[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""] What is Project Sunrise? 'Project Sunrise' is the name Qantas has given to its suite of new ultra-long-haul flight routes. Officially announced in 2017, Project Sunrise is Qantas' plan to unite the world the travel, allowing travellers to travel directly between far-reaching destinations such as Sydney and London, New York and more. Put on hold during the Pandemic, Project Sunrise flights are currently expected to take off during the second half of 2026. The flights are expected to be flown on Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, specially designed in conjunction with Qantas, and to feature several unique features including a Wellness Zone and Super First Class to enhance passenger comfort while on board.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][nd_options_image nd_options_image="29183" nd_options_width="full"][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height="20"][vc_column_text css=""] What to from Project Sunrise Flights Project Sunrise: Key Destinations Designed specifically to help expediate long-haul travel and minimise stopovers, flights will initially be flying exclusively ultra-long-haul routes, specifically Sydney-London and Sydney-New York initially. While these are the only two routes confirmed at this stage, Qantas also hopes to add more city pairings to its ultra-long-haul repertoire, including flights out of Melbourne and into cities including Paris, Frankfurt, Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][nd_options_image nd_options_image="29177"][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height="20"][vc_column_text css=""] Project Sunrise: Unique Features Expected to fly for up to 21 hours at a time, Project Sunrise flights and aircraft will naturally come with a few unique features to help increase customer comfort and ensure travellers enjoy their flight on the new flagship service: Wellness Zone Located strategically between the Premium Economy and Economy Cabins, by far the most unique feature is the Wellness Zone. Designed specifically to help mitigate issues with blood flow, cramping and flight fatigue, the Wellness Zone will be a dedicated stretching space where all passengers can go to stretch their legs, move around and alleviate muscle aches, with guided video exercises to help passengers move around. The Wellness Zone will also feature a range of different lighting combinations, designed strategically to help passengers transition through jet lag more effectively. Super First Class As is appropriate for Qantas' newest and most modern flagship flights, Project Sunrise Aircraft will feature a 'Super First Class', a lavish and ultra-private space for travellers to rest, relax and conduct business while onboard. Cocooned in a fully private suite, travellers lucky enough to travel in Super First Class will have a separate chair and bed, 32" HD screen with Bluetooth connectivity and customisable lighting, allowing passengers to change their lighting according to the time zone they want to adapt to in advance. Business Class Passengers travelling on these ultra-long-haul flights are likely to want as much comfort as possible, and so Qantas has invested a significant amount of time and energy into developing a comfortable Business Class offering. Featuring sliding privacy doors, a fully lie-flat bed, 18" video screen and charging capabilities, Business Class passengers will be able travel comfortably for 20 hours on board. Premium Economy and Economy Qantas' new Project Sunrise flights will also include Premium Economy and Economy Class seating as usual with their other aircraft – but considering the duration of the flight, the Airline has spent extra time ensuring the seats will be more comfortable. Passengers flying in Premium Economy and Economy will also have full access to the Wellness Zone, allowing them to get up and stretch their legs as needed throughout the flight.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][nd_options_image nd_options_image="29178"][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height="20"][vc_column_text css=""] When Will Project Sunrise Launch? At this stage, flights under the Project Sunrise banner are expected to launch in 2026. Passengers will be able to fly on one of 12 custom-designed Airbus A350-1000's – currently on order – and will be able to fly direct to destinations including London, New York and eventually Paris, Frankfurt, Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro. Pulse Travel looks forward to bringing our clients more news on Project Sunrise as it progresses further – to keep up-to-date and be one of the first on the flights when they launch, subscribe to our Travel Industry Newsletter.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

In today's day and age, connectivity is crucial. With many businesses now regularly hosting or sending staff off to global events, the need for integrated Conference and Business Travel Management support has become greater than ever. From cost-saving to risk management, swapping to an Integrated Travel Agency allows many businesses greater control over their staff travel and budgets, and greater peace of mind in the event something goes wrong. Learn more about how integrating these two services into one aligned offering can support a business.   What is an Integrated Travel Agency? An integrated Travel Agency is a Travel Agency that provides both Conference and Business Travel Management. Often undertaken by Corporate Travel Agencies such as Pulse Travel, an integrated travel agency will often support businesses in: Consolidating and managing their overall travel expenses Ensuring full adherence of a business's Corporate Travel Policy Utilising industry relationships to provide competitive pricing Ensuring full knowledge of staff travel at all times Providing attendee Travel Management for travelling parties during Conferences and Events For many Medium and Large Businesses, utilising an Integrated Travel Agency allows businesses to consolidate their Conference and Business Travel Management under one banner, saving time, money and resources. Furthermore, integrating these two offerings ensures fewer parties are managing a company's travel bookings at any one time, ensuring increased adherence to company Travel Policies and assurance that travellers are accounted for at all times.   Benefits of Integrating Business Travel and Meetings Management Conference and Business Travel Management as individual services can often contain significant overlap, and with businesses more budget-conscious than ever, there are several key points to be made in the argument for integration. 1. Cost-Saving Employing a third party to manage Conference and Corporate Travel is often necessary, but employing specialists to manage each piece of the puzzle comes with a cost. Many Agencies charge regular sign-on and management fees as part of their cost infrastructure to manage these bookings and events, and by combining your Conference and Business Travel Management under one roof businesses can minimise their costs while ensuring the same level of service. Some businesses may also offer sign-on discounts or deals for integrating these services under one roof, ensuring further business savings.   2. Risk Management With any type of travel or event, naturally comes risk. While risk is unavoidable in business, it's something that businesses want to mitigate as much as possible – and in this instance, the best way to mitigate risk is to minimise parties involved. Naturally, the more people involved in something at any one time can increase the risk of something going wrong. By employing multiple parties to manage the same service for different situations, businesses run the risk of parties being double-booked, changes being missed, or staff even being left stranded when they're unsure which party to speak to in the event of an emergency. By integrating these services under one banner companies ensure that all of their bookings and travel are managed by one team at all times, ensuring consistency, clear communication and efficiency in the event that something goes wrong.   3. Policy Compliance A companies Travel Policy will often outline their preferred suppliers, agreed booking rates, emergency protocol and any other specific rules that staff need to follow when travelling on behalf of a business, and adopting an integrated approach goes a long way to ensuring this Travel Policy is adhered to. Travel Policies are often created and reviewed in partnership with a Corporate Travel Manager regularly, and by combining Conference and Business Travel Management under one roof, businesses can ensure that this Policy is followed at all times and have better visuals over staff movements overall.   4. Improved Processes Clear, written processes go a long way in ensuring businesses run smoothly, and utilising a Travel Agency that provides both Conference and Business Travel Management allows businesses to streamline these processes and ensure business activities are as efficient as possible. For example, Pulse Travel has the ability to manage both Conferences and Corporate Travel, ensuring businesses have one distinct Point of Contact for all travel and tourism-related queries and one experienced Travel Agent to liaise with on any bookings, decreasing approval times and increasing overall efficiency.   5. Increased Clarity Conference and Business Travel Management can get complicated, and choosing to integrate the management of these services under one banner can go a long way in increasing clarity and decreasing confusion around processes. From a business perspective, integrating your Conference and Business Travel Management provides better tracking in terms of Travel Spend and Policy Compliance, and from a traveller's perspective provides clarity around who to contact if something goes wrong.   As companies place higher importance on Corporate Travel once more, finding new and more efficient ways to manage travel and events has become crucial. For more information on how Pulse Travel can support your business in Conference and Business Travel Management, get in touch via 1300 131 885.

Most of us are probably all-too-familiar with the dreaded feeling of arriving at a destination with a kinked neck after spending 14 hours trying to get comfortable in economy class. Not to mention the added days it takes to recover from such injuries, coupled with a good bout of jetlag. That is why when travelling for business, flying in comfort is essential so that you can arrive at your destination feeling recharged and ready to go. Premium economy offers that sweet spot for businesses who prioritise the comfort of their employees while also managing travel expenses effectively. Although premium economy provides a more elevated experience for business travellers, it is important to be mindful that the offering can differ greatly from airline to airline. Our team of experienced travel managers are regularly asked the question, “is premium economy really worth the cost?", so let’s explore the premium economy cabins of some of our most flown airlines.    But First, Why Fly Premium Economy?  Now almost every major airline has a premium economy offering, but it wasn’t that long ago when the new class was first introduced by Taiwanese airline, EVA Air, in 1992. Bridging the gap between economy and business class, there’s a reason why premium economy has quickly gained traction over the past two decades. Offering an elevated experience for usually a fraction of the cost of business class, premium economy is the cost-effective solution for your business to travel in comfort. Here's some features you can expect to find when flying premium economy:  More Space: The main drawcard for premium economy is most certainly the extra legroom and wider seats, providing passengers with an added level of comfort to optimise rest.   Priority Boarding: Skip the queues with dedicated premium economy check-in counters and priority boarding to allow for a more seamless, stress-free travel experience.  Dining Experience: Kick back and enjoy an upgraded dining experience with airlines like Qantas even offering a glass of sparkling wine upon boarding.   Elevated Service: Seated in a smaller private cabin, you can expect to receive more attentive service from a dedicated premium economy cabin crew.  While all these features sound well and good, it is important to review an airline’s premium economy offering as not all offer the same perks. Our experienced team of corporate travel managers at Pulse Travel can help you find a tailor-made solution that suits your team’s needs, but here’s a summary to get you started:    World’s Best Premium Economy: Japan Airlines  In the recently announced Skytrax 2024 World Airline Awards, Japan Airlines was voted to have the World’s Best Premium Economy Class, followed by Emirates in second place and EVA Air in third place. Japan Airlines came out on top due to their roomy seats; boasting a 42-inch seat, compared to the standard 38-inch seat most airlines have. To add to this, their seats have fold-out privacy dividers and premium economy passengers are granted access to the Japan Airlines lounge prior to departure. In line with most other airlines, the checked baggage allowance for premium economy is 2x 23kg pieces.    Qantas Premium Economy  When travelling premium economy with Qantas, you can expect a dedicated check-in counter, a generous 40kg baggage allowance, along with priority boarding and disembarkation. Their ergonomically designed seats provide a class-leading level of comfort – all sweetened with a glass of sparkling wine upon boarding, followed by a multi-course dining experience and award-winning selection of wines.    Credit: www.qantas.com     Emirates Premium Economy  Voted the second Best Premium Economy Class in the 2024 World Airline Awards, Emirates Premium Economy cabins feature 40-inch-wide cream leather seats with a deeper recline for added comfort. Their dining experience includes regional menus that are refreshed monthly, elevated with Royal Doulton tableware and a wider selection of beverages. Differing from Qantas, there is no dedicated premium economy check-in counter and the checked baggage allowance for these passengers is 35kg.     Singapore Airlines Premium Economy  Flying premium economy with Singapore, you will have a calf rest and footrest built into your seat, an enhanced in-flight meal served with porcelain silverware, and a baggage allowance of 35kg or 2x 23kg pieces depending on your destination. To provide a seamless travel experience, passengers will also have priority check-in boarding and baggage handling.  Credit: www.singaporeair.com   United Airlines Premium Economy  United Airlines premium economy class, Premium Plus, offers the standard extra space, checked baggage allowance of 2x 23kg pieces, as well as priority check-in, boarding, baggage handling and security lanes. The difference between United’s offering is that their premium economy cabin is only semi-private and the dining experience is not as elevated as you may expect on Qantas, Emirates and Singapore Airlines.  Credit: www.united.com   Is Premium Economy Worth the Cost?  With fares ranging between 30% to double the cost of an economy ticket, it begs the question - is premium economy really worth it? In short, yes! Particularly for day-time or short-haul flights, you can relax with more space and comfort while travelling for business – without the price tag of a business class fare.   While premium economy certainly is an upgrade from economy class, it doesn’t offer the same luxury of the lie-flat beds you’ll find in business class. So if you’re flying overnight, it’s important to consider the features that will help you arrive at your destination feeling well-rested and ready to tackle the day ahead after a long-haul international flight.   If you’re looking to review your corporate travel policy or identify opportunities to reduce travel costs, our dedicated team of corporate travel managers at Pulse Travel are always happy to help. 

