Travel buyer roles and responsibilities have pivoted and evolved in the wake of Covid-19, according to ITM’s latest member poll.
A survey of 123 buyers over a two-week period at the beginning of April showed the additional areas that now fall within buyers’ remits, including new reporting requirements (such as CO2), traveller health and lifestyle expectations, and sustainability measures.
In more positive findings, fewer buyers (36%) said they feel increased pressure to justify the travel function within their organisation, compared with 47% a year ago.
The poll also found 62% believe the perceived internal value of a buyer’s role and remit will increase in 2021, compared to 47% last year.
“The latest survey demonstrates the impressive skillset of travel managers, how they deliver value within their organisations and their incredible ability to adapt their role to take on new priorities and responsibilities as business travel returns,” said ITM CEO Scott Davies.
According to the survey, 60% of buyers believe the importance of diversity and inclusion will increase in 2021 compared with 35% last year.
But the poll found only 13% of buyers currently measure traveller wellbeing within their travel programme.
