Cost considerations are no longer a top priority for travel managers post lockdown, as they prioritise a return on investment, as well as staff well-being and retention, noted panellists at the recently-concluded IT&CM Asia 2022.
Akshay Kapoor, head of sales – Asia Pacific, CWT, opined that while travel costs have risen significantly worldwide post lockdown, organisations will continue to spend on incentive travel to reward staff, and build employee loyalty and a sense of belonging.
In some cases, several companies have also increased the number of qualifiers for incentive trips because they believe that incentive trips will help in staff retention, he elaborated.
Manish Raj, vice president, global sales & new initiatives of a technology company based in India, shared that while travel costs have increased significantly post lockdown, business trips will continue to happen.
This is because in-person meetings have an edge over digital meetings, he opened, where physical interactions tend to positively impact the closing of deals, and provide better company visibility.
For instance, unicorn technology companies in India that seek further funding to grow their businesses and organisations have to make trips abroad to meet with investors and venture capitalists.
Meanwhile, Ajaay Kapur, vice president & head procurement, for a large banking, financial services and insurance company, shared that post-lockdown, airline connectivity, as well as safety and security of travelling employees, currently take priority over budget.
To optimise costs, companies should work directly with airlines and hotels, he suggested. – Additional reporting by Serene Foo
Prior to joining Megaworld Hotels, Albiso held various positions with Marriott International, including director of sales and marketing at the Marriott Cebu City, and general manager of Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo.
Prior to his arrival in Davao, Toune opened Novotel in Quezon City, and was general manager of Banwa Private Island – an exclusive resort in Palawan.
With effect from October 1, inbound travellers to South Korea will no longer be required to take an on-arrival PCR test.
Currently, incoming visitors need to perform the PCR test within the first 24 hours of their entry into the country.
This decision by the government was made due to the recent gradual decline in infections.
This follows the removal of the pre-departure testing requirement for travellers bound for South Korea earlier this month.
However, South Korea could reinforce restrictions regarding foreign entrants if it sees the emergence of risky virus variants and the global virus situation changes.
Second vice health minister Lee Ki-il said in a virus response meeting: “We are at the final stage of the Covid-19 pandemic. We expect another wave in winter, but we will finally overcome the virus through thorough preparations.”