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Dec 24Tue
  1. MCT Tourism Statistics

    MCT: China's Travel Agencies Reached 62,766 in Q3 2024

    China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism (Market Management Department) published the Q3 2024 national travel agency statistical survey report. As of Sept. 30, 2024, there were 62,766 travel agencies nationwide in Q3, with a data review completion rate of 92.75%, and 27 regions above the national level. The report discloses domestic, inbound and outbound market data: domestic tourism organized 34.6922 million person-trips and 107.1058 million person-days; inbound tourism outreach 597,100 person-trips and 2.2694 million person-days; outbound tourism organized 3.7302 million person-trips and 18.5487 million person-days.

Dec 17Tue
  1. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur versus Coupa and Emburse: Five Considerations for Choosing the Best Partner

    An SAP Concur article compares itself with Coupa and Emburse on five considerations: ROI, peer reviews, industry partnerships, market share, and track record. G2 data shows SAP Concur customers realize a 46% ROI in the first year, compared to 28% for Coupa; SAP Concur has nearly 50% market share, far exceeding Emburse's 6.2% and Coupa's 4.2%.

Dec 16Mon
  1. SAP Concur Blog

    What Is the Role of Internal Audit in Fraud Risk Management?

    An SAP Concur article explores the role of internal audit in fraud risk management, especially in travel and expense. A survey shows 65% of business travelers admitted to questionable expenses. The article lists common fraud types, such as mischaracterized, falsified, inflated, and multiple claims, and recommends automated solutions, clear policies, and regular audits to prevent fraud.

Dec 13Fri
Dec 12Thu
  1. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur ExpenseIt: Evolution of AI-Driven Expense Management

    SAP Concur's ExpenseIt tool has evolved significantly since its launch, now incorporating generative AI and machine learning to automatically extract data from receipts and create expense entries. The latest feature uses large language models to process hotel folios, automatically removing personally identifiable information and improving expense report efficiency.

Dec 10Tue
  2. US Travel Advisories

    US State Dept Issues Level 3 Travel Advisory for Honduras

    The U.S. Department of State issued a Level 3 "Reconsider Travel" advisory for Honduras due to crime, with Gracias a Dios Department at Level 4 "Do Not Travel." The advisory cites common violent crime such as homicide, armed robbery and kidnapping, widespread gang activity including extortion, street violence, rape, narcotics and human trafficking, and local authorities that may lack resources to respond effectively. Demonstrations, roadblocks and tire burnings are frequent and unpredictable. A "State of Exception" declared in December 2022 remains in effect and has been modified to cover 226 of the country's 298 municipalities. A national health emergency was declared in June 2024 due to a…

Dec 9Mon
  1. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur Publishes Guide to Choosing Travel and Expense Software

    SAP Concur published a blog outlining key features and best practices for choosing travel and expense (T&E) software, arguing that travel, expense and accounts payable (AP) platforms should be truly integrated. It cites measurable gains from its integrated solutions: 2x faster expense reporting, 19.2% less time booking trips, 35% more invoices processed and 21% average savings in booking and expense reporting. A case example says Campari Group, after adopting Concur Expense (2017) and Concur Travel (2020), achieved 50% faster trip approvals, 13% fewer expense report rejections and a 70% reduction in offline travel agency fees.

  2. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur Outlines AI Applications in Spend Management

    SAP Concur published a blog on generative AI applications in travel and expense management. It cites survey data: 51% of CFOs are investing in AI technology, up from 15% in August 2023; 58% of CFOs have very little knowledge about AI and only 4% are confident they have a strong grasp of it. The post says 34% of travel managers feel constrained by expectations to implement AI tools without adequate training, and only 7% of AP teams currently use AI. SAP Concur says it has integrated AI and machine learning into its solutions for over a decade and lists four application areas: automation, compliance, fraud detection and spend analytics.

