Business Travel ROI: Why Strategic Management Matters More than Ever
There’s exciting new research from GBTA (Global Business Travel Association) and ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors) that reinforces what many organizations are seeing in real time: business travel—when managed strategically—drives measurable business results. The study found that U.S. companies with strong, well-managed travel programs can outperform peers by up to 30% in revenue, proving that travel isn’t just a cost center—it can be a competitive advantage when aligned with business goals. (Read the full Article)
As spring travel approaches, this insight is especially timely. Many programs are balancing multiple priorities at once: rising travel volume, tighter budgets, more disruption risk, and an increase in policy exceptions. The organizations that perform best in this environment are the ones that treat travel policy as a business tool—supporting compliance and cost control while also enabling the in-person collaboration, client engagement, and relationship-building that fuel growth.
With hybrid work here to stay, demand for face-to-face meetings increasing, and a growing focus on the traveler experience, it’s easy for policies to fall out of sync with today’s travel patterns. A quick review of core policy elements—how far in advance travelers should book, what hotel rates make sense in your highest-volume markets, when upgrades apply, and where flexibility is worth it—can reduce exceptions, improve adoption, and make travel easier for employees without sacrificing program control.
Now is the ideal time for a Travel Policy Tune-Up. Quick wins like streamlined approvals, refreshed duty of care readiness, and clearer guidelines can drive stronger compliance, happier travelers, and a more cost-effective program overall.
Campbell Travel can help you turn these insights into action with a structured Travel Policy Tune-Up—combining benchmarking, booking behavior analysis, supplier alignment, and traveler experience recommendations. If you’d like to ensure your program is positioned to capture the full ROI of business travel, we’d love to partner with you.
Airline Competition Heats up at O'Hare - What It Means for Corporate Travel
American and United are escalating competition at Chicago O’Hare over gate access and route expansion, signaling a push for greater dominance at a key business travel hub. For corporate travel programs, this could mean more schedule options and capacity in Chicago, but also potential fare shifts and changes to preferred carrier strategy as both airlines expand and adjust their networks.
Southwest Airlines has officially ended its decades-long open seating policy and introduced assigned seating on all flights, marking a major shift in the carrier’s boarding process. Under the new system, passengers will receive a specific seat on their boarding pass, with options to select preferred or extra-legroom seats, and boarding will occur in numbered groups rather than the traditional open boarding format. This change brings Southwest more in line with other major U.S. airlines and gives travelers more predictability in their flight experience.
Delta has launched a redesigned Delta Business site (replacing Delta Professional) to give corporate customers a more streamlined platform and centralized dashboard for managing program tools and benefits. For corporate travel programs, this update may improve visibility into contract performance and traveler engagement, while making it easier to support travelers and manage key items like unused tickets and upgrades
These are my favorite kinds of trips — think cobblestones, candlelight, and destinations that feel like a love story (not just a postcard). If you’re dreaming up a Valentine’s escape or simply planning something special for two, these are my top romantic recommendations.
Positano, Italy
Pastel houses tumbling down cliffs, bougainvillea everywhere, intimate trattorias, and sea views that feel impossibly romantic.
Where to stay:Il San Pietro di Positano — overlooking the bay and surrounded by scented gardens, this refined hideaway offers breathtaking views stretching toward Capri and an atmosphere that feels like a noble private residence, complete with beautiful furnishings, art, and flowers throughout.
Bruges, Belgium
Storybook-perfect romance. Medieval streets, quiet canals, horse-drawn carriages, and cozy cafés create a magical evening atmosphere.
Marisa’s recommendation: If you want to experience Bruges in the most effortless (and romantic) way, I love AmaWaterways’ eight-day spring sailing through the Netherlands and Belgium—complete with a Bruges visit during a stop in Ghent.
Hallstatt, Austria
Tiny, breathtaking, and serene. Lakeside views, alpine charm, and peaceful walks that feel wonderfully secluded.
How to do it: Arrive by train for a slower, more romantic journey—think panoramic views, alpine scenery, and the kind of travel that feels timeless and effortlessly elegant. As a bonus, rail travel is also highly sustainable, emitting up to 75% fewer carbon emissions than air or car travel. Railbookers makes the planning simple.
Looking to Stay Closer to Home?
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Rustic-luxury romance with mountain views, fireplaces, wildlife, and unforgettable sunsets—especially magical in fall and winter.
Where to stay:Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole — a luxurious mountain escape with rich natural finishes, expansive views of the Tetons, and easy access to Grand Teton and Yellowstone.
.jpg?upscale=true&width=700&upscale=true&name=Good_morning_bruges_(2541731737).jpg)
