Business Travel Awards Europe 2024 – the winners!

Account Management Team of the Year

Winner: ATPI 

The judges were impressed by ATPI’s incredible achievements over the past 12 months, highlighting positive client feedback, high retention rates, and a deep understanding of client needs through the use of AI and predictive analytics. They showcased transparency in metrics and excellent client collaboration, resulting in notable growth and high levels of customer satisfaction.

Achievement in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Winner: Delta Air Lines

The judges noted Delta’s robust DEI commitments embedded in its culture, supporting both internal and external clients, including veterans and diverse suppliers. They highlighted Delta’s impressive rankings and recognition for DEI efforts, heartfelt employee testimonials, and impactful initiatives making a positive difference to many lives​​.

Technology Innovation – Accommodation

Winner: SilverDoor

The judges praised SilverDoor for providing CO2 data for long stays, addressing a critical industry need for sustainability. Their solution offers precise carbon emission calculations, benefiting travel managers and aligning with legislative reporting requirements. The detailed planning and positive customer feedback further solidified their win.

Technology Innovation – Corporate Booking Platform

Winner: TravelPerk

The judges praised TravelPerk for its integration of AI, high level of automation and efficiency, providing a user-friendly platform with extensive partner integrations. They noted significant improvements in operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, highlighting the platform’s flexibility and successful implementation of technology solutions​.

Highly Commended: Navan

The judges were impressed by Navan’s consumer-grade user experience, advanced content technologies, and focus on NDC content optimisation. They highlighted Navan’s high platform adoption rates, cost savings for clients, and seamless self-service capabilities, noting its strong market uptake and positive customer testimonials.

Technology Innovation – Data & Reporting

Winner: Travelogix

The judges praised Travelogix for its robust product that helps TMCs and agencies with data challenges, highlighting its ability to use data effectively for analysis. They appreciated the excellent customer feedback, the value demonstrated in the product, and its application across the travel ecosystem​​.

Highly Commended: Uber for Business

The judges were impressed by Uber for Business’s scalable global tech solution, policy options, and sustainability tracking. They noted its strong market engagement, excellent integrations, and visibility enhancements, providing significant value for corporates managing ground transportation spend globally.

Technology Innovation – Meetings & Events

Winner: TROOP

The judges felt that TROOP’s interfaces, capabilities, and sustainability features made it stand out. They were won over by its ability to incorporate travel logistics with venue find and event management, building on an already successful model to cater to all requirements

Technology Innovation – Traveller Experience

Winner: United Airlines

The judges noted the United Airlines app’s excellence in providing real-time updates, flight management, and traveller support before, during, and after trips. They highlighted features like ConnectionSaver, which helps passengers with tight connections, and the app’s ability to handle disruptions and offer personalised solutions. The app’s contribution to digitising processes, reducing paper usage, and enhancing overall customer satisfaction through real-time notifications and baggage tracking were particularly commended.

Travel Partner of the Year – Alternative Accommodation Operator

Winner: Synergy

The judges noted Synergy’s thorough documentation, strategic role enhancements, and innovative solutions tailored to client needs. They appreciated the company’s forward-thinking approach, including mentions of AI and cybersecurity. Their entry demonstrated strong client understanding and creative problem-solving, earning high marks for customer service and budget adherence.

Travel Partner of the Year – Car Rental Provider

Winner: Enterprise Mobility

The judges were won over by Enterprise Mobility’s strong corporate presence and innovative solutions like their Car Club programme. The judges commented on Enterprise Mobility’s strong focus on developing collaboration with TMCs and their focus on technology and diversity, while detailed testimonials showcased their commitment to providing comprehensive and sustainable business travel solutions.

Travel Partner of the Year – Chauffeur or Taxi Provider

Winner: Blacklane

The judges felt Blacklane excelled with a comprehensive black car programme emphasising electric vehicles and sustainability. Their detailed case studies and innovative solutions for client needs, including carbon offsetting and industry trend adaptation, were highly commendable.

Travel Partner of the Year – Ground Transportation Platform

Winner: Jyrney

The judges were impressed by Jyrney’s well-written submission, strong evidence of business partnership, and innovative technology that integrates with TMCs and reduces the number of apps for travellers. They noted the unique automated rebooking system to prevent travel disruption and the inclusion of ride-sharing options, which address key pain points for users.

Travel Partner of the Year – Hotel Brand

Winner: IHG Hotels & Resorts

The judges were impressed by IHG Hotels & Resorts’ leadership and development, citing the introduction of six new platforms and initiatives that address buyer and traveller needs. They also praised the IHG One Rewards App for its new tech features, such as WiFi Auto-connect and Wallet, and noted the company’s strong strategic focus and responsiveness to clients’ needs.

