Travel data security, risk management while traveling to emerging countries and demand for additional mobile technology will be the focus for corporates next year, says corporate travel management company
Travel data security
The UK-based TMC recommends corporates have a global data consolidation strategy in order to mitigate risks associated with data protection and privacy.
It says enforcing this strategy will mean quality control assurances will be put in place to protect corporate and traveller information.
HRG Group commercial director Stewart Harvey says:
"Data protection and privacy concerns have dominated the news agenda in 2013. Well publicised incidents involving compromised corporate data, and the risks this brings to personal privacy, has sharpened clients focus on the security of their travel related data."
Travel risk management
HRG says corporates will increase their risk management capabilities in response to increased travel to emerging markets, particularly in South East Asia and West Africa, and concerns over traveller safety.
The company recommends including a crisis response capability as these new business geographies increase the scope of both traveller safety and security requirements.
Harvey adds:
"All clients demand a level of control to ensure their corporate duty of care responsibilities are met. Travel managers require at the touch of the button the ability to see where their travellers are and have the risk management procedures in place to help them when they are in need."
Demand for mobile technology
HRG says there is more to mobile than just corporate travellers reading their itinerary.
So, the company expects to see additional demand for more advanced mobile technology in the year ahead, bringing with it further data security challenges (or opportunities).
The TMC says these challenges can be addressed by corporates consolidating travel programmes and this would result in improved compliance, greater control and visibility over travel related data.
Harvey adds:
"Not only will consolidating the travel programme reduce risk to client’s data, their traveller’s privacy and their security, it will also provide opportunity for cost savings."
Another recent corporate travel trends study by Amadeus reveals that 83% of travel management companies and agencies think smartphones would have a moderate to significant impact on their business.
NB: Cloud security image via Shutterstock.