More Travel Programs Are “Prioritizing the Needs of Women” : Business Traveler USA

Research finds 42 percent of travel managers are including special consideration for lone women travelers

An increasing number of corporate travel programs are prioritizing the needs of their women travelers, according to new research from the Business Travel Show Europe.

The new poll – published to coincide with this week’s International Women’s Day – found 42 percent of travel managers now include special consideration for lone women business travelers. That percentage is up 11 points over a similar survey taken in September 2021.

Furthermore, another 7 percent of respondents said they intend to introduce change within the next 12 months.

“Changes in working life, and also in the mindset of society, have led to increased compatibility between family and work for all parties (parents – men and women, and organizations),” said Porsche’s head of travel management Brigitte Lehle. She added that women are also increasingly occupying professions that require business trips.

According to Shelley Mathews, general manager, sales and partnerships, CTM Europe, clients had been asking the firm to provide more and better support for lone women travelers for some years.

“This can be anything from requiring hotels or specific hotel rooms that are viewed as more secure, to eating in business lounges rather the hotel bar, and using pre-booked chauffeur cars over hiring on-street taxis, for example,” said Mathews.

“As a global TMC operating all over the world, we provide our customers with detailed local information relating to specific countries and cultures that may impact women travelers, too.”

Rachel Connolly, Business Engagement Liaison for black car and courier service Adisson Lee, told BTSE that the firm had partnered with UN Women UK and its Safe Spaces Now campaign to provide its drivers and colleagues with specific training to improve their awareness of women’s safety.

“The training that we will deliver through this partnership will empower our drivers to report any concerns they have with a woman’s safety and also educate them on what makes their vehicle a safe space for someone who may feel unsafe or vulnerable,” said Connolly.

The Business Travel Show Europe returns as a fully face-to-face event at London’s Excel this year, with new dates of June 29-30, 2022. Visitor registrations are now open at businesstravelshoweurope.com.