TRAVEL MANAGEMENT

To get a clearer idea of the characteristics of a public sector invitation to tender, here is the example of a recent national consultation by INRA (Institut national de la recherche agronomique), initiated by Epsa, for the implementation of two main categories of payment solutions.

Why opt for an office in a business centre rather than in a traditional building? Alexis Motte: In...

A member of the voluntary As Voyages network resulting from the merger of Selectour and Afat Voyages, Wagram Voyages is located in the Trinité district of Paris.

No long-term commitment, flexible spaces, shared services and fully-equipped offices. Business centres offer a whole range of benefits that companies can't ignore. Especially in times of crisis.

In the jargon of travel agencies specialising in business tourism, three terms are frequently used, covering different realities.

A member of the voluntary Tourcom network and the international Global Specialist Market network, Frequent FlyerTravel Paris has a 500 m2 business centre near Place de la Bastille.

As the operational backbone of integrated or voluntary networks, business hubs are adapting to keep pace with changes in the business travel market. The boom in direct online bookings is supported by the services of highly specialised staff.

Airlines are now offering services that are billed in addition to the price of the ticket. This principle is inspired by low-cost airlines, and is not unrelated to other trends in the hotel and car rental industries. How is the business travel industry dealing with this groundswell that is sweeping across the Atlantic? This week, we talk to some of the key players in the sector.

In 2007,260 business centres were listed in France, compared with 744 in the UK; 121 of these belonged to groups with more than ten sites and 120 were independent", says Frédéric Dathy, Chairman of Synaphe, the national trade association for business accommodation professionals. According to Synaphe, London business centres accounted for 2.1 % of the city's office stock, compared with just 0.7 % in Paris.

In an environment that is gloomy to say the least, cards dedicated to an act of purchase are continuing to grow. Taking together all 'traditional' payment cards, business cards, corporate cards and other corporate cards, this market grew by 16 % in 2008, worldwide.

"the general management has introduced corporate payment cards for top management".

Whether you're travelling by land or by air, as part of an individual business trip or as part of an international...

Catherine Moulin, Director of Health and Environment, SFR

Lionel Lassagne, Director of Sustainable Development, Lyon Airport

It's a fact that travel agencies are becoming more and more efficient, providing solutions tailored to the needs of their customers, whatever their size, whether they are private or public companies.

What are the characteristics of the business travel agency market? Matthieu Gufflet - In France, the market is highly concentrated. Two major international networks...