BCD Travel has signed up with Airbnb, the short-term rental service, to integrate the data of their shared corporate travel clients to provide them with a new security and risk management offering.
This feature can track the location and trip patterns of business travellers who book accommodation on Airbnb.
Airbnb’s data will also be integrated into BCD Travel’s DecisionSource, a business intelligence and security solution. This allows clients to interact with maps and detailed reports in real-time and bring Airbnb accommodation bookings into view for managed travel.
Business intelligence and risk management for corporate travellers with BCD & Airbnb tie-up. (Image credit: Airbnb)
Torsten Kriedt, BCD’s vice president for corporate intelligence, product planning & portfolio management, said: “As demand for alternative travel grows, we’re working a step ahead to offer clients the best approach to modern travel and risk management.”
Lex Bayer, head of global payments and business development for Airbnb, added: “By partnering with BCD Travel on this initiative we expect travel managers to gain better insights into the cost savings, comprehensive global inventory and flexible travel options that Airbnb offers to their travellers.”
The move by BCD Travel and Airbnb to integrate data extends beyond travel risk management.
“With the data feeds from alternative accommodations, travel managers will have a more comprehensive view of travel programme spend. They can capture and analyse spend with travellers staying in rooms booked through Airbnb to enable better, more-confident programme decisions,” said Leslie West, senior vice president of BCD Travel.
BCD regards its initiative to integrate Airbnb into managed travel as a significant first step toward a much broader offering.
“Content is evolving, content sources are changing, and our clients want content that’s available through a variety of channels,” said Ana Pedersen, BCD Travel vice president of global hotel strategy.
• Featured image credit (sharing data): kei_gokei/iStock
