Getting back to basics by focusing on the human element: this is the approach taken by 3Mundi this autumn 2014, with a white paper entitled "Purchasing, mobility, finance: what changes and prospects for professions linked to the management of corporate business travel?". The forty-page document, produced in partnership with Travel Think, analyses the contours of a multi-faceted profession. For example, although most people are trained to Master's level (42%), the type of degree varies: finance, business law, master of science. As the authors of the White Paper point out, "There is no such thing as a typical Travel Manager, or a typical training course, just as the way companies are organised differs".
The relationship between the Travel Manager and his or her business travellers is not overlooked by the study, which points to a gap between the two links in the business travel chain. In fact, over 70% of business travellers consider that the work of their Travel Manager is not in line with their need to travel. This is a trend that has been apparent for a long time, and the analysis by 3mundi and Travel Think has the merit of putting it into words: "Our objectives diverge, he does what he can" is how a majority of travellers (52%) summed it up.
The integration of new technologies, the divergent trends between the French and American markets, and career development after a spell in travel management are just some of the issues explored in this White Paper, which is available on the 3mundi website. "The 'new generation' travel manager is faced with new challenges that have changed the face of his or her role, and a number of questions are being asked about his or her development and prospects," says Jordy Staelen, co-founder and director of 3mundi. "With this white paper, we wanted to provide some answers and support our thinking with feedback from industry experts".
