THE WINNERS!

Accommodation Innovation

Winner: Thrust Carbon

The judges’ verdict: Thrust Carbon’s creation of a Hotel Sustainability Index to address the challenge of evaluating sustainability performance by hotels was lauded by the judges for giving travel booking platforms, buyers and sustainability professional the tools they need to guide travellers towards sustainable accommodation choices. Most importantly, it simplifies the otherwise complex nature of evaluating sustainability performance.

Account Management Team of the Year

Winner: SilverDoor Apartments

The judges’ verdict: The judges noted that SilverDoor’s account management was a great mix of technology and the human touch. In a category that is crowded with options for corporate travel programmes, SilverDoor is a strong example of an organisation that stays focused on the customer and on achieving and retaining high standards with a real mix of a modern and traditional approach. One judge noted it is a tough job merging the serviced apartment industry into the mainstream travel industry and SilverDoor has done that with their account management team and dedicated customer support leading the way.

Achievement in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Winner: Virgin Atlantic

The judges’ verdict: As an airline, Virgin Atlantic was created to challenge the norm in the industry and their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion reflects this mission. Their commitment to DEI goes far beyond a box-ticking exercise, with strong evidence of accomplishments within the organisation, as well as support for their customers. One judge commented how “powerful” their “Be Yourself” campaign was and another said they seem to “live and breathe DEI – going beyond just the advert”.

Technology Innovation - Corporate Booking Platform

Winner: NAVAN

The judges’ verdict: With strong customer testimonials praising an innovative, exceptional end-to-end user experience, the judges remarked that Navan has grown from an SME solution to one that can support global, multinational customers with complex needs.

Technology Innovation - Meetings & Events

Winner: Thrust Carbon

The judges’ verdict: The judges praised Thrust Carbon for expanding into a much-needed area of the market, helping to measure the impact of events on the environment. Additionally, the judges noted that the company proactively takes feedback from their customers and uses it to quickly make improvements to their offerings.

Technology Innovation - Payment/Expense

Winner: Cardlay

The judges’ verdict: The judges described Cardlay’s virtual payment offering as an innovative and intuitive solution that can solve a real problem facing many corporate travel programmes. Being able to integrate with existing payment partners is also key so a travel programme doesn’t have to completely upend their payment programme to get the right solution.

Technology Innovation - Traveller Experience

Winner: Tripkicks

The judges’ verdict: “A real innovation”, “truly influencing traveller behaviour” and a “robust entry describing a solution for an important gap in the market” were just a few of the comments made by judges about the Tripkicks platform. As a tool that will benefit both the travel programme and the traveller, Tripkicks is a valuable add-on to a legacy booking tool

Travel Partner of the Year - Alternative Accommodation Operator

Winner: Synergy Global Housing

The judges’ verdict: Synergy Global Housing has demonstrated advances in several key areas important to the corporate travel market. Some examples noted by the judges included advancements in technology, developing an online cloud tool to standardise the global tracking of sanitation protocols, a clear plan to be carbon neutral by 2030 and a strong DEI roadmap that includes an associate development programme, “Grow @ Synergy”, led by a newly appointed Chief Diversity Officer.

Travel Partner of the Year - Ground Transportation Platform

Winner: Trainline Partner Solutions

The judges’ verdict: Rail ticketing is complex and the judges applauded Trainline for working to simplify this, making it easier for travellers to choose rail over air travel in a landscape in which sustainability is a top priority.  

Travel Partner of the Year - Hotel Brand

Winner: IHG Hotels & Resorts

The judges’ verdict: For the second year in a row, the judges selected IHG Hotels & Resorts as the winner of this category. Their involvement in several high-profile situations over the past year, including Operation London Bridge, assisting with those displaced by the war in Ukraine and providing short term accommodation for personnel covering positions during the NHS strike highlighted IHG’s support of its diverse customer base and demonstrates the strength of their many partnerships across the ecosystem. They continue to invest in their staff, introducing them to professional development opportunities that will help them better understand how to work with clients.

Travel Partner of the Year - Large TMC

Winner: BCD Travel

The judges’ verdict: The judges applauded BCD’s ability to find synergy with their customers and go the extra mile to work together to create awareness and training around the issue of human trafficking. While many industry ESG efforts highlight traditional sustainability efforts, this commitment to the broader social and ethical impact illustrates ways that organisations can go above and beyond with their partnerships. BCD’s continued investment in its consultancy and its integrations with – and investments in – technology also received high marks.

Travel Partner of the Year - Long-Haul Airline

Winner: Virgin Atlantic

The judges’ verdict: The judges were particularly impressed by Virgin Atlantic’s customer case study which illustrated a commercially innovative relationship between revenue management and sales through the assistance of a new entrant into the market. By taking a risk and trying a new approach and different way of thinking, they were able to challenge legacy pricing practices and provide savings for their customer which in turn was an incentive for the customer to give the airline a larger share of their business.

