Corporate travel has evolved for executives and individuals with high-net-worth, especially when it comes to start-ups, scale-ups and small companies on the rise. As travel becomes more accessible to everyone, it’s important for businesses to evaluate what added value luxury business travel services provide their company and their employees on a whole.
Luxury business travel blends corporate efficiency with first-class experiences, whether that be a business-class or first-class flight, 5-star accommodations or a luxury rental car. Luxury business travel services are a nice-to-have especially for high-level executives, and can be an added bonus for reluctant or inexperienced travelers.
We’ll look at everything you should know about high-end business travel services so you can make a better informed decision about what is right for you and your company.
What is luxury business travel?
Luxury business travel differs from standard business travel in the sense that instead of staying in mid-range business traveler-friendly hotels and taking economy or premium-economy seats on flights, travelers have access to high-end hotels, luxury or electric car rentals and first-class or business class seats on a flight.
The demand for personalized, high-end and efficient travel is on the rise and often these added travel services are what makes the difference for premium corporate travel.
Key features of luxury business travel services
Below are some of the key features of luxury business travel services.
First-class flights
First class flights and business class flights make a big difference when it comes to comfort and prioritizing more expensive direct flights can also make a difference in how well-rested employees are when they arrive at their destination. Direct flights are also more convenient and time-efficient.
Luxury accommodation
Luxury accommodations such as 5-star hotels, exclusive resorts and executive suites offer added perks like concierge services, spas, pools, saunas, first-class food and beverage that help make the decompression time at the hotel post-meetings a great experience for business travelers, ensuring they’re relaxed and rested. The more relaxed and rested they are, the more productive they will be. Loyalty members will also get added benefits that make their stay even better.
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Chauffeured transport,VIP transfers and luxury rental cars
Sometimes arriving at a destination and having to flag a cab or get a ride share can be stressful. This is where chauffeured transport and VIP transfers come in handy with limousine services, private drivers, and airport meet-and-greets. This also gives the added touch of helping business travelers feel special and like you care.
Another luxury business travel service is a luxury rental car, whether it’s electric, a comfortable SUV or a sports car, having a nice rental car can make a great first impression on clients. Good first impressions are important for lasting business relationships.
24/7 travel support
Luxury business travel services are also about having the service and support you need in case you need it. When working with a travel & expense management platform like GetGoing you can get access to 24/7 travel support from real travel experts. This includes real-time assistance in case of an emergency and crisis management as well as last minute help with itinerary changes or problems with the platform.
Benefits of investing in luxury business travel
Investing in luxury business travel services is about improved productivity and wellbeing, relaying a positive brand image, employee retention and enhanced networking opportunities.
Improved productivity and well-being
The more well-rested employees are, the more productive and happier they will be. Luxury corporate travel services give that added edge that makes travel feel less like work and more like pleasure. Finding that balance between performance, meeting with clients and getting the job done, while also being able to take some time for yourself is key to healthy work-life balance.
Positive brand image and employee retention
Traveling regularly for business can be exhausting and can get to your employee’s morale if not done right. This is why luxury business travel can really help with employee retention because they feel like they’re being valued. Happy employees act as better brand advocates and perform better. Arriving in a luxury rental car and having luxury hotel services to invite clients to wine and dine also does wonders for your brand image.
Enhanced networking opportunities
Luxury accommodations and VIP lounges in the airport can facilitate a great space to make connections with wealthy people, as well as other like-minded business people. This fosters a great environment to create lasting connections and relationships that can further drive the company values and profit.
Recap: Key benefits and elements of luxury business travel
When determining if luxury business travel services are right for your company, it’s important to evaluate the potential return on investment. Is employee retention and brand loyalty something you are searching for? The more loyal clients and employees you have, the better it is for your company’s bottom line.
Meanwhile, you can use your company’s travel policy to enhance and streamline your efforts to stay on budget and to make a travel program that works for your company, both economically and for your employees. This way you can set the parameters that work for you and your company without going over budget or spending beyond your means.