Corporate travel department
A corporate travel department (CTD) is an in-house or outsourced team that manages business travel for employees. The CTD may use travel and expense management software to automate processes. Its responsibilities include
- booking flights, hotels, and ground transportation for employees traveling on business;
- developing a corporate travel policy;
- ensuring all travel arrangements align with the company’s travel policy and budget;
- negotiating rates and contracts with travel suppliers;
- tracking travel expenses and providing reports for budgeting and compliance; and
- working with finance and HR teams to streamline reimbursement and approval processes.
CTDs that issue airline tickets or partner directly with travel suppliers must be accredited by organizations such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) or Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC).
Corporate travel departments are similar to travel management companies (TMCs). However, while TMCs are external vendors that serve multiple clients, CTDs operate within a single company to manage its internal travel needs.
