CWT claims half-year record $1bn sales
Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) has claimed a 10% rise in sales in the first half of the year to a record $1 billion.
The world’s second-largest travel management company said new sales came from a range of clients, including small and medium-size companies, large corporations and government institutions.
The 10% rise in total sales volume was attributed to a “robust business travel market, strong client retention and the record level of new sales”.
The growth of online transactions ranged from 91% in Australia, where CWT clients have reached an online penetration rate of 18%, to 21% in North America, where 42% of CWT’s transactions are now online. In Europe, Middle East, Africa, CWT’s online bookings increased 77% in the first half, with penetration reaching almost 10%.
CWT’s hotel volume registered an increase of 18% year-on-year, reflecting a rising number of corporate travel managers who understand the importance of integrating hotel spend into their managed travel programmes, according to the company.
The first half of the year was marked by the acquisition of Navigant International, doubling the size of CWT in North America. The acquisition of was finalised last month.
Combined leadership teams are now in place in all relevant countries around the world, CWT said.
President and CEO Hubert Joly said: “Our progress demonstrates the relevance of effective travel management to our clients and the strength of our value proposition.
”CWT had strong results in the first half of the year. We trust that the integration of Navigant will further build on this momentum.”
Report by Phil Davies
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