Travel management company Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) has launched a new service to encourage clients to integrate virtual meetings into their managed travel programme.

CWT offers its clients access to Cisco TelePresence suites at 22 locations around the world, and the agency says that virtual meetings can be used to complement business travel. It aims to help clients implement a video conferencing strategy that effectively mirrors their travel programme.

The service also includes change management support for travel bookers and a cost comparison tool that helps when deciding whether to have a face to face meeting or a virtual one.

According to Pauline Quéré, CWT vice president, global customer product marketing, telepresence can be a ‘compelling alternative’ to business travel under certain circumstances. She cites as prime examples regularly scheduled internal meetings that last less than a day and involve colleagues located around the world.

“Meetings can be conducted more often, bringing more people together quickly and easily for greater collaboration,” she said. “Telepresence can also increase contacts with clients and business partners outside of the company. And a better work-life balance for employees, coupled with a more sustainable impact on the environment, are also important.

"These are all reasons why CWT is eager to help clients successfully integrate telepresence into their managed travel programmes.”