While the news of the last few months has put the security issue back in the spotlight, it has to be said that French companies still have plenty of room for improvement in this area. Visit third Business Travel & Technology surveypublished by Egencia on 20 September, confirms that the French market is lagging behind in terms of rationalising business travel, and more specifically in terms of duty of care. According to the business travel agency, only a slight majority of those surveyed (53%) say that their company has introduced a travel policy. This approach does not, however, guarantee the inclusion of measures aimed explicitly at safety issues. In fact, in only 56% of cases does the travel policy in question include instructions and rules concerning passenger safety.
However, the famous "feeling of insecurity" is beginning to gain ground in the business travel community. One traveller in two - 48% to be precise - feels less safe today during business trips. " We are going through a period where concern for safety is very present and justified "confirms Jérôme Fouque, Executive Vice President of Egencia France. " Business travellers are highly aware of the slightest crisis that occurs. So it's natural for them to be sensitive to the security measures put in place by their company when they're away on business. "he adds.
French companies have work to do
However, it's not just the company that is responsible for the "grey area" that still too often surrounds the organisation of a business trip. According to this Egencia study, travellers tend to go off the rails by booking their tickets or hotel themselves, outside the booking channels recommended by the company. 76% of professionals questioned in France would be in this problematic situation. " 55% even say they book their favourite hotels and 44% their flights on their favourite airline.whether or not it forms part of the company's travel policy "underlines the press release published on Tuesday, which warns: " If bookings are not made via the TMC tools or agents appointed by the company, it may be more difficult to locate and contact them. ". And the Egencia report points out that: " out of the 12 countries studied, French companies need to do more in terms of communication to encourage their employees to respect the instructions when booking their trips" .
