Technology Advancements in Long-Term Lodging.
One advantage associated with a government lifestyle is the opportunity to travel and discover various parts of the world. This may involve an international excursion or a trek through a nearby national park during Temporary Duty Travel (TDY) or deployment. In the current global landscape, swift technological advancements profoundly influence various sectors, including international government and military travel. Government leaders are actively adopting new technologies, spearheading a transformative shift that impacts work processes, travel dynamics, and housing requirements.The United States Federal Government and the Department of Defense (DOD) employ established tools for compliant airfares, rental cars, and hotel procurement. Each system ensures adherence to specific travel policies. Government agencies utilize E-GOV Travel Services (ETS), a government-wide, web-based travel management service. ETS uses commercial best practices to enhance travel efficiency, providing a transparent, accountable, and sustainable service.
The DOD relies on the Defense Travel System (DTS), a travel hub enabling military members and DOD civilian personnel to book official travel and manage expenses. ETS aligns with the Federal Travel Regulations (FTR), while DTS adheres to the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).
Despite policy distinctions, ETS and DTS source their inventory for airfares, rental cars, and hotels from the Global Distribution System (GDS). However, options for long-term lodging (LTL) furnished accommodations, suitable for extended stays, are unavailable in the GDS and thus inaccessible in ETS or DTS. The General Services Administration (GSA) introduced the long-term lodging contract to bridge this gap, ensuring ETS and DTS users have access to compliant long-term lodging from the GSA schedule to meet specific needs.
Most would agree that the seamless integration of both hotel and long-term lodging (LTL) options would deliver numerous benefits, such as enhanced flexibility in accommodation choices, a simplified booking process for travelers, greater cost-effectiveness through optimized options, and an overall improved travel experience with choices tailored to individual preferences and needs.
Standard booking systems face challenges in keeping pace with the evolving landscape of corporate travel. Unified platforms such as ReloQuest offer distinct advantages, providing direct access to LTL-compliant options and enhanced compliance with travel policies while enabling streamlined communication, providing traveler alerts during assignments, and a cohesive experience through a single platform. Utilizing technology allows for gaining insights into travel expenses, enhancing Spending Under Management (SUM), and aggregating real-time program data.
While travel can be stressful, the ongoing impact of technology on global travel continues to enhance accessibility, efficiency, and the overall traveler experience. Technological advancements offer realtime updates on LTL, optimizing the traveler experience and supporting efficient coordination throughout the trip.
This integration of processes for LTL travel expedites the entire search procedure, enabling travelers to receive availability information, pricing quotes, and essential details on multiple properties immediately. Travelers are presented with real-time LTL options, including rates--easily compared to per diem rates on one screen--property names, descriptions, features, amenities, distances to desired locations, interactive maps for nearby interests, and more. Self-service options allow travelers to make last-minute changes and adjustments to their bookings. This flexibility ensures that government travelers can control their arrangements and adapt to changing circumstances during extended stays.
The effective combination of technology and skillful cultural management consistently plays a crucial role in enhancing success rates. Leaders in charge of official LTL travel initiatives are likely to consider an approach that involves leveraging new technology platforms to ensure a secure and efficient transition toward achieving the benefits of modernization. Technology integration significantly improves accessibility, efficiency, cost containment, Spend Under Management, and overall traveler satisfaction.
Unified platforms enable flexible and advanced configurations to create program efficiency and ensure compliance.
Confirmed results demonstrate that using a single source platform to search for long-term lodging empowers government travelers in many ways. Technology delivers heightened levels of efficiency to enhance outcomes that contribute to an elevated travel experience, reduce costs, and increase spend under management. Realtime data enables travel managers to evaluate market trends, track spending, analyze overall program goals, and review supplier performance.
TECHNOLOGY SIGNIFICANTLY ENHANCES THE TRAVELER EXPERIENCE IN SEVERAL WAYS:
Communication encompassing critical aspects of their travel journey may include mobile applications that enable seamless and efficient long-term bookings, expedited check-ins, and alerts, as well as providing comprehensive information about lodging, local amenities, services, and attractions.
This simplifies the logistical aspects of long-term lodging and empowers government personnel to make informed decisions, fostering a sense of control and comfort during their extended travel periods.