The recently announced 2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards has us interested to know which airline really tops all when it comes comfort, price, reliability and travel perks? According to the Awards, which are based off a customer satisfaction survey covering a range of topics, Qatar Airways topped the list of best airlines, followed by Singapore Airlines and then Emirates. But what this survey doesn’t take into account are some non-negotiables for corporate travellers, such as reliability, flexibility and travel perks. We know that travelling for business is much more than just getting from A to B, so we’re delving deeper to provide you with a more comprehensive guide on the best airlines to suit your travel needs.     Best Domestic Availability: Qantas Airways  The World Airline Awards split the Best Airlines by region so that we can see how our domestic airlines rank against each other in these global awards. In the Australia/Pacific region, Qantas Airways was the top Australian airline, ranking 3rd place behind Fiji Airways and Air New Zealand. Qantas was followed by Rex Airlines in 4th place and Virgin Australia in 5th place. While Qantas may be up there in price to reflect their premium services, the availability and frequency of flights between all major cities in Australia is second to none. As Australia’s national carrier, it’s no surprise that no matter which major city you’re in or what time it is, you can be rest assured that a Qantas flight will be able to get you there.   Credit: www.qantas.com   Most Flexible Domestic Airline: Virgin Australia  We all know that business doesn’t always go according to plan. Try as we might, but meetings go overtime, business gets delayed or trips get postponed altogether. No experienced travel manager can foresee these kinds of circumstances, which is why it’s important to seek out flexible fares for corporate travellers. But having the opportunity to make stress-free changes, of course, comes at a cost. It all depends on the type of fare you purchase but in essence, the more you pay, the more flexibility you’ll have. So it’s not necessarily whether the airline is the ‘most flexible’, but more so, which airline allows you to make the most changes when purchasing a flex fare.  A flex fare with Qantas, Virgin Australia and Rex all allow you to make changes at no fee (plus the fare difference), but the difference is the timing of when you can make those changes. Rex allows you to make changes to your flight within 60 minutes of your scheduled departure, Qantas within 30 minutes, and Virgin Australia states “prior to scheduled departure”, assuming that you can do so right up until your scheduled departure time.     Most Reliable Domestic Airline: Qantas Airways  Nothing is worse than a long day of interstate travel and work, than getting to the airport and finding out that your flight is either delayed or cancelled. We know that unforeseen circumstances like weather or resourcing issues can come into play, but if we look to the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research’s ‘Domestic airline on time performance report’ for 2023, Qantas achieved the highest level of on time departures among the major domestic airlines. As for cancellations, Rex recorded the lowest cancellation rate of 1.9%, followed closely by Qantas at 3.4%. Qantas may have fallen out of the top 20 global airline rankings announced at the 2024 World Airline Awards, but according to the Bureau’s report, it remains the trustiest airline here in Australia if you’re looking to arrive somewhere on time.    World’s Best Business Class: Qatar Airways  Flying in comfort so you can arrive at your destination feeling recharged and ready to go after a long-haul flight is essential. Qatar Airways was recently recognised by the 2024 World Airlines Awards for the World’s Best Business Class – and for good reason. A trailblazer in the industry, they are widely regarded for their unparalleled service offering, which goes beyond just their world-class hospitality. Inside their renowned Qsuite business class cabins, you’ll find fully lie-flat beds, sliding doors for pure privacy, and we can’t forget their exclusive amenity kit developed in partnership with Diptyque. In the World’s Best Business Class Award for 2024, Qatar Airways was closely followed by Singapore Airlines in 2nd place.  Credit: www.qatarairways.com    World’s Best Economy Class: Cathay Pacific Airways  Cathay Pacific Airways ranked 5th place in the overall World’s Best Airline of 2024, but managed to top all airlines winning the World’s Best Economy Class for 2024. If you’re travelling economy class internationally, Cathay Pacific’s economy class cabins have been designed with comfort and convenience front of mind. One of our favourite features is their award-winning entertainment system which allows you to connect your personal headphones via Bluetooth. And on certain planes, there’s even a dedicated shelf designed to keep your mobile device at eye level so that you can comfortably watch your own content – if you’re not already immersed in their state-of-the-art entertainment system.    Best Perks: Emirates Airlines  A few added perks can make international business travel much more comfortable and convenient, which is where Emirates Airlines shines. Their elevated business class goes beyond just the in-flight offerings. Whether it’s the complimentary chauffeur-drive service to and from the airport, or the exceptional lounge access and fast-track passes for pre-check and immigration, you can fly relaxed knowing that your international travel will be seamless thanks to the perks Emirates provides.    Your Corporate Travel Professionals  Just like life, we know that business travel doesn’t always go according to plan. If you need expert help managing your corporate travel, enquire at Pulse Travel to speak with one of our dedicated corporate travel managers. Whether you need help developing a corporate travel policy that’s consistent with your business objectives or identifying areas to save on travel expenses, we’ve got you covered.  

It’s the age-old question in travel – how do you balance comfortable business travel accommodation with cost-effectiveness? In an age where employee health and wellbeing is more important than ever, it’s important for businesses to ensure they’re choosing the right business travel accommodation when sending staff on trips. However, how do you balance comfort against cost, and ensure staff are satisfied with their treatment during travel while also looking after the company books?   The Importance of Comfortable Business Travel Accommodation: Utilising comfortable business travel accommodation is about more than just plush pillows, large beds and rooms with block-out curtains. Employee wellbeing, health and overall satisfaction are all important parts of business that can be impacted by business trips, and balancing cost with ensuring your staff get comfortable accommodation can go a long way towards managing these aspects. Furthermore, business trips are typically utilised to close a deal, cement a relationship or expand business offerings, and it’s important that the person on the trip is operating at their best to achieve the best results – cost-cutting on accommodation can jeopardise this. While no business wants to spend huge sums of money on accommodation, it is important to factor in a level of comfort for your staff when travelling to ensure they achieve the best results for the business – here are our top tips below.   Perfecting Your Business Travel Accommodation Agreement: Define what your staff want VS what the company can afford A great way to understand your staff’s wants and needs when travelling interstate or overseas is to ask them. While not all requests will be realistic or manageable, asking your staff directly will help you gain an understanding of what is and isn’t important and where you should invest money (and where you can save). From here, this also gives you the opportunity to open the floor for negotiations to help you come to an agreement with staff on what level of accommodation can be expected. Write down the final agreement in your Company Travel Policy Once you’ve decided on what level of accommodation and what comforts you’ll provide for your staff, it’s vital you note these down in detail in your Company Travel Policy. A Company Travel Policy is effectively your company’s travel bible, providing in-depth information on agreed accommodation, preferred suppliers, what costs are and are not approved and any other pieces of information that your staff may need to know about when booking or embarking on travel. Your Pulse Corporate Travel Arranger can support you in finalising the details of your agreement and noting this information down in detail so there is no confusion or disagreements in the future. Speak to your Travel Arranger regarding deals and discounts When initially deciding on what level of business travel accommodation you’re willing to provide, you don’t have to go based on the prices you see online. Corporate Travel Agents often have access to deals, discounts and exclusive business travel rates, and may be able to provide these rates for you to help achieve a more cost-effective solution. For businesses only travelling irregularly, your Travel Agent may be able to inform you of deals and discounts to take advantage of – for businesses who regularly use the same hotels, your Travel Agent may be able to negotiate cheaper long-term offerings for you, ensuring you can provide the level of accommodation that your staff require while also looking after company costs. Pulse Travel has extensive knowledge in negotiating these costs, and can assist you if you’re navigating the world of supplier partnerships for the first time. Proactively manage any special exceptions Due to age, injury or illness, some staff members may require special exceptions when travelling for business, and it’s important these are addressed and acknowledged at the beginning of your negotiations.For the purposes of employee satisfaction and retention, alongside Workplace Health and Safety, it’s important you take any injuries or illness into consideration and don’t just entirely sweep it under the rug – this could lead to losing high-performing staff or Workplace issues if your choice of accommodation causes further injury. However, your Pulse Corporate Travel Arranger will be able to find accommodation that suits these requirements, while still also ensuring that the accommodation is within the businesses budget. Regularly review your accommodation options Accommodation prices and deals are constantly changing, so what may have been the best option twelve months ago may not be the best option now – When you’re reviewing your companies Travel Policy, also take the time to review your suppliers and the options available to see if there are any ways you can further manage your costs while retaining employee satisfaction.   Managing Your Corporate Travel A big part of embarking on Corporate Travel is ensuring the travel is  managed appropriately – from the initial Travel policy creation to last-minute changes if a flight, hotel or car is no longer available. The team at Pulse Travel have over 30 years of experience managing Corporate Travel for their partners, and can assist in balancing your business costs against employee requirements to ensure satisfaction for both parties. To learn more about how they can assist, get in touch today.

