American
Express Global Business Travel (GBT) has announced that its travellers will soon be able to chat with consultants using the WhatsApp messaging
platform. Initially, the service will be available to US mid-market clients but will be
rolled out globally and to large clients in the coming months.
Travellers
can already use Apple Business Chat, the Amex mobile GBT app and the desktop
Connect Portal to communicate with a travel consultant.
Felicia
Schneiderhan, head of GBT’s chat adoption strategy, said: “Messaging is
becoming the dominant communication channel in people’s private and
professional lives. We want to meet our travellers where they are and where it
is most convenient for them.
“Being able to get new digital channels to our customers quickly
is an important part of getting ready for the return to travel. The pandemic
was a catalyst for a rapid rollout of the WhatsApp solution.”
WhatsApp has two billion monthly active users
in 180 countries.