Managerial business travel: when the manager takes charge
Although many managers of companies, subsidiaries or departments prefer to delegate more and more responsibilities to their staff, it is sometimes necessary for them to take the lead themselves. For lucrative contracts, they don't hesitate to make business trips to meet partners to discuss, exchange and negotiate face-to-face. This is a considerable advantage, as some partners in France and even abroad feel more comfortable talking directly to the manager.
What's more, they feel that the contract they're about to sign, or the partnership they're about to form, is very important for the company they're dealing with. Managers therefore have the option of traveling alone or accompanied by colleagues. For the various types of business trips made by managers, whether in France or abroad, their financing depends on whether the manager is employed by a company or not. In this case, it's the management that pays the travel expenses.
What precautions should I take when traveling as a manager?
The rules are practically the same as for an employee. To begin with, you need to find out about the people you'll be meeting. Obtain a visa, if required. Find out about the habits and customs of the country you're visiting. This has several advantages: you'll be able to find the arguments to get your partner to sign on, and you can adjust your project to meet your partners' needs effectively.
And don't forget to take certain precautions to make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable. Of course, it's all about going to work, but for better efficiency, you need to be in good conditions. This means eliminating all potential sources of stress. As soon as the manager has all the details of the meeting with the partners, he can book a flight and see all the possibilities open to him. What's more, he can pay for a plane ticket at an advantageous rate. He can also book a hotel room in advance and choose the one that suits him best. At the last minute, you're often obliged to take the hotel on hand, which doesn't always meet safety standards.
Insurance is not an option. Individual travel insurance covers many of the inconveniences that can arise during a trip, such as illness or lost luggage.
Business travel seems more obvious for managers who are independent, self-employed and not dependent on management. Indeed, a manager who is under the control of a management team is accountable for all expenses incurred on behalf of the company. This applies in particular to managerial business travel in France and abroad. When it comes to signing contracts or meeting partners, it's the manager who's best placed to do so.
There are two options for reimbursing travel expenses. The first is actual reimbursement of expenses, for which all you need to do is submit supporting documents. The second option is a flat-rate reimbursement based on the mileage barometer published by the company's administration.
Tools to make business travel easier for managers
With CTA Business Travel, several tools are made available to companies to facilitate their managerial business trips. First and foremost, CTA Business Travel provides support for business travellers. CTA Business Travel follows the traveler before, during and even after his or her stay outside France.
Before their stay, travelers have access to practical information such as the location of the hotel or the plane's cabin plan, updates on negotiated fares, and access to all market offers.
During their stay, travelers benefit from 24-hour assistance. Thanks to the agency's support, the traveler can also cancel a trip, change his or her itinerary, or make new reservations.
At the end of the trip, CTA Business Travel assists the traveler with any claims to suppliers, such as lost luggage.
The agency also offers a VIP business travel service. This service is essential for sensitive or discreet business trips. In this case, CTA Business Travel manages the file with the utmost discretion, and offers VIP treatment for professionals, including chauffeur-driven vehicle transfers, hotel reservations with VIP hospitality, or chartering of a private jet or plane.
In addition, the traveler benefits from a visa and insurance service. Once all the documents are in hand, the agency deals directly with embassies and consulates to obtain a visa. When it comes to insurance, travelers on business trips can choose from several types of travel insurance contracts that combine comfort and flexibility.
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