don’t always see the extreme visitor numbers and increased spending one might expect. When hosting the Olympic Games, neither London in 2012 nor Rio de Janeiro in 2016 experienced a substantial rise in visitor numbers. Rio even saw a 5% drop in tourist arrivals. But those tourists who did visit during the Games spent 6% more year-over-year.

For more insights on the impact of travel on large events, see BCD’s analysis here.

The Business Traveler’s Guide to Paris is valuable for any business traveler or travel team planning trips to the city any time from mid-July through early September.