Home | Business News | Browse by Publication | B | Business Travel News

Sponsor perspectives on 20 years of business travel.

Article Excerpt
Twenty years ago the business travel industry existed in its most basic form. In some countries, tickets still were being handwritten. In the U.S., deregulation still was new and untested Many companies had yet to adopt a written travel policy. And the founding of the Association of Corporate Travel Executives was still four years into the future.

Yet, in only two decades, our industry has grown to maturity. The evolution of technology, the shift to strategic sourcing, plus a bold approach to new business models have propelled this industry through the fastest development period in the history of commerce. And throughout it all, runs the common thread of change.

Change manifests itself in many different ways: in developing new programs, in creating best practices, in providing industry leadership and in communicating results. In the last 16 years, a need for change compelled the Association of Corporate Travel Executives to extend its global network of influence. This network includes the most advanced travel management educational programs ever offered on a worldwide basis. ACTE's global conferences, executive forums, power talks and webcasts surround each industry development with analysis and insight. And through a longstanding relationship with Business Travel News, a large part of the world reads about it.

Just as our membership has grown in number--more than double in the past seven years--and in sophistication more than 56 percent of ACTE members hold the title of director or higher--so too have their needs. There is every expectation that ACTE will be filling those needs in the next 20 years, and that BTN will be there reporting it.

GARTH JOPLING

PRESIDENT

ACTE

The past 20 years have marked a sea change in the travel industry. New entrants, economic transformation and technological advancements have altered and shaped the way we do business.

However, while much has changed during the past 20 years, American Express has consistently delivered three key benefits to our clients: Savings, Control and Service.

Savings: American Express is uniquely qualified to provide total end-to-end expense management services for business. That means saving money with low transaction fees, low fares and identifying savings on total travel expenditures.

Control: American Express helps customers gain greater control over their travel expenditures. We assist companies with the development of travel policies, locate patterns to identify savings opportunities, ensure policy compliance and support traveler security.

Service: For over 80 years, American Express has prided itself on the service delivered by our experienced travel professionals: every day, at any time, around the world. We also provide solutions for travel-related situations around the globe.

American Express' Commitment: American Express delivers solutions to help maximize 100 percent of your total travel spend. From the travel expenditures that go toward airfares, hotel rates and car rentals to the transaction fees that cover service from experienced travel professionals, we provide a complete solution.

For the next 20 years and beyond, American Express will continue to be your valued partner through all the changes--and the constants--in the worm of business travel.

PAM ARWAY

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL

During the past 20 years, I have had the privilege to watch Business Travel News evolve into the seminal business travel information resource it is today. It's astounding to reflect on just how much has changed in the corporate travel world during the past two decades.

Twenty years ago, the airlines weren't even calling on corporate accounts. Indeed, we weren't allowed to. The AAdvantage[R] frequent flyer program was just three years old in 1984 and already had forever transformed the...

View this article FREE - Now for a Limited Time, try Goliath Business News
Free for 3 Days!