Claudia Jackson
Managing Director UK & Ireland, BCD Travel
In today’s data-rich world, travel managers are sitting on a goldmine of insights — if they know where to look. From spend patterns to sustainability metrics, the right data can transform a travel programme from reactive to strategic.
Engagement gap
“Yet, many travel teams struggle to engage with their data regularly,” notes Claudia Jackson, Managing Director UK and Ireland at travel management company BCD Travel. A recent survey by BCD’s Research and Intelligence team found that only 36% of travel managers interact with their data daily, with time constraints being the biggest barrier. That’s why having a clear data strategy is essential. It starts with identifying what matters most — be it cost control, policy compliance or traveller safety — and aligning data use accordingly.
From insight to action
“Pre-trip data, for example, offers a powerful opportunity to catch issues before they become costly,” explains Jackson. “Exceeded rate caps, out-of-policy seating or non-compliant car rentals can be flagged and corrected in real time. Similarly, emissions data at the point of sale can guide travellers toward more sustainable choices, supporting broader ESG goals.”
Data isn’t just about dashboards.
It’s about storytelling.
The story behind the numbers
Data isn’t just about dashboards. It’s about storytelling. Trends in booking behaviour, shifts in preferred suppliers or emerging travel markets all tell a story about how a programme is evolving. Travel managers who take the time to interpret these changes can make smarter decisions — and share those insights across departments like finance, risk and IT.
Shaping your strategy
“We’re encouraging our clients to get back to the basics of their data and look for trends and behaviours that can impact their programme,” says Jackson. Tools like BCD’s analytics platform DecisionSource® help travel managers turn raw data into actionable insights. “Because when used well, travel data doesn’t just inform — it shapes the future,” she concludes.
