Tripgrid specialist group and team travel OBT now available to TMCs via TripStax
The deal facilitates the expansion of Tripgrid’s market offering as the tool will now be available for the first time, via TripStax to travel management companies (TMCs) globally of any size. Until now, Tripgrid has only been accessible directly by corporates that did not work with a TMC.
Tripgrid – a design-first product organisation – has invested significantly in research and development to deliver a state-of-the-art, consumer-grade booking experience with simple, streamlined user journeys and workflows. It is the first design-led online booking tool specifically for the project, crew and team travel (PCTT) sector.
PCTT is one of the fastest growing business travel categories. Indeed, the spend on crew and workforce travel in 2024 is expected to be around 22% of global travel spend according to the GBTA’s latest Business Travel Index - a sum exceeding $325 billion annually.
PCTT travellers often include architects, engineers and construction workers; entertainment professionals; oil and gas employees; and sports teams. PCTT involves logistics, risk management, mobility issues and tech solutions that often fall outside traditional meetings, events and group travel management. However around 40% of PCTT transactions are still being booked individually by corporates and managed in spreadsheets.
Tripgrid’s investment in UX, UI and automation has transformed the flight booking user experience for business travel and replaces the manual, time consuming and error prone process of booking large amounts of flights with spreadsheets. Users of Tripgrid can book flights for an entire team in one booking flow, with visibility into real-time flight content, 24/7 support, stored traveller profiles, group checkout, and live flight tracking. The time-saving benefits are considerable as Tripgrid allows customers to book 20+ flights in less than 30 minutes when the traditional/manual process would take 1-3 days. Users also make significant savings on transaction fees, including the ability to cancel flights without paying an offline service fee.
Implementation of Tripgrid via TripStax will enable TMCs to meet demand for this state-of-the-art booking solution from their customers who have specific PCTT needs. It will enable TMCs to automate the entire booking process instead of manually booking flights in the GDS and hand-building itineraries, thus leading to significant efficiency gains and better reporting.
Demand from TMCs wanting to offer the tool to their own corporate customers is strong and TripStax is already in late stage contracting with several TMC clients.
The agreement further strengthens the relationship between TripStax and Tripgrid as it follows the announcement in October 2023 that TripStax’s technology is powering Tripgrid with essential back-end connectivity via the TripStax Content API and TripStax Profile applications – two of the ten interconnected stack of modules connected to the TripStax Core – an innovative data processing engine. The TripStax Content API enables Tripgrid to deliver GDS content to its customers, meaning Tripgrid can offer an unparalleled, best-in-class flight inventory for booking project crew and team travel, including multi-passenger bookings on the same flight. TripStax also created a traveller profile solution for Tripgrid, using its TripStax Portal module, which pushes traveller profiles to the GDS at point of booking.
Jake Hoskins, Co-founder and CEO Tripgrid explained: “GBTA’s recent research indicates that PCTT is a rapidly growing business travel category, currently representing 22% of global travel spend. However, the bulk of transactions are still being booked individually by corporates and managed in spreadsheets. We invested heavily in developing Tripgrid to bring much needed automation to the PCTT booking process. But this is no ordinary OBT. We also worked with one of the best design firms in the world to build the best UI and UX. We carried out extensive research interviewing more than 200 travel arrangers to understand their current process and pain points. Our ‘design thinking’, dedication and iterative process led us to a solution which specifically addressed their needs and everyone at Tripgrid is proud to bring such a product to the corporate travel market.
Until now however we have focussed on working directly with corporates who have significant PCTT requirements, but didn’t have a TMC in place to manage this for them. We are therefore excited to strengthen our partnership with TripStax, whose technology has already enabled us to leapfrog our development over the last year. Now TripStax will be able to fast-track access to Tripgrid for any TMC who wants to offer the solution to their customers.”
