The newly released Cvent 2021 Travel Managers Report reveals corporate travel managers’ RFP wish list for 2021 and 2022 includes stringent health and safety protocols, larger working meeting space, and flexible rate negotiations.

This means the hospitality industry will need to adapt and evolve its practices to support the changing travel and event planning requirements from corporate travel managers (CTMs) in the post-pandemic era, according to the report.

Technology provider Cvent commissioned research company Censuswide to survey industry professionals from Europe in the first quarter of 2021. This report is based on the survey responses from more than 500 CTMs from the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy and Netherlands. Respondents are responsible for sourcing hotels for their organisation’s travel programme.

CTMs across the UK and Europe stated that for future sourcing of venues, stringent health and safety protocols (including COVID-19 tests at the hotel), larger rooms better equipped for working and meetings, and more outdoor space will be key considerations. As such, hoteliers looking to capitalise on the RFP opportunities in 2021 and 2022 will need to focus on these areas in their sales and marketing efforts, and negotiations.

Hoteliers will also need to adapt pre-pandemic corporate programme strategies and offer more flexible pricing models, as more than half of CTMs in the UK and Europe (58%) stated that they will request dual or dynamic rates during their negotiations for 2022 bookings. Corporate travel bookings will also require negotiated amenities such as Last Room Availability, late arrival, and cancellation policies.

Other report highlights include: