Premier Inn offers guidance on evaluating company travel policies

Hotel group Premier Inn has published a guide aimed at assisting companies in evaluating and updating their corporate travel policies. The release addresses the growing trend of businesses reviewing their travel strategies due to increased costs and a post-pandemic landscape where traveler wellbeing, hygiene, and sustainability are paramount.

The guide emphasizes that the cheapest rate is not always the most effective. It advises companies to ensure their policies include flexible booking options to accommodate changing plans, noting that flexibility can outweigh initial cost savings. Premier Inn also highlights the importance of considering the environmental credentials of travel partners as part of corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts.

Early booking and expense management are presented as key strategies for cost control. The release suggests that booking accommodation in advance can lead to significant savings, provided flexible rates are available to manage potential changes. Streamlining expense processes, such as using consolidated payment solutions and integrated reporting tools, is also recommended to simplify administration and improve policy adherence.

Premier Inn, with over 800 hotels, offers features like flexible rates that can be cancelled or amended up to the day of arrival. The guide encourages businesses to implement budget controls, including pre-authorisation of spending and clear allowances for employees, to ensure clarity and compliance with travel policies.