Dec 4Wed
  1. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur Explains the Value of Automated Financial Reconciliation

    SAP Concur published a blog explaining financial reconciliation and the benefits of automation. It says reconciliation is a critical accounting function that uncovers errors, non-compliant spend and potential fraud while ensuring accurate financial reporting. Automated reconciliation can improve efficiency and accuracy, prevent fraud, and support strategic spend analysis and cash flow management. It cites SAP Concur user data: 32% less time approving expenses, up to 13 hours saved per week for accounting and finance teams, and an $18 reduction in the cost of expense report processing.

Dec 2Mon
  1. US Travel Advisories

    US State Dept Keeps French Polynesia at Level 1 Travel Advisory

    The U.S. Department of State issued a Level 1 "Exercise Normal Precautions" travel advisory for French Polynesia, reissued after a periodic review without changes. The advisory recommends exercising normal precautions in French Polynesia and references the country information page, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), the Country Security Report and CDC travel health information.

  2. US Travel Advisories

    US State Dept Keeps Tuvalu at Level 1 Travel Advisory

    The U.S. Department of State issued a Level 1 "Exercise Normal Precautions" travel advisory for Tuvalu, reissued after a periodic review without changes. The advisory notes that commercial transportation to and from Tuvalu is sporadically available, and references enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), the Country Security Report and CDC travel health information.

  3. US Travel Advisories

    US State Dept Keeps Nauru at Level 1 Travel Advisory

    The U.S. Department of State issued a Level 1 "Exercise Normal Precautions" travel advisory for Nauru, reissued after a periodic review without changes. The advisory recommends exercising normal precautions in Nauru and references the country information page, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), the Country Security Report and CDC travel health information.

  4. US Travel Advisories

    US State Dept Keeps Fiji at Level 1 Travel Advisory

    The U.S. Department of State issued a Level 1 "Exercise Normal Precautions" travel advisory for Fiji, reissued after a periodic review without changes. The advisory notes some areas have increased risks and designates Colo I Suva Forest Park as Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, citing frequent phone and bag snatchings along trails where foreigners gather, with resistance possibly resulting in injury. It also advises extra vigilance when displaying jewelry, bags and cell phones in public, not physically resisting robbery attempts, and caution when walking or driving at night.

  5. US Travel Advisories

    US State Dept Keeps Kiribati at Level 1 Travel Advisory

    The U.S. Department of State issued a Level 1 "Exercise Normal Precautions" travel advisory for Kiribati, reissued after a periodic review without changes. The advisory notes that commercial transportation to and from Kiribati is sporadically available, and advises monitoring local media, bringing a sufficient supply of over-the-counter and prescription medicines, enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and reviewing the Country Security Report and CDC travel health information.

Nov 27Wed
  1. US Travel Advisories

    U.S. State Department Issues Level 2 Travel Advisory for Hong Kong

    The U.S. Department of State issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Hong Kong on November 27, 2024, urging increased caution due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws. It cites the 2020 National Security Law and the 2024 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, which contain vaguely defined offenses that may apply to foreign nationals and individuals outside its borders. Those who criticize authorities may face arrest, detention, expulsion, or prosecution. Hong Kong does not recognize dual nationality, and dual U.S.-PRC citizens may face additional security scrutiny and harassment. The advisory also advises avoiding demonstrations, keeping a low profile, and entering on a U.S. passport.

  2. US Travel Advisories

    U.S. State Department Adjusts Mainland China Travel Advisory to Level 2

    The U.S. Department of State updated its travel advisory for Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau on November 27, 2024, shifting Mainland China to Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including exit bans. Hong Kong remains at Level 2, while Macau is at Level 3: Reconsider Travel due to limited ability to provide emergency consular services, and also advises increased caution.

Nov 25Mon
  1. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur Publishes Guide on Business AI Use Cases in Travel and Expense Management

    SAP Concur published a blog on November 25, 2024, outlining business AI use cases in travel and expense management. It cites survey data showing over half of finance leaders plan to invest in business AI, with 61% aiming to improve efficiency, 64% to automate mundane tasks, and 67% to improve forecasting accuracy; 58% of CFOs admit to understanding very little about AI in finance. The article lists specific use cases in accounts payable, travel booking, and expense reporting, and mentions Concur Expense can achieve 5X efficiency, recoup initial investment in 7 months, and deliver a three-year ROI of 628%.

