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!

Yours sincerely,

(Visa contact)
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.

Zurich, May 27^th 2024 – In today's fast-paced business world, the lines between work and leisure are becoming increasingly blurred. As the demands of modern work culture evolve, the concept of "bleisure" – the seamless integration of business and leisure travel – has emerged as a significant trend. Kuoni Business Travel recognizes the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and is dedicated to facilitating travel experiences that enrich both professional and personal lives.

 

Bleisure travel represents a forward-thinking approach to business travel, blending productivity with relaxation. Whether it is providing local recommendations, arranging cultural experiences, or finding the perfect place to stay, Kuoni’s experts offer tailored assistance for a seamless transition between business and leisure. With Kuoni's expertise, travelers can elevate their bleisure travel and create unforgettable moments that harmonize with their professional commitments.

 

Kuoni Business Travel leverages a wide range of expertise to enhance bleisure travel, ensuring that every journey is meticulously planned to balance work and leisure perfectly. The company's commitment to personalized service allows business travelers to experience the best of both worlds.

 

For further information, please contact: sales@kuonibusinesstravel.ch

Brussels – 15 May 2024 - BT4Europe, the European Network of Business Travel Associations, has released its anticipated manifesto, outlining a bold vision for the future of business travel in Europe. As the leading voice of the business travel industry, BT4Europe brings together prominent national business travel associations from across Europe to advocate for the interests of business travel buyers and users, with a strong emphasis on enhancing the customer journey and promoting sustainability.

In response to the pressing need for sustainable business travel practices, BT4Europe's manifesto highlights the industry's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). With the European Union targeting a net reduction of GHG emissions by at least 55% by 2030, BT4Europe emphasizes the urgent need for improved access to streamlined, accurate, and comparable data on travel services' CO2 emissions.

Moreover, BT4Europe underscores the crucial role of digital transformation in unlocking sustainability and efficiency gains within the business travel sector. Transitioning from a partially digitalized landscape to a comprehensive digital transformation is imperative for  eliminating excessive paperwork and unnecessary administrative burdens.

Central to BT4Europe's vision is the assurance of resilient and reliable mobility within and across borders. Recognizing the importance of investment in physical traffic routes, such as rail systems, BT4Europe advocates for strategic infrastructure investments to support sustainable business travel practices.

As Europe enters an election year, BT4Europe seizes the opportunity to reflect on past achievements and set the stage for the future. The organization has launched a series of workshops aimed at engaging Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to discuss critical legislative files and shape the agenda for the next mandate. By fostering dialogue and collaboration with EU officials and policymakers, BT4Europe aims to advocate for measures that support responsible and resilient business travel practices.

"With promoting business travel sustainability and digital transformation as our goals for the next mandate, we anticipate devoting our efforts, starting in the second half of 2024, to working alongside new EU officials and politicians," said Patrick Diemer, Chair of BT4Europe. "Together, we will advocate for policies and initiatives that drive positive change and propel the business travel industry towards a more sustainable and digitally transformed future."

 

About BT4Europe:

BT4Europe, the European Network of Business Travel Associations, unites leading National Business Travel Associations across Europe. As the voice of the business travel industry, BT4Europe represents the interests of business travel buyers and users, with a focus on enhancing the customer journey and fostering sustainability.

For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:

Mark Watts

Director

LP Brussels

markwatts@lpbrussels.com

+32 2 235 05 334

 

For more information about BT4Europe and its Manifesto please visit: www.bt4europe.com

 

Created in 1996, Châteauform’ is the N°1 in Europe in the MICE industry, with 18,000 events booked in 2023 coming from + 5,000 corporate companies, 70 first class venues in 7 countries located in France, Belgium, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Germany and Switzerland.

Châteauform’ offers a range of venues in Europe for business meetings, trainings, seminars and special events.The 70 sites spread throughout France and Europe include a multitude of abbeys, chalets, Villas, castles. There's something for everyone! From the "Gustavian style", through the "Romanesque style" to the "art-deco" style, each one has its own history, its charm.

In Germany, Châteauform’s has 6 great properties located in the Frankfurt, Düsseldorf and Köln regions.

In Belgium, Châteauform’ proposes 2 historical properties based near Brussels and Spa (Liège Region).

Châteauform’ Switzerland, recently joined the chapter of MPI France Switzerland as a member. On the Swiss market, Châteauform’ proposes “Les Chalets de Champèry” (77 rooms, 11 meeting rooms) and “Montagne Alternative” (28 rooms and 5 meeting rooms).

For further information, please contact :

Véronique Holveck

We are delighted to announce a new partnership within the ASTM community: Corporate Rate Club (CRC) – a hotel booking portal for more than 25 years. CRC offers its customers access to a wide range of accommodations for all categories worldwide and a lot of services like the central billing.

In the words of Michael Krenz, CEO of CRC: "We are excited to be part of the ASTM community! This partnership not only allows us to expand our reach but also enables direct contact with business travel managers in Switzerland. Our goal is to actively develop business travel management by enhancing collaboration between suppliers and corporates and focusing on digitalisation to facilitate cost-effective booking and invoicing for all. We take pleasure in providing valuable input, new knowledge, and exciting insights to our members. Through transparent trends and developments that extend beyond the business travel sector, we strive for innovative, sustainable, and streamlined solutions. We look forward to a productive collaboration and mutual exchange!"

Together, we aim to foster collaboration between suppliers and corporates, driving towards cost-effective and streamlined solutions. CRC's commitment to innovation and sustainability aligns perfectly with ASTM's values, promising a fruitful collaboration ahead.

"We extend a warm welcome to Corporate Rate Club (CRC) and are happy to launch this partnership with an event in Geneva - Business Hotel Barometer: 2023 overview and 2024 perspectives, on April 25th." Sabah Kahoul, Copresident of the ASTM.

Zurich, March 28^th 2024 – Kuoni Business Travel, a leading provider of corporate travel solutions, is pleased to highlight its collaboration with MICExperts (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) to offer comprehensive Event Solutions. This strategic partnership underscores Kuoni Business Travel's dedication to providing integrated solutions that cater to the diverse needs of its corporate clientele.

To meet the increasing demand for seamless travel and event management solutions, Kuoni Business Travel is partnering with MICExperts to provide access to a wide range of event solutions. Clients can benefit from our expert team specializing in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE), ensuring exceptional event experiences tailored to their needs.

Covering corporate conferences, incentive trips, exhibitions, and team-building retreats, clients can explore bespoke event solutions through Kuoni Business Travel's collaboration with MICExperts. This partnership guarantees access to tailored event services that perfectly complement their corporate travel requirements.

Andréanne Kohler, Head of MICExperts, commented, “Whether in Switzerland or abroad: we offer our customers high-quality services and pay special attention to their needs. We support them personally from the beginning to the end of a project so that the entire trip or event becomes a unique and exclusive experience.”

Ademir Suljkanovic, Sales Manager German part of Switzerland at Kuoni Business Travel, commented, “Kuoni Business Travel is thrilled to announce our partnership with MICExperts, enriching our event solutions. Together, we provide tailored services, ensuring unique experiences for corporate clients local and worldwide. We're dedicated to delivering high-quality, personalized events that exceed expectations.”

 

 For media inquiries or further information, please contact: sales@kuonibusinesstravel.ch