TRAVEL MANAGEMENT

The threat of sensitive data being hacked hangs over every business. Business travellers are prime targets, facing a crucial challenge: combining mobility, connectivity and security.

London, Vienna, Amsterdam: the top three destinations for European business travellers remain unchanged according to BCD Travel.

The devaluation of almost 11% of sterling against the Euro (and almost 15% against the dollar) is making London ever more attractive to visitors. As the figures for the first quarter of 2017 prove.

The arrival of VTCs has turned the urban travel sector on its head, forcing taxis to improve their services. This new competition is weaving its web in the business travel market. Business customers are benefiting from this development, in terms of choice, quality, fares and expense management.

A recent study by Arthur Loyd analyses the rise of the coworking phenomenon, with figures to back it up. The corporate real estate consultancy takes the opportunity to compare the four major players in the market: Spaces, WeWork, Kwerk and NextDoor.

The Forecast 2018 study was published on 18 July by GBTA and CWT. In it, the two business travel specialists decipher the fare trends expected next year, marked by a general increase.

BNP Paribas is trialling a new service in Paris with Bird Office. The bank hires out some of its premises - branches and business centres - to its customers free of charge, so that they can organise meetings, training sessions or any other corporate event.

FCM Travel Solutions has just formalised a partnership with Airbnb with a view to integrating the leading business traveller accommodation provider into its catalogue.

MagicStay confirms its growth in the business travel sector. The French alternative accommodation specialist has signed an agreement with CDS Groupe. The aim is to extend and improve the distribution of its flats to business customers.

Egencia publishes the 4th edition of the "Business Travel and Technology" study, an international survey that highlights the expectations of business travellers with regard to the tools available to them.

GBTA France organised its MasterClass event on 6 July. It was an opportunity to shed new light on the most crucial issues in business travel, such as the development of the NDC standard and the rapprochement between MICE and Travel purchases.

A flaw in the cyber security of the SynXis CRS system supplied by Sabre has led to the leak of the personal information of Google's business travellers, whose business trips are managed by CWT.

The KDS Neo reservation tool is being equipped with new functions, available from 8 July. The aim is to increase flexibility and efficiency, while improving travel policy management.

American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) has announced the acquisition of Banks Sadler, a London-based agency specialising in meeting and event management.

The French meetings and events market is going digital, attracting new players like Oui Business.

According to a study published by SoRoom, business travellers are increasingly booking a room by the hour, in the middle of the day, so that they can work in peace and quiet or even hold business meetings.

One-stop billing, simplified booking, SAP integration, reporting: Bird Office is launching a solution tailored to the needs of large companies when it comes to organising their business events.

American Express Global Business Travel and ACTE have published "Checking In: Servicing the Multifaceted Modern Business Traveller". This survey of international travel buyers highlights the growing concern among business travellers about their security.

London is the most connected destination in the world, according to an fDi Benchmark study. Despite Brexit, the British capital is determined to maintain its status as a crossroads for international business travel.

Paris is the world's leading destination for the organisation of international congresses, according to the rankings published by the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) for 2016.