Blog
Stay up to date with news, trends and insights from BCD Travel and the business travel industry.
Buyers, travelers and companies aren’t always on the same page for sustainability
Companies highly value sustainability but travel programs don’t always reflect it.
AI may be new to some – but BCD has been using it for years
Some organizations may have just started testing the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) but it isn’t a new technology for BCD Travel. Download and listen to the "Connections with BCD Travel" podcast to learn how we're using AI throughout our system and where we’ll focus in 2024.
Hotel analytics: Unexpected lessons from digging into the data
Many long-held approaches in managed hotel programs aren’t supported or proven by data. For example, do you avoid nonrestrictive non-refundable hotels rates in your program to save costs? What if we told you that there may not be a need to because only about 5% of hotel bookings are ever cancelled? Think about what that could mean for your program. Now's a good time to determine what’s working and what’s not. But first, there’s more you should know.
BCD Travel October events: Fall into savings, sustainability, AI and more
Here’s where you can find BCD Travel, Advito and BCD Meetings & Events this autumn.
Speed of business: A message from Stephan Baars, BCD President & CEO
Speed is the word Stephan Baars uses to describe his travels since his return to BCD as president and CEO. Why speed? Keep reading.
BCD Travel report: Accessibility in travel
Travel can be stressful or complicated for anyone, but travelers with disabilities can face even more obstacles due to the way services and environments are designed. BCD Travel’s new report, Accessibility in Travel, examines the topic through the lens of business travel.
TripSource® turns on AI-driven accessibility widget
New function opens TripSource to an even wider range of users.
BCD TV: Level up with
GBTA Ladders
Interested in taking your business travel career to the next level?
Out of office leader: BCD named a top company for flexible and remote work
BCD Travel has been named to the "Top 100 Companies for Hybrid Jobs in 2023" list by FlexJobs, a database that monitors and celebrates companies with cultures that embrace the future of work. BCD is No. 14 on the list.
Business travel and big ideas at GBTA APAC Conference Singapore, Sept. 19-20
Effective travel program management and the role of AI in business travel are on the agenda for BCD Travel speakers at GBTA APAC Conference Singapore, Sept. 19-20. Are you planning to attend? Add our sessions to your agenda and meet our team at the show.
Enjoy an elevated travel experience with Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines’ global network ensures that you'll enjoy hassle-free connections to over 130 destinations in 30 countries with their award-winning service.
BCD Connections podcast: What’s happening with business travel in Greater China?
Jonathan Kao, CFA, managing director for BCD Greater China, visited the Connections podcast to talk about the reemergence of travel in Greater China and the Asia-Pacific region. He looked at the region's importance, the challenges it faces, and the outlook for 2024. If you’re interested in gaining more insights into Greater China's business travel scene, this episode is a must-listen.
Job done: BCD’s Stephens completes sea swim for modern slavery awareness
In choppy waters and under cloudy skies, BCD’s Claire Stephens completed a two-mile sea swim to raise awareness about children being targeted for human trafficking in Cambodia. Stephens is vice president, Global Client Team, at BCD. Her Lyme Regis to Charmouth Challenge Sea Swim was supported by A21, a global organization solely dedicated to fighting modern slavery. Stephens, who trained for nearly nine months and had to overcome a fear of drowning, finished the swim in one hour and 28 minutes. Below, is her account of the experience.
BCD validates travel risk management capabilities with GBTA Risk Committee
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Risk Committee has certified that BCD Travel’s risk management solutions align with ISO 31030, the international guidance specific to travel risk management.
BCD highlights from GBTA Dallas 2023
Our team is still buzzing from the energy of GBTA Conference 2023 in Dallas. Watch as our BCD TV host Chad Lemon catches up with Jorge Cruz, vice president of global sales & marketing and Patrick Pickens, vice president of global sales. Also, Yannis Karmis, Senior Vice President of Product Planning & Development at BCD, stopped by the GBTA Broadcast Studio to talk about how BCD is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) in its technology portfolio.
TSA PreCheck® program adds four airlines
The United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) added four airlines to its TSA PreCheck® expedited screening program. With the addition of Cayman Airways, French bee, Titan Airways and ZIPAIR, TSA PreCheck now has 90 participating domestic and international carriers.
European Union plans 2024 ETIAS launch but rollout date still not set
The European Union will launch the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in 2024. Visitors from places like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand – who previously entered Europe visa-free – will need the authorization to get into 30 European countries. The ETIAS launch date isn’t set but travel programs can keep travelers informed with communications leading up to implementation.
Reward yourself at
Meliá Hotels International
for a job well done
You deserve time off. Celebrate U.S. Labor Day and your hard work with 10% off an exclusive stay at a Meliá hotel. Use promo code: PROMO10OFF. The offer is valid for bookings from Aug. 28 – Sept. 11, 2023, on stays from Aug. 28, 2023, through April 20, 2024.
Great business meetings start in Standard Premium with Avanti West Coast
Nothing beats meeting face to face and for business travelers wanting to arrive in great shape, there’s no better way to go than Avanti West Coast. They’re the only UK train company with three classes of travel: First, Standard and Standard Premium.
BCD’s TripSource now displays CO2 emissions
TripSource® by BCD Travel now shows users the environmental impact of flights. That means travelers and travel arrangers can easily see how their booking choices affect the environment. They can weigh CO2 emissions estimates against other factors like cost, planning and convenience to make good travel choices.
Taking the plunge: BCD VP Claire Stephens swims to end modern slavery
BCD Vice President Claire Stephens fought to overcome her fear of drowning to help a worthy cause. In September, Stephens will attempt the Lyme Regis to Charmouth Challenge Sea Swim. The swim is supported by A21, a global organization solely dedicated to fighting human trafficking.
Cash in on the benefits of Virtual Payment Automation
Reserving and paying for hotel rooms during a business trip can be tricky for travelers without corporate cards. BCD Pay’s Virtual Payment Automation (VPA) makes it simple and secure for employees, contractors, or even guests to book hotel rooms with a virtual card.
Eating, sleeping and stress: Insights on traveler wellbeing
Business travelers may be better able to manage the demands of work-related trips and activities when they're at their physical and mental best. Regular movement, balanced meals and adequate rest are as important for them as the meetings, deals and connections they make.
BCD launches new solution for guest travel management
BCD Invite simplifies inefficient manual processes for managing unprofiled travelers.
6 rookie mistakes that could ruin a business trip
The value of proper planning can’t be overstated for business travelers – especially when traveling to a new or unfamiliar destination. Small (or major) oversights can change a trip from successful to challenging. BCD’s Global Crisis Management team has identified six rookie mistakes business travelers should avoid before traveling to places they don’t know well or at all.