After the Ash; American Express Business Travel Introduces Solution Suite for Managing Through the Unexpected
Volcanic Ash Situation Highlights Need For Corporations to Have Traveler Tracking and Instant Communication Tools Combined with Strategic and Experienced Travel Counsel - More Than 150,000 American Express Travel Customers Were Impacted by the Volcanic Ash Situation - Company Shares 10 Tips for Effective Travel Program Management in a Crisis
American Express Business Travel, a global leader in business travel management, announced today it is offering its automated central command post complimentary for those customers who implement its business continuity suite. Information learned from the volcanic ash cloud situation demonstrated the importance of continuous information exchange between corporate security, travel, finance and other departments and combining that with the creativity and persistence of experienced travel counselors became the formula to successfully manage through this unexpected situation. American Express Business Travel reported its client base had more than 150,000 travelers impacted by the travel cancellations.
American Express Business Travel is introducing a business continuity suite of products anchored by an online central command post that serves as the hub for traveler tracking tools and instant employee messaging necessary during a crisis. The core command post solution, or portal, is being offered complimentary to customers who purchase our business continuity suite. The suite also contains an after-hours solution and a telepresence/teleconference capability to serve as an alternate means for conducting business when the traditional methods (air, car, rail) are unavailable. If you are interested in taking advantage of this offer, contact your American Express Business Travel representative or you can email us at [email protected].
“The recent travel complications resulting from the volcanic ash cloud highlighted the need for companies to have a central command post to manage information. Travelers needed to be located and re-accommodated, and there was a need to disseminate communications on a broad-scale to stranded travelers, as well as employees that may not have started their trip yet,” said Lisa Durocher, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing and Product Management, American Express Business Travel.
“These business critical functions required sophisticated tools and quick actions from experienced and knowledgeable travel counselors. Around the world, our service delivery network and travel counselors used creativity, flexibility and persistence – and more than 12,000 hours of overtime – to get travelers home or change travel plans for those who had yet to commence their trips,” added Julie Bottner, Senior Vice President, Global Service Delivery, American Express Business Travel.
Top Tips for Managing An Unexpected Travel Disruption
Companies with a plan in place clearly were in a better position to support their travelers and their companies through the most recent crisis. Following is a list of tips American Express recommends for companies to consider to ensure preparation and business continuity for any unforeseen travel disruption:
- Be a safety net. Distressed travelers seek solace in their travel managers and expect a personal touch from their service. Collaborating effectively across business units including Travel, Risk/Security, Finance, Communications, Procurement, Technology and Human Resources is crucial to successfully supporting all of the needs of both travelers and the company. So plan ahead and have the right contacts aligned and policies in place before the next big event.
