By Lea Mira, HTN Staff Writer- 1.17.2024
Hilton has launched a new technology-enabled global program, Hilton for Business, aimed at simplifying travel management for small- and medium-sized businesses. The program offers a comprehensive set of tools designed to enhance the business travel booking and management experience, while also providing Hilton Honors benefits to business customers and their employees worldwide.
The launch of Hilton for Business comes in response to a growing demand for such services. According to Hilton’s data, 75% of small- and medium-sized business customers handle their own business trip bookings and manage their travel in-house, without outsourcing. Furthermore, Hilton’s 2024 Trends Report highlighted that 80% of global travelers believe it is important to be able to book their entire trip online.
Chris Silcock, president of Global Brands and Commercial Services at Hilton, stated that the company continually strives to innovate and provide a superior hotel experience for every stay occasion. This includes small- and medium-sized business customers who require a travel platform that meets their unique needs and reduces friction points, from booking to billing.
The Hilton for Business program offers several benefits to small- and medium-sized businesses. These include portfolio-wide discounts, with businesses that join the program gaining access to discounted rates across Hilton’s global portfolio of nearly 7,400 properties both on the website and on the Hilton Honors app.
Additionally, the program offers travel rewards for small businesses and their employees. Companies that enroll in Hilton for Business will receive 7,500 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after any program member completes their first hotel stay. After every 10 nights stayed by a program member, the company receives 5,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points. These Bonus Points are housed within the business’ company account and can be used to distribute to themselves and/or any member of their Hilton for Business program. Individual travelers, including both owners and employees, will continue to earn their personal Hilton Honors Points and benefits each time they stay.
Hilton for Business also offers rapid onboarding. Small- and medium-sized business owners or travel administrators can register themselves and their companies, through their own Hilton Honors account, to gain access to a comprehensive, self-service travel booking and management system. Once registered, the customer and their employees gain access to the booking website and other benefits. Individual travelers can also create separate personal and business travel profiles within their own Hilton Honors account, enabling seamless differentiation and management between the two profiles.
The program also aims to provide seamless program management. Business owners have full control and can delegate program management to any number of administrators. Adding employees is straightforward – the more employees included in the program, the more benefits the company earns. Businesses can track their upcoming spend, review historical spend, and understand the benefits accumulating as they travel.
As reported here, Hilton announced plans in October to roll out two new digital innovations aimed at enhancing the travel experience for small- and medium-sized businesses, with both initiatives set to launch early this year. The first initiative was Hilton for Business. The second initiative involves the expansion of Hilton’s events booking capabilities to support the growing demand for in-person gatherings. Customers will be able to book meeting packages for up to 35 attendees, including guest rooms and meeting or event spaces, directly on Events.Hilton.com. This feature is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized businesses that need to plan small in-person meetings and events quickly without staff or third-party support.