Travel managers take on new challenges: Survey reveals evolving roles and responsibilities

BCD Travel’s latest research highlights expanded duties, increased stakeholder collaboration and rising demand for technology and tools

UTRECHT, The Netherlands, Nov. 20, 2024 – BCD Travel recently surveyed 187 travel managers worldwide to explore their responsibilities, interactions with company stakeholders and industry changes impacting their jobs. The survey reveals key insights into the travel managers’ expanded scope, the teams they work with and the tools they need to succeed.

Growing scope of responsibilities
As travel managers navigate new challenges, their roles have expanded to include travel sourcing (68%) and payment and expense management (51%), with some taking on procurement or management tasks beyond travel.

Their biggest time investments go into managing TMC relationships (53%), followed by working on travel program strategy and communicating with travelers (47% each), as well as reporting and managing suppliers (44% each). In recent years, priorities have shifted toward cost control, data analysis, industry changes (such as NDC) and technology.

To measure program success and prove its value to the C-suite and other stakeholders, travel managers prioritize quantifying savings, aligning travel strategy with corporate objectives and sharing KPIs.

Stakeholder interaction
Travel managers collaborate the most with finance and procurement teams, with 58% engaging with procurement and 43% connecting with finance daily or weekly. Cross-departmental collaboration is on the rise, with 71% of travel teams involved in multi-departmental projects, reflecting an expanded, strategic role in company-wide initiatives. In the past years, engagement with finance, sustainability and security teams has increased the most, aligning travel management with cost control, environmental responsibility and duty of care.

“This survey reflects just how essential travel managers are becoming to organizational success,” said Jorge Cruz, executive vice president of Global Sales & Marketing at BCD. “They’re managing complex stakeholder relationships, driving sustainability and making data-informed decisions that align with broader business goals. At BCD, we’re committed to providing travel managers with the tools, technology, research and support they need to meet these new challenges head-on.”

Travel teams and reporting structure
Over two-thirds of travel teams report to procurement (39%), finance (19%) or HR (11%), underscoring the close alignment between travel management and corporate budgeting functions. A third have between four to six people in their travel team globally, while a quarter operate with more than 10 team members. Nearly half (46%) use the service of external consultants to help manage their travel programs, highlighting the need for outside experts.

Tools and job satisfaction
While six out of 10 travel managers feel they have the necessary tools to do their job, many face budget constraints, with 46% lacking budget for travel technology and services. Despite these challenges, travel managers are most satisfied with their authority level, stakeholder support and work-life balance, though career development remains an area for improvement.

This latest survey highlights the evolving, strategic role travel managers play and underscores the need for advanced tools, technology and services. For companies that need support to navigate the complexities of modern corporate travel, BCD’s digital solutions can help. From business intelligence and spend management automation to experiences that drive traveler engagement and satisfaction to our new sustainability offering to manage carbon reduction goals – BCD’s solutions and expertise can benefit any travel program.

To view the full survey results, click here.