[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” admin_label=”Header: Positivity in a pandemic” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ background_enable_image=”off” background_position=”top_center” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY RELAUNCH YOUR TRAVEL PROGRAMME” text_orientation=”center” header_fullscreen=”on” header_scroll_down=”on” scroll_down_icon=”%%2%%” scroll_down_icon_color=”#ffffff” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ title_line_height=”1.7em” subhead_font_size=”30px” background_color=”#414042″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Airplane-Take-Off-Relaunch-Night.jpg” background_blend=”overlay” z_index_tablet=”500″ button_one_text__hover_enabled=”on|desktop”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Positivity” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ custom_padding=”75px|0px|75px|0px|false|false” border_color_all=”rgba(255,186,96,0.6)” border_width_right=”8vw” border_color_right=”#5b8cb1″ collapsed=”off”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.4.2″]<\/p>\n
Recently we\u2019ve been looking at what business travel may look like post COVID-19<\/a> and what you can do to plan and prepare. In this post we look at how businesses can approach internal stakeholders to build confidence, achieve buy in and successfully relaunch their travel programmes, while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of travellers.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.6″ collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.0.6″][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ admin_label=”happy news” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ custom_padding=”70px|0px|70px|0px|true|false” use_custom_width=”on” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Subtitle: Happy news” _builder_version=”4.4.2″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.2″]<\/p>\n As we navigate a very different travel world post COVID-19, you may feel overwhelmed with the wealth of information out there. \u00a0It can be difficult to decipher what\u2019s relevant to you and your business. Now is a great time for travel managers to cut through that noise and prepare their corporate travel programmes for the \u2018new normal\u2019.<\/p>\n We recommend that you review two important data points as a priority. Firstly, take a look at the locations of both your offices and your travellers. Second is to review the most visited destinations by your company.<\/p>\n Trying to keep up with the evolving travel rules and border regulations of every country across the globe is both time consuming and unrealistic. By focusing on places your corporate travellers visit the most you can be more productive and narrow your focus. Finding out the latest guidance for your top routes and then communicating this with your travellers will help show that you are planned for the majority of business travel requests. Don\u2019t forget, the Destination Status Guide<\/a><\/strong> in our new Traveller Toolkit will give you the most up-to-date information for any country in the world.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ admin_label=”The Good News Movement” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ custom_padding=”||70px||false|false” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Subtitle: The Good News Movement” _builder_version=”4.4.2″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.2″]<\/p>\n Now is a great time to review your health and safety processes and procedures. Working with us, we can ensure that all airlines, hotels and land transportation have clear hygiene and sanitation practices in place as well as the relevant certifications from accredited health organisations. This will help to build confidence, both for your company and your travellers, that their safety and wellbeing is of the upmost importance when considering travelling again.<\/p>\n Another thing you many need to consider is understanding the state of mind and wellbeing of your employees. Many businesses are having to balance \u2018business as usual\u2019 with caring for their employees\u2019 mental and emotional wellbeing. The most successful organisations will identify this is the case when a return to normality ensues. Therefore, think about what procedures you need to put in place now, to safeguard your employees when they begin travelling again.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ admin_label=”Some Good News” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ custom_padding=”||70px||false|false” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Subtitle: Some Good News” _builder_version=”4.4.2″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.2″]<\/p>\n It is important that you get input from various stakeholders around the business when looking to relaunch your travel programme. It\u2019s crucial to achieve a broad understanding of requirements across your business in order to avoid any potential issues before they arise.<\/p>\n Depending on your audience, you\u2019ll need to tailor your conversation. Whether it\u2019s mitigating travel risk or managing travel expenses, each department will have different wants and needs before they allow staff to travel on business again. Listen to these wants and needs and use this to feedback to put together a strong business case for your relaunch.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ admin_label=”staying physically fit” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ custom_padding=”||70px|||” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Subtitle: Staying physically fit” _builder_version=”4.4.2″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.2″]<\/p>\n We suggest talking to the following steps to successfully relaunch your travel programme:<\/p>\n Speak to Other functions<\/strong>:<\/p>\n Feedback from other departments will be key to relaunching your travel programme. Take time to hold cross-functional meetings that concentrate on security and HR, looking at worst-case travel scenarios for your top visited destinations. This risk mitigating exercise will allow you to set goals and procedures with the input of experts in those areas. Explain the need to find a balance between virtual and in-person meetings to get your business travel back on track. This is a great opportunity to also discuss what amounts to essential travel versus permissible travel. Build some clear guidelines for your corporate travellers.<\/p>\n Survey Your Travellers:<\/strong><\/p>\n We are strong believer in employee surveys. They give your travellers the opportunity to feed back any issues or concerns anonymously. A good survey, in this case, should include questions such as how many trips your travellers take in a year, if they are comfortable travelling in the current situation and what would ease their travel anxiety. You can then use this qualitative research to help update travel policies. By showing that your travellers\u2019 opinions and feeling matter helps with engagement and builds confidence.<\/p>\n Write a Business Case:<\/strong><\/p>\n Really take the time to assess and analyse everything you have learned from the above and then put it down into a short and concise business case, which you can put forward to your internal stakeholders. This business case needs to instil confidence by clearly covering the key points which will help ensure that your travellers are safe. Again, transparency is key here so don\u2019t leave out anything which you think will be relevant to the person reading it.<\/p>\n Present to Executives:<\/strong><\/p>\n You may not always have direct access to the executive decision makers. That\u2019s why the business case needs to do the talking in order to get management buy-in. Remember, your corporate travel business case needs to present clear and concise data which supports the safe relaunch of your travel programme<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.6″ collapsed=”off”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.0.6″][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”summary 1″ _builder_version=”4.4.2″]<\/p>\n We understand that getting your business back on track is at the front of your mind. A confident relaunched travel programme can certainly help that. By using our easy to follow tips, we\u2019re sure you can get back travelling, safely. That\u2019s exactly what our client, Joerg Hoffman did, when he started regularly flying again between Munich and Heathrow \u2013 click HERE<\/a> to read about his experience of travelling during the pandemic.