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Business travel is key to building client relationships, expanding markets, and encouraging team collaboration. But behind every successful trip, there’s often a Personal Assistant (PA) or Executive Assistant (EA) working hard to ensure everything goes smoothly.
As the role of PAs and EAs changes, they are more important than ever in making business travel simple, stress-free, and easy to manage.
Here are the top trends shaping the future of PAs and EAs when it comes to handling business travel. Staying on top of these trends will help you stay reliable and provide better support to executives.
Technology is making it much simpler for PAs and EAs to manage business travel. The days of booking flights and hotels over the phone or email are behind us. Today, travel is all about using the right tools to make complex tasks easier.
There are now many apps designed to help with business travel. For example, apps like FREENOW for Business let PAs and EAs book, track, and change taxi rides with just a few taps. This makes it easier to deal with last-minute changes and keep executives on track. There are also apps for handling travel expenses, which cuts down on paperwork and saves time.
By using these tools, PAs and EAs can work faster and avoid mistakes, making travel much smoother for executives.
With more focus on the environment, sustainable travel has become a big trend. PAs and EAs are now planning trips that are eco-friendly while still meeting business needs. This could mean booking green hotels, choosing airlines that care about the environment, or picking low-emission transport options.
For those who care about sustainability, it’s key to stay informed about companies that offer eco-friendly services. Using options like electric or hybrid cars with FREENOW for Business, PAs and EAs can offer reliable transport that meets both business goals and sustainability targets. By making eco-friendly choices, you help your company meet its green goals while offering top service.
Executives often have unpredictable schedules, and last-minute changes are common. This is where PAs and EAs really show their value. The ability to adapt quickly is crucial when a flight is delayed or an unexpected meeting comes up.
Having access to services that allow for last-minute changes, like flexible flight and hotel bookings, is essential. FREENOW for Business, for instance, allows PAs and EAs to update travel plans in real-time. Whether the schedule shifts suddenly or plans change, you can make sure everything runs smoothly without delay.
Flexibility is not just about logistics. It’s also about staying calm under pressure, so executives don’t have to worry about their travel details.
Executives now expect more than just smooth travel—they want a personal touch. PAs and EAs are increasingly being asked to understand the likes and dislikes of their executives and tailor trips accordingly. This could mean booking a favourite hotel, selecting a restaurant that suits their diet, or even fitting in some leisure time between meetings.
In this way, PAs and EAs act as travel concierges, ensuring that every aspect of the trip matches the executive’s personal preferences. From picking the right seat on a flight to scheduling downtime, these small details can make a big difference.
Technology helps with personalisation, too. Travel apps can store preferences, so each trip can be set up quickly and tailored to the executive’s needs.
Safety has become a top priority in business travel. PAs and EAs now focus more on making sure executives travel safely and stay healthy. This could mean choosing hotels with high cleanliness standards or booking private transport to reduce contact with others.
With a growing focus on work-life balance, PAs and EAs also plan travel with wellbeing in mind. This could involve booking time for rest or ensuring access to gyms or wellness facilities to help executives relax and recharge.
As business continues to evolve, so do the roles of Personal Assistants and Executive Assistants. Staying on top of trends like using technology, planning eco-friendly trips, and offering a personal touch is essential.
Tools like FREENOW for Business help PAs and EAs manage business travel with ease. By keeping up with these trends, you can ensure that business trips are smooth, safe, and enjoyable for your executives, all while maintaining your reputation as a reliable assistant.
