Business travel chief hails new way forward

Thursday, 07 Mar, 2002 0

The business travel industry has reached a turning point following a year of crisis, according to the President and CEO of Carlson Wagonlit Travel, world-wide, Herve Gourio, speaking in London yesterday.

Mr Gourio (pictured with Jim Tweedie, Executive Vice President North Europe – Carlson Wagonlit Travel, left) said: “2001 was a year like no other in the history of business travel. All key players – corporations, travel suppliers, technology companies and business travel management companies – have been shaken from the end of 2000 and increasingly throughout 2001. The tragic events of September 11 can now be seen as a watershed.

“As a result of all the change and upheaval in the marketplace, a new business model is emerging for travel purchasing. The combination of newly defined relationships between those involved in travel, and increased expectations from clients, is leading to a new way of doing business. It is one based on innovation, a win-win approach and the integration of technology at all critical stages within the travel process.”

Gourio underlined the double shift of corporations moving from simply buying travel towards a “true procurement approach”, while Travel Management Companies go from handling travel towards e.bookings and consultancy.

Despite a difficult year, marked by economic slowdown, cost-cutting world-wide and September 11, Carlson Wagonlit Travel reported a sales volume of $11 billion (USD) for 2001.

Commenting on the results, Mr Gourio said: “We were able to withstand the negative impact of a turbulent year due mainly to our ability to adapt our organisation at levels of activity. Other positive factors include productivity gains, strong support from our shareholders, Accor and CCI, and a true global operation.”

WANDERERS WELCOME to MISSISSIPPI Mississippi is a state for all those who are wanderers at heart. From lush, forested Appalachian foothills to...

Welcome to Qatar Airways Qatar Airways is proud to be one of the youngest global airlines to serve all...

Consisting of the three Maritime provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island as well as Newfoundland and...

The superpower in bed banks for 30 years We are an award-winning and trusted accommodation wholesaler since 1991. We are...

Destination British Columbia (Destination BC) is a Provincially funded, industry-led Crown corporation that supports a strong and competitive future for BC’s...

At Wilderness Safaris we believe in creating life-changing journeys and have been doing so for over 39 years. Our purpose...

Some describe it as a natural playground. Some say, it’s simply unique as it offers a great array of travel...

This is Jersey. An island shaped by the sea where some of the most astonishing tides in the world circle...

Arival advances the business of creating amazing in-destination experiences. We provide events, insights, and community for creators and sellers of...

Classic Collection is where travel expertise and personal service combine to create the perfect luxury holiday. Our travel agent partners...

If you’re thinking of cruising, there’s a very good chance you’re considering a Carnival cruise. Growing since our founding in...

Palladium Hotel Group is a renowned Spanish hotel chain that first emerged towards the end of the 1960s. Currently present...

In 2019, Buffalo Tours and Olympus Tours joined the Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) family and formed Discova. With the...

IHG Hotels & Resorts: Redefining Hospitality Excellence IHG Hotels & Resorts is a globally renowned hospitality company that stands at...

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is an S&P 500® global entertainment company with national and international locations featuring best-in-class hotels...