In response to Chinas growing corporate interest in online booking, American Express Business Travel announced the launch of a new corporate online solution - the first solution designed specifically to address the unique needs of the Chinese market. The new solution, American Express Online, will allow both multinational corporations operating in China and local Chinese companies to realize the cost-savings, convenience and control that online travel management can deliver. The use of online booking tools is becoming commonplace around the world, according to the American Express International Business Traveler survey. Of the respondents surveyed, 61 percent of business travelers worldwide have booked travel online over the past twelve months. The use of online booking is also rising in China - 64 percent of Chinese travelers booked more business trips online over the past twelve months as compared to the previous twelve month period. American Express Online will enable China-based companies to manage travel expenses and drive cost-savings in three areas. This solution will automate the travel booking process, resulting in a lower transaction cost that is passed back as savings to the customer. It will also provide travelers with clear fare options, prompting the selection of the lowest fare and requiring travelers to provide a reason if the lowest fare is not chosen. In addition, front-end controls within the booking tool will direct travelers toward corporate preferred suppliers and negotiated fares, and exception reports will help companies capture missed savings. The new American Express Online solution includes features such as: - air and hotel booking tools that include real-time inventory and flight selection and corporate travel policy control - traveler profiles that allows individual travelers to manage and update their preferences and enables the exchange of data with the corporate enterprise technology system - the ability to make reservations and receive travel authorizations via hand-held device - electronic travel authorization that links to the accounting and enterprise technology systems - a traveler tracking system that allows companies to locate their travelers in emergency situations American Express will also provide comprehensive online adoption support to companies using American Express Online. This includes assistance with change management, training and sharing of best practices, as well as navigation and fulfillment support.
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