This webpage focuses on Marriott’s groundbreaking initiative, Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy, which aims to revolutionize corporate travel management for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).This webpage focuses on Marriott’s groundbreaking initiative, Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy, which aims to revolutionize corporate travel management for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The article outlines the challenges faced by SMBs in managing business travel, such as booking complexity, expense management, and flexibility issues. It then highlights how Marriott’s new travel management system addresses these pain points by providing a comprehensive, seamless platform that streamlines booking, management, and expense reporting. The article emphasizes the game-changing nature of this initiative compared to other hotel chain programs that primarily focus on hotel stays. Marriott’s system encompasses booking flights, trains, and rental cars, along with live traveler data, real-time reporting, and expense management solutions. The potential impact of this initiative in India is also discussed, given the significant contribution of MSMEs to the country’s GDP and exports. It suggests that Marriott’s program could position the company as a preferred partner in the Indian market and transform the business travel landscape. The article concludes by highlighting the experience and expertise of the authors, Mandeep S. Lamba and Dipti Mohan, who provide insights into the hospitality industry and the potential impact of Marriott’s initiative.
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A Revolution in Business Travel – Marriott’s Groundbreaking Initiative – Image Credit Unsplash+
Marriott’s new comprehensive travel management system for small and mid-sized businesses has the potential to transform corporate travel management. Read on to learn more.
Marriott International’s recently launched ‘Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy’ marks a strategic advancement in the hospitality industry. While integrated travel management tools are not new, Marriott’s approach stands out by providing a comprehensive, seamless experience that simplifies the travel management process for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). This initiative has the potential to transform corporate travel management by addressing several pain points faced by business travelers.
Business travel for SMBs often comes with booking complexity, expense management, and the need for flexibility. Coordinating flights, hotels, and car rentals across multiple platforms can be cumbersome and time-consuming. Tracking and reporting expenses involves processing multiple receipts, adding to the administrative burden. Additionally, changes to travel plans can lead to complications and additional costs.
Marriott’s Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy, powered by Spotnana, a Travel-as-a-Service platform, streamlines travel for SMBs by consolidating booking, management, and expense reporting into a single, integrated platform. In addition to access to Marriott Bonvoy benefits, the system provides organizations with customizable travel policies, global travel policy management, and automated tools that simplify expense management. This allows travelers to focus on their work, without the burden of administrative tasks associated with travel.
Why is this initiative a game-changer?
Most hotel chains have introduced special initiatives for business travelers to increase direct bookings, such as Hilton’s Hilton Honors Business program and IHG’s Business Edge. These programs offer tailored travel solutions, flexible booking options and extensive rewards, but remain largely centered around hotel stays. And that’s where Marriott stands out.
Marriott’s comprehensive travel management system allows SMBs to not only book hotels within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio at discounted rates, but also book flights, trains and rental cars, eliminating the need for third-party providers. The system also includes access to live traveler data, real-time reporting and expense management solutions. This all-in-one approach is particularly beneficial for SMBs looking to simplify their travel logistics and ensure a seamless, efficient process, unlike other programs that are more limited to hotel bookings.
With micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) expected to drive business travel in India in the future, Marriott’s initiative could be a significant game-changer when the service is launched in the country. According to the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs contribute about 30% to India’s GDP and account for about 46% of the country’s exports. According to Invest India’s projections, India’s MSME sector is expected to grow to US$1 trillion by 2028. As MSMEs increase their business travel, Marriott’s program could provide them with efficient and cost-effective solutions, positioning the company as a preferred partner in the Indian market and increasing direct bookings and loyalty. Other companies may soon introduce similar integrated solutions to stay competitive and transform and redefine the business travel landscape.
Mandeep S. LambaPresident – South Asia, oversees HVS’s practice in South Asia. Mandeep has spent over 30 years in the hospitality industry, working with international hotel companies such as Choice Hotels, IHG and Radisson Hotels before becoming President of ITC Fortune Hotels in 2001. After successfully building the Fortune brand in the Indian mid-market hotel sector, Mandeep embarked on an entrepreneurial career spanning over 8 years, setting up JV companies with Dawnay Day Group UK and Onyx Hospitality Thailand before joining JLL in 2014, as Managing Director, Hotels & Hospitality Group – South Asia. Mandeep is an established leader in the industry and has won several awards and recognitions for his achievements. He was recently named in the Hotelier India Power List of India’s most respected hoteliers for the second year in a row. Contact Mandeep at +91 981 1306 161 or [email protected].
Dipti MohanSenior Manager – Research at HVS South Asia, is a seasoned knowledge professional with extensive experience in research-based content creation. She has authored several point of view documents such as thought leadership reports, expert opinion articles, white papers and research reports. Contact Dipti at [email protected].
