Managing Business Travel During the COVID-19 Crisis
2024/09/12
Managing Business Travel During the COVID-19 Crisis.
Let's go back to January 2020, when the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) first appeared as a significant global threat. It quickly triggered a worldwide health crisis, disrupting every sector of the travel industry—from leisure and business travel to hotels and airlines. Borders were closing swiftly, and new airline restrictions were introduced at an unprecedented pace.
The entire industry was thrown into chaos, leaving travelers unsure and confused about their next steps.
The Challenge:
Stranded Travelers: The situation was straightforward but critical—travelers were stranded abroad with no clear way to return home. While corporate travel managers had duty of care programs in place to protect their travelers, these protocols were not designed to address a pandemic of this magnitude.
One of our clients, an international drilling contractor based in Brazil with a subsidiary office in Mumbai, India, faced this challenge. The company, which owns and operates modern, high-specification jack-up rigs for the oil and gas exploration and production industry worldwide, had around 60 expatriates of various nationalities working in the Mumbai high seas during this period. These expatriates came from every continent, including South America, Africa, the U.S., Europe, and the U.K. Their sole priority was to find a way back to their homes.
Adapting to a Rapidly Changing Situation.
As the virus continued to spread, so did the influx of new information. To keep our travel managers and clients well-informed, we ensured that all updates were accurate and relevant. We collaborated closely with our hotel partners and destination management companies (DMCs) to provide timely, reliable, and safe transit for our clients through alternative countries.
We elevated our alert level to "Crisis" and promptly communicated the requirements and protocols for safe travel to their destinations. Comprehensive reports were sent to companies with travelers in impacted regions, ensuring that they remained updated as restrictions evolved. Our support team worked tirelessly around the clock, alongside our hotel and DMC partners, to make this travel a complete success, ensuring 100% safe passage without any disruptions or issues.
Support Was Our Top Priority.
Our primary focus was to ensure our customers had round-the-clock access to travel experts, providing them with safe and reliable guidance to reach their destinations. It was crucial for them to have up-to-date, trustworthy information readily available. By integrating our technology with the expertise of our team, we delivered the essential support needed to navigate the uncertainties of the pandemic.
Adapting for the Future.
A resilient travel program is essential when circumstances change in an instant. Throughout the pandemic, our dedicated travel experts and advanced technology worked around the clock to ensure travelers returned home and gave reassurance to travel managers.
By providing continuous support and up-to-date information, we enabled our corporate travelers to navigate the early months of the pandemic safely and smoothly.