In our globalised world, millions of employers and employees find themselves travelling for business every year. With travel, naturally comes risks – and with risk, comes the need for a Corporate Travel Risk Management Plan. Each business that asks staff to travel on the businesses behalf has a Duty of Care to that travelling staff member, and included in that Duty of Care is the responsibility to manage Corporate Travel Risks and ensure the staff member is as safe as they can be while travelling. Developing a Corporate Travel Risk Management plan is crucial to the success of your corporate travel long term – so here are our top tips for developing your businesses Travel Risk Management Plan in 2024 and beyond.   Corporate Travel Risk Management Programs Importance of Travel Risk Management Programs Corporate Travel Risk Management Programs are programs in which Travel Arrangers or independent travellers must anticipate, prevent and react to any unplanned risks that travellers may experience on their journey.  The level of Travel Risk that a business has to deal with will depend on the frequency of travel by staff and the areas in which a staff member travels to – however, as soon as a staff member begins travelling, it’s important to develop a Travel Risk Management Program to ensure any issues that arise on the road are dealt with swiftly and painlessly.   Defining a Corporate Travel Risk: With travel naturally comes risks of some level – however it is the job of the Travel Arranger or those organising a staff member’s travel to ensure the staff member is safe while travelling. Travel Risks can be both with and outside of the businesses control, and can include: Safety – Ensuring the location of travel is safe, accommodation and transport are secure and proactively ensuring against any extra safety risks while travelling. Compliance – Ensuring all legal requirements are met in advance. Financial – Proactively anticipating any financial risks that the business may experience and putting preventative measures in to avoid this. Reputation – Insuring against any risks to the company's reputation.   Avoiding Corporate Travel Risk: Best Practices Particularly since the emergence of Covid-19, Corporate Risk Travel Management Programs have become more important than ever. Reviewing your Corporate Risk Travel Management Program regularly is important to ensure new and upcoming risks are covered, and time is no longer used on managing risks that are irrelevant. A handful of best practices when developing and implementing your Travel Risk Management Program are:   Incorporate a Travel Risk Management Program in your Travel Policy It’s best practice for any business that has staff travelling on behalf of the business to have a Travel Policy, and a good way to ensure your Travel Risk Management Program is followed is to include this in your Travel Policy. When you first develop a Travel Policy – Usually with your Pulse Corporate Travel Arranger – you will include information on acceptable accommodation, any specific suppliers to utilise and what can and cannot be reimbursed. The first time you develop your Travel Policy is a great time to develop and incorporate your Travel Risk Management Program, as you can ensure all crucial travel information is kept in one place. It’s recommended that you regularly review your Travel Policy, and including your Travel Risk Management Program within this ensures you’re regularly reviewing your plan for relevant risks, as well. Ensure appropriate risk-management training for staff Sometimes things happen on the road that your staff will be required to deal with, and a big part of ensuring that your Travel Risk Management Program is followed is ensuring that your staff are appropriately educated on it. This training can be two-fold: Firstly, you’ll want to ensure that you proactively provide training for your staff on how to prevent certain risky situations, such as situations of fraud or cultural issues. Secondly, you’ll want to ensure your staff are clearly educated on what policies and processes to follow if something does go wrong that they’re not equipped to deal with, to ensure the business can deal with any other issues swiftly. Review your Travel Insurance Policy In many situations, travel issues can come with a hefty price tag – so it’s important you review your Travel Insurance Policy in tandem to ensure you’re covered financially for as many risks as possible. You can review your Travel Insurance Policy semi-regularly, and at the same time as your Corporate Travel Policy and Travel Risk Management Program. Your Corporate Travel Arranger at Pulse can help provide advice on all of these documents, ensuring your policies and programs are all up-to-date and everything is covered as much as possible. Leverage Smart Travel Software In the age of technology, software can be hugely beneficial in predicting and even preventing things from going wrong. Your Pulse Travel Arranger will have access to a range of technology options to help prevent against safety and financial risks, and can recommend other apps and pieces of technology for your staff to download for protection on the road.   Preparing for A Corporate Trip As the saying goes, failing to prepare is preparing to fail – and there are a few key things that any staff member should do before preparing for a corporate trip to ensure their own safety and security. Check for required vaccinations and visas The last thing you or your staff want is to be caught mid-commute without the appropriate documentation, so ensure you’ve got the required visas well in advance. Some countries may also require certain vaccinations, or it may be advised to receive certain vaccinations due to health risks in certain countries, and your Pulse Travel Corporate Arranger will be able to advise regarding this. Ensure all electronics and valuables are appropriately insured Theft and misplacement of electronic devices are common occurrences when travelling – and the last thing you want is to lose or misplace a piece of company equipment. Ensure the businesses Travel Policy and Travel Risk Management Plan details what to do in the event of theft or loss of devices, and how to replace any necessary devices while travelling. Review your company’s Travel Policy and Risk Management Plan Your company's Travel Policy and Risk Management Plan will be full of advice regarding what you should expect from your trip and what you should do if you’re caught in trouble, so it’s recommended that travellers review these documents and familiarise themselves with the appropriate processes before setting off. These documents can be supplied as part of a travel pack given by the Travel Arranger with tickets and other important pieces of information. Ensure you’re educated on the culture and traditions of the region A big part of travelling is experiencing other cultures and traditions – but it’s also important to be sensitive to these, as insulting someone accidentally could result in being arrested or fined. When booking travel internationally, speak to your Pulse Travel Corporate Arranger regarding customs and traditions of the region that you’re travelling to, and make careful note to follow these.   While risk is a natural part of travel – and life in general – being appropriately prepared can go a long way in mitigating and preventing many risks from occurring. The Pulse Travel team has over 30 years of experience in Corporate Travel, and can support you in developing your Travel Risk Management Program. For more information, get in touch today.

Business travel is a large part of life for the corporate world – whether you’re in a small start-up business or work as a part of a global entity, chances are you’ll inevitably have to visit a business travel destination at some stage. With over 20 percent of the global travel expenditure on corporate travel in 2021 (Source: Statista), and that number since climbing, it’s important businesses choose a travel destination that’s suitable for the purposes of the journey. Whether you’re looking to book a major event or want to gain an understanding of the global travel market, read on to reveal the best Business Travel Destinations for 2024.   Choosing The Right Business Travel Destination Choosing the right travel destination can be as important as choosing the right venue for your wedding. Different states, countries and even hotels will have different amenities for corporate travellers, and the right destination for you will depend on your needs and travel goals.   Things To Consider In Your Business Travel Destination Whether you’re booking corporate travel for the first time or reviewing your priorities, there are several things to consider in your corporate travel destination: Accessibility - Is your destination easy and straightforward to get to? If it’s an international destination, will any other parties require visas to visit the destination? What transport is available? Accommodation - Is there appropriate accommodation that suits your needs? Does the accommodation offer the appropriate security, internet and any required meeting spaces? Amenities - Does your destination have the appropriate amenities – Spaces for private meetings or large conferences, appropriate internet access and convenient airport access if required? Local Culture - If you’re travelling outside of the country, it’s important to consider the local culture and traditions, and ensure you’re up-to-date with what is and isn’t acceptable in the region. Necessary Vaccinations & Visas - Does your destination require you to get any vaccinations or visas? If so, when should your travel be booked in order for you to meet those requirements?   If you’re choosing to travel for business for the first time, it can be beneficial to discuss all of these requirements with your Pulse Travel Arranger to ensure the destination you’re wanting to visit is fit for your travel purposes – you can speak with the team here to learn more.   Top 10 Business Travel Destinations for 2024- Top Destinations in Australia- Sydney Sydney is well-known as one of Australia’s corporate hubs, and it’s straightforward to see why. Home to many of Australia’s corporate HQ’s, vibrant dining and shopping precincts and plenty of modern accommodation, Sydney offers plenty of opportunities for travellers to host small meetings or large business functions. Melbourne Australia’s cultural hub, Melbourne offers plenty of opportunities for travellers to enjoy a ‘bleisure’ trip – a combination of business and leisure. With the airport close to modern accommodation, easily-accessible public transport and plenty of restaurants to treat clients to, Melbourne offers plenty of great spaces for corporate travellers. Brisbane Brisbane’s Corporate travel presence is quickly on the rise, with plenty of excellent cafes, walking spaces and accommodation all within a short distance of the airport and public transport. Brisbane is also hosting the 2032 Olympic games, meaning there is new infrastructure on the horizon ideal for larger events – watch this space.   Top 10 Destinations Worldwide: Dubai Dubai’s cutting-edge infrastructure and large conference centres make it the ideal location for business events big and small. It also offers plenty of business-friendly policies and is straightforward to reach from around the globe, making the city ideal for larger corporate events. Singapore Singapore’s central location for global travel makes it an easy destination for corporate travel – combine that with world-class exhibition centres, exceptional accommodation and business-friendly policies, and Singapore is ideal for global business travel. Nairobi The economic engine of East Africa, Nairobi promises strong business travel potential for those doing business in the region. Plenty of new infrastructure, increased flights and annual trade shows mean the city has plenty to offer those looking to travel to Africa for business. Mexico Bridging the markets of North and Latin America, Mexico provides a great, centralised location for those looking to expand into the regions. With ‘bleisure’ travel also increasing in popularity, the region offers a fantastic blend of cultural opportunities for corporate travellers to visit and enjoy while in the country. Kuala Lumpur Kuala Lumpur stands out as one of the world's best corporate travel destinations, boasting state-of-the-art infrastructure, world-class convention facilities like the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, and seamless air connectivity through KLIA airport. Its affordable accommodations and amenities also make it ideal for cost-conscious business travellers. As a gateway to the thriving ASEAN markets, Kuala Lumpur also hosts numerous multinational corporations' regional offices, further cementing its status as a premier business hub in Southeast Asia. Colombia Colombia is one of the world's top corporate travel destinations, offering a strategic location in northern South America and a thriving business environment. With a skilled workforce, competitive costs, modern infrastructure, and vibrant cities, Colombia provides an ideal setting for corporate events, conferences, and networking opportunities. Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam’s economic powerhouse, Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect travel destination for corporate travellers looking to visit the Asia region. With advanced tech infrastructure and a strategic location offering seamless connectivity to Asian markets, it attracts business travellers worldwide. Business-friendly policies, tax incentives, and streamlined regulations also enhance Ho Chi Minh’s appeal, making it an ideal hub for investors and entrepreneurs in the vibrant Vietnamese economy. Incheon Incheon has risen as a premier destination for business travellers, boasting a thriving business events hub and direct connectivity via the acclaimed Incheon International Airport. As South Korea's third-largest city, it offers unparalleled accessibility, with more than 70 airlines servicing direct flights from 180 global cities, making it an ideal choice for discerning business travellers. Tokyo Tokyo stands out as one of the world's premier destinations for business travellers. Renowned as a global economic powerhouse, Tokyo offers a dynamic corporate landscape characterised by innovation, advanced technology, and a highly skilled workforce. Its vibrant business environment makes it a top choice for discerning professionals seeking opportunities and collaborations on an international scale. New York New York City is a top destination for corporate travellers, blending financial dominance with diverse industries. From Wall Street's global influence to Silicon Valley's tech innovation, it offers unparalleled opportunities for professionals aiming to thrive in a dynamic, cosmopolitan environment.   Why Book Corporate Travel with Pulse Travel Boasting over 30 years of experience in the travel industry with seasoned travel agents, Pulse Travel and the team of Travel Agents are equipped to deal with all Corporate Travel enquiries, big or small. If you’re considering returning to corporate travel in 2024 and need more information, get in touch with the Pulse Travel team today.