  2. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur Publishes Best Practices Guide for Efficient Expense Audits

    SAP Concur published a blog on November 25, 2024, offering best practices and checklists for expense audits. It cites data that 13% of misappropriation fraud comes from expense reimbursement schemes, with median losses of $50,000. It recommends auditing every expense or focusing on high-risk areas such as cash purchases and frequent travelers; auditing before approval; mandating corporate cards; and integrating AI for compliance checks. It also lists success stories from Uber, PETRONAS, Penn State University, and Chobani.

Nov 20Wed
  1. Tongcheng News Center

    Tongcheng Travel Announces 2024 Third Quarter Results

    Tongcheng Travel announced its unaudited 2024 Q3 results on November 19, 2024. Quarterly revenue increased 51.3% YoY to RMB4,991.5 million, and adjusted net profit increased 46.6% YoY to RMB910.0 million, both record highs. Core OTA business revenue grew 21.6% to RMB4,012.8 million, with operating profit margin rising to 31.1%. International air ticketing volume grew over 110%, and international room nights surged over 130%. Annual paying users reached 232.4 million, and accumulated travelers served reached 1,882.5 million.

Nov 19Tue
  1. SAP Concur Blog

    Research Shows Public Sector Faces Challenges Modernizing Travel & Expense Management

    SAP Concur published a blog on November 19, 2024, citing Wakefield Research to reveal challenges public sector organizations face in travel and expense management. Data shows 29% of healthcare organizations still rely on manual data entry, higher education institutions spend 64 days processing vendor payments, 38% of state and local government T&E solutions fail to meet regulatory requirements, 99% of aerospace and defense contractors face security mandates but nearly a third of systems fall short, and 100% of energy and utilities organizations face new security mandates but 34% acknowledge current solutions are inadequate.

  2. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur Executives Predict 2025 Travel & Expense Trends

    SAP Concur published a blog on November 19, 2024, with executives predicting 2025 travel and expense trends. Predictions include: slowing inflation will increase travel opportunities; early caution will bolster greater trust in generative AI; finance leaders will collaborate across the C-suite to implement emerging technology; TMC consolidation will continue, while airlines and travelers reap the benefits of NDC. The article cites the 2024 SAP Concur Global Business Travel Survey, which found 95% of business travelers would consider using AI-powered automation to support their tasks.

  3. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur Showcases User Cases of AI-Driven Spend Management Solutions

    SAP Concur published a blog on November 19, 2024, using three personas—Amanda, Jessica, and Michael—to showcase how its AI-driven spend management solutions improve efficiency. Amanda, an accounting analyst, saves two and a half days per week; Jessica, an AP manager, reduced month-end close from 15 days to 3 days; Michael, a sales rep, submits expense reports in minutes instead of days. The article also mentions businesses using SAP Concur solutions see a 26% reduction in budget overspending and a 47% reduction in missing receipts.

Nov 18Mon
  1. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur Discusses Five Challenges HR Faces in Corporate Travel and Solutions

    SAP Concur published a blog on November 18, 2024, discussing five challenges HR faces in corporate travel and solutions. Challenges include policy compliance and clarity, cost management, health and safety, employee satisfaction and experience, and technology integration. The article cites the 2024 SAP Concur Global Business Travel Survey, which found 35% of global travel managers say their company is most focused on meeting employees' needs for flexible travel options, while 32% say their company is focused on cutting back on business travel costs. Safety concerns are the biggest reason business travelers would decline a trip, with 44% concerned about destination safety, 35% about politica…

Nov 15Fri
  1. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur Releases 'Before You Go' Checklist for Business Travelers

    SAP Concur has released a 'Before You Go' checklist for business travelers, aiming to help employees with varying levels of experience better prepare for trips. The checklist covers preparation, booking, planning, and packing, and suggests travel managers and HR share it as a company resource. SAP Concur also offers customizable templates and lists, and mentions tools like Concur Travel, TripLink, TripIt Pro, and ExpenseIt. In the past 12 months, more than 30 million flights were booked in Concur Travel.

