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TITLE SYNOPSIS AUTHOR DETAILS
Buyer BewareAnalysis
Hotels are sneakily trying to emulate the airlines by charging extra for some services, says David Churchill
David Churchilldetails
Eruption DisruptionPrepare for the next travel crisis
The volcanic ash cloud was one crisis no one could prepare for. Or could they? Bob Papworth talks to the people who may be able to help when the next disaster strikes
Bob Papworthdetails
Cutting edgeHow buyers can still make savings
With pressure on every business to keep budgets in check, what areas should travel buyers focus on to find savings? Colin Ellson reports
Colin Ellsondetails
Bring on the BattleSME market fight
Recently, some of the larger TMCs have been turning their attention to SMEs – but with smaller companies already established in this market, who will win the ensuing battle? Mark Frary reports
Mark Frarydetails
Business DriveWhy car rental needs a gear-change
The car hire sector appears to stuck in neutral at the moment. Samantha Mayling asks what can be done to get the industry in gear
Samantha Maylingdetails
Welcome to the Real WorldBudget cuts in the public sector
How is travel management in the public sector going to be affected by the looming budget cuts? Bob Papworth reports
Bob Papworthdetails
The Bottom LineCalculating the total cost of a trip
Bob Papworth asks whether knowing the total cost of a trip makes any difference to the deals we do
Bob Papworthdetails
Staying Power10 Leading HBAs
With gross sales figures holding steady and no decrease in transactions in 2009 compared to 2008, HBAs appear to be weathering the storm, says Mark Frary
Mark Frarydetails
TECH TALKIn our new regular feature, Martin Cowen looks at technologies that are changing travel for the better. This issue: the Universal Desktop, smartphone applications and tracking ancillary travel chargesMartin Cowendetails
Political ProgressAnalysis
The business travel sector needs to make its voice heard if it is to keep up with changing times, says David Churchill
David Churchilldetails
Simples?Buying technology
Bob Papworth asks if there is still such a thing as a one-stop-shop for travel products
Bob Papworthdetails
X Marks the SpotElection Special
As voters get set to go to the polls on May 6, the political parties put forward their last-minute cases for the business travel vote. Martin Ferguson reports.
Martin Fergusondetails
Tackling IntangiblesBuyer-supplier Relations
Jonathan Hart looks at the widening gap between buyer and supplier - and what can be done about it
Jonathan Hartdetails
Getting On TrackRail Travel
Dave Richardson traces the evolution of the train e-ticket.
Dave Richardsondetails
Opportunity knocksCorporate Cards
Prospects arising from the economic recovery
details
Changing timesCorporate Cards
The developing habits of the business traveller
details
Credit where it’s dueCorporate Cards
Corporate cards and the SME sector
details
A card for all reasonsCorporate Cards
A successful company-wide programme needs support
details
Virtual realityCorporate Cards
The latest in payment technology
details
Billback conundrumCorporate Cards
A solution to the perennial payment problem?
details
Merchant of menaceCorporate Cards
Will UK buyers have to absorb the merchant fee?
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Get it togetherCorporate Cards
The end-to-end expense management market
details
The Price of Loyalty Analysis of frequent flyer rewards
The lure of frequent flyer rewards can cloud judgment, says David Churchill
David Churchill details
VAT’ll Be The Day Meetings Round-up
Catherine Chetwynd explores complex developments in EU tax law
Catherine Chetwynd details
Ladies of the Night The lighter side of selling
Mike Platt worked in the airline industry for 16 years and was managing director of HRG UK (Hogg Robinson Group) for six years. Now retired, he gives readers advice on why you should never take short cuts in sales...
