Newsroom

March 07, 2008

Category: Corporate Travel: Asheville

Business travel is a growing industry in America. As corporations and companies expand into the global market the demand for services tailored to traveling executives and entrepreneurs increases every year.

Technology plays an important role in the development of business travel services and there are many options for companies to choose from including online services such as Expedia, Travelocity or Orbitz and traditional travel-management companies.

Technology, however, will never replace the need for a travel concierge or business travel planner. The expertise and service provided by professionals of this nature can make a business trip more efficient, profitable and fun.

Why Choose a Corporate Travel Planner?

Asheville Citizen-Times writer Diana Kostigen explains in her recent January 27, 2008 article “Follow These Tips to Make Business Travel More Tolerable” that oftentimes business travelers need assistance in planning, organizing and time managing their trips to various cities.

Kostigen quotes Bob Lambert, senior vice president of commercial sales at Avis Budget Group: “Most business travelers don’t have the time or means to familiarize themselves with leisure activities and opportunities once they arrive at their destination,” Lambert says, “In fact, 23 percent of business travelers surveyed said they often wasted free time because they lacked the time and resources to plan in advance.”

Asheville, NC has become a hot destination for business travelers of all kinds. It is essential that trained, experienced corporate and business travel planners are available to help manage the myriad of duties required to make business trips simple, efficient and effective.

Tips for Choosing the Right Corporate Travel Planner in Asheville, NC

Whether you are coming or going from Asheville and the beautiful mountains of North Carolina, there are basic characteristics you will want in your business travel manager or planner. Here are some tips for making the right choice to suit your personal and business travel needs:

1. Find a corporate travel planner that knows about the location where you will be staying. The key to time management when traveling for business is all about getting around your location efficiently and easily. Make sure you are lodging somewhere centrally located with easy access to highways, airports and entertainment.

2. Choose a business travel planner that understands the importance of having the creature comforts of home on the road. Most executives and business travelers are on the road throughout the year. It is important that when personal needs arise contacting your travel concierge for assistance is trouble-free.

3. Hire a corporate travel planner that can help organize your schedule with professionalism and impeccable service. Many business travel planners can help manage and entertain prospective clients and business associates. Your travel concierge can manage your trip itinerary, purchase tickets for special events, make dinner reservations, plan city tours or golf outings, supervise package delivery, reserve office equipment rentals and more.

Asheville Hotels: Where Business Travel Planning Meets Pleasure and Comfort

Many Asheville hotels now offer business travel services to help executives and entrepreneurs make the most out of their trip to the North Carolina Mountains. Hotel chains such as the Courtyard by Marriott and the Holiday Inn Express offer a variety of basic business travel services such as Internet access, meeting rooms and business centers. Asheville also offers a variety of unique, lodging options that cater more specifically to your individual, professional needs.

If you are a business traveler that prefers a combination of luxury and practicality, one exceptional Asheville hotel is The Residences at Biltmore. A beautiful condo hotel located near Biltmore Village, The Residences at Biltmore offers comprehensive business travel concierge services in an atmosphere created to make you feel like you’re at home.

The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa is one of Asheville’s oldest hotels. Known for its all-inclusive nature, The Grove Park Inn is almost a city itself. Business travelers can expect to have every luxury at their fingertips. In the heart of downtown Asheville, the Haywood Park Hotel is another great choice. Although the Haywood Park Hotel does not have many on-site business amenities, its location is in the heart of downtown Asheville.

Business Travelers Are Going Places

Travel concierges and business trip planners who cater to the corporate, professional market will always be needed in Asheville, North Carolina and in every city across the U.S. Remember to choose a travel planner who is experienced and will pay close attention to detail to ensure a successful and stress-free business trip.

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