Travel Partner of the Year – Long-Haul Airline

Winner: JetBlue

The judges were impressed by JetBlue’s positive network development, innovation strategy, and strong corporate focus. They highlighted the airline’s immense growth since 2023, detailed documentation of achievements in sustainability, diversity and customer experience, while a compelling case study showcased substantial improvements in employee experience and cost savings​.

Travel Partner of the Year – Meetings & Events Agency

Winner: American Express Global Business Travel Meetings & Events

The judges praised Amex GBT Meetings & Events for its compelling detail on leadership, partnership, and strategic developments, highlighting the integration of M&E, Consulting and GBT Sports units into a global team. They were particularly impressed by the company’s investment in technology, people and structure, which has brought significant value and service to clients.

Travel Partner of the Year – Meetings & Events Venue

Winner: Convene

The judges were impressed by Convene’s clear delivery of client requirements, strong strategic focus, and positive adaptations to industry changes. They praised Convene’s growth with customers, its niche focus on premium meetings and events, and innovative solutions addressing both large and small events with a real focus on customer care​​.

Travel Partner of the Year – Rail Operator

Winner: Eurostar

The judges praised Eurostar for its significant advancements in sustainability and traveller experience. They highlighted Eurostar’s leadership in connecting major cities with the UK, substantial growth, and innovative strategies like SmartCheck and GDS integration. The strong partnership with TMCs and corporate clients, alongside efforts to enhance travel comfort and reduce carbon footprints, were noted as key factors in their success​.

Travel Partner of the Year – Short-Haul Airline

Winner: easyJet

The judges were impressed by easyJet’s well-rounded submission, demonstrating strong leadership, partnership and industry advocacy. Their focus on accessible travel, customer engagement, and innovative strategies to meet client needs were particularly noteworthy, showcasing their ability to adapt and evolve continuously.

Travel Partner of the Year – Large TMC

Winner: BCD Travel

The judges were impressed by BCD Travel’s extensive global presence, tailored services, and a high client retention rate. They commended BCD’s commitment to sustainability, innovative use of AI, and proactive strategies to optimise travel management. The holistic approach involving various departments and a significant workforce increase demonstrated strong leadership and development in the competitive market​.

Travel Partner of the Year – Medium TMC

Winner: Gray Dawes

The judges were impressed by Gray Dawes’ innovative approach, excellent client retention rate, and strong leadership. They highlighted the company’s investments in technology, such as StaySafe and Potal, and their effective NDC content strategy. The submission demonstrated Gray Dawes’ success in both staff and client retention, the ability to address industry challenges, and strong client collaboration, making them a standout TMC in delivering value and advanced travel solutions​​.

Highly Commended: Clarity

The judges praised Clarity for their well-written submission, clear responses, and detailed examples of leadership, partnership, and development. They highlighted Clarity’s technological advancements with Clarity Go and Meetingspro, its focus on sustainability, and internal investments in education and wellbeing. The company’s proactive approach, innovative solutions, and strong client relationships were commended, showcasing their ability to support and improve client travel programmes effectively​​.

Travel Partner of the Year – Small TMC

Winner: Inntel

The judges noted Inntel’s positive commitments to staff, clients and the community, emphasising their collaborative approach with technology and sustainability initiatives. They praised Inntel’s agility in addressing client needs, diversification into new sectors, and strong client-driven solutions, highlighting their impressive ability to manage large customers effectively​.

Travel Buyer of the Year

Winner: Celine Diriberry, Global Sourcing Manager, Travel, British American Tobacco 

The judges and BTN Europe editorial team were highly impressed by Diriberry’s efforts to singlehandedly consolidate British American Tobacco’s global travel programme across 89 markets, improve management processes and redesign the traveller experience, and all without a mandate. Her achievements demonstrated extensive cross-departmental collaboration and thoughtful stakeholder management.

Highly Commended: Denise Bonner, Regional Travel Manager, EMEA, AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca has made significant headway in reducing the environmental impact of its business travel activity, in no small part to Denise Bonner’s role in implementing booking tool modifications and a comprehensive internal comms campaign which struck a chord with the company’s travellers.

Travel Team of the Year

Winner: Wood PLC & Amex GBT Travel Team 

The judges and BTN Europe editorial team praised Wood for the complete transformation of its travel programme in a short space of time, consolidating TMCs and fostering close ties with its primary partner, Amex GBT, operating as if a single team. Wood has elevated the role of travel management within the company, provided a consistent offering, engaged with stakeholders, and driven down leakage in what was a large-scale, complex and challenging global project – an excellent example of change management.