Mike Platt details
Breaking New Ground Travel technology innovations
As the UK business travel sector looks back at the most turbulent economic period in its history, many will be thankful that investment in technology and innovation has continued. Mark Frary looks at where the money has been spent and what we can expect in the future
Mark Frary details
Much ado about nothing? Unbundling: the real story
The cost-cutting phenomenon unbundling has become a fashionable topic on the conference circuit. Bob Papworth looks at what all the fuss is about
Bob Papworth details
Changing times TMCs will have to adapt to survive
The last two years have been a huge challenge to the travel industry Mark Frary finds TMCs have had to adapt and develop to keep business coming in
Mark Frary details
Green wash-out Copenhagen and business travel
While the world’s leading politicians failed miserably in their efforts to establish a united global strategy to combat climate change, business travel is poised for change. Tricia Holly-Davis reports from Copenhagen
Tricia Holly-Davis details
Trading down A big deal for the budget sector
A willingness to adopt alternatives as part of a new cost-control culture is having a marked effect on the low-cost hotel and aviation sectors. Bob Papworth reports
Bob Papworth details
Capital stay Update on London’s hotel scene
Jonathan Hart talks to industry experts about how London’s diverse hotel scene has had to adapt to survive the recession
Jonathan Hart details
Be Prepared Visa services
Securing a business visa for travel abroad can be a costly and time-consuming process. Gary Noakes looks at the services available to save money and beat the embassy queues
Gary Noakes details
Well appointed Success for serviced apartments?
As serviced apartments are increasingly recognised as a more secure, comfortable and cost-effective choice for business travellers, Catherine Chetwynd finds that there is still room for improvement
Catherine Chetwynd details
Waking the Sleeping Economy Analysis of the hotel sector
Hotels are hoping for a brighter new year as the economy recovers
David Churchill details
Make it an Event Meetings Round-up
Catherine Chetwynd explores the world of meetings
Catherine Chetwynd details
Forward Thinking Industry outlook for 2010
Last year was tough, but is 2010 going to be any better? Bob Papworth talks to industry leaders and buyers about their predictions
Bob Papworth details
Deal Breaker RFPs made simple
Are complicated RFPs really necessary? Bob Papworth finds that getting the best deal can often be made a lot simpler
Bob Papworth details
Heavy Duty Fighting the APD tax
How will air passenger duty affect business travellers and the UK economy, asks Bob Papworth, and is it here to stay?
Bob Papworth details
Safety First Duty of care and best practice
Travis Vincent, director of security services at International SOS, explores the challenges of implementing duty of care and best practice procedures
Travis Vincent details
A Matter of Life or Death Upgrades; how to secure that First Class seat
Mike Platt worked in the airline industry for 16 years and was managing director of HRG UK (Hogg Robinson Group) for six years. Now retired, he gives readers the best advice on how to secure the ultimate upgrade ...
Mike Platt details
Changing Rooms Hi-tech hotels
Hotel technology is catching up with the rest of the world. Mark Frary looks at what guests can expect in their rooms, and checks out some hotels which are right up to speed
Mark Frary details
Travel Communication Why social media is relevant to travel
Technological advances have seen the rapid introduction of social media into the business place
.Adam Coulter explains the dangers of ignoring this phenomenon and gives some suggestions on how to use it to your advantage
Adam Coulter details
Rail renaissance Train travel is on the up
Air travel has taken a bit of a beating of late, but train travel is on the up. Dave Richardson looks at what deals buyers can expect in the coming year
Dave Richardson details
STAR Performance On 14 November 1994 Eurostar started its service between London and the Continent. After15 years, and more than 100 million passengers, Buying Business Travel looks at how far the service has come details
The Urge to Merge Airline Industry Analysis
Airline consolidation is back on the agenda as the economy recovers.
David Churchill details
Up to Scratch Service versus Cost
With costs being cut everywhere Bob Papworth asks if the travel industry can still offer good service and value
Bob Papworth details
Mobile Moves Apps for Travel Bookers
Communication applications are developing increasingly rapidly, says Adam Coulter. What does this mean for travel bookers, and which apps should they go for?
