Switzerland-based Holcim is a global leader in sustainable building solutions with around 72,000 employees worldwide. The company’s business travelers habitually booked hotels outside of the travel program because they found better deals on their own. Functional issues within their online booking tool contributed to the rogue bookings. Holcim facility manager Carine Nolet worked closely with BCD to solve the business challenge.
BCD implemented Cytric, a global online booking tool, integrated with TripSource® hotel content, showing the lowest rates available, including preferred hotels, plus rates negotiated by BCD. With Cytric, online adoption increased 13% on air bookings in 2021 compared to 2020. Travelers now use a single channel to make hotel reservations and can see a wider choice of hotels with access to their favorite hotels. All reservations are consolidated within one booking tool, making invoices easier to reconcile. For Holcim, this means a single view of their travelers’ whereabouts, making it easier to track and assist people as needed, improving their duty of care. Combining Cytric with BCD’s hotel content saves travelers time and the company money.
Helping travelers making wiser choices
In her role as facilities manager, Nolet not only manages employee services and finds the right tools and solutions for her people, but she also provides information they need to be successful. BCD and Nolet collaborated on internal communications for employees, encouraging them to comply with travel policy guidelines. The messaging explained how booking trips in policy supports traveler safety and helps the company grow its savings.
“Relationships with suppliers make a great difference in my daily job. I’m feeling fortunate to work so closely with BCD’s program management team, they help me solve my day-to-day corporate travel challenges,” Nolet said.
“We are pleased when we can facilitate the work of Carine Nolet and the Holcim staff. Our consulting role is all about bringing our expertise to recommend the best options to simplify and maximize our client’s efficiency,” said Laurent Bensaid, Director Program Management France at BCD Travel and Executive Chair of Sustainability.
Looking to solve a challenge or boost success in your managed travel program? BCD clients, please contact your program manager. Not a client yet? Contact us.
