October brought major shifts across the travel industry, from tech partnerships reshaping corporate travel to policy issues disrupting operations nationwide. Here’s a look at the key developments affecting business travelers and travel providers alike.
SAP Concur’s new partnership with American Express Global Business Travel has unsettled other TMCs, who fear being sidelined as GBT gains priority access to new technology. Christopherson's chief operating officer, Josh Cameron, recently told The Beat that Concur is “doing their best to reassure us that nothing’s changing, even though everything’s changing,” noting that disruption could create opportunity for nimble players. He added that “third-party booking tech is not the future,” emphasizing Christopherson’s strategy to build proprietary tools that let clients choose between its own technology and best-in-class third-party options. Business Travel News explained the new partnership in detail. Click below for more information.
The American Hotel & Lodging Association reports that U.S. hotels are losing millions of dollars each week due to the ongoing government shutdown. With federal employees unable to travel and conferences canceled, demand for rooms in Washington D.C. and other major markets has dropped sharply. Industry groups are urging lawmakers to reach a resolution as soon as possible to mitigate broader economic fallout.
Airline passengers are feeling the effects of the federal government shutdown as FAA staffing shortages lead to widespread flight delays. Major airports across the U.S. report longer security lines and operational slowdowns, with airlines warning that continued disruptions could extend into the holiday travel season.
Air Canada is set to launch new U.S. routes from Toronto’s downtown Billy Bishop Airport, including flights to Washington, D.C., and Chicago. The move marks the airline’s return to the airport after more than a decade and strengthens competition with Porter Airlines in the regional business travel market.
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We’ve curated some articles to keep you updated on all things Christopherson Business Travel.