Adam Coulter details
Ladies first? Options for Female Travellers
What facilities are on offer for the female traveller, and do they need or want to be treated any differently from their male counterparts? Beverley Fearis finds out
Beverley Fearis details
Holding All the Aces Getting the best travel deal for your company is imperative in the current market. Mark Frary investigates the trend of benchmarking and its importance for procurement Mark Frary details
Holding Fast Top-End Hotel Rates Analysis
It’s the worst recession in living memory, travel budgets have been slashed and there are fewer travellers out there - but five-star hotels are holding their rates. Why? Tom Otley investigates
Tom Otley details
All For One Airline Alliance Uncovered details
City Flyers Docklands Airport Success Story
London City Airport has seen some big changes in recent years. Gary Noakes explores what the airport has to offer.
Gary Noakes details
Wheeling and dealing Tips for choosing the right TMC
Mark Frary offers a guide to choosing the right TMC for your travel booking needs TR
Mark Frary details
The rating game Hotels star system uncovered
What’s the difference between a four-star and five-star hotel - apart from the cost of the room? Christian Sylt investigates the star rating system and what it really means
Christian Sylt details
Taxing times APD update
The government has increased the controversial APD according to distance travelled. Mark Frary looks at how this will affect business travel
Mark Frary details
Still on track? The golden age of rail
Rail travel in the UK is experiencing a golden age – but could the bubble burst? Dave Richardson reports
Dave Richardson details
BA means business BA’s new all-Business Class route
British Airways will ply the lucrative London-New York route with a new all-Business Class aircraft in September. Gary Noakes asks why BA should succeed when so many others have failed
Gary Noakes details
Virtual reality Doing business in cyberspace
In cyberspace, anything’s possible. Dave Richardson explores how the travel industry and their avatars are doing business online
Dave Richardson details
Calculating costs Expense management systems
Expense management systems can save companies millions of pounds and thousands of man hours, so why aren’t we using them and what exactly is on offer? Catherine Chetwynd examines the options
Catherine Chetwynd details
It’s all about leg room Premium Economy pros and cons
Premium Economy is a popular choice for travel bookers on a tighter budget. Bob Papworth discusses the ups and downs of the simple idea, which has really taken off
Bob Papworth details
The price is right How HBAs are tackling recession
Hotel booking agencies are focusing on price and value in the recession, reports David Churchill
David Churchill details
Meetings: Changing face New technology to the fore
Tricia Holly Davis explores the progress of video-conferencing and new technologies for booking events
Tricia Holly Davis details
Thinking out of the box Are TMCs playing it safe?
Sometimes hard times produce the best ideas. Bob Papworth asks if, instead of playing it safe, TMCs should let their imaginations take flight
Bob Papworth details
Welcome home Serviced apartments news
Now may be the best time to stay in a serviced apartment. Beverley Fearis gives the lowdown on some of the big names in the extended-stay game
Beverley Fearis details
Joined up thinking HRG-sponsored technology debate
Trying to establish integration when it comes to travel technology is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry. Together with HRG, we invited a number of experts to share their thoughts on the subject. Mike Toynbee reports
Mike Toynbee details
Clever cuts Tips for managing tighter budgets
With change on the horizon for many, Bob Papworth examines the innovative but simple solutions travel managers are implementing to cut costs and save time.
Bob Papworth details
Park and fly Making airport parking easier
The cost and hassle of airport parking can often be prohibitive, says Dave Richardson, but there are deals and booking solutions that can help make a trip problem free.
Dave Richardson details
Leading 50 TMCs Reviewing your feedback
Last month we featured the results of our survey for the 50 leading TMCs and eight leading HBAs. Mark Frary reports
Mark Frary details
Final frontier Effective data management
Effective use of data is key to managing travel in the recession, reports David Churchill
David Churchill details
Staying on budget The lure of low-cost hotels
Budget hotels are appealing increasingly to business travellers. Mark Frary finds out what they really have to offer
Mark Frary details
Conference conundrum Making the right choices
Choosing an appropriate venue in these economic times is a fine art. Jonathan Hart talks to the experts
Jonathan Hart details
Protecting your pound Cashing in on foreign exchange
No one can control the fluctuations of sterling against the euro, but there are several choices a travel buyer can make to reduce costs and manage foreign exchange systems, says Beverley Fearis
Beverley Fearis details
50 leading TMCs Listings, analysis and reports
The travel management sector is still in business, says Mark Frary, but it will pay to remain cautious...