Jack Ramsey, CEO, TripStax said: “We are delighted to be enhancing our relationship with Tripgrid with this agreement and provide TMCs with access via TripStax to this innovative corporate booking tool. Most booking tools have been built around the capabilities of the supplier and that has meant that the tool has limitations. However, Tripgrid has been an experience-first led development, backed by extensive research which is why TripStax was so interested in working with them. It’s fully powered by TripStax from a Profile and Content perspective. Implementation of Tripgrid via TripStax is seamless because we are already providing back-end connectivity. It is truly ground-breaking for TMCs because until now they were not able to offer Tripgrid to their clients, even if a client wanted to use the tool. This partnership demonstrates the strength and versatility of our technology and how it can implement and support strategic partners in the industry.”
TripStax officially named ‘Hot Travel Startup for 2025’ by Phocuswire
Since the first edition of the prestigious Hot 25 Travel Startups was published in 2018, PhocusWire has covered and continues to keep an eye on companies across all travel segments and geographies. The Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2025, are no exception with companies from Africa, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, United Kingdom, United States and India all getting recognition this time around.
The PhocusWire team, together with colleagues at research and events specialist Phocuswright, began the process of narrowing down a list of more than 160 global travel startups back in July this year. The team was looking for companies who stand out for their innovation and market potential while also focusing on diversity in founders, sectors and geographies.
For the 2025 list, the Phocuswire team focussed on companies that are no more than six years old and are on a path to make a mark in their respective sectors or regions in 2024. They have chosen to recognise a diverse array of exciting businesses - many that have had accelerated success since launching to market.
“This is an incredible honour for TripStax and a huge milestone in our journey since we launched to market in 2022,” said TripStax CEO Jack Ramsey. “Thank you to all of our customers, employees, suppliers and industry friends who have been a huge part of our story so far.”
Read more about why TripStax was selected for this year’s Hot List, as well as the lessons we have learned since our launch, and our strategic goals for 2025: https://www.phocuswire.com/hot-25-travel-startups-2025-tripstax
TripStax bolsters data connectivity capabilities with integration of Procon’s ProTAS mid and back-office solution
The agreement means that Procon’s flagship ProTAS system, a sophisticated open platform used by travel management companies (TMCs) globally to streamline and automate financial, administrative and operational workflows, can be now be integrated with the TripStax Analytics module. As a result of the integration, vast mid and back-office data sets can be seamlessly delivered from ProTAS to TripStax Analytics for existing and new mutual TMC clients.
ProTAS data is captured and enriched within the TripStax Core, the powerful data processing engine at the heart of the TripStax tech offering. Cleansed and accurate data is then pushed to the TripStax Analytics module, a highly sophisticated tool, providing exceptional AI driven insights, and potent behavioural and financial analytics. TripStax Analytics enables TMCs and travel managers to have completely transparent visibility via their customised dashboard of the most aggregated or detailed level of reporting.
David Chappell, Chief Product Officer, TripStax said: “We are constantly looking at ways to enhance our connectivity and bring additional content and data sources into the TripStax Core to give TMCs and their corporate clients a ‘single source of truth’ for their data across our technology solutions. We are delighted to extend this connectivity further by partnering with Procon and have already built the connection between ProTAS and TripStax, enabling us to easily consume mid and back-office data within our TripStax Analytics solution.”
Jesper Just, CEO of Procon Solution A/S, commented: "We are thrilled to partner with TripStax. The demand for smarter, more efficient travel management solutions is greater than ever. This collaboration offers our customers a sophisticated high-tech solution to streamline their operations using TripStax’s enhanced reporting and analytics capabilities, while maintaining the high-quality workflows that ProTAS is known for. By automating processes from booking to financial reconciliation, we’re enabling our clients to focus more on delivering value and less on administrative burdens."
TripStax counts down to Travolution awards ceremony
We are proud to be named finalists in two categories: Best Data Analytics Platform and Best Technology Product.
Making sense of data in travel is increasingly essential, so the judges of Best Data Analytics Platform are looking for specialists in this area who have a demonstrable track record of deriving actionable insights that are being applied in the market to improve performance and business success.