In essence, a cohesive platform that delivers real-time information and is compatible with mobile technology offers government travelers seeking long-term lodging an elevated level of engagement, efficiency, and customization. These advancements address practical concerns related to bookings and check-ins and contribute to a more enriching, tailored experience for government individuals navigating long-term lodging while away from home.
QUESTIONS TRAVEL MANAGEMENT SHOULD CONSIDER
* Why is a long-term lodging technology necessary for sourcing GSA-approved LTL vendors?
* How does the technology simplify the booking process for government travelers, offering a user-friendly interface to search, compare, and book furnished accommodations?
* Does the technology provide access to a GSA supplier network?
* Does the technology feature GSA Per Diem Rates integration, providing options within approved budget limits?
* Can platform users identify and select certified suppliers from the GSA?
* Can government travelers stay informed, make data-driven decisions, and easily adjust their plans?
* Can travelers access real-time housing information, enabling travelers to make informed decisions?
* Can travelers receive real-time updates on travel-related questions?
* Does the technology provide features such as DirectConnect[SM] to service contacts?
LONG-TERM LODGING, ITS USERS, AND BENEFITS
Access to GSA Certified Supplier Network: Technologies such as ReloQuest allow platform users to select housing from certified GSA long-term lodging suppliers or from the platform's verified network of suppliers, depending upon configurations and program policy. Search, compare, and book LTL-furnished accommodations from professionally managed suppliers. The GSA per diem rates are integrated so travelers can easily choose an option and remain compliant.
STANDARD USER SCENARIOS WHERE LTL FOR A 30-NIGHT STAY IS APPROPRIATE
* US Navy Shipyard Workers--PSNS, PNSY, PHNS, NNSY
* Intern/pathways programs--USDA (multiple), DOI, DOT, USN NADP
* Fellows programs--DC
* Training--FLETC, SOCOM, NTC, DOD, etc.
* Mission critical--CBP, DOD
* Relocation--MIL PCS
* Relocation--Repatriation after overseas assignment
* Relocation--Assigned to an overseas area
* Foreign correspondents
TYPICALLY INCLUDED IN LONG-TERM LODGING
* A home-like environment
* Fully furnished accommodations
* Kitchen housewares, tableware, full amenities, electronics, and small appliances
* Linens and accessories
* Wifi, phone, cable TV
INFORMATION ACCESS
Traveler accessibility to real-time information about destinations, accommodations, and transportation. Innovation allows for better trip planning, enabling travelers to make informed decisions. Initiate service requests with visibility into progress.
BOOKING AND RESERVATIONS
Direct access to availability and online booking for LTL travel requirements saves time and gives travelers a broader range of options, making comparison easier. Extension requests are processed online to expedite the booking process.
Data analytics and business intelligence to support LTL programs:
Initiative: Leveraging data analytics and business intelligence tools to gain insights into travel patterns and preferences.
Benefits: Make data-driven decisions, optimize travel plans, and enhance the entire travel experience.
Benefits: Simplification--everyone has a standard protocol via one resource. Ensures employees know and utilize the latest policies. Technology per organizational guidelines.
Jeff Mahoney, ReloQuest COO, stated, "Technology is integral to our daily lives and professional responsibilities. The key to successful technological deployment is establishing a structured policy-compliant solution within organizations. ReloQuest prioritizes innovation, maintaining a pipeline aligned with our clients' objectives, ensuring our ongoing commitment to functionality, and continuing to elevate the client and traveler's experience."
Technology has ingrained itself into our lifestyles, keeping everyone interconnected. The ReloQuest platform provides travelers with consistent, real-time housing options that include rich content, such as rates (compared to per diem), property name, description, features, amenities, distance to the desired location, interactive maps to search nearby interests, and much more. Everything any traveler needs is accessible, all in one place, including live, 24/7/365 DirectConnect[SM] customer support.
Jason Moore, VP of Government Business Development for ReloQuest and a USN Veteran, stated, "To best serve travelers and travel buyers, the industry must provide the ability to search, compare, and book GSA-approved long-term lodging on a self-service technology platform and transform the government travel space around LTL procurement. Utilizing an LTL aggregating technology platform to simplify and centralize the booking of compliant LTL is the key to providing a Best in Class Solution for the US Government."
Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the long-term lodging sector is reshaping the dynamics of extended stays and government-sponsored travel. Fueled by innovation, this transformative shift represents a significant evolution within the lodging industry, particularly in supporting government travelers requiring long term lodging.
The resulting benefits will streamline logistics and contribute to developing a sustainable and supportive infrastructure for long-term government travelers. A culture of continuous innovation offers valuable assistance to government travelers from their initial preparation through the duration of their extended stays.
As technology becomes increasingly central to the long-term lodging landscape, the future holds great promise for addressing the specific needs of government-sponsored travelers, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience throughout their extended journeys. Anticipating and investing in advancements that include long-term stays will undoubtedly contribute to the success and satisfaction of individuals undertaking extended travel assignments.
ELEVATING ENGAGEMENT
The evolving travel and hospitality landscape presents opportunities for enhanced engagement and tailored experiences for government travelers seeking long-term lodging. AI significantly contributes to this domain, seamlessly integrating into the customer service landscape. Government personnel on extended assignments can benefit from solutions that provide responsive and efficient assistance throughout their stay. These technologies contribute to a more personalized experience by understanding individual preferences and needs.
The growing reliance on mobile technology is particularly relevant for government travelers seeking long-term lodging. The convenience of a technology platform compatible with smartphones ensures a smooth and adaptable travel experience.
* Self-Service Capabilities: Are self-service options available, allowing travelers to make last-minute changes and adjustments to their bookings? This flexibility ensures government travelers can control their arrangements and adapt to changing circumstances during their extended stays.
* Government travelers often require long-term lodging for extended assignments. Not all platforms offer various options, including apartments, condos, houses, and hotels suitable for extended stays.
DATA ANALYTICS AND BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE
A platform should utilize data analytics and business intelligence tools to gain insights into travel patterns and preferences. This information can be valuable for government agencies to optimize travel plans, make data-driven decisions, and enhance the overall efficiency of their travel programs.
A comprehensive and technology-driven solution can make the process of securing long-term lodging for government travelers more efficient, cost-effective, and tailored to their specific requirements.
ACCESS TO A CERTIFIED SUPPLIER NETWORK
Not all technologies have equal functionalities and features. Utilizing technologies like ReloQuest enables users to choose housing from suppliers certified by the General Services Administration (GSA). This ensures that accommodations align with the compliance standards set by the GSA, offering a versatile reference point.
SIMPLIFIED BOOKING PROCESS
A platform that streamlines the booking process for various travelers, providing a user-friendly interface to explore, compare, and book furnished accommodations is an asset as it saves time and ensures effectiveness in securing long-term lodging to best meet individual needs at a cost-effective price.
REAL-TIME INFORMATION AND UPDATES
Access to real-time information about destinations, accommodations, and transportation enhances travelers' ability to stay informed. This feature empowers users to make data-driven decisions and promptly adjust their plans based on the latest updates, promoting a smooth and adaptable travel experience.
COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION
A platform should foster communication and collaboration among all users, including global long-term lodging suppliers and travelers. This ensures that government travelers have access to accommodations that meet the necessary compliance standards set by the GSA. Seamless interactions, quick response times, and effective coordination enhance the overall experience for travelers.
In conclusion, innovative technology significantly enhances the travel and lodging benefits for military and government travelers. The commitment to efficiency and an improved traveler experience is evident in the measures taken by the US Federal Government, the DOD, and the GSA.
The GSA's Long Term Lodging contract effectively addresses the crucial gap of identifying compliant long-term lodging providers for ETS and DTS users. As technology continues to shape the future of long-term lodging, strategic upgrades are poised to further enhance the success and satisfaction of government-sponsored travelers during extended assignments--and utilizing available unified platforms will prove key to providing a streamlined, cohesive experience. DTJ
By Jeana Giordano, Global Director of Communications, ReloQuest
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| Author: | Giordano, Jeana |
|---|---|
| Publication: | Defense Transportation Journal |
| Date: | Feb 1, 2024 |
| Words: | 2048 |
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