Mark Frary details
8 leading HBAs These are challenging times for the world of business travel, says Mark Frary, but with a mix of innovation and specialisation, the hotel booking agencies that get it right are holding their own Mark Frary details
The P word Procurement vs travel management
To some, it’s a dirty word. To others, it’s been nothing short of a revolution. But whichever way you see it, procurement is here to stay in the world of corporate travel, says Beverley Fearis
Beverley Fearis details
Working environment Keeping green on the agenda
Will the green issues we appeared to be so passionate about at the turn of the millennium suffer in tomorrow’s world, asks Bob Papworth
Bob Papworth details
Performance enhancement Driving down car rental costs
Car rental costs might be rising, says Beverley Fearis, but with some skillful manoeuvring, it’s possible to minimise the worst
Beverley Fearis details
Meeting a need Creating a corporate policy
More companies are bringing order and best value to their training, meetings and events by creating meetings programmes. But what do they achieve, where do you start, and how can your agent help? Jayne Vaughan, account director at venue sourcing specialist Grass Roots HBI, tells all
Jayne Vaughan details
Strictly ITM Liverpool Conference report
While leading lights from the ITM took to the dance floor to entertain delegates, there was some strictly serious talking going on in the debating chambers. Bob Papworth reports
Bob Papworth details
Just the ticket Rail bookings gather pace
The current recession demands more flexibility and rail is using technology to rise to the challenge, reports Dave Richardson
Dave Richardson details
GDS: Going global Essential tool for tough times
Despite the recession it’s still business as usual across the world for most, so an effi cient GDS is as crucial as ever. Bob Papworth takes a look at some of the industry’s major players
Bob Papworth details
Driven to distraction Staying on the transfer list
How is ground transportation faring in the current economic climate? Dave Richardson reports on an industry facing some big challenges
Dave Richardson details
Winning ways Diamond Award interviews
BBT's annual Diamond Awards were not only an opportunity for the big names in travel to take a winning bow, but also for behind the scenes staff to receive recognition. Colin Ellson reports
Colin Ellson details
Poll Position ITM research findings
The ITM's third annual trends survey helps benchmark buyers' activities
details
Vision on Video-conferencing alternatives
Will rapid technological development enable video-conferencing, or 'telepresencing', to offer a cheap, green alternative to business travel? Bob Papworth prepares for 'total immersion'
Bob Papworth details
Footing the bill Travel management costs
Bob Papworth looks at who is really picking up the cost of buying corporate travel
Bob Papworth details
Tools of the trade Technological solutions
Corporations across all sectors are looking for ways to trim and manage costs. Tricia Holly Davis reports on what's out there to help get the job done
Tricia Holly Davis details
Weathering the storm How London's hotels are faring
The outlook has looked brighter For the capital's hotels, admits Catherine Chetwynd, but with refurbs underway and the budget sector in ascension, the forecast for the capital might be improving
Catherine Chetwynd details
Driving force What's new for technology?
Reporting on the technological innovations pushing the industry forward, Bob Papworth gets a glimpse of the future
Bob Papworth details
Capital connections London airports update
Gary Noakes reports on what's new at London's airports
Gary Noakes details
Pushing the boat out Meetings afloat
Combining a conference with a cruise seems like the stuff of dreams, says John Law, but it can be a cost-effective alternative to a land-based event
John Law details
At your service The apartment alternative
Apartments and apart-hotels are becoming increasingly popular with business travellers, says Dave Richardson, and not just for financial reasons
Dave Richardson details
Riding out the risk Just how safe is India?
What will be the repercussions of the terrorist attack in Mumbai last November? As the dust settles, Jonathan Hart assesses the situation
Jonathan Hart details
The future market What’s in store for 2009?
After last year’s rollercoaster ride, Bob Papworth asks a selection of industry figures to take a punt on 2009 and one thing becomes clear - it’s going to be interesting ...
Bob Papworth details
The wisdom of the ages Procurement solutions
Dreaming up new procurement solutions can be a real headache, says Bob Papworth
but sometimes the old ones can be the best.
