Easier to book eco-friendly travels through new travel agent

The Government has assigned all Swedish higher education institutions with the task to reduce their climate impact from business travel. Consequently, promoting environmentally friendly travel options has been a natural requirement in the procurement of a new travel agent.

Extensive investigative work was undertaken to capture what requirements the procurement should cover, and hence the new travel agent should meet. Beside abiding by procurement regulations, the University has held dialogues at various levels, conducted surveys, and talked to a reference panel to understand various needs. This resulted in mandatory requirements the winning tendering travel agent needed to fulfil.

"The most eco-friendly option must always be offered first to travel bookers. You will also be able to see estimated carbon dioxide emissions for your travel options to help make your choice," says Irina Geibrink, procurement officer.

Huge interest in international train travel

The GBT travel agent will support international train travel bookings to the extent possible. The challenge is that all European train companies are not connected via a joint international booking system. This is something airline companies have had for years.

Learn how to book travels

The new travel booking system and its routines will be introduced and communicated in January and February. One part in this is offering staff training in how the new booking system works from February. More information about such training will be communicated closer to the date.