Disconnected systems continue to create challenges for many corporate travel programs. When content, data, and other resources are spread across different tools, both travelers and travel managers can face unnecessary friction.
During our recent webinar, From Fragmentation to Access: The Next Evolution of Travel Management, Senior Director of Product Management Olivia Kellin explored how a more connected approach can address these challenges, and demonstrated how Avenir brings content, data, service, and intelligent capabilities together in one platform.
Here are three takeaways for travel managers considering what this shift could mean for their organization.
1. A Better Traveler Experience Strengthens Your Program
When travelers book outside the managed program, the problem isn’t necessarily the travel policy itself. Sometimes the existing booking process doesn’t give them easy access to the options they want.
Bringing the right content sources into one place can help close that gap. That’s why Avenir provides access to content from the GDS, NDC, OTAs, low-cost carriers, direct supplier connections and more, giving travelers choices without forcing them to leave the managed environment.
That ease of use should also continue after the initial booking. Today, 94% of bookings and 85% of changes and cancellations within Avenir are handled through self-service. Giving travelers greater control over routine adjustments not only makes the managed program easier to use, but it frees up advisors to focus their expertise where it adds the most value.
2. More Data Only Matters If You Can Use It
Travel managers rarely lack access to data, but it can be challenging to bring that information together in a way that is accurate and useful. That foundation becomes especially important as analytics and AI play a larger role in travel management. AI is only as effective as the systems and data behind it, making connected, trusted data an essential part of a modern travel technology strategy.
Avenir brings global program data into one environment, with on-demand reporting across air, hotel, car, rail, and other categories. Travel managers can move from a high-level view of program performance into details such as policy compliance, traveler activity, destinations, currencies, and individual areas of spend and savings.
Increasingly, technology can also proactively surface trends and help travel managers investigate what is driving them. Capabilities such as Ask Avenir build on that connected data foundation, making it easier to explore program questions using natural language. This gives travel managers a clearer path from identifying a trend to understanding its impact and determining the right response.
3. Self-Service & Expert Support Should Work Together
Travelers may be comfortable handling straightforward bookings, changes, and cancellations themselves, but complex itineraries and disruptions often require an elevated level of assistance.
The transition between self-service and advisor support should feel seamless. Within Avenir, travelers and Direct Travel advisors operate from the same platform, giving advisors visibility into the traveler’s itinerary and what has already happened when they step in to help.
This shared context creates greater continuity across the service experience. Travelers can handle routine needs independently while still having access to expert support when it matters most, without starting over or navigating a separate platform.
Your Questions About Avenir, Answered
Beyond the webinar’s broader takeaways, attendees also had the opportunity to dig deeper into Avenir and how it supports different aspects of a managed travel program. Here are answers to some of the top questions that came up during the session.
Is Avenir primarily a reporting tool, or can travelers also book travel through the platform?
Avenir is a complete travel management platform spanning booking, servicing, data, reporting, and program management. Its booking technology is powered by Spotnana, giving travelers access to flights, hotels, rail, and other travel content within the platform.
Does Avenir eliminate the need to book or manage trips through a travel advisor?
Travelers can self-service many bookings, changes, and cancellations, and travel managers have visibility into traveler itineraries and activity. For complex itineraries, disruptions, or situations requiring specialized support, Direct Travel advisors remain available to step in and assist.
How does Avenir help reduce hotel program leakage?
Avenir combines a streamlined booking experience with access to a broad range of hotel content, helping travelers find the options they need within the managed program and supporting stronger adoption and compliance.
Can Avenir help manage unused airline tickets?
Unused tickets appear within the traveler’s profile and can be applied during checkout, making available credits easier to use. Travel managers can also monitor unused tickets through reporting.
How does expense management work with Avenir?
Avenir’s open architecture can connect with an organization’s preferred expense solution, allowing travel data and invoices to flow into existing expense processes.
How much historical travel data is available in Avenir?
Existing Direct Travel clients can bring historical Direct Travel data into Avenir. For new clients, Avenir begins building the organization’s travel data history from the start of the program.
Connecting the Pieces of Modern Travel
As travel technology continues to evolve, the different parts of a travel program must work together seamlessly. Bringing content, data, technology, and service together can give travelers easier access to what they need while helping travel managers gain greater visibility and control.
Avenir was built around this accessible approach, giving organizations a foundation to manage today’s needs and continue evolving over time.
Want a closer look at Avenir? Get in touch with our team to schedule a personalized demo and explore what a more connected travel program could look like for your organization.