Bob Papworth details
Techno travel Tools to help cut costs
In the current business climate companies are looking to reduce costs wherever they can, says Tricia Holly Davis
and there’s a burgeoning range of travel management tools on hand to help.
Tricia Holly Davis details
Spoilt for choice? Getting to grips with hotel brands
The big hotel chains offer countless brands to suit every market. Catherine Chetwynd asks if this means more choice or Hobson’s choice for hotel buyers
Catherine Chetwynd details
Deal or no deal? Buying hotel rooms
Beverley Fearis asks the experts the best approach to buying hotel space in the current economic climate.
Beverley Fearis details
Back on track Rail renaissance update
With airlines feeling the pinch, focus is increasingly falling on train travel says Dave Richardson, reporting on the UK’s rail renaissance.
Dave Richardson details
What's the Big Idea? Do you think you can take on our very own Dragons?
Back by popular demand, the Institute of Travel Management (ITM) is again proud to present Enter the Dragons at its up-coming conference
details
Great expectations Stanley Slaughter, editor of Air and Business Travel News (ABTN), reports from two forums, one in Rome, the other in London, organised by the Association of Corporate Travel Executives Stanley Slaughter details
The road to health Safety in the workplace
is something that corporates take very seriously, but what about outside of the office? Beverley Fearis looks at how companies should be supporting their travelling employees
Beverley Fearis details
Spreading wings Bungled transfers, lost baggage
... Heathrow Terminal 5's launch was undeniably rocky, says Jonathan Hart, but look beyond the hype and a different story begins to emerge
Jonathan Hart details
Spending power Managing meeting costs
Regarded by many as the last bastion of unmanaged corporate spend, meetings and events are coming under closer scrutiny as companies struggle to contain costs. Catherine Chetwynd reports.
Catherine Chetwynd details
Room at the top Staying at the best addresses
Recent financial events have affected the whole industry, says Catherine Chetwynd, but there are many indications that the luxury hotel sector can weather the storm
Catherine Chetwynd details
Time travel Maximising rail journeys
Can travellers make the most of their time when taking the train? Dave Richardson investigates
Dave Richardson details
Under the hammer BAA break-up under scrutiny
The Competition Commission's recent report makes it clear that BAA must sell off some of its airports. Simon Warburton asks: to what extent has the playing field been levelled, and where now for the UK's largest airport operator?
Simon Warburton details
No more no-frills? The future for low-cost travel
If some people are to be believed, the budget-airline industry bubble is about to burst, says Bob Papworth, but there are others who think there's plenty of life left in low-cost travel
Bob Papworth details
Wired for travel Booking technology
Understanding how booking tools work can mean the end to one of travel technology's greatest mysteries, and make life a little less complex as Bob Papworth finds out
Bob Papworth details
Does size matter? TMC's David and Goliaths
Big is best, but then small is beautiful, too. Bob Papworth asks whether it's all a case of proportion in the TMC world
Bob Papworth details
Hub capping The future of hub-and-spoke
Are airline hubs in decline, as one industry leader predicts, or will they continue to flourish as regional travellers, in particular, attempt to avoid Heathrow and Gatwick? Simon Warburton reports
Simon Warburton details
Pledging allegiance Corporate loyalty schemes
There's never been so many loyalty schemes on offer to businesses and the individual traveller. Dave Richardson investigates the options
Dave Richardson details
Playing by the rules CWT debate
Two leading travel buyers, two major suppliers, the executive director of the Institute of Travel Management and representatives of Carlson Wagonlit Travel sat down to discuss the findings of CWT's latest White Paper about optimising travel policy and compliance
details
Fully automatic Expense management
Fiddling with (or simply fiddling) unwieldy expense forms may soon become a thing of the past, says Catherine Chetwynd, as she investigates the paperless rise of the automated expense management system
Catherine Chetwynd details
Time to tighten seatbelts Car rental
In these leaner times both traditional rental firms and the emergent car clubs are offering ways to cut back, says Dave Richardson
Dave Richardson details
A safe pair of hands PwC talks security
International business travel can throw up all sorts of dramatic situations. Good job then, says Amon Cohen, that there are people around like Richard Stanley, security chief of PwC
Amon Cohen details
Travel on the web The Internet
BBT does the browsing for you and checks out the pros and cons of some useful travel websites
details
The cost of cutting red tape Visa services
When it comes to crossing borders the world is still far from a global village, says Jonathan Hart, but for a little outlay your passage can be smoothed considerably
Jonathan Hart details
Strictly business All-Business Class offerings
Despite predictions of lean times ahead, the growing trend for all-Business Class is a display of optimism from several of the major carriers, says Gary Noakes
Gary Noakes details
Jack of all trades? Hotel booking agents
Hotel booking agents have years of specialist knowledge and experience in their sector, says Bob Papworth. So why are TMCs trying to muscle in on the action?
