Insights

Conquering Business Travel Data Challenges with AI, Machine Learning, and Cloud Computing

Conquering Business Travel Data Challenges with AI, Machine Learning, and Cloud Computing In today’s fast-paced business world, managing travel data efficiently is essential for cost control and operational success. Yet, many organizations still struggle with persistent challenges that prevent them from fully leveraging this valuable resource. The good news? Emerging technologies—AI, machine learning, and cloud computing—are transforming travel data management, turning obstacles into strategic advantages. This blog explores the common pitfalls in travel data management, the latest technological trends, and

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Areka’s Top 10 Bets For 2025

Areka’s Top 10 Bets For 2025 The first quarter brings fresh momentum and a renewed focus on what’s ahead for business travel. At Areka, we’ve analyzed emerging trends, industry shifts, and evolving traveler needs to craft our Top 10 Bets for 2025. From advancements in technology and sustainability initiatives to shifting market dynamics and changing traveler expectations, these forces are redefining how companies manage business travel. Throughout the year, we’ll dive deeper into each trend, sharing blogs, insights, and expert perspectives to

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Maximize Your RFP Success: The Case For A TMC Review First

“Maximize Your RFP Success: The Case For A TMC Review First” Webinar Replay In case you missed our recent webinar: “Maximize Your RFP Success: The Case For A TMC Review First,” the replay is now available below. In this 60-minute webinar, Areka leaders shared how conducting a TMC review before the RFP process can save time, improve outcomes, and even eliminate the need for an RFP altogether. Topics included: The key components of a comprehensive TMC review How to align your travel

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A Buyers Guide to Successful TMC/OBT Implementations Webinar Replay

A Buyers Guide to Successful TMC/OBT Implementation Webinar Replay In case you missed our recent webinar: “A Buyers Guide to Successful TMC/OBT Implementations,” the replay is now available below. As corporate travel management evolves, implementing a new Travel Management Company (TMC) or Online Booking Tool (OBT) has become more complex than ever. Integrating various tools, technologies, and workflows now demands coordination across IT, Finance, HR, Security, Procurement, and Communications teams. With most organizations only rolling out a new travel program

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Navigating CSRD: What It Means for Travel Managers in 2024 and Beyond

Navigating CSRD: What It Means for Travel Managers in 2024 and Beyond Before CSRD: Growing trend towards green data Over the past few decades, there has been a noticeable shift in how businesses approach environmental and social responsibility. This journey began back in 1989 when large multinational corporations decided to publish reports on their environmental impacts. In 1997, the establishment of Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), an organization that provides standards for sustainability reporting, further propelled the movement towards corporate accountability

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Revolutionize Your Travel Data Reporting with Areka: The Only Platform-Agnostic Experts

Revolutionize Your Travel Data Reporting with Areka: The Only Platform-Agnostic Experts [Paris, 19 July 2024] – In today’s fast-paced business environment, having accurate, insightful data at your fingertips is crucial for making informed decisions. Areka is proud to announce that we are the only consulting firm in the business travel industry that is completely platform-agnostic, offering unparalleled expertise in data reporting across the four biggest platforms: Power BI, Google Looker, TIBCO Spotfire, and Tableau. In a world where businesses rely on

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‘The Do’s and Don’ts of Conducting a TMC RFP in Today’s Dynamic Marketplace’ webinar replay

The Do’s and Don’ts of Conducting a TMC RFP in Today’s Marketplace Webinar Replay In case you missed our recent webinar: “The Do’s and Don’ts of Conducting a TMC RFP in Today’s Dynamic Marketplace,” the replay is now available below. The TMC marketplace is undergoing dynamic changes. Acquisitions and consolidation are altering the competitive landscape. NDC content sourcing and servicing requirements are challenging traditional economic and business models. These challenges, coupled with an accelerated investment in new innovative technologies, such as

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Navigating the evolving landscape of corporate-TMC relationships, A new era begins…

Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Corporate-TMC Relationships, A New Era Begins The landscape of corporate relationships with Travel Management Companies (TMCs) continues to evolve, as demonstrated by NDC, the recent acquisition announcement between American Express GBT and CWT, as well as new technology solutions. While some aspects have reverted to pre-pandemic norms, many others have embraced change, reflecting the dynamic nature of the industry in response to emerging trends and challenges. In this blog, we’ll look closer at eight trends

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Navigating TMC consolidation webinar replay

Navigating TMC Consolidation Webinar In case you missed our recent webinar: “Navigating TMC Consolidation-Essential Insights for Travel Buyers,” the replay is available. In this 60-minute webinar, Areka leaders shared insights on the following topics: The underlying factors driving TMC consolidation and acquisitions Key success factors crucial for navigating TMC consolidations and acquisitions effectively Common challenges associated with past TMC acquisitions and how to overcome them Actionable steps for buyers and corporates if their TMC is undergoing acquisition Vital considerations for

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Top 10 list of what to do as you assess risk and secure your travel program

Top 10 list of what to do as you assess risk and secure your travel program Mitigating Risk and Navigating Travel Marketplace Acquisitions; Top 10 list of what to do as you assess risk and secure your travel program. By Wendy Prewitt, Areka North America, Client Engagements When GBT announced their intent to acquire CWT, I immediately thought, “What would I do if I were a Global Travel Manager or Buyer using GBT or CWT and how would I mitigate

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Charlie Bacharach, Senior Vice President of North America

Charlie Bacharach is Senior Vice President of North America, for Areka, based in New York. He has spent the last 20 years helping clients to advance their corporate travel programs by introducing new technologies, implementing innovative practices, and aligning mobility solutions to the needs of corporations and other organizations. His expertise extends to program design, booking tools and travel technology, supplier management and sourcing, as well as project management and change management.

Charlie has an established record of rapidly growing and scaling businesses in the travel sector, while delivering world-class services and project execution to his global clientele. Having held executive leadership positions with Orbitz for Business, Travel Leaders Corporate and Egencia, he has helped hundreds of companies transform their management of corporate travel spend, from first-time program implementations to global standardization of processes and procedures.

When he is not helping clients solve their travel management challenges, Charlie practices yoga and martial arts. He also enjoys golf, cooking and following New York-based sports teams. Though his wife and two children are pressing him to modernize his playlist, Charlie continues to be a die-hard fan of the Allman Brothers, Steely Dan, and the Rolling Stones.