Indian Women in Business Driving Change in the Corporate Travel Industry

How the rise of Indian women in business can help reshape the corporate travel industry for the better by Elizabeth Samuel, Deputy Regional Head, Europe at VFS Global

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day last weekend was ‘Accelerate Action’, and in the business world, Indian women are beginning to make impressive leaps forward. Over 36 per cent of senior management positions in mid-market businesses in India are being held by women, which is more than the global average of 32 per cent, according to Grant Thornton’s International Business Report on ‘Women in Business 2023’.

This means that more than ever, female professionals in India are traveling globally to lead business, close deals, and drive companies forward. The corporate travel industry, in turn, is evolving to meet women travellers’ needs. Today, women make up the majority of professionals on both the buyer and supplier sides of the travel industry.

This is positive news as corporate travel policies have previously been slow to adapt to the changing gender balance. Business travel buyers — be they company employees or contracted through a business travel-focused travel agency — have often been typically focused on controlling costs and enforcing corporate travel policies, rather than thinking about the needs of female business travelers. For instance, a survey of business travelers found 71% of women felt work travel was less safe for them than men, with 19% believing employers should ensure safety.

But with more women now holding travel management and buying positions, it is starting to lead to positive female-friendly improvements in corporate travel policies. Companies are recognizing the unique needs of female travelers and are implementing policies to ensure their comfort, security, and well-being.

Two of the biggest concerns that female business travelers have are the location and type of travel lodging and safe travel. Now, more travel buyers are focusing on providing safe accommodation, reliable transportation, and real-time assistance for female travelers.

For example, travel management companies and hospitality providers are prioritizing features such as well-lit hotel locations; hotels with 24-hour receptions; providing transport rather than female travelers having to hail a taxi themselves; ensuring flights do not arrive late at night; and providing 24/7 support services tailored specifically to female business travelers. Travel companies should also provide information on cultural norms and traditions for travelers, so they don’t put themselves at risk unknowingly.

The Global Business Travel Association also recommends booking only hotel rooms with double locks for both female and male business travelers. It also stresses the importance that companies consider providing female business travelers — at the very least, and all business travelers, ideally — with registered chauffeured ground transportation, especially in foreign markets as an added layer of security.
The future of business travel is increasingly being shaped by women, so companies must continue to adapt to their needs. What could the next trend be? My guess is that with the expansion of flexible work environments and remote opportunities – as well as women becoming even more time-pressed – greater numbers of women will be blending business with leisure, increasing the female ‘bleisure’ travel trend. This means that travel services must cater to both work and personal needs, ensuring that female travelers have access to amenities that support both their professional and personal well-being.

On current trends, the role of women in corporate travel and leadership will increase the demand for high quality services provided to female travelers. Furthermore, women are also likely to be more appreciative of employers that ensure that female business travelers feel empowered, secure, and supported in their professional lives.