Marriott International has recently introduced Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy, a travel management platform targeting small-to-midsize businesses. This move is considered to be a significant shake-up in the corporate travel landscape, with industry experts recognizing the need for innovation in this sector. The program is aimed at addressing the challenges faced by companies, particularly in the aftermath of Covid-19, where many businesses have had to downsize or eliminate their travel management teams.
Market Need
According to industry consultant Bjorn Hanson, there is a growing demand for more flexible and efficient travel management solutions. The pandemic has forced companies to reevaluate their approach to corporate travel, leading to a gap in the market that Marriott aims to address through Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy. With many small and midsize companies struggling to manage employee travel without dedicated teams, this platform offers a comprehensive solution for their needs.
Marriott’s Executive Vice President, Drew Pinto, emphasized the strategic importance of targeting small-to-midsize businesses with Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy. The company conducted a survey that revealed significant frustrations among business travelers with existing travel booking platforms, highlighting the need for a more user-friendly and integrated solution. By offering a „one-stop shop“ for booking hotels, flights, and other travel services, Marriott seeks to fill the void in the market and capture a share of the growing business travel segment.
Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy boasts a range of features designed to simplify corporate travel management. In addition to booking accommodations and transportation, the platform allows travel managers to customize travel policies, access real-time analytics, and monitor traveler health and safety. Integration with existing expense-management platforms enables seamless payment processing and expense reporting, enhancing the overall efficiency of the travel management process. Employees of participating businesses also gain access to Marriott Bonvoy benefits, adding value to the overall travel experience.
While Marriott’s entry into corporate travel management has garnered attention, some industry experts remain skeptical about the platform’s long-term success. Jay Ellenby, president of Safe Harbors Business Travel, expressed concerns about the human factor in travel management, emphasizing the importance of responsive and reliable support. Despite the technological capabilities of Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy, Ellenby believes that challenges in the industry may prove to be obstacles for the platform’s adoption and success.
Confidence in Innovation
Despite the skepticism from some quarters, industry consultant Bjorn Hanson believes that Marriott’s initiative demonstrates a commitment to innovation and addressing market needs. Hanson acknowledges the complexity of corporate travel management but expresses confidence in Marriott’s capacity to navigate these challenges and deliver a valuable solution to small and midsize businesses. By proactively identifying and responding to the evolving demands of the business travel landscape, Marriott International is positioned to make a significant impact with Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy.
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