Best Technology Product will be given to an individual technology product which is considered to have made the biggest impact in the market and seen particular growth. The judges are looking for evidence of meeting customers’ needs, addressing pain points and success metrics, as well as displays of innovative thinking and creativity required to drive the travel industry forward into the modern digital era.
Jack Ramsey, CEO, TripStax said: “We are excited to be shortlisted in both these categories at this year’s Travolution Awards. This is further evidence that our focus on data management as the driver for much-needed technology evolution in our industry is paying off. Thank you to all our wonderful employees, our customers, suppliers and industry friends for helping us to make this happen.”
TripStax CTO wins Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Champion Award
This award recognises an individual or team from any sector of the industry that can demonstrate a firm commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and the successful implementation of initiatives that make them an employer, supplier or partner of choice.
Scott has led the charge in ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion sit at the heart of TripStax’s culture, operations and recruitment practices since TripStax launched in 2022. He has spearheaded numerous initiatives, champions emotional intelligence and continues to educate and raise awareness of how best to help those who are neurodivergent.
The judges of the Business Travel People Awards were full of praise for Scott, saying: “Scott’s commitment to DE&I is exemplary. Practicing what he preaches, he brings about positive change and instils confidence in employees, creating an open working environment for people from all parts of the world and raising awareness in the wider industry.”
Jack Ramsey, CEO of TripStax said: “Huge congratulations to Scott who absolutely deserves to win this award! Scott is a champion of DE&I because he gets confused about why it becomes a tick box exercise for some big corporations; why it has to be an active thought process rather than a natural way of being. That’s what tells me that, for Scott, it’s a habitual advocacy, it’s just the way he is. It’s fantastic to have him in our business with that sort of ethos to life and work. The embodiment of DE&I and advocacy and a champion of DEI is to be self-aware and to be aware of others and themselves. Scott is the ultimate champion.”
To find out more about all the winners on the night and see the photo gallery, visit The Business Travel Magazine website here https://thebusinesstravelmag.com/2024-people-awards-winners-revealed/
TripStax Named Finalists for Multiple Awards in 2024
First up are the Business Travel People Awards on 17th September when our CTO Scott Wylie is a finalist in the category Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Champion. This award recognises an individual or team from any sector of the industry that can demonstrate a firm commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and the successful implementation of initiatives that make them an employer, supplier or partner of choice. Scott has led the charge in ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion sit at the heart of TripStax’s culture, operations and recruitment practices since TripStax launched in 2022. He has spearheaded numerous initiatives, champions emotional intelligence and continues to educate and raise awareness of how best to help those who are neurodivergent.
Next up, TripStax is shortlisted for ‘Best Technology & Innovation – Data & Reporting’ at the Business Travel Europe Awards 24th September. This award goes to the company that has best demonstrated the development and delivery of a data and reporting platform to improve the management of corporate travel and expense data that has tangible, demonstrated results beyond a pilot or beta phase. Our submission for this award highlighted how the TripStax Core’s unique data processing engine makes the TripStax offering a true game-changer for the data and reporting experience. The submission also demonstrated the dynamic AI-driven capabilities of the TripStax Analytics module, which was backed by powerful testimonials from our customers.
Last but not least, TripStax is named finalists in two categories at the Travolution Awards, taking place on 28th November: Best Data Analytics Platform and Best Technology Product. Making sense of data in travel is increasingly essential, so the judges of Best Data Analytics Platform are looking for specialists in this area who have a demonstrable track record of deriving actionable insights that are being applied in the market to improve performance and business success. Best Technology Product will be given to an individual technology product which is considered to have made the biggest impact in the market and seen particular growth.
Since launching to market in 2022, TripStax has won five awards, being nominated as a finalist in these latest accolades takes the total number of nominations in just two and a half years to 11. Thank you to all our wonderful employees, our customers, suppliers and industry friends for helping us to make this happen