Putting purpose back in travel

Eric Bailey, Managing Director of Purposeful Travel Solutions, celebrated the remote nature of his address as part of his presentation at FACTS on purposeful travel - an approach that prioritises the value and impact of each business trip while minimising negative consequences.

Bailey, speaking remotely from Seattle, emphasised that business travel is not merely about logistics - flights, hotels, and ground transportation - but about the people and relationships that are built through these journeys. “Travel alone does not deliver impact; it enables human interactions that build social capital,” Bailey stated, urging attendees to rethink their approach to travel.

The Concept of Purposeful Travel

Bailey introduced the concept of purposeful travel, defined as an approach that prioritises results and impact while considering the purpose, value and outcome of each trip. This framework encourages businesses to minimise their carbon footprint by reducing unnecessary travel and leveraging virtual alternatives. “In 2022, we gathered leading corporate travel executives to define how we should push the industry forward,” he explained. The outcome was the Purposeful Travel Platform, which focuses on four key pillars: sustainability, maximising opportunities, accessibility, and enhancing the traveller experience.

Sustainability: A Core Value

Bailey highlighted the need for businesses to adopt practices that reduce their carbon emissions. He shared insights from his time at Microsoft, where the company managed to maintain its carbon footprint despite significant growth. “It is possible to cut down on travel and to travel in a different way,” he noted, emphasising the importance of virtual meetings and efficient travel planning.

He cited innovative technologies that facilitate networking and collaboration, such as the compatibility scoring tool from Ascend, which helps attendees connect with the right people based on shared interests and goals. “We need to get better at doing the basics of research before attending meetings,” Bailey advised, encouraging attendees to maximise their time and connections.

Accessibility: Beyond Physical Needs

Accessibility was another critical topic, with Bailey urging attendees to consider the broader implications of accessibility, which extends beyond physical disabilities. “We must ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in conversations, regardless of their ability to travel,” he stated.

Enhancing the Traveller Experience

Turning to enhancing the overall traveller experience, Bailey shared his personal approach to maximising productivity during business trips, including digitizing conversations and leveraging technology for follow-ups. “We need to embrace the time while we’re there and not get bogged down by emails,” he advised, encouraging attendees to make the most of their travel experiences.

While Bailey explained that his decision not to present in person in Sydney was based on RoSC (return on social capital), he indicated that his participation in the next FACTS event would be in person.