<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019d like any further tips or help with getting your travel programme back on track, please get in touch<\/a>; our experienced team would love to help!<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.0.6″][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”back button” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ custom_padding=”30px|0px|75px|0px|false|false” border_color_all=”rgba(255,186,96,0.6)” border_width_right=”8vw” border_color_right=”#5b8cb1″ collapsed=”off”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ admin_label=”CTA” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ custom_margin=”2px|auto||auto|false|false” custom_padding=”90px|0px|90px|0px|true|false” use_custom_width=”on” global_module=”8310″ collapsed=”off”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Traveller-Toolkit-Original-Image.jpg” url=”http:\/\/toolkit.gdg.travel” _builder_version=”4.4.2″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=”http:\/\/toolkit.gdg.travel” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”visit the TRAVELLER TOOLKIT” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”button: Traveller Toolkit” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#5b8cb1″ button_border_width=”0px” button_icon=”%%126%%” button_icon_color=”#ffffff” background_layout=”dark” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” box_shadow_style=”preset3″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”text CTA” _builder_version=”4.4.2″]<\/p>\n To help you navigate the changes of business travel, we\u2019ve created the brand-new Traveller Toolkit<\/strong><\/a>. This invaluable online resource is packed full of easy-to-use guides and checklists for every stage of every journey. We detail exactly what you need to know and do before, during and after your trip.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll also find innovative and interactive virtual trips<\/a><\/strong>, which walk you through each step of\u00a0 being at the airport, on the train and in the hotel. You can even check the travel restrictions and health status of your destination with our comprehensive COVID-19 Country Tracker, updated five times daily to ensure you have the very latest information to help keep you and your travellers safe.<\/p>\n Travel is changing. But, as Joerg experienced, with common sense and a good TMC behind you, travellers should have the confidence to once again take to the skies. It\u2019ll soon be business as (un)usual.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”back button” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ custom_padding=”55px|0px|55px|0px|true|false” use_custom_width=”on” collapsed=”off”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.0.6″][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_button button_url=”\/workingfromhome\/” button_text=”back to Working From Home” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”button: back to Working From Home” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#5b8cb1″ button_border_width=”0px” button_icon=”%%23%%” button_icon_color=”#ffffff” button_icon_placement=”left” background_layout=”dark” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” box_shadow_style=”preset3″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Footer” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ background_color=”#414042″ background_color_gradient_direction=”90deg” background_image=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Train-Doors-Open-Start-Your-Journey.jpg” parallax=”on” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_module=”1383″ saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” admin_label=”Footer Row” module_id=”footer” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ background_enable_image=”off” width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding=”0|0px|0|0px|false|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”1800ms” z_index_tablet=”500″ make_fullwidth=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″ background_color=”rgba(65,64,66,0.75)” custom_padding=”100px|10%|100px|10%” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ header_2_font=”|||on|||||” z_index_tablet=”500″ locked=”off”]<\/p>\n START YOUR NEW\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Texts” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ header_font=”|||on|” header_4_font=”|||on|||||” z_index_tablet=”500″ locked=”off”]<\/p>\n 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”\/contact-us” button_text=”GET IN TOUCH” module_id=”get_in_touch_button_footer” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ custom_button=”on” button_bg_color=”#5b8cb1″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|||on|||||” button_icon_color=”#5b8cb1″ transform_scale=”98%|98%” transform_translate=”-1px|8px” background_layout=”dark” z_index_tablet=”500″ button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_size__hover=”null” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover=”null” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover=”null” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover=”null” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover=”null” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover=”null” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover=”null” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover=”null” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover=”null” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_border_color__hover=”#6D6E71″ button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover=”null” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover=”null” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”on” button_border_radius__hover=”0px” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover=”null” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover=”null” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”on” button_letter_spacing__hover=”0px” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”#6D6E71″ button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover=”null” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover=”null”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.6″ background_color=”#414042″ custom_padding=”100px|10%|100px|10%” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_blurb title=”HEAD OFFICE” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”%%249%%” icon_placement=”left” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”28px” _builder_version=”3.21.1″ header_level=”h5″ header_font=”|500|||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”28px” header_line_height=”1.2em” body_font=”||||||||” body_text_color=”#5b8cb1″ body_line_height=”1.8em” animation_style=”zoom” animation_direction=”left” animation_intensity_zoom=”12%” z_index_tablet=”500″]<\/p>\n 27 Middleborough<\/span><\/p>\n Colchester, CO1 1TG<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”CALL US” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”%%264%%” icon_placement=”left” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”28px” module_id=”call_us_phone_cta_footer” _builder_version=”4.0.6″ header_level=”h5″ header_font=”|500|||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”28px” header_line_height=”1.2em” body_font=”||||||||” body_text_color=”#5b8cb1″ body_line_height=”1.8em” animation_style=”zoom” animation_direction=”left” animation_delay=”100ms” animation_intensity_zoom=”12%” z_index_tablet=”500″]<\/p>\nData Data Data<\/h3>\n
Duty of Care<\/h3>\n
Work with Key Stakeholders<\/h3>\n
Relaunch Steps<\/h3>\n
JOURNEY NOW …\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
\u00a0<\/h4>\n
WE ARE ALWAYS AVAILABLE<\/span><\/h3>\n