Startups in corporate travel attracted huge interest last year, especially in terms of the significant funding rounds that were announced.
Existing travel management companies are keeping an eye on these newbies to see if they are adding anything new, stealing business or growing the market.
Jill Palmer, CEO of Click Travel, feels the "technology first" message some are sending is something her own company has talked about for some time.
That aside, Palmer, who joined PhocusWire for an interview at Travel Technology Europe 2020, says it’s "interesting" competing with them because some are “not so focused on making a profit,” but at some point their investors will want growth.
Click Travel itself announced unspecified funding in 2018, which it invested in its technology, and, Palmer says, the company has “beat targets” since.
She also touches on the company’s ability to survive through COVID-19, saying that it will have an impact with people traveling less for a period of time.
Sustainability is also on the agenda: Palmer believes the current focus is here to stay, with every company in business travel needing to have a plan.
She points to the recent caution from Mark Carney, governor of the Bank of England, around not ignoring climate change.
Click Travel interview (PhocusWire @ Travel Technology Europe 2020)