Bob Papworth details
Budget busters Low-cost hotel scene
The traditional economy sector is experiencing a renaissance as the upmarket brands move in. Bob Papworth finds it means there is even more on offer
Bob Papworth details
Flying with a clear conscience Can flying be green?
Tim Gresty makes the case for why air travel can be as green as high-speed rail for UK and near-Europe travel
Tim Gresty details
Home from home New apartment developments
The serviced apartment sector is going from strength to strength, offering a comfortable and flexible option for long-stay visitors. Indeed, they have proved so popular that the large hotel groups have started to introduce their own extended stay offerings, says Catherine Chetwynd
Catherine Chetwynd details
Risky business Travel for the oil industry
The oil'n'gas industry makes some very particular demands on the travel management business, as Bob Papworth discovers
Bob Papworth details
Getting lost in translation Jargon and policies
Corporate jargon within travel policies can confuse, misdirect and ultimately cost a business time, money and the safety of its staff, says Bob Papworth
Bob Papworth details
Self-control Web tools
Self-booking tools save time and money, so why is everyone so slow on the uptake? Catherine Chetwynd investigates the pros and cons of the industry's offerings
Catherine Chetwynd details
Balancing act Stress in the work place
Pushing employees to the limit could be a false economy. Beverley Fearis investigates the truth of the work-life balance
Beverley Fearis details
High flyers Executive aviation
While economic gloom takes its toll on the business world, things are looking up for VLJs, says Bob Papworth
Bob Papworth details
Indecent proposal The RFP hell we all face
RFPs have always been time-consuming and confusing, but will an online solution make the job any easier to bear, asks Bob Papworth
Bob Papworth details
Every second counts Quick airport rail links
Getting to and from the airport does not have to be stressful. Dave Richardson looks at express rail links around the world
Dave Richardson details
Emergency Control Safety and Security
Travel security is the responsibility of us all, and new legislation makes it more difficult for employers to shy away from their obligations, says Bob Papworth
Bob Papworth details
Winning Track Facilities for Travellers with Disabilities
Organising travel for Britain's Paralympic team has its own unique set of challenges, says Beverley Fearis
Beverley Fearis details
The Rail Way Booking train tickets
In today's growing rail market there's more choice than ever when booking fares, says Dave Richardson
Dave Richardson details
Blue Sky Sleeping Alternative airport hotels
Hotels close to regional airports range from the big brands to properties with a real difference says Bob Papworth
Bob Papworth details
Life in the Fast Lane Ground transport
It's not just the big boss who can have a chayffeur driven limo. Dave Richardson looks at today's options for ground transportation.
Dave Richardson details
Country Roads Buying domestic travel
Domestic travel throws up an array of options, but do we always have to compromise on cost, time and comfort asks Gary Noakes.
Gary Noakes details
Room Service Buying hotel space
Hotels offer all the gadgets and luxuries we can dream of, but at what cost to the hotel booker, asks Bob Papworth
Bob Papworth details
Park and Fly Airport parking
Meet and greet valet parking can save travellers valuable time at the airport. Dave Richardson examines the concept, which offers cost-effective convenience and reduces stress.
Dave Richardson details
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