September 25, 2023

Machine learning boosts compliance, says BCD report

Machine learning, blockchain and chatbots can provide corporate travel managers powerful communication tools for driving travel programme compliance, according to an Inform series report published by BCD Travel.

Called Communications, Emerging technology and Travel Management, the report explores how emerging technologies can utilise automated and targeted messages to travellers, engaging them at exactly the right moment to encourage compliance.

“Travel suppliers have become increasingly aggressive and highly sophisticated in marketing directly to travellers,” says Natalia Tretyakevich, Senior Manager Research and Intelligence at BCD Travel.

“For this reason, it’s important for travel managers to counterbalance that influence, lest it pull travellers away from using preferred suppliers and drive up corporate travel programme costs.

“Using new and emerging technologies to communicate with, influence and capture the attention of business travellers can effectively influence business travellers to remain within programme.”

Examples of the technology in action would include a chatbot responding to a traveller query when booking or a traveller could book a trip using a personal assistant. A smart contract stored on blockchain could issue an alert to a travel manager when booked outside of policy.

The report also includes useful tips for travel managers looking to further explore and implement the technologies. It is the third in a six part series on emerging technology and travel management.

bcdtravel.com

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