The research, released to coincide with the Business Travel Show (21-22 February), looks at the steps businesses will take to protect staff’s data when travelling for work, with 28% saying that they will employ the services of a Travel Management Company and ensure all travel is booked only with agreed suppliers within the travel policy.
With almost a third (32%) stating that they don’t know what steps they will be taking to protect their travelling staff’s data Ð there is an opportunity for TMCs to demonstrate that they can help to provide this protection.
When asked what criteria they used when selecting a TMC, 90% of managers stated that it was very important or important that they were confident a TMC had the correct processes and systems in place to manage data.
GDPR is a European regulation that will require companies to have clearer and more robust processes in place when handling personal data relating to their customers, their staff or other persons who come into contact with their business. For the last two years, ABTA has been conducting regional roadshows for its Members explaining their obligations under GDPR as well as producing detailed guidance notes available exclusively to ABTA Members. This means that ABTA TMCs should be particularly well prepared to ensure they can handle their clients’ data safely.
The consequences of non-compliance with the new GDPR could mean fines of up to Û20,000,000 or 4% of annual turnover, as well as having other major business impacts. Breaches of the GDPR could affect an organisation’s brand through negative publicity and it could also lead to criminal proceedings.
Susan Deer ABTA Senior Solicitor said: ÒWith just over three months to go until GDPR becomes law, it is incredibly important that all companies have adjusted their working practices to take account of their new obligations. Properly prepared TMCs have an incredibly important role to play with businesses looking to them to help protect their data Ð and it also creates a great business opportunity too. We have done a lot of work with our business travel Members to help them get ready for 25 May. Using their services should help ensure your company is compliant with the requirements of GDPR.Ó
Susan Deer will be speaking at the Business Travel Show Olympia alongside Rebecca Thornley-Gibson from Ince and Co on 21 February between 10-11 on ÒFind out more on GDPR and other legislation affecting your travel policy.Ó
