Marriott International has recently introduced a new business travel management platform called Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy. This platform is specifically tailored to cater to the needs of small-to-midsize businesses, aiming to revolutionize the corporate travel landscape. With the ongoing recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, the timing of this program couldn’t be more perfect, as companies are still adapting to the changes brought about by the global health crisis.
Industry experts and consultants have praised Marriott International for taking a bold and ambitious step with the introduction of Business Access. Bjorn Hanson, an industry consultant and adjunct professor at New York University, emphasized the urgent need for more flexible travel management solutions, especially for smaller companies that may not have fully rebuilt their in-house travel management teams post-pandemic. The program’s focus on addressing this gap in the market demonstrates Marriott’s commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving needs of corporate travelers.
Filling a Gap in the Market
Drew Pinto, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue and Technology Officer for Marriott International, highlighted the underserved segment of small-to-midsize businesses in the global travel management space. Before the launch of Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott did not have a comprehensive program catering to this specific market. This strategic move by Marriott acknowledges the growing demand for tailored travel solutions for companies of varying sizes and reflects the company’s commitment to providing exceptional service to its customers.
Marriott’s decision to launch Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy was also informed by customer feedback and market research. A survey conducted by Wakefield Research revealed that a significant percentage of business travelers faced challenges and frustrations with their existing travel booking platforms. This insight led Marriott to design a one-stop-shop platform that streamlines the booking process for corporate travel managers, offering a range of services from hotel reservations to flight bookings and rental car arrangements.
Enhanced Features for Streamlined Travel Management
Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy is more than just a booking platform. It offers a suite of features designed to simplify travel management for businesses. With the ability to customize travel policies, access real-time analytics, monitor traveler health and safety, and integrate with existing expense-management platforms, this platform aims to address the diverse needs of corporate travelers. Additionally, employees of small and midsize businesses can enjoy exclusive Marriott Bonvoy benefits, adding value to their travel experience.
Challenges and Opportunities
While Marriott’s entry into the corporate travel management space has been met with positive feedback, there are also concerns raised by industry insiders. Jay Ellenby, president of Safe Harbors Business Travel, pointed out the challenges associated with technology-driven solutions in the travel industry. The human factor, he emphasized, plays a crucial role in ensuring a seamless travel experience, and the success of a program ultimately depends on the quality of support provided to customers when issues arise.
Despite the complexities of corporate travel management, experts like Bjorn Hanson remain optimistic about Marriott’s ability to navigate these challenges successfully. By identifying and addressing the needs of small-to-midsize businesses in the travel industry, Marriott International has positioned itself as a trailblazer in the evolving landscape of corporate travel. The launch of Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy sets a new standard for comprehensive and customer-centric travel management solutions, paving the way for a more efficient and seamless travel experience for companies of all sizes.