International labour mobility through the PALM Scheme has long been the backbone of Australia’s agricultural workforce. Welcoming over 40,000 Working Holiday Makers into the country each year, Australia relies immensely on backpackers and Working Holiday Makers to supplement our agricultural workforce and support farmers during peak season. With CoVid19 preventing Working Holiday Makers from joining the Australian workforce, in April 2022 Australia introduced the PALM Scheme, allowing eligible workers from select island nations to join Australia’s workforce for long or short-term employment. For eligible employers, the PALM Scheme can have incredible benefits – Read on to learn more and learn about the Scheme and how Pulse Travel can support your workforce through it.   What is Australia’s PALM Scheme Standing for the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme, Australia’s PALM Scheme allows eligible Australian businesses to hire workers from select Pacific Islands to fill a variety of unskilled, low- or semi-skilled positions. Commonly used to help fill labour gaps within the regional Australian workforce, the PALM Scheme provides Australian businesses a pool of reliable and productive workers, while also offering opportunities for Pacific and Timor-Leste workers to develop skills and generate income to support their families back home. Limited to a select number of third-world nations, eligible nations include: Fiji Kiribati Nauru Papua New Guinea Samoa Solomon Islands Timor-Leste Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu   Citizens from these countries are able to travel to Australia and work under the same protections as any other Australian employee, providing guaranteed labour for Australian businesses and a reliable source of income for families who need it.   PALM Scheme: Opportunities for Employers and Workers With over 40,000 Working Holiday Makers visiting Australia each year, a significant portion of Australia’s short- and long-term agricultural workforce is made up of Visa-holders. For those in the agricultural and farming industries, the short-staffing issues that came from the covid-19 pandemic meant struggling to harvest all of their crops during peak season, or having to pay significantly higher overheads resulting in increased prices for Australians. In comparison, people in Pacific and Island nations such as those included under the PALM Scheme faced significant challenges in looking after their families. The PALM Scheme brings significant support for people in both of these situations – Those in rural workforces can apply to employ reliable, long-term staff members and those who may be struggling to make sufficient income can apply to work in Australia under the PALM Scheme and send money home to their families. Providing opportunities for short-term employment (up to 9 months) or long-term employment (between one and four years), Australian rural businesses can be supported with guaranteed staff while citizens of select islands can be guaranteed stable finances.   Navigating Travel Arrangements Under the PALM Scheme While the process for obtaining staff through the PALM Scheme is fairly straightforward, there are several things businesses need to consider before their staff join the business – Including which visa their staff members will be working under, and how they will reach the country once the process is complete. Employers have several obligations under the PALM Scheme throughout the recruitment process, including: Applying and paying for the worker visa in the Home Affairs IMMI system. Providing HAP ID’s to Labour Sending Unit (LSU). Arranging and providing information on all travel details including accommodation, travel plans and arrival. As businesses are responsible for ensuring their staff arrive into the country safely, it’s important to ensure all travel details are looked after thoroughly and any required health checks, visa requirements and specific travel needs are managed for a smooth transition. If a business hasn’t been through this process before, it can be recommended to hire a Travel Agency with experience in Group and Corporate Travel such as Pulse Travel to manage this process.   Compliance & Worker Wellbeing in the PALM Scheme While the concept of a guaranteed long-term workforce can be alluring to many businesses, the PALM Scheme has built-in protections for both employees and employers to ensure both parties are satisfied with the arrangements.   PALM Scheme Employee Protections For employees, this looks like ensuring appropriate accommodation, work hours and safe working conditions. Any employer who wants to employ staff through the PALM Scheme must: Provide accommodation that meets the required standards. Ensure sufficient work hours that are in line with the minimum required hours. Work with the PALM Scheme to appoint a welfare and wellbeing officer within the organisation. Provide appropriate social support to staff employed through the scheme. Businesses can also expect arranged and surprise site visits to the premises to ensure staff are looked after appropriately at all times. PALM Scheme Employer Protections For those looking to employ staff through the PALM Scheme, ensuring the satisfaction of businesses is also a key priority. People looking to gain work through the PALM Scheme must also meet certain requirements, including: Be physically fit and healthy for the specified work. Have no criminal record and be of good character. Have an intention to return to the participating country. Hold or obtain a valid passport for the duration of the contract. Have a reasonable standard of English. Employers who are looking to employ through the PALM Scheme will work closely with the Labour Sending Unit (LSU) to ensure all candidates for their job are eligible.   Why Choose Pulse Travel for PALM Scheme Travel Management With PALM Scheme employers responsible for paying their employees’ upfront travel costs and arranging all flights, accommodation and other transport, it’s important to do it correctly. For businesses, this looks like working with an experienced Corporate Travel Agency such as Pulse Travel. Not only can Pulse Travel source, book and troubleshoot any flights or accommodation needed within the budget set by your business, but they can also ensure any accommodation chosen meets the PALM Scheme’s accommodation requirements set out in the Wellbeing Plan. Pulse Travel has over 30 years of experience in the Travel industry, booking corporate and leisure travel for hundreds of businesses. If you’re looking to obtain staff through the PALM Scheme in 2024 and need support booking your staff’s travel requirements, get in touch today.

Travel Insurance – Two words that can change the entire trajectory of your trip if something goes wrong. Travelling is an exciting adventure, but it comes with its share of uncertainties. Since the beginning of Covid-19 travel insurance has become increasingly more important, and with travel bouncing back stronger than ever, the need to get the appropriate level of travel insurance cover is more important than ever. Travel insurance offers peace of mind by providing financial protection against unexpected events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage. Here at Pulse Travel, we assist our travellers day in and day out in booking travel insurance that's appropriate for their individual travel needs and in this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the nuances – exploring its benefits, coverage options, and tips for selecting the right plan.   Understanding Travel Insurance What is Travel Insurance? Travel Insurance is a type of insurance that you or your travel companions can take out to insure them against unfortunate events occurring while travelling. Travel Insurance can often be purchased through a third-party Insurance Company – Either by yourself or organised by your travel arranger at Pulse Travel – and can cover you in the event of illness, injury, cancellation or delays, among other things.   Importance of Travel Insurance Since the emergence of Covid-19 and implementation of increased travel restrictions and tighter requirements, travel insurance has become exceptionally important. While it’s always hoped that you’ll never need to use it, insurance can save a traveller or a business both time and money in the event that something goes wrong during a trip. If a flight is cancelled, a traveller needs to be hospitalised or a natural disaster occurs, insurance is there to provide a financial buffer to ensure travellers can return home safely and without excessive financial burden.   Benefits of Travel Insurance While it's hoped that travel insurance will never be needed, there are an array of strong benefits that mean it's useful in any circumstance: Emergency Medical Coverage: Covers medical expenses abroad, including hospital stays and emergency treatments. Trip Cancellation/Interruption: Reimburses non-refundable expenses if you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to unforeseen circumstances. Baggage Loss/Delay: Provides compensation for lost, stolen, or delayed luggage. Travel Assistance Services: Offers 24/7 support for emergencies, such as locating medical facilities or arranging emergency flights.   Choosing the Right Travel Insurance Every business and traveller will have different requirements, and since the Covid-19 Pandemic, travel providers have adjusted their policies considerably. Therefore, it’s important to discuss your insurance needs in detail with your Pulse Travel Arranger to ensure you get the type of cover that you’re after.   Factors to Consider: Destination: Some plans are tailored for specific regions, considering factors like healthcare costs and safety concerns. Coverage Options: Assess the coverage limits and exclusions, ensuring they align with your travel needs. Certain Insurance companies may not insure under certain conditions – such as travel to high-risk regions – and it’s critical you’re aware of these exclusions beforehand. Pre-Existing Conditions: Determine if pre-existing medical conditions are covered under the policy. Some Travel Insurance companies may offer different levels of cover for different conditions, and it’s critical that your coverage aligns exactly with your needs Adventure Activities: Confirm coverage for activities like skiing, scuba diving, or hiking, which might be excluded from standard plans. Your Pulse Travel arranger will be able to make recommendations on which plan to go for and whether a certain Insurance Agency will cover you for your trip.   Types of Travel Insurance Plans: Outside of different coverage options, travel plans can also vary greatly according to the frequency of your travel. Which one you need will depend on your travel circumstances – Your travel arranger will be able to support you in choosing the right plan. Single-Trip Insurance: Ideal for occasional travellers covering a specific trip duration. This is a one-off type of insurance and is ideal if you're going on holiday and don't have specific, regular travel plans. Annual/Multi-Trip Insurance: Suitable for frequent travellers covering multiple trips within a year. This insurance is more suitable for businesses who have staff travelling regularly for work, and will be able to cover a wider and more complex range of issues. It's important you discuss this in-depth with your Pulse Travel Corporate Agent if you're looking to be insured for Multi-Trip insurance to ensure your needs are covered appropriately. Specialty Plans: Tailored policies for seniors, students, or adventure enthusiasts. If you find yourself needing specific medical coverage or travelling to a more unique destination, your Pulse Travel arranger will be able to work with the Travel Insurers to create a Specialty Plan for you.   Selecting the Best Coverage: When booking travel insurance, your insurance is only as good as the coverage you get. Before locking it in, it's important to consider your own individual travel needs and select the best coverage for you. This will be different for every traveller but may include: Evaluate the deductible, coverage limits, and premium costs. You may not always need everything covered in one specific plan, and you can elect for a different plan to save yourself money. Read the policy's fine print to understand exclusions and limitations. This is critical to understand as you want to be aware of anything that you're not covered for, and ensure you know your rights if something doesn't go to plan. Compare multiple quotes to find the most suitable and affordable plan. The first plan may not be the best plan for you – And you don't want to pay a premium when there is a more affordable option out there.   FAQs about Travel Insurance Is Travel Insurance Worth It? Travel doesn't always go to plan – And when your luggage gets lost, you contract a virus or your flight gets cancelled, insurance is the only way to protect yourself against these unexpected costs. When Should I Buy Travel Insurance? As travel insurance can cover you against any issues that arise prior to the start date of your trip – such as cruise cancellations, flight changes and last-minute illness – it's beneficial to purchase it as soon as your trip is booked and paid for. What Does Travel Insurance Typically Cover? The coverage that you receive under your Policy will differ according to the Insurer and the Policy that you choose – However you will typically be covered for lost luggage, changes or cancellations in flights, illness and injury. We always recommend speaking with your Pulse Travel Arranger regarding the specifics to ensure you're covered for everything you need. Can I Get Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions? Coverage for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions will vary according to the Insurance Provider that you choose and your condition – However, your Pulse Travel Arranger can guide you through the process of booking this. Some pre-existing medical conditions may require more complex insurance, and it's best to speak to your Travel Arranger directly to ensure your needs are met. How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost? Travel Insurance costs will vary according to Provider and Policy – However it's often not as expensive as you may believe! Basic Travel Insurance can cost under $50 for a straightforward policy, while more complex policies or policies for businesses will cost more. We recommend comparing relevant plans to ensure you get the plan that is the best and most cost-effective for you. How Do I File a Travel Insurance Claim? If you find yourself needing to use your travel insurance, you'll need to contact your Travel Insurance Provider directly to submit your claim. In the instance that you need to claim for injury, illness or a cancellation, it's important you ensure you have the appropriate documentation to submit to make the process as stress-free as possible.   Travel insurance is a vital investment for any traveller, offering financial protection and peace of mind during journeys. By understanding the nuances of travel insurance and choosing the right coverage, you can enjoy worry-free travel experiences. Prioritise researching and selecting a plan that aligns with your travel needs and budget, and if you need support arranging your Travel Insurance, speak to the team at Pulse Travel.

