Business travel is, once again, ticking back up after Omicron’s unexpected surge earlier this year, which almost brought travel policies back to square one. While it’s true that virtual meetings have become indispensable now, it is also true that corporate travel remains irreplaceable in fulfilling critical business demands. In the Asia Pacific, travel is returning to both international (50%) and domestic (70%) pre-pandemic volumes according to the recently released SAP Concur study.

Since 2020, SAP Concur, the travel and expense management entity of software multinational SAP, has been studying the pulse of business travellers worldwide in partnership with credible research companies to get a better perspective of the impacts of COVID-19. The latest SAP Concur report focused on Asia Pacific companies’ readiness for sustainable business travel was conducted in partnership with Consulting Group – Asia Insight, a Singapore-based market research firm.

APAC Ready for Sustainable Business Travel

Matthew Goss, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Asia Pacific and Greater China, SAP Concur, explained that research findings revealed that APAC businesses have demonstrated a significant shift from the pre-pandemic era when cost savings were more prioritised than the environmental impacts of corporate travel. He explained:

“I believe that as flying time reduced, and emissions dropped during Covid-19 lockdowns, organisations realised the possibilities of sustainable travel, and stakeholders became more motivated to take action. This shift of focus to bigger picture issues is a pivotal moment – not just for businesses to run better and be more profitable, but for more sustainable business practices to take root.”

The SAP Concur APAC Sustainability Survey defined sustainable travel vis-à-vis the company’s capabilities to make informed travel choices; track and manage results, and demonstrate environmental impact measurably. According to the report, 76% of APAC organisations are passionate about embedding sustainability measures in their business travel programmes, with 39% having all stakeholders engaged while 61% requiring implementation support.

Here are the key highlights of the SAP Concur sustainability survey:

• 71% of APAC companies agree that technology is critical to helping them become sustainable enterprises, of which 38% already utilising software to support corporate travel and expense management and 33% planning to adopt one soon

• Sustainable travel programmes are perceived to increase operational efficiency (70%), drive positive brand awareness and reputation externally (67%), and reduce costs (66%)

• Limited budget (37%); lack of policy flexibility and adaptability (31%); lack of employee engagement (32%); and lack of professional tools to visualise the environmental impact of travel (31%) were identified as top barriers in designing a strong sustainable travel plan 

• APAC organisations are considering alternative modes of travel to drive sustainability such as the use of trains (30%) over airplanes with 76% of respondents willing to shift from plane to train, for at least 20% of existing travels– especially relevant in China and Japan where high-speed trains are available

• About 65% of APAC companies are incentivising their employees who use electric vehicles, allowing them to reimburse EV charging costs

The report suggested that to achieve a sustainable business travel programme, organisations must adjust policies to equip travellers to make sustainable choices; harness technology to have visibility on the programme’s impact, and prove the company’s commitment to all its constituents.

“It’s clear from the study that organisations are brimming with interest and intent to embrace sustainable travel,” added Goss. “For those that lack implementation know-how, technology could point a way forward – in terms of helping guide employees to sustainable itinerary options, tracking emissions, and ultimately formulating more efficient and sustainable travel strategies. Firms should examine how these tools can support their broader sustainability goals.”

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The book, Concur: Travel and Expense Management with SAP, has been written by a team of three authors including Concur consultant and UK director of iProCon, Sven Ringling.

“When I started my first Concur project in 2010, I found it astonishing how little information I could find in the public domain,” Ringling said. “It is now the global leader in Travel and Expense with strong growth in Europe and Asia and people still struggle. This book fills a gap and I’m confident that business users as well as consultants will find it well worth their time and money to understand the Concur business case, process, technology and integration.”

The book walks users through the set-up processes for Concur Travel, Concur Expense and Concur Request before diving deeper into the capabilities of each. Readers will also learn how to integrate Concur with SAP solutions such as SAP ERP HCM, SAP SuccessFactors and SAP ERP Financials, as well as get information on using the solution to plan trips, settle expenses and manage approvals in accordance with their corporate travel policies.

The book is available in print, electronic, and bundled editions and can be purchased via the SAP PRESS website and Amazon.com.

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