Nov 12Tue
  1. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur and FT Series: Accelerate Decision-Making with Financial Storytelling

    The third article in the SAP Concur and Financial Times series explores how data-backed financial storytelling can help CFOs fulfill their responsibilities. Citing the SAP Concur CFO Insights report, it notes significant shifts in CFO priorities within a year: 33% of CFOs surveyed in 2023 said their organization was investing in cutting-edge technologies like AI, rising to 63% in 2024; while monitoring market conditions dropped from 57% to 20% as a priority. 57% of CFOs said their company is investing heavily for growth. The article suggests using visuals, AI tools, and tailoring messages to audiences to improve financial communication.

  2. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur and FT Series: Making Sustainability Progress Measurable

    The second article in the SAP Concur and Financial Times series explores how companies can make sustainability progress measurable through technology. It notes that hundreds of sustainability regulations and initiatives have been established globally, and companies face pressure to shift from a shareholder model to a stakeholder model. According to the 2024 SAP Concur Global Business Travel Survey, around 29% of business travelers and 33% of travel managers said their company is more focused on increasing sustainable travel options than meeting employee flexibility expectations or cutting travel costs. The article emphasizes that data collection and analysis are key to measuring sustainabil…

  3. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur and FT Series: The Right Tools to Fast-Track Growth

    The first article in the SAP Concur and Financial Times series explores how innovation trends in enterprise software design and user experience can accelerate company growth. It notes that AI is creating opportunities to personalize work, psychology and behavioral science are making software more intuitive, and a human-centric approach leads to better design. Jen Moyse, VP of Product and Head of UX at SAP Concur, says great user experience helps users get through tasks easily, accurately, and quickly. The article also discusses AI adapting processes, behavioral science shaping interactions, and fostering productivity through research.

Nov 7Thu
  1. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur Releases Free Policy Templates for Travel, Expense, Invoice, and Sustainability

    SAP Concur has released free policy templates for travel, expense, invoice, and sustainability to help companies design and update policies. The article notes that effective policies should be concise, clear, easily locatable, and explain the policy's purpose and who it affects. Templates cover travel policy (balancing cost and traveler needs), expense policy (defining processes and non-compliance consequences), invoice policy (customer-facing processes), and sustainability policy. SAP Concur suggests companies regularly update policies as conditions change.

Oct 29Tue
  1. US Travel Advisories

    U.S. State Department Issues Greenland Travel Advisory: Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution

    The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Greenland, recommending increased caution due to environmental hazards from extreme weather and limited emergency services. The U.S. government's ability to provide consular services in Greenland is extremely limited. Greenland's landscape includes vast remote areas, weather can be harsh, and emergency services in remote areas are scarce, with search and rescue potentially taking days to reach an incident. Travelers are advised to obtain comprehensive travel, medical, and evacuation insurance, travel with a professional guide or organization, and enroll in STEP.

Oct 28Mon
  1. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur Podcast: How AI is Shaping the Future of Financial Professionals

    The SAP Concur Conversations podcast explores how AI is transforming financial functions and elevating the work of financial professionals. Guest Nathanael L'Heureux (Chief Solutions Ambassador at Oversight) notes that AI and machine learning can automate mundane tasks, enhance fraud detection, and work in tandem with human expertise. The podcast discusses how financial professionals can become 'AI champions' in their organizations and what skills will be crucial. The conversation emphasizes that AI is a tool requiring human guidance and suggests finance professionals learn AI tools, choose appropriate technologies, and become thought leaders.

  2. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur Podcast: Transforming Financial Functions and Elevating Professionals with AI

    SAP Concur published an article on how AI is transforming financial functions and elevating professionals, based on a podcast conversation with Nathanael L'Heureux, Chief Client Officer at Oversight. The article notes that the finance industry faces challenges of less talent entering, older generations retiring, and more demands on those who stay, with up to 80% of finance work estimated to be manual. AI can automate this work but requires human guidance. The article suggests using existing tool frameworks to evaluate AI technologies and becoming an AI thought leader.