[caption id="attachment_27895" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Pulse Travel's complete guide to planning a corporate retreat.[/caption] In a world where many employees are working either remotely or in hybrid environments, boosting team morale with a regular Corporate Retreat is more important than ever. Corporate retreats are more than just getaways; they are strategic events designed to foster team unity, boost morale, and stimulate creativity, helping bring your team closer together and develop a stronger and more unified business environment.  However, planning a Retreat can involve significant logistics – Consideration of objectives, planning appropriate team-building activities and ensuring all of the logistics are taken care of can be time consuming and overwhelming for anyone who’s not familiar with the process and requirements. At Pulse Travel, our team has over 30 years of experience in planning and executing Corporate Retreats – In this comprehensive guide, we explore everything you need to know to plan and execute memorable and impactful corporate retreats for yourself and your business.   Understanding Corporate Retreats What are Corporate Retreats? Corporate retreats are offsite gatherings organised by companies to engage employees in team-building activities, strategic planning, and personal development workshops. Suitable for all types of businesses ranging from small start-ups to global companies, retreats are hugely beneficial in boosting employee morale, strengthening interpersonal bonds and ensuring staff satisfaction to support staff retention goals.   Benefits of a Corporate Retreat Team Bonding: Promotes camaraderie and strengthens relationships among team members. This can be particularly important if you’ve recently welcomed several new team members, as it can help ensure these team members are settled quickly into the business. Innovation and Creativity: Inspires fresh ideas and encourages out-of-the-box thinking. This can be effective immediately before or after a period of high tension for a business, as it can refresh your staff and ensure they return to work excited. Employee Engagement: Boosts morale and fosters a sense of belonging within the organisation. Strategic Planning: Provides dedicated time for reflection, goal-setting, and strategic discussions. This can be a strong opportunity to identify growth areas for specific staff members, and ensure staff and management are on the same page regarding long-term goals.   Types of Corporate Retreats When booking and organising your Corporate Retreat, it’s important to consider the objective of the retreat before planning the activities and logistics. Each retreat will have different objectives – However there are three traditional types of retreats, depending on the purpose of the retreat and the goal. Team-Building Retreats: Focus on improving communication, collaboration, and trust among team members. This can be effective if the business has undergone significant periods of growth, to help welcome new members and ensure everyone works together smoothly. Leadership Retreats: Aimed at developing leadership skills and aligning leadership vision. Leadership Retreats can often be smaller retreats for a select number of people in the business and are an effective way to start a year well. Strategic Planning Retreats: Dedicate time for goal-setting, business planning, and innovation. This can be particularly important when a business goes through a period of growth to ensure all major stakeholders are on the same page.   Key Elements of Corporate Retreat Planning The success of a Corporate Retreat often hinges on the effectiveness of the planning – And planning one can often be a logistical beast. An experienced Corporate Travel team such as the one at Pulse Travel will be able to manage the logistics of this seamlessly and stress-free to ensure a successful corporate event. However, there are several key elements you’ll need to get right if you choose to plan a Retreat yourself: Setting Objectives Define clear goals and outcomes for the retreat, aligning them with the organisation's strategic priorities. Choosing the Right Location Select a venue that complements the retreat's objectives and provides a conducive environment for activities and discussions. Crafting the Agenda Design a well-balanced agenda that includes team-building exercises, workshops, discussions, and downtime for relaxation. Incorporating Team-Building Activities Integrate engaging activities like ropes courses, scavenger hunts, or cooking challenges to foster teamwork and communication. Facilitating Workshops and Sessions Plan interactive workshops and sessions led by facilitators to address specific themes or skill development. Providing Amenities and Logistics Ensure logistical arrangements such as transportation, accommodations, meals, and equipment are well-managed to enhance attendee experience.   Tips for a Successful Corporate Retreat Communicate Expectations Set clear expectations and communicate the purpose and objectives of the retreat to participants beforehand. Encourage Participation Create a supportive environment that encourages active participation and idea-sharing among attendees. Balance Work and Leisure Strike a balance between structured activities and downtime to prevent burnout and allow for informal networking. Gather Feedback Collect feedback post-retreat to evaluate success and gather insights for future improvements. Follow-Up and Implementation Develop an action plan to implement ideas and initiatives generated during the retreat to ensure tangible outcomes.   FAQs about Corporate Retreat Planning How Do You Choose the Right Venue for a Corporate Retreat? Consider factors like location, facilities, capacity, ambiance, and accessibility when choosing a retreat venue. What Activities Are Best for Team Building? Activities like ropes courses, escape rooms, outdoor challenges, and group cooking can promote teamwork and collaboration. How Can Corporate Retreats Boost Employee Morale? Corporate retreats provide a break from routine, foster appreciation, and strengthen social bonds, ultimately boosting morale. How Far in Advance Should You Plan a Corporate Retreat? Plan corporate retreats at least 3-6 months in advance to secure desired venues, accommodations, and facilitators. What Should Be Included in the Retreat Agenda? The agenda should balance team-building activities, workshops, strategic discussions, and leisure time. How Do You Measure the Success of a Corporate Retreat? Success can be measured through participant feedback, achievement of objectives, and post-retreat implementation of ideas.   Effective corporate retreats planning is instrumental in enhancing team dynamics, fostering innovation, and aligning organisational goals. By incorporating thoughtful strategies and engaging activities, corporate retreats can drive positive change and contribute to a more cohesive and motivated workforce. The team at Pulse Travel has 35 years of experience in planning complex Corporate Retreats to ensure company satisfaction and growth. If you're considering booking your next Corporate Retreat, get in touch with the Pulse Travel team today.

