The International Air Transport Association says there was a 23.6% drop in the number of travellers flying on premium tickets between May 2008-09, as companies sought to reduce corporate travel costs in the most effective way possible – flying economy. However BCD Travel, the world’s third largest corporate travel management company, says there are plenty of other ways companies can significantly reduce their corporate travel costs without subjecting their staff to flights of up to 8-10 hours in economy class.
Among the corporate travel management company’s top tips are:
- Construct a corporate travel policy that will ensure you meet your budget
- Enforce your business travel policy through the use of an Online Booking System with redundant options such as first class travel on short haul flights removed
- Make use of the relatively new ‘premium economy’ class
- Book best fares of the day rather than sticking to one supplier
In 2008-2009, BCD Travel helped its new clients save an average of up to 30% on corporate travel costs, according to an analysis of the travel management company’s top 200 clients.
If you would like a free corporate travel expenditure health check, please contact National Sales Manager, Stephen Finlay on 02 8080 7439 or stephen.finlay@bcdtravel.com.au
Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, bears a uniquely fused spirit that is both Asian and Spanish. Colonized by Spain in 1571, it was known as ‘The Pearl of the Orient’, the jewel of Spain’s empire in the Pacific. 
Local Jeepneys (brightly colored converted Jeeps used as minibuses) are a popular form of transport and can be hailed anywhere. They are cheap, plentiful and best suited to shorter journeys. Local buses are useful to get to places on the main roads as they are prohibited from most streets in the center of town. Like Jeepneys, buses have their destinations indicated on signboards.
Chinatown is the center of the vibrant Chinese community, where the locals venture for a taste of true mainland delicacies. Walk along Ongpin Street where you’ll find dozens of goldsmiths, herbalists, teahouses and shops, incense, trinkets etc. Venture out to the nearby backstreets of Quiapo and visit the Quiapo Church, one of the most famous churches in Manila (also known as the Church of the Black Nazarene). Built in 1582, it has amazingly withstood earthquakes, riots, rebellions and the war. The church houses a statue of Christ that is believed to have miraculous powers, attracting hoards of visitors.
The popular district of Malate showcases a wide variety of hotels, restaurants, clubs, bars, cafes, art and antique shops. The nightlife offers everything from cultural shows to discotheques, cozy jazz bars, entertainment lounges, and fashionable cafes.
The tropical weather in Manila, combined with the facilities of its world-class malls, continue to attract Filipinos to the shopping malls. The biggest mall in the country is the SM Mall of Asia, which sits near Manila Bay. It has a skating rink, science discovery center, IMAX theater and many other attractions. There are also high-end shopping malls such as Shangri-La Plaza, The Podium Ortigas Center, and Glorietta Mall, where you can find designer goods and accessories.
You’ll need to eat at some point during your wanderings, and the omnipresent Imbiss stands will serve you Berlin’s favorite snack, the currywurst, a spicy sausage.
Best Money-Saving Tip
Tour the national monuments and memorials
Georgetown Park is the premier shopping area in Washington, DC. The mall has a wide selection of stores including women and men’s fashion, children’s fashion and toys, jewelry, accessories, books and cards, electronics, music, etc.
It’s no secret that travel programs are under scrutiny. The second- or third-largest expense at many companies, travel for many senior executives now appears ready for pruning.
“Travel is one of the first things companies focus on in tough times—especially if the CEO reads in the newspaper that air fares are down 40 percent,” says Advito vice president Bob Brindley. A CEO, or even procurement director, may not realize the company already receives a 60 percent international discount under its negotiated rate with a preferred carrier.”
Vast, vibrant and truly multicultural, London is one of the world’s great cities. It is also an eminently walkable city – when it’s not raining and you’re wearing decent shoes. As you wander through its streets, you’ll realize that, in a city hailed for its ability to embrace modernity and change, the past is never far away: there are four UNESCO World Heritage sites in London (the Palace of Westminster, the Tower of London, Maritime Greenwich and Kew Gardens) and some 40,000 listed buildings and structures.
Wandering along the South Bank of the Thames is a lovely way to spend a free day. Starting at London Bridge and heading west, duck first into Borough Market. The largest open-air farmers’ market in London, in impressive 19th-century digs next to Southwark Cathedral, Borough boasts all manner of delicacies, from artisanal ciders and free-range bacon and sausages to sparkling produce, honey and fresh-baked breads. Those with a nose for cheese can taste an extraordinary variety of British farmhouse cheeses at Neal’s Yard Dairy.
No visit to London would be complete without a pint or two of real ale. It’s hard to go more than a hundred meters without stumbling across a pub, but two neighborhood favorites include Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese (145 Fleet Street, Blackfriars tube) and the Charles Lamb (16 Elia Street, Angel tube). The first is haven of old dark wood, open fires and flagstones that’s been around since just after the Great Fire of 1666; the second is tucked into a quiet street in Islington, a newly popular residential area just north of the financial district. Don’t be surprised if pub dog Masha arrives at your table asking for a chin scratch.
