There is no one-size-fits all corporate travel solution when it comes to booking and managing business travel. Every organisation has different needs depending on its size, budget, travel frequency and internal resources. Understanding the most common corporate travel solutions can help you streamline processes, reduce costs and enhance traveller satisfaction.
Whether you’re managing travel in-house, partnering with a business travel provider, or using an online booking tool (OBT), each route has its advantages. But there are also some limitations too.
Here, we explore three primary corporate travel solutions to help you determine what’s best for your business.
1. In-House Corporate Travel Solutions
Some businesses opt to manage travel in-house, appointing a dedicated individual or team (often within HR, finance or office management) to handle all travel bookings and arrangements.
Pros:
- Direct knowledge of traveller preferences.
- Immediate access to employee schedules and company needs.
- Greater control over processes and policies.
Cons:
- Time-consuming and admin-heavy.
- Limited access to negotiated rates or travel perks.
- Risk of booking errors or inefficiencies without expert knowledge.
- In the event of a travel emergency, it’s often the in-house team member who made the booking who is expected to assist the traveller—even if that emergency occurs outside of working hours or in a different time zone. This can add significant stress and responsibility to the role.
💡 If you’re an assistant managing corporate travel solutions internally, check out John’s Tips for Assistants Managing Business Travel for practical advice from our MD.
2. Business Travel Agents or Travel Management Companies
Outsourcing travel to a specialist business travel provider or corporate travel provider is a popular solution for businesses that want expert support and reduced admin. A travel management company (TMC) acts as your partner, handling bookings from enquiry through to post-trip reporting, traveller support and more.
Pros:
- Access to negotiated fares and industry expertise.
- 24/7 traveller support in case of delays or disruptions.
- Detailed reporting.
- Time saved for internal staff.
Cons:
- May require a service fee, retainer or a contract.
- Important to choose a provider who aligns with your company values and goals.
💡 Not sure how to find the right fit? Read Choosing the Right TMC For You to explore what makes a good travel partnership.
3. Corporate Travel Online Booking Tools (OBTs)
For businesses that want to manage travel in-house without the manual admin, an online booking tool offers a self-serve platform. These are often supplied by a business travel provider or travel management company, giving employees or travel arrangers access to the providers inside rates and the ability to book directly, all within a pre-set policy framework.
Pros:
- Centralised booking with policy enforcement.
- Easy access to travel history and spend analytics.
- More efficient than managing bookings manually.
Cons:
- Lack of human support in emergencies.
- Some tools can be restrictive or lack flexibility.
- Often works best when paired with internal support or a TMC for complex trips.
💡 A good OBT can complement your internal processes but pairing it with expert support adds real value. Discover The Benefits of a Good Business Travel Agent to see how.
Which Business Travel Solution Is Right For You?
Choosing the right corporate travel solutions depends on your business’s size, travel frequency, and internal capacity. While some may benefit from full outsourcing to a corporate travel provider, others might prefer hybrid models that combine tech tools with expert advice.
Whatever your route, the key is to prioritise operational ease and efficiency as well as traveller wellbeing, while keeping costs under control.