When it comes to planning corporate travel, corporate travellers always want to ensure they’re getting the most bang for their buck and the best deal possible. The corporate travel market is currently worth $3bn dollars a year, and much of that relies on businesses striking arrangements with preferred travel providers for improved rates in exchange for guaranteed bookings from that business. This process is known as corporate travel procurement – And for businesses looking to tighten their corporate travel budget or improve relationships with suppliers, it’s a critical part of the corporate travel process. Here at Pulse Travel, our team has over 30 years of experience working with businesses to obtain the best rates from preferred suppliers, negotiating fees and providing innovative corporate travel solutions to all of our partners. What is Travel Procurement? Corporate Travel Procurement is the process of sourcing, acquiring and managing partnerships between businesses and their preferred travel suppliers. Travel Procurement can apply to almost any business that operates within the travel and tourism industry, and can be extremely beneficial for businesses looking to develop strong industry partnerships and tighten their corporate travel budgets. The partnerships and agreements formed within the procurement process can vary depending on a range of factors, and businesses undertaking the Travel Procurement process can typically expect to benefit from exclusive discounted rates, guaranteed bookings, automatic upgrades, priority and more. The benefits that a business can be privy too depends on the amount of travel that the employees are doing on a regular basis – And the more business that a corporation brings to a travel provider, the better the agreement. For those looking to undertake the Travel Procurement process for the first time, the process is as follows: Identify the key travel needs Each business will inevitably have different needs, and the first step when undertaking the Travel Procurement process is to evaluate the needs of the business and where costs could effectively and realistically be reduced. Research potential suppliers that fit these needs If the business has engaged in travel previously, this may include consulting with staff to understand their preferences and needs as well as looking at previous bookings and track record. Understand Market Dynamics Before engaging in negotiations, it’s critical a business understands the dynamics of the travel and tourism markets and how pricing is structured. By doing this you’ll be able to understand what rates are good and bad, and which suppliers are able to provide you the most competitive rate during different periods of time. If you’re unsure about whether a price is strong or weak, the Pulse Travel Corporate Team can support in this. Negotiate with Volume When it comes to Travel Procurement, the more travel a business can promise to a provider, the better the rate they’re likely to receive. Entering the negotiation process with a clear idea of the volume of business you can offer will support your endeavours, and will ensure travel and tourism providers can come back with a clear proposal. You can clearly negotiate the volume of travel you plan to give to a supplier by discussing the number of room nights, cars or flights your company currently uses annually. Consider Long-Term Contracts While some businesses may be hesitant to sign a long-term contract with a supplier for fear of being burned or being locked into something that doesn’t benefit both parties, businesses will often be offered better pricing if they’re willing to sign something long term. Long-term contracts provide stability for both parties, knowing that the supplier is going to get guaranteed business for a longer term, and the business can be assured of secure rates. The Role of Technology in Travel Procurement. As technology becomes increasingly more critical in the business environment, its uses in Travel Procurement also become more varied. Technology has become a critical part of the entire Travel Procurement process, from sourcing suppliers to monitoring performance and understanding when a contract may need to be adjusted. Pulse Travel offers advanced travel management software to all corporate clients, allowing partners to view the best travel rates through one platform and quickly curate an initial supplier list to reach out to. Pulse Travel’s advanced reporting tool also allows businesses to clearly track their travel expenditure, keeping up with how much they spend in a month, where the most money is spent and whether any partnerships that are currently in place are still beneficial. Demo’s of Pulse Travel’s technology are available - Get in touch to learn how their technology can support further. Key Components of Effective Travel Procurement. One of the key components of any successful Travel Procurement agreement is that it meets the needs of both the supplier and the business. For suppliers, this will often look like upholding the promised number of bookings – For businesses, this often boils down to providing the rates promised in the agreement to help decrease travel costs. In order for a business to make their Travel Partnership a success in the first place, the business must be honest and realistic with suppliers regarding the amount of travel their staff expect to do – This will ensure the supplier can come back with a realistic deal, and there are no issues further down the line when needs aren’t met. From here, tracking the results of the partnership are key – This may look like regularly auditing your suppliers to ensure they’re complying to the agreement, running regular comparisons against other suppliers to ensure you’re still getting the best deal, and discussing your concerns either with the supplier or with your Corporate Travel Agent if these key components aren’t being met. At Pulse Travel, the Corporate Travel team have extensive experience in managing corporate partnerships, ensuring suppliers adhere to the promises agreed to in a Travel Procurement agreement and managing these relationships where relevant. Future of Travel Procurement The travel procurement has changed vastly over the last few years – Technology has made tracking partnerships and costs easier, covid19 has made businesses re-evaluate their partnerships and changes to business travel habits have forced both businesses and suppliers to strengthen their contracts for protection. As the corporate world continues to evolve, travel needs will also evolve, requiring the Travel Procurement process to change with it to protect both the businesses that engage in the process and the suppliers that benefit. A couple of expected changes may be: Priorities may change – Cheapest may no longer be the best, and suppliers may be forced to look at what else they can offer businesses to retain contracts. Contract renewal may no longer be guaranteed – Businesses may become more savvier with their agreements, and suppliers may be required to adjust their pricing more frequently, meaning more regular negotiations. Increased tracking – As technology grows and evolves, so will the ability to effectively track the performance of your suppliers. Pulse Travel has over 30 years of experience in the Corporate Travel Industry, and will be able to support any Travel Procurement questions you may have. To find out more about how they can support Corporate Travel, get in touch today.

The 2024 Skilled Occupation List has recently been released, and many businesses are now looking to begin employee sponsorships and bring international staff into Australia through QSOL Visa’s. QSOL – Also known as the Queensland Skilled Occupation List – Is a list of occupations within Queensland that are experiencing acute labour shortages and require international staff to fill those gaps. For businesses located in regional communities, employing skilled staff through QSOL can be a lifesaver in ensuring labour requirements are met – However there are several criteria that need to be met, and businesses need to be informed of what details they need to fill out to ensure staff can travel to the country safely. Learn about the criteria that need to be met, what businesses are required to do and how to navigate the Queensland Skilled Occupation List with the team behind Pulse Travel. Understanding QSOL QSOL is a list of occupations needed to help fill critical labour shortages in Queensland. Currently including a range of positions in Mining, Agriculture, IT, Engineering and more, these occupations provide those interested in filling certain roles the opportunity to enter Australia on a Skilled Visa. For employers, QSOL can be hugely advantageous. While it provides another avenue for interested parties to immigrate to Australia, it also opens the door for businesses to look internationally for staff to fill key gaps in the labour market. Available via invitation only, QSOL provides businesses the opportunity to sponsor employees working in a key occupation, the ability to move to Australia on a Skilled Visa – However there are several criteria that any staff must meet before submitting an Expression of Interest. QSOL Eligibility Criteria Designed specifically to help Queensland fill critical labour shortages, QSOL has a stringent set of eligibility criteria that any applicant must meet before applying – This includes being employed in a position listed on the latest Occupation List. For employers looking to bring in Skilled Migrants through QSOL, this is important to consider as your employee must be in a role listed on QSOL. If the role is not listed, your staff will not be eligible for a Skilled Visa and will have to enter the country through other means. The latest list is available HERE. On top of this, there are also a range of other criteria that staff must meet before applying: Scoring a minimum of 65 on the points test. Having a positive assessment in your nominated occupation. Be under 45 years of age. Meet the minimum language requirement for your occupation. When you’re looking to sponsor a staff member to enter the country through QSOL, it’s important you ensure they meet all of these criteria before submitting an Expression of Interest. For businesses undertaking this process for the first time, it’s recommended to engage with a professional to ensure all criteria are met. QSOL Application Process Once you’ve ensured your staff’s position or industry is listed on the current Occupation List, it’s time to begin the application process. Businesses can choose to sponsor their staff for a Skilled Work Visa, which can be an advantageous way to efficiently fill gaps in your workforce and ensure staffing levels are secure long-term. Once you choose to sponsor your employee for a Skilled Work Visa, they will be required to fill out an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. This is the Australian Government’s website for skilled workers who want to express interest in applying to live and work in Australia, and anyone who’s wanting to apply for a Skilled Work Visa through QSOL will need to do this. From here, if an applicant receives an invitation to apply, the employer and employee must work together with the Department of Home Affairs to ensure the appropriate paperwork is filled out and travel arrangements are made. The business employing someone through QSOL will typically have to bear the cost of any travel required by the staff member, so it’s important you partner with a travel agency experienced in Corporate Travel such as Pulse Travel to make sure this is managed smoothly. The needs of each individual and business are going to be vastly different when applying for Visas through QSOL, so it’s important you engage with professional partners who are able to work flexibly, follow stringent instructions and meet budget restrictions to ensure the entire process flows. Benefits of QSOL Designed to help improve the Australian labour market and ensure skilled workers looking for employment can gain employment in fields where Australia needs the most support, QSOL has several benefits for both corporates and individuals: Individual QSOL Benefits For those looking to migrate to Australia, QSOL provides a clear opportunity to live permanently in Australia through a Skilled Visa. As Australia currently has several industries that are experiencing labour shortages, individuals who are open to working within one of those key fields can apply for a Visa through QSOL and move through the system efficiently. Moving to Australia on a Skilled Visa may be more effective than other Visa alternatives, as it helps to meet Australia’s needs simultaneously. Corporate Benefits of QSOL For corporates, QSOL also provides significant support for businesses struggling with acute labour shortages. Industries such as agriculture and regional businesses rely heavily on international staff to manage seasonal, so sponsoring staff through QSOL can provide an effective way to manage staff levels and ensure long-term staff security. QSOL FAQ’s How can Pulse Travel assist our corporation in navigating the QSOL process? Having worked in the Corporate Travel industry for over thirty years, Pulse has a wide range of experience in Corporate Travel matters and has supported businesses navigating the QSOL process previously. Our experienced Corporate Team can work with businesses to ensure both government and business guidelines are met when booking travel for staff. What strategic advantages does QSOL offer for corporate talent acquisition? As the Skilled Occupation List is created based on skill shortages within the country and state and anyone approved to apply must meet certain skills-based criteria, acquiring talent through QSOL offers corporates a significantly better chance of acquiring staff with the necessary skills. Unlike hiring through the conventional route where a business owner or HR staff member would go through a person’s resume and interview them based on qualifications and education, a person applying through QSOL must have the necessary skill sets required to complete the role they’re looking to enter the country for. How does Pulse Travel customise its services for corporate clients seeking QSOL opportunities? Pulse Travel offers customisable support for all of its corporate clients, providing a dedicated Account Manager and extensive reporting and experience to ensure clients seeking QSOL opportunities have the best chance possible. Each individual business's needs are different – We recommend speaking to our team to find out how we can help your individual needs. Can Pulse Travel assist in managing large-scale QSOL applications for our organisation? Pulse Travel has extensive experience in managing Corporate and large Group Travel, including providing support for large-scale QSOL applications. Whether you’re looking for someone to provide advice or end-to-end manage the application process, Pulse Travel can support your needs. What ongoing support does Pulse Travel provide to corporates with employees on the QSOL? Pulse Travel has extensive experience in managing the day-to-day travel needs of businesses around Australia, ensuring every travel need and issue is looked after without business owners having to lift a finger. For those with employees on the QSOL, Pulse Travel can end-to-end manage their travel and accommodation arrangements, troubleshooting any issues that arise and ensuring the entire process flows smoothly.

