Who Was a Travel Manager in 1988?

The year 1988 was a pivotal time for the business travel industry, with significant events shaping the landscape for travel managers and corporations alike. Despite the looming shadow of Black Monday in 1987, which saw a dramatic stock market crash, the business travel world in 1988 seemed to defy expectations of widespread travel freezes.

As corporations navigated the aftermath of Black Monday, the role of dedicated travel managers emerged as a key focus for many companies. With a growing emphasis on effective policy, cost savings, and supplier negotiations, travel managers were tasked with tightening up travel reservation processes and taking control over company expenses.

Interestingly, the majority of dedicated travel managers in 1988 were women, a trend that continues to this day with at least two-thirds of travel manager roles held by women. These women were reminiscent of the characters in the movie ‘9 to 5,’ proving their strategic value and corporate aptitude in a role initially designed as a business support function.

Despite their growing importance within companies, travel managers faced challenges in gaining total control over the travel function. Many managers expressed frustration at having to seek approval for decisions, causing delays and hindrances in their roles.

Overall, the industry saw a shift towards recognizing the strategic value of travel managers in controlling costs and streamlining travel operations. While hurdles remained in achieving total control over the travel function, travel managers in 1988 were making significant strides in reshaping the business travel landscape.