What to look for in a business travel company in 2024
Smarter business travel with tools, tech and trusted support.
Article Contributors
The business travel landscape has evolved rapidly. With tighter budgets, more flexible working models, and higher traveller expectations, companies are demanding more from their business travel management than ever before.
It’s no longer just about booking transport and hotels. Today’s organisations need a business travel company that understands their objectives, supports their people, and provides the right technology to make everything run smoothly behind the scenes.
If you’re rethinking your current approach – or considering switching travel providers – here’s what to look for in a modern, forward-thinking partner.
1. More than just bookings – true programme support
Yes, flights and hotels still matter. But modern business travel management is about so much more than logistics. It’s about aligning your travel activity with broader business goals – whether that’s cost control, sustainability, compliance or employee wellbeing.
A great business travel company will help you shape your policy, implement it effectively, and provide the data you need to measure impact. They’ll support not just travel bookers, but procurement leads, finance teams and HR too.
Look for partners who talk in outcomes, not just itineraries.
2. Technology that adds real value
Your business travel platform should be simple to use, smart behind the scenes, and tailored to your organisation’s needs. It should combine self-service functionality with intelligent workflows that keep travel in policy and on budget.
Whether you’re a regular traveller, a PA booking for multiple people, or a manager approving trips, the platform should adapt to you – not the other way around.
Modern business travel tools also integrate with HR systems, finance platforms, and sustainability reporting software, giving you a joined-up view of travel across your business.
3. Visibility and control through data
One of the most powerful advantages of working with a business travel management company is the visibility you gain. From spend tracking and route analysis to carbon reporting and traveller behaviour insights, the right partner will turn your data into something meaningful.
This goes beyond standard monthly reports. Think dashboards, visualisation tools and real-time insights that help you make faster, smarter decisions – not just around cost, but risk, wellbeing and sustainability too.
Your business travel platform should put these insights at your fingertips.
Traveller-first service and support
Behind every trip is a person – and their experience matters. A modern business travel company should understand that service is about more than answering the phone. It’s about making people feel informed, supported and looked after from booking to boarding (and beyond).
That means clear communication, 24/7 support, disruption management, and tools that reduce the stress of travel. Whether it's offering flexible ticket options, flagging disruption alerts in real time, or recommending greener alternatives, the focus should be on helping your people make good travel choices – with confidence.
5. Flexibility and scalability
Your travel needs today may not look the same next year. Whether you're scaling up, expanding internationally or switching to hybrid work, your business travel company should be able to flex with you.
That means scalable technology, modular services, and a team that doesn’t just react to change – they anticipate it.
Ask potential partners about how they’ve supported other clients through periods of rapid growth or transformation. Flexibility isn’t just about systems – it’s about mindset.
6. A proactive approach to sustainability
Sustainability isn’t a trend – it’s an expectation. From carbon tracking to sustainable supplier sourcing, your travel partner should help you make measurable progress towards your goals.
Look for tools that offer carbon data at the point of booking, make it easy to switch to rail over air, or highlight lower-emission hotel options. A good business travel tool doesn’t just show you the numbers – it helps you influence change.
Why Clarity ticks the boxes
At Clarity, we combine cutting-edge travel technology with people who genuinely care. Our business travel platform, ClarityGo, is built around your needs – from easy booking and built-in policy to deep data insights and accessibility for all users.
We don’t just manage travel – we support your business. With over 60 years of experience, we’ve helped organisations across every sector build smarter, more sustainable travel programmes that deliver on cost, compliance and care.
Backed by dedicated account management, real-time reporting, and 24/7 support, we make it easy to keep your people moving – and your programme on track.