Global events are once more returning to the corporate calendar. After a few years of turbulent travel experiences the world’s largest business conferences have returned once more, and with business owners prioritising convenience and accessibility more-so than ever, your corporate travel destination has never been more important. Every corporate event is different with different attendees and requirements, but if you’re considering hosting a corporate event in 2024 or beyond, here are our top considerations when choosing a corporate travel destination. Factors To Consider When Choosing A Corporate Travel Destination When first beginning to plan a major corporate event, the most important factor to consider is the destination country or city. Ensuring your destination city or country is suitable for your event is critical to its success, and you’ll want to ensure the space is central and has the infrastructure you need – Consider: The suitability of venues in your travel destination and whether they can comfortably hold the expected number of attendees. The proximity of major international airports in relation to your chosen venue. Nearby accommodation and transportation options for those travelling to get to the event. International attendees will be more likely to attend if your corporate travel destination is in a relatively central location globally, with fewer visa restrictions and straight-forward transportation options to ensure the entire trip is as stress-free as possible. You’ll also want to consider the overall business environment of any destination you’re considering – Does the destination have a strong economy, are there a range of suitable restaurants and venues around for patrons to visit and outside of event hours, is the destination safe? Corporate cultures differ around the world, and you’ll want to do your research to ensure you’re respecting those practices. When hosting an event on a global stage you’ll inevitably bring together a melting pot of different cultures, so it’s important you find a space where you can more easily do this. Top Business-Friendly Cities Around The World Not every city and country is created equal, and a big part of the success of major events such as SXSW, The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting and TechCrunch Disrupt are the cities that they’re hosted in. When choosing a corporate travel destination, it’s critical you choose a city that’s business-friendly. While your attendees are visiting they’re also likely to be networking and conducting their own business meetings, so it’s important you ensure your attendees can get the most out of their visit possible. Some common business-friendly cities around the world (and spaces where other major business conferences are held) are: Dubai, UAE Texas, USA Davos, Switzerland Paris, France Tokyo, Japan Each city will come with its own unique infrastructure, and each event with its own requirements and challenges in order to ensure the event is a success. If you’re considering destinations for your next event and want to discuss the logistics in more depth, our experienced Corporate Travel team can help. Conferences and Meetings: Destinations for Corporate Events Once you’ve picked your ideal destination, it’s time to pick the facilities. When hosting a major business event, there are a few things you’ll want to consider – The venue capacity, its parking and transport options, what venue restrictions you may have to deal with and its vicinity to the airport and hotels where your attendees are likely to be staying. While many of the more business-friendly cities around the world are already set up with the infrastructure to host global events, there are a few venues more suited than others for unforgettable corporate events: The Dubai World Trade Centre Located right in the centre of Dubai and just a short drive from Dubai International Airport, the Dubai World Trade Centre is the choice venue for dozens of global corporate conferences annually. Featuring over 106,000m2 of events space and room for approximately 34,000 people, alongside both venue hire and full event management services, the World Trade Centre can support you in both pre- and post-event services to ensure your conference is a success. Hannover Exhibition Centre Currently leading the charge as the largest exhibition centre in the world, few places are better for hosting major corporate events than the Hannover Exhibition Centre in Germany. Covering just shy of 500,000m2 with 58,000m2 of open-air space and 24 halls and pavilions, the Hannover Exhibition Centre is home to the largest events in the world. Also boasting its own railway stop and private Helipad for convenient air transport between the Convention Centre and the airport, the venue offers plenty of infrastructure to ensure all attendees can enjoy their time there. Shanghai National Exhibition & Convention Centre The Shanghai National Exhibition & Convention Centre is one of the world’s more modern major convention centres, offering all of the amenities and infrastructure you’ll need for your next event. As the third largest exhibition centre in the world, the Convention Centre offers roughly 400,000m2 of indoor space, as well as transport amenities to and from the nearby Shanghai Airport for ease of access. Ensuring Safety and Security During Corporate Travel Since Covid-19 shook the travel industry, safety and security have been a top priority for those travelling overseas – and even just interstate. Every corporation that has staff travel on their behalf has a ‘duty of care’, and if you’re looking to plan an event, this is no different. While a duty of care policy should now be included in any company's general travel policy, if you haven’t updated your travel policy in a while, you may need to add it in. There are several benefits to an updated travel policy – Here are a few reasons to update it before your next event: You can ensure your staff are crystal clear on what should happen if they become unwell in a Post-CoVid world. You may be able to save on Travel Insurance costs by evaluating if your current provider is the most effective for you. You can resolve any employee feedback regarding your existing policy and shore up any gaps. Having a Corporate Travel Policy is critical for any business, and with the world changing regularly it’s recommended to evaluate your own policy regularly to ensure no gaps or issues arise. If you’re not sure about what to include in your Corporate Travel Policy or you need it updated, our team can help. Visa and Entry Requirements For Corporate Travellers The final thing you’ll want to consider when choosing a corporate travel destination is the Visa and Entry requirements of your chosen country. No two countries are the same with their requirements, and some are certainly more stringent than others – Your staff or attendees may be required to pay large amounts for a Visa, list an extensive travel history, fill out detailed health records or other paperwork to get into the country. Depending on the country, you or your staff may also be required to get certain vaccinations or be restricted to how long they can stay for. Some of the hardest countries in the world to visit currently are Russia, Cuba, Iran, Turkmenistan and Chad, so we would typically recommend avoiding these countries as your corporate travel destination. Popular countries such as Dubai, Singapore, the USA or the UK are all fairly straightforward countries to enter for most travellers, and will provide the best solution for a corporate travel destination where travellers won’t run into a swathe of issues. Here at Pulse Travel we have over 20 years’ experience in the travel industry, supporting both Businesses an individual travellers in their travel needs. If you’re looking to plan a Corporate Event and want support arranging staff travel and accommodation, get in touch with our Travel Team today.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

In an era where environmental concerns are at the forefront, businesses are increasingly recognising the importance of sustainable corporate travel. Corporate travel, often associated with significant carbon emissions and environmental impact, presents a crucial opportunity for companies to make a positive change. By implementing eco-friendly practices during business trips, your business can not only reduce its carbon footprint but also demonstrate its commitment to environmental preservation. Tip 1 Choosing Eco-Friendly Accommodations and Green Hotels When employees travel for business, advocating for eco-friendly accommodation and sustainable hotels can make a significant difference. These establishments follow environmentally-friendly practices such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, and water conservation initiatives.  By opting for such hotels, businesses actively contribute to environmental preservation and support responsible tourism. Consider booking accommodations certified by eco-labels like EarthCheck or Green Key, which implement sustainable practices, such as recycling programs and energy-efficient lighting. Tip 2 Opting for Public Transportation and Carpooling Encouraging employees to use public transportation or carpool during their business trips has multiple benefits. By reducing the number of vehicles on the road, your employees can do their part by cutting back on greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion while promoting greener transportation alternatives. Embracing bus, train and sharing Ubers not only helps the environment but also fosters a sense of camaraderie among team members. Tip 3 Packing Light and Minimising Single-Use Plastics An often-overlooked aspect of sustainable travel is packing light and avoiding single-use plastics. Advising employees to carry reusable items like water bottles, coffee cups, and cutlery can significantly reduce reliance on single-use plastics during their business trips. This simple switch contributes to preserving natural resources and combating the harmful impact of plastic pollution on the environment. You could provide employees with branded reusable water bottles, encouraging them to refill from water fountains or refreshment stations, rather than purchasing bottled water. Tip 4 Supporting Local Businesses and Sustainable Tourism Business travellers can play a vital role in supporting local economies and the environment by engaging in sustainable tourism practices. Encouraging employees to buy locally-made products and participate in eco-friendly tours helps ensure that their travel has a positive impact on the communities they visit. This fosters a sense of responsibility and cultural appreciation among travellers. For example: Instead of dining at international chain restaurants, encourage employees to explore local eateries or street food that source their ingredients from nearby farmers and producers. Tip 5 Offsetting Carbon Emissions and Green Initiatives Businesses can take the initiative to offset their carbon emissions through various programs that invest in renewable energy projects or reforestation efforts. Partnering with carbon offset programs allows companies to balance out their environmental impact from corporate travel and actively support green initiatives. Why not calculate the carbon emissions generated from corporate travel and invest in renewable energy projects or tree-planting initiatives to offset the impact? Tip 6 Embracing Digital Documents and Paperless Practices In the digital age, paperless practices are not only convenient but also eco-friendly. By utilising online platforms for ticketing, itinerary management, and expense reporting, businesses can significantly reduce paper waste and its environmental impact. Embracing digital documents aligns with sustainability goals and promotes responsible resource management. Education is key. Encourage employees to use digital boarding passes instead of printed ones, reducing paper waste at airports. Tip 7 Utilising Energy-Efficient Technology and Devices Encouraging the use of energy-efficient devices, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones, during business travel can significantly reduce overall energy consumption. Energy-efficient technology not only helps businesses cut costs but also minimises their environmental footprint during trips. Provide employees with laptops and other electronic devices with ENERGY STAR certification, indicating they meet energy efficiency standards. Tip 8: Being Mindful of Water Consumption and Waste Management Business travellers should be mindful of water usage, particularly in regions facing water scarcity. Implementing responsible waste management practices, such as recycling and proper waste disposal, ensures minimal environmental impact during corporate travel. Small actions like these collectively make a significant difference in preserving our planet's resources. Educate employees on water-saving practices like reusing towels in hotels, turning off faucets while brushing teeth and taking shorter showers. Tip 9 Educating Employees on Sustainable Travel Practices Regularly educating employees about sustainable travel practices and the importance of reducing their carbon footprint is essential. Organising workshops or training sessions can promote eco-conscious behaviours during business trips and instil a culture of environmental responsibility within the organisation. Host seminars or guest lectures by sustainability experts to raise awareness of eco-friendly practices among employees. As businesses venture into the future, sustainability must remain a top priority, even during corporate travel. By implementing these eco-friendly tips, companies can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a greener, more sustainable planet. Embracing virtual meetings, supporting green initiatives, and advocating for responsible travel practices are small steps that collectively make a significant impact on environmental preservation. Let us join hands, one business trip at a time, to create a more sustainable future for generations to come. Ready to elevate your corporate travel experience? Look no further than Pulse Travel! Experience seamless journeys, discover business-friendly destinations, and ensure your employees' safety and well-being on every trip. Let's embark on a travel partnership that takes your business to new heights. Contact us today and let Pulse Travel be your trusted companion in the world of corporate travel. Your journey starts here!

