Indian businesses spend over ₹60,000 crore annually on corporate travel — making it the second-largest controllable expense after salaries. Yet most SMEs lack a structured travel policy, leading to overspending, compliance gaps, and traveler dissatisfaction. This comprehensive guide will transform how your organization manages business travel in 2025.
What is Corporate Travel Management?
Corporate travel management (CTM) is the systematic process of planning, booking, approving, tracking, and reporting on all business travel within an organization. A Travel Management Company (TMC) like Explera acts as your dedicated travel department — handling everything from flight bookings and hotel reservations to visa processing and travel risk management.
The True Cost of Unmanaged Corporate Travel
Average overspend vs managed travel
Lost productivity per trip on bookings
Travelers book outside policy
Key Components of Corporate Travel Management
Travel Policy Development
A well-crafted travel policy defines booking classes, advance purchase requirements, preferred vendors, and expense limits. Explera helps companies create and enforce policies that balance cost savings with traveler comfort. Key elements include: class of travel by trip duration, hotel star ratings by city tier, per diem allowances, and approval workflows.
Preferred Vendor Management
Negotiated rates with airlines, hotel chains, and car rental companies can save 15-30% vs. retail rates. Explera's corporate accounts include preferred rates with Air India, IndiGo, and major international carriers, plus partnerships with IHG, Marriott, and Hilton chains across key business destinations.
Duty of Care & Risk Management
Companies have a legal and ethical obligation to protect traveling employees. This includes pre-trip risk assessments, real-time travel alerts, emergency assistance, and evacuation planning. Explera provides 24/7 traveler tracking and emergency support for all corporate clients.
Expense Management & Reporting
Real-time spend visibility helps CFOs and travel managers make data-driven decisions. Monthly MIS reports from Explera include airline spend by route, hotel spend by city, advance booking compliance, and savings vs. retail rates.
Business Class Travel — When Comfort Means Productivity
Corporate Travel Solutions by Industry
Diamond & Gems Industry
- Antwerp, Dubai, Hong Kong routes
- Secure document transport guidance
- Kimberley Process compliance support
- Surat Diamond Bourse desk access
Pharmaceutical Sector
- Global conference & symposium travel
- FDA/EMA facility visit coordination
- Regulatory compliance documentation
- Lab equipment transportation guidance
Manufacturing & Ceramics
- International trade fair travel
- Factory inspection tours
- Bulk delegation management
- Exhibition logistics support
IT & Technology
- Silicon Valley & tech hub visits
- Developer conference travel
- Multi-city US/Europe itineraries
- Remote work travel policies
Explera Corporate Travel: What's Included
Corporate Account Benefits
Set Up Your Corporate Travel Account
Get a dedicated account manager and start saving 20%+ on your company's travel spend within 30 days.