Corporate travel managers are under pressure to cut costs, improve compliance and better leverage mobile technology, according to a new survey conducted at the 2011 GBTA Convention by Rearden Commerce. Top survey findings include:

* Mobile Technology: 63 percent of travel managers believe mobile technology can help a company reach its managed travel goals, yet only 25 percent of companies are realizing the business travel benefits of mobile today.

* Online Booking Compliance: Two-thirds of respondents reported that employees at their companies are less than 50 percent compliant with online booking policies.

* Evolving Responsibilities: 30 percent of travel managers are now managing other procurement categories in addition to travel.

* Cutting Costs: 60 percent of travel managers said their organization’s top priorities are cutting costs — citing more effectively managing ancillary fees as a new area of focus.

With more suppliers in the travel ecosystem implementing ancillary fees, corporate travel managers are trying to figure out how to handle rising costs. Of those travel managers surveyed, 42 percent believe the best strategy is to reduce non-essential travel – but for some companies, reducing travel isn’t an option. Thirty-four percent suggested cutting back in travel categories, but those surveyed were divided on where – outside of the big three (air, rental car and hotel) to cut. Meals, ground transportation, and entertainment were the leading alternative cuts.

Source: Rearden Commerce