Corporate Traveller re-launches AI-fuelled ‘SAM’ app in response to demand
CORPORATE TRAVELLER has re-launched its innovative ‘SAM’ (Smart Assistant for Mobile) app with the ability to book flights and hotels direct after a survey by the SME specialists found that travellers will seek real-time information and updates in the new travel environment.
SAM organises, curates, and sends information to travellers based on the unique context of their individual trip - whether that’s geo-based alerts relevant to their current location, or predictive intelligence that identifies any local issues before they encounter them.
The app is designed to be the ‘guardian angel’ for every traveller in times of disruption at home and abroad. SAM sends flight status reports, boarding gate changes, weather, and traffic reports, as well as the latest alerts and information on border closures and restrictions that are impacting the area.
The survey of 535 Australian businesses revealed that three in five travel bookers and decision makers are a travelling employees’ point of contact if something goes wrong on a trip.
Due to this, over half (56 per cent) would like to get a notification on their phone if a traveller’s flight is delayed, while 47 per cent place a high level of importance on having access to a traveller tracking system to manage alerts and run reports.
Like those who book travel for others, the survey found that almost all those who travel for business themselves would like to receive a notification on their phone if their flight is delayed, with almost three in four (71 per cent) scanning their boarding pass on their phone rather than a printed copy.
Corporate Traveller General Manager Tom Walley said the re-launch of SAM was a big step forward for SMEs who crave real-time information and further highlighted a commitment to duty of care.
“SAM is a powerful pocket travel assistant app fuelled by AI that makes sure travellers have all the essential information they need at hand. Itineraries, notifications, updates, tips and alerts – they’re all delivered in real time, 24-7,” Mr Walley said.
“The technology is a game-changer for SMEs travelling domestically and overseas – essentially, they have the expertise and knowledge of our teams behind the scenes right there in their hand.
“Aside from regular COVID-19 updates, our customers will have access to our Travel News Hub, and that's just one click away. This gives a global picture of COVID travel news, restrictions and alerts, airline routes and traveller information.
“From the second a traveller’s trip begins, to when they arrive home, we want their experience to be seamless, safe, and successful. The best way to do that is to keep them constantly informed.
“Within weeks of international borders reopening, London stormed to the number two destination from Sydney and Melbourne, so we’re expecting SME business travel to really take off in the new year. Our priority, without doubt, is delivering a duty of care that is simply world-class.
“While many have taken a step back in the last 18 months, we’ve still invested strongly in technology across the board to ensure we’re best-placed to deliver expert advice in our traditional blended way of both technology and the human interaction from our people.
“We know that 2022 will still have its challenges but what we also know is that, now more than ever is the time to have a travel management company on your side, because we have in-house experts that pride themselves on being able to take the stresses out of travel.”