Published Thursday 23rd April 2020

Some signs that the Travel Industry is starting to re-emerge are being reported in parts of the world. Differing Governments will encourage and regulate this as they see fit – but importantly the Travel Industry is also creating its own re-inventions, as these will no doubt be the sustainable changes that remain. As quoted recently by McKinsey – Governments can’t even agree on a design for an electric plug.

Businesses within the Travel sector are torturing themselves as to how the new ‘norms’ will unfold. Talk this week that Airlines are going to impose 2m social distancing on their planes have been dismissed by the World’s Favourite Airline as impractical. Independent virus testing by Airlines and Hotels – also strongly muted is an expensive option that probably won’t see the early light of day – if at all.

‘Re-Start’ will be at different times and with differing impacts across the world, creating even further pressures on Travel Providers and those wanting to travel. It is also likely that there will be differing ‘waves’ or ‘phases’ of Re-Start, and each wave could have a significant impact on the costs and convenience of Travel for businesses.

Relying on good advice and expert care is going to be key for businesses. In the early phases it is very likely that travel plans will become much shorter and their execution much more urgent. In traditional pre Covid19 terms this was a sign that costs can spiral. Dealing with reluctant and nervous Travellers, all demanding high levels of support will no doubt change the way in which Travel Management Companies are used.

Businesses will need to ensure that their Travel Management Companies are working effectively for them to bridge this new world dynamic. Don’t delay in booking a review of your Travel programmes.

About the Author: Barry Donovan, has over 35 years’ experience of delivering enterprise-wide procurement improvement. His expertise took him from Reuters to the Office of Government Commerce and from Carphone Warehouse to the Lloyds Banking Group, prior to joining ERA.

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