Travel Partner of the Year - Medium TMC

Winner: ATPI

The judges’ verdict: Historically known as a TMC for the marine and energy industries, the judges remarked how ATPI has grown and diversified the business to become a serious player in the mainstream corporate marketplace, with additional specialty areas. Their customer testimonials provide evidence of a strong partnership, with robust KPIs. Meanwhile, their commitment to sustainability is evidenced through their investment in their Halo CO2 measurement, reduction and offset service.

Travel Partner of the Year - Meetings & Events

Winner: Agiito

The judges’ verdict: The judges commended Agiito for their industry-first live availability tool and introduction of a self-booking feature for meetings which quickly reduced call volumes and increased online adoption. Their investment in both people and technology have helped them to become a meetings and events agency industry leader.

Travel Partner of the Year - Mobility Provider

Winner: Enterprise/National

The judges’ verdict: Enterprise/National documented clear achievements with strong evidence supporting their business case. They are a leader in the shift from traditional car rental to mobility, really listening to their customers to identify areas to make improvements, as well as making global investments to be a leader in this vertical.

Travel Partner of the Year - Rail Operator

Winner: Avanti West Coast

The judges’ verdict: The judges agreed that Avanti West Coast’s submission was a very impressive read with all answers backed by strong statistics and supporting evidence of changes made. Key standouts included the introduction of a Standard Premium Class which has provided for an enhanced travel experience at a lower price point than first class, further incentivising business travellers to book rail and travel comfortably. Their efforts around sustainability were also impressive, as well as their advancements in DEI, namely the increase in female applicants and supporting people with disabilities to book and view bookings through the app.

Highly Commended: Eurostar

The judges’ verdict: The judges felt it important to highly commend Eurostar for their ongoing efforts to improve and provide for a more seamless traveller experience from booking, to check-in to the onboard experience and they are excited for the future of high-speed, international rail service. They had a strong corporate case study documenting how they were able to move travellers to a higher class of service yet were still able to save the company money and demonstrate CO2 savings.

Travel Partner of the Year - Short-Haul Airline

Winner: easyjet

The judges’ verdict: Overall, the judges were impressed with easyJet’s robust sustainability efforts, noting they are ahead of the curve in many areas. Their partnership with Airbus provides great opportunity to improve the traveller experience by offering specific fares, additional routes and more flight options. They provide their customers with robust reporting and communications and have made staffing investments to help them gain a deeper understanding of their corporate customers.

Travel Partner of the Year - Small TMC

Winner: Travel Planet

The judges’ verdict: In a time when bringing new talent into this industry is more important than ever, the judges were impressed by the Travel Planet Academy, a two-week course to learn the basic metrics of good customer service, alongside an introduction to a market-leading technology platform. The academy is open to all, with no entry level education or experience  and successful completion of the course results in a permanent contract offer. Additionally, Travel Planet’s “Click & Control” technology platform was described by the judges as “slick”.

Travel Partner of the Year - Taxi/Chauffeur

Winner: Blacklane

The judges’ verdict: The judges praised Blacklane for its continued emphasis on programme quality, account management, fleet investments and sustainability initiatives. Additional highlights notes by the judges included Blacklane’s Chauffer Academy and their Customer Appreciation week.

Highly Commended: Sherbet

The judges’ verdict: As a newer entrant into the market, the judges praised the CEO’s entrepreneurial drive and used words like “unique”, “creative thinking” and “innovative” to describe Sherbet The Electric Taxi Company.  

Travel Buyer of the Year

Winner: Nikki Rogan, Global Travel Director, Fujitsu

The judges’ verdict: The judges were impressed both with Nikki’s accomplishments within her own organisation, as well as her contributions and advocacy within the corporate travel community. Nikki globalised her travel programme, implementing an impressive consolidation in less than 12 months, resulting in substantial savings and 80 per cent adoption. She has done this in a geographically and culturally diverse environment.

Highly Commended: Grégoire Henry, Chief of Travel, Accommodation & Conferences, UEFA

The judges’ verdict: The judges felt it was important to acknowledge Grégoire’s efforts in running a very traveller-centric programme that works to ensure travel is frictionless so that employees can focus fully on their jobs. He has taken a unique approach of developing multiple travel policies to cater to various types of travellers within the organisation. Grégoire also has the additional challenge of having to negotiate an air and hotel programme when contract performance is unpredictable.

Travel Team of the Year

Winner: Global Shell Corporate Travel Team

The judges’ verdict: The judges agreed that the Global Shell Corporate Travel Team had a well-rounded entry and made several notable accomplishments in the past year. They had a strong human element to their entry that was well supported by facts and figures. First, they rallied together to provide support to colleagues impacted by recent geopolitical instability. One judge described the relocation and repatriation effort as “phenomenal”. Additionally, they have significantly invested in the future of their travel programme having implemented a new global travel management company in 47 countries, as well as making investments in SAF and readying for NDC.