Developing Corporate Travel in Company X through Travel Management and Accommodation

Abstract

Corporate travel can be a considerable expense for a company that requires traveling. In Company X travel expenses are currently too significant and therefore they must be examined. The purpose of this thesis is to develop corporate travel through travel management and accommodation for Company X in Finland and Sweden. Company X requires accommodation for short-term and long-term business trips. This thesis is trying to answer how Company X could acquire accommodation that is economical, but still comfortable. The theoretical framework is divided into two different chapters. Chapter two deals with the key areas of travel management, from the travel management process to technological solutions. The section is based on textbook materials and travel management websites. Chapter three focuses on finding alternatives for Company X for short and long-term accommodation in Finland and Sweden. In the chapter different accommodation options are being presented and booking platforms on how to acquire accommodation. Also, chapter examines sustainability factors, and factors that make accommodation comfortable. Various websites related to accommodation options and statistics found in Statista's database have been used as sources. In the empirical part of the study, employees of Company X who participate in business travel processes were interviewed. Semi-structured interviews were used as the interview method. With the help of method selection, it was easier for the interviewees to delve into the most important topics that they felt were crucial. The questions of the interviews were created to provide answers to the sub-questions and thus to the main question of the thesis. In the interviews, answers were received regarding business travel processes within Company X. The results varied by region and title. The company did not seem to have a uniform process for travel practices. In the interviews, information flow was felt to be a problem within the company. Answers were also received regarding different accommodation options used by company employees and how they are booking their accommodation. In the interviews we also discussed what is comfortable accommodation and what kind of preferences employees have. The aim of the research is to find out how the business travel process can be developed through travel management and accommodation. There are several processes that can develop travel management. Hiring the right personnel, harnessing technology, and making better contracts can be cited as examples. Regarding accommodation, it is good to investigate more cost-effective options from different operators for short and long-term accommodation, for example using booking platforms as help. Sustainability can also be considered by finding responsible providers and by examining one's own operations. This thesis aims to offer recommendations based on the theoretical framework. Development ideas were found based on the interviews. For example, creating uniform travel policies, offering better technological tools, and utilizing booking platforms to mention a few. Detailed recommendations are reported in the closing chapter.