In the world of modern commerce, corporate travel plays a critical role in the growth and development of many organisations. From connecting with international partners to exploring new market opportunities, travel is a strategic tool. But to leverage it effectively, a straightforward and robust corporate travel policy is key. This guide explores the importance, components, and best practices for creating and maintaining effective corporate travel policies. The Indispensable Role of Corporate Travel Policies Think of corporate travel policies as the roadmap for your company's business-related travel. They offer a systematic approach, presenting employees with well-defined instructions for all aspects of their travel. There are several compelling reasons to have a comprehensive corporate travel policy: Cost Management: These policies provide a structured method for controlling and reducing travel-related expenditures. Employee Safety: Corporate travel policies safeguard employees during their travel, fulfilling your company's duty of care.  Increased Efficiency: By removing uncertainties, a clear policy can enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. The Anatomy of Corporate Travel Policies Creating an effective corporate travel policy involves several key considerations: Policy Creation and Approval: Develop procedures for drafting, approving, and revising the policy. Booking Guidelines: Create clear instructions for booking travel and accommodation. For example; preferred airlines and hotel chains. You may prefer your staff to fly Jetstar and stay at Accor properties only. Expense Reimbursement: Outline which expenses are covered and the process for reimbursement. For example; whether meals, mini bar, rideshare and public transport are personal expenses or charged to the business. Employee Safety and Well-being: Establish protocols for employee health, safety, and emergency support during travel. For example; travel insurance, emergency and safety protocols. These might include pre-travel check-ups, vaccinations required and whether or not the business or individual is to pay for travel insurance. Risk Management: Develop procedures for identifying and mitigating travel-related risks. For example; conduct travel risk assessments to destinations to identify potential hazards and security risks. This can also include providing employees with access to a dedicated emergency assistance hotline that operates 24/7. Additionally, organisations could provide education on the procedures to be followed in the event of a natural disaster, political unrest or other crisis situations. Customising Your Corporate Travel Policies A corporate travel policy should reflect the unique needs of your organisation. Consider factors like company size, industry, frequency of travel, and company culture. For instance, a remote start-up will have different requirements than a multinational corporation. By customising your corporate travel policy, you ensure it aligns with your organisation's objectives and caters to your employees' needs. Communicating and Implementing Corporate Travel Policies The success of your corporate travel policy depends on effective communication and enforcement: Communication: Use straightforward language and formats for easy understanding. Education: Regular training sessions can help familiarise employees with the policy and promote adherence. Enforcement: Establish mechanisms to monitor compliance and consequences for violations. Managing Corporate Travel Policies: Best Practices The effective management of corporate travel policies is an ongoing endeavour. Here are some best practices: Review and Update: Regularly review and update your policy to reflect changing business  needs and travel trends. Use Technology: Use travel management software to automate processes and track compliance. Your Pulse Travel corporate agent can help with this. Work with Experts: Collaborating with a travel management company can simplify policy implementation and management. The Power of Effective Corporate Travel Policies An effective corporate travel policy is not just a document—it's a strategic tool for growth. Striking a balance between comprehensiveness and flexibility is key. Successful communication and enforcement of these policies can enhance employee satisfaction and drive business success. With these insights, your corporate travel policy can become an integral part of your company's growth strategy and a cornerstone for employee well-being. For assistance in setting up an effective corporate travel policy, our Brisbane travel agents are on standby to help you now.

  Corporate travel has long been viewed as a necessary but often tedious part of doing business. Recent trends suggest business travel management is evolving beyond its traditional role, with a growing emphasis on personalisation and individualisation. By leveraging the latest technologies and strategies, travel agencies can now provide personalised corporate travel experiences tailored to the needs and preferences of each traveller. Personalised corporate travel has the potential to transform the way companies approach business travel. Here are some of the exciting prospects of personalised corporate travel: Improved employee satisfaction and retention Personalised corporate travel helps companies improve employee satisfaction and retention by providing travel experiences that are tailored to each traveller's needs. Companies can build a stronger relationship with their staff by showing they care about their employees' well-being and comfort. Setting up a travel incentive program for your staff is a great way to incentivise employees to strive to meet their KPIs. As a reward, you can organise group travel or individual leisure holidays based on your team’s requirements. Increased productivity Personalised corporate travel can help employees be more productive by reducing travel-related stress and fatigue. Our corporate travel agents are experts in knowing how to get your staff members from A to B fast and efficiently. And knowing everything is taken care of from accommodation to car hire means they are more likely to feel comfortable and relaxed, which can help them perform better in meetings and other business activities. Enhanced cost savings Personalised corporate travel can help companies save money by allowing them to optimise their travel policies and processes. By tailoring travel experiences to each employee's needs, companies can reduce unnecessary expenses and avoid wasted resources. For example; in your company’s travel policy you can dictate what airlines and classes your employees are allowed to book, to avoid anyone talking it upon themselves to book first class or penthouse suites. Improved travel management Personalised corporate travel can help companies improve their travel management processes by providing better data and insights. By collecting and analysing data on each traveller's preferences and needs, companies can make more informed decisions about travel policies, supplier relationships, and other factors that impact travel management. If you're considering implementing personalised corporate travel for your company, here are some practical tips to keep in mind: Develop a clear travel policy Before implementing personalised corporate travel, it's important to develop a clear travel policy that outlines the goals and objectives of your travel program. This policy should include guidelines on budget, booking procedures, whether insurance is the responsibility of the individual, right down to meal allowances and if the mini bar is covered by the company. Invest in the right technology To effectively implement personalised corporate travel, you need to invest in the right technology. This may include tools for travel booking, expense tracking, and data analysis. Pulse Travel uses a user-friendly system that allows you to book online yourself if you wish, otherwise you can talk to one of our corporate travel agents.  Communicate with your employees Effective communication is key to the success of any personalised corporate travel program. Make sure to engage with your employees early and often, and provide them with clear information about the program's goals, policies, and procedures. Encourage employee feedback To ensure that your personalised corporate travel program is successful, it's important to encourage employee feedback. Solicit feedback from employees on their travel experiences, and use this feedback to improve your program over time. A Personalised Approach at Pulse Travel We implemented a personalised corporate travel program for PCYC Queensland back in 2017 and continue to enjoy a strong relationship with them. The key objectives PCYC Queensland were looking for included ways to reduce their air travel expenditure and implement a booking policy to streamline the process. We strongly recommended PCYC join Virgin Australia’s Accelerate Business Program which delivers rebates for their loyalty. In addition to this, we negotiated a Qantas Business Savings Account on their behalf which secured airfare discounts on domestic and international routes. At the time of this case study, PCYC received a $1.75k rebate from Virgin Australia and saved $17.8K through the use of Serko online. We made sure to communicate with our client throughout the implementation process, soliciting feedback and making adjustments based on their input. As a result, our personalised corporate travel program has been a resounding success, improving employee satisfaction, productivity, and cost savings. “The team at Pulse Travel have consistently provided outstanding customer service to our employees across Queensland. Nothing is too much trouble for them, love working together,” said Megan Bishop, a representative of PCYC Queensland. Personalised corporate travel is an exciting new trend that has the potential to transform the way companies approach business travel. At Pulse Travel, we are here to help you set up a travel plan or travel incentives for your company. 

In today's competitive business world, saving money on corporate travel is imperative for companies looking to reduce travel expenses without sacrificing productivity. Managing a corporate travel budget effectively can be challenging. With the right budget-friendly strategies from Pulse Travel and a focus on cost-saving measures, you can make the most of our readily available travel resources. In this blog, we'll discuss some of the best practices for business travel management. You’ll learn how to utilise budget-friendly strategies while still providing a comfortable and efficient travel experience for your employees. Plan Ahead and Book Early Identifying travel needs and booking flights and accommodation in advance is one of the most effective ways to save on your corporate travel budget. By planning ahead, you can avoid last-minute price hikes and take advantage of the best deals and discounts available. Your Pulse Travel corporate consultant can find you the best available rates on flights, hotels, and rental cars, not normally available to the general public. Implement a Corporate Travel Policy The implementation of a Corporate Travel Policy with Pulse Travel will help streamline the planning process. Establishing clear guidelines for booking travel is essential for managing your company’s travel expenses. It can help manage employees’ expectations as to which hotels they can book, or the type of vehicle they’re allowed to hire. You can set limits on premium economy seating airfare, and select preferred hotel chains or rental car companies that offer competitive rates. It can also dictate who’s responsible for travel insurance and the protocols when it comes to extending trips for sightseeing or bleisure trips. Encourage employees to make cost-conscious decisions when booking travel and to prioritise budget-friendly options. Consider Alternative Accommodation Traditional motels and hotels aren't the only option when it comes to lodging for business travel. Home-sharing services such as Stayz, AirBnB and extended-stay properties can offer more affordable options for longer stays. Additionally, booking accommodation outside of the Central Business District can result in significant savings without sacrificing convenience or comfort. For instance, when visiting Las Vegas for business purposes, you can secure luxury accommodation without breaking the bank by opting for accommodation located away from The Strip. Use Travel Rewards Programs Take advantage of travel rewards programs offered by airlines, hotels, and credit card companies. By signing up for these programs and using them consistently, you can earn points that can be redeemed for future travel. This can go a long way in helping to reduce costs and stretch your corporate travel budget further. Monitor Expenses and Adjust Strategies Keeping track of travel expenses is essential for effective business travel management. Analyse your spending patterns and adjust your travel policy and strategies as needed to improve cost savings. Encourage employees to report any cost-saving measures they come across during their travels, and consider implementing those suggestions into your company's travel policy. Utilise Technology for Virtual Meetings Consider whether in-person meetings are necessary or if technology can facilitate virtual meetings through video conferencing platforms, such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. For example; where conferences are involved, only send the crucial team members. The others can tune in via the web. This can save on travel expenses while maintaining effective communication and collaboration. This will enable them to combine trips and minimise the number of separate journey Consolidate Trips Encouraging employees to consolidate multiple meetings or appointments into a single trip can lead to significant cost savings and increased efficiency for your organisation. By reducing the number of individual journeys, your company can save on travel expenses such as airfare, accommodations, and transportation. This approach also minimises the environmental impact of frequent travel and can lead to more productive use of employees' time. Implement a Pre-Approval Process Create a pre-approval process for all travel expenses, ensuring that every trip is justified and within budget. This helps to prevent unnecessary travel and keeps costs in check. Opt for Public Transportation Encourage the use of public transportation, such as buses, trains, or subways, when possible. This can often be a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to renting cars or using taxis. Leverage Negotiating Power Pulse Travel can use your company's size and travel volume to negotiate better rates with airlines, hotels, and car rental companies.  Offer Incentives for Cost-Saving Measures Create a rewards program that incentivises employees to save on travel expenses. For example, you can offer a percentage of the savings as a bonus or provide other non-monetary rewards, such as additional vacation days or flexible work hours. Regularly Review and Update Your Travel Policy Continually assess the effectiveness of your corporate travel policy and make updates as needed to reflect changes in the industry, technology, and your company's needs. This ensures that your travel policy remains relevant and effective in managing costs. Educate Employees on Travel Policies and Best Practices Make sure that employees are aware of the company's travel policies and cost-saving strategies. Offer training sessions or informational materials to help them understand the importance of adhering to the guidelines and making budget-conscious decisions. Track and Analyse Travel Data Collect and analyse data on your company's travel patterns, expenses, and policy compliance. This information can help you identify areas for improvement, optimise travel schedules, and uncover additional cost-saving opportunities. With access to Pulse Travel exclusive corporate travel platform, it makes it simpler to track and analyse your company’s travel patterns. By categorising airfares, lodging, transportation, meals and other miscellaneous costs, you can easily identify the most significant areas of spending and where potential savings can be made. Some useful metrics to track will include average trip costs, average length of stay, most frequent destinations and the average spend per traveller. With careful planning and a focus on budget-friendly strategies, managing your corporate travel budget doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following these tips, you can reduce expenses while still ensuring a comfortable and productive travel experience for your employees. Don't let the costs of business travel hold your company back; implement these cost-saving measures today and watch your bottom line improve.