Oct 21Mon
  1. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur Releases Guide to Managing Corporate Cards with Concur Expense

    SAP Concur published an article on managing corporate cards and purchase cards (p-cards) with Concur Expense. Corporate cards are credit cards issued to employees for expenses like travel, meals, and lodging; p-cards are lines of credit used to buy supplies, subscriptions, or tools at preferred vendors. Both provide spending visibility and control. Concur Expense offers extended solutions like Company Bill Statements, Bank Card Feeds, Expense Payment Manager, and Central Reconciliation to automate reconciliation, accelerate reimbursement, and simplify management.

  2. MCT Tourism Statistics

    MCT: China Domestic Trips Reach 4.237 Billion in First Three Quarters of 2024

    China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism released sample survey data for domestic tourism in the first three quarters of 2024. Domestic trips reached 4.237 billion, up 15.3% year on year, while total domestic tourism spending reached RMB 4.35 trillion, up 17.9%. Urban residents made 3.270 billion trips and rural residents 967 million. By quarter, Q3 trips reached 1.512 billion, up 17.2% year on year.

Oct 14Mon
  1. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur: Modernizing T&E Management in State and Local Government

    SAP Concur published an article on modernizing travel and expense (T&E) management in U.S. state and local government agencies. It notes that many agencies still rely on manual processes and outdated systems, leading to higher error rates, delayed reimbursements, increased costs, poor budget visibility and compliance issues. Modernization can deliver cost efficiency, resource optimization, enhanced transparency and improved employee satisfaction. The article stresses change management and offers strategies including communication, training, emphasizing automation as support rather than replacement, and personalized engagement.

  2. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur Podcast: Managing the Business Risks of Employee Drivers

    SAP Concur published a podcast article featuring Jonathan Steele of Motus discussing the business risks of employee drivers. It notes that even if employees use personal vehicles, organizations face risk and liability when employees drive on company business. Companies must ensure drivers have valid licenses, insurance and clarity on vehicle ownership. A case study describes a company that checked driving records only annually, failed to identify risks in time, and ultimately faced a multimillion-dollar settlement. The article also notes U.S. auto insurance premiums are outpacing other inflation categories, one in seven drivers is reducing or forgoing insurance, and 10.7 million drivers wer…

Oct 7Mon
  1. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Concur Report: 2024 Business Spending Trends

    SAP Concur released its 2024 Business Spending Trends report based on early 2024 spend data. The top seven employee spending categories remained unchanged from 2023, with Other/Miscellaneous at 32.04%, Air 17.67%, Lodging 17.36%, Meals 12.14%, Ground Transportation 5.72%, Entertainment 4.54% and Office 2.48%. Since 2019, the average transaction cost for Other has jumped 57% and Miscellaneous 47%. The report also cites research showing 90% of employees noticed their company cutting back on flexible travel options and 64% saw increased focus on pre-travel approval. 2023 data shows a 17% increase in claims with missing receipts, a 29% increase in spend for such claims, and a 10% increase in ex…

Oct 2Wed
  1. US Travel Advisories

    U.S. State Department: Republic of the Congo Level 2 Travel Advisory

    The U.S. Department of State issued a Level 2 travel advisory for the Republic of the Congo: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime. It notes that while not common, violent crime such as armed robbery and assault remains a concern throughout the country. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside Brazzaville. U.S. government employees must use two vehicles for all overland travel outside Brazzaville. In Pointe-Noire, they are restricted to beaches adjacent to their hotels due to crime. Recommendations include avoiding demonstrations, using caution when walking or driving at night, carrying a copy of passport and visa while keeping origina…

Sep 25Wed
  1. SAP Concur Blog

    SAP Retains #1 with 49.6% Share in 2023 T&E Management Software Market

    SAP Concur announced that according to IDC, SAP retained the No. 1 ranking with 49.6% of 2023 market share for travel and expense management software, up from 49.4% in 2022. GBTA data shows global business travel spending reached $1.03 trillion at the end of 2022, 72% of the $1.43 trillion pre-pandemic high. GBTA's 2024 outlook projects global spending will reach a record $1.48 trillion by the end of 2024. In the past year, more than 1 billion expense line items were processed in Concur Expense. SAP experienced 14% year-over-year revenue growth in 2023.