If there's one thing I've learnt from working with Executive Assistants and Personal Assistants, it's this: your day rarely goes to plan.
One minute you’re coordinating board meetings, the next you’re rearranging an international travel itinerary because a meeting has moved, a flight has been cancelled, or your executive suddenly needs to be somewhere else.
Every decision matters, every minute counts, and the pressure to make everything happen seamlessly is relentless.
THAT’S WHY THE CONVERSATION AROUND BUSINESS TRAVEL HAS CHANGED
For years, businesses believed they had to choose between booking everything through a travel management company or handing travel over to an online booking tool. Today, the best travel programmes combine both.
For EAs and PAs, that’s exactly how it should be.
An intuitive online booking tool gives you speed, visibility and control. If you simply need to book a straightforward return flight or hotel, you shouldn’t have to wait for someone else to do it. You can search live availability across flights, hotels, rail and more, compare options, remain within travel policy and complete a booking in minutes.
Technology gives you the freedom to work at your own pace.
But business travel is rarely that simple.
Flights get disrupted. Executives change plans halfway through a trip. Visa requirements appear unexpectedly. Hotels overbook. Meetings overrun. Multi-city itineraries become logistical puzzles.
That’s when technology reaches its limits.
No online booking platform can reassure a stressed traveller at midnight, negotiate with an airline during disruption or understand the nuances of your executive’s travel preferences the way an experienced travel consultant can.
That’s why I firmly believe the future of corporate travel isn’t technology versus people.
IT’S REAL PEOPLE BACKED BY LEADING TECHNOLOGY
At YTC, we’ve invested heavily in giving our clients access to modern booking technology that brings together airline, rail, hotel and supplier content into one simple platform. It makes booking easier, faster and more compliant while giving organisations greater visibility over travel spend.
But we’ve never lost sight of something equally important.
Behind every booking is a person.
Whether it’s an EA managing travel for multiple directors or a traveller stuck overseas during disruption, knowing there’s an experienced team available when things become complicated makes all the difference.
In many ways, EAs and PAs deserve the same support they provide everyone else.
You’re expected to solve problems before anyone notices they exist. You’re the calm voice during moments of chaos. You carry an enormous amount of invisible responsibility.
YOUR TRAVEL PROGRAMME SHOULD REMOVE PRESSURE, NOT CREATE MORE OF IT
The most successful organisations aren’t replacing people with technology. They’re using technology to remove repetitive administration, while relying on experienced travel professionals to handle the moments that genuinely require expertise.
That balance delivers the best of both worlds.
Fast, self-service booking when you want it.
Real human support when you need it.
Because business travel isn’t just about making a booking.
It’s about giving EAs and PAs the confidence that whatever happens next, someone has their back.
SPEAK TO OUR TRAVEL EXPERTS
If you have any questions at all relating to our partnerships, accreditations or travel management company services in general, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at hello@ytc.co.uk or call us on 020 3805 4599
We look forward to booking your next trip with you!
