Marriott International recently launched Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy, a travel management platform aimed at small-to-midsize businesses. This move has been highly anticipated in an industry segment that has been craving change, especially post-Covid. With the corporate travel landscape still recovering from the pandemic, companies are seeking more flexible solutions. Many small and midsize companies are struggling to rebuild their travel management teams that were downsized or eliminated during the height of the crisis.
According to Drew Pinto, executive vice president and chief revenue and technology officer for Marriott International, the launch of Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy is a strategic move to cater to an underserved segment. Prior to this program, Marriott did not offer a comprehensive global program for small- to midsize businesses. The aim is to tap into the growing global business travel market, driven by favorable economic growth post-pandemic and increasing employment rates in 2024.
A survey conducted by Wakefield Research found that 75% of business travelers reported frustrations with their current travel booking platforms. Difficulty in using the platforms and a tendency to book outside the company’s travel management platforms were cited as major concerns. This highlights the need for a more efficient and user-friendly solution for business travel management.
Marriott International positions Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy as a “one-stop shop” for corporate travel managers. This platform not only allows for booking hotels within the Marriott portfolio but also offers options for flights, rail travel, and rental cars. Additionally, travel managers can customize travel policies, access real-time analytics on travel spend and sustainability reporting, and monitor traveler health and safety through interactive maps. Integration with existing expense-management platforms is also possible, enabling virtual credit card payments and automated expense reports. Employees of small and midsize businesses gain access to Marriott Bonvoy benefits like free breakfast, late checkout, and mobile check-in.
Despite the promising features of Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy, some industry experts like Jay Ellenby remain skeptical. Ellenby believes that the human factor is crucial in corporate travel management and that technology alone may not suffice. The complexities of the industry and the need for quick and efficient support in times of crisis pose significant challenges. However, others like NYU’s Bjorn Hanson express confidence in Marriott’s ability to navigate these complexities and succeed in the corporate travel management arena.
Overall, Marriott International’s Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy has the potential to revolutionize the corporate travel landscape. By addressing the needs of small and midsize businesses, offering a comprehensive suite of features, and tapping into the growing demand for flexible travel solutions, Marriott is positioning itself as a key player in the evolving world of business travel management. Only time will tell if their bold and ambitious move will indeed be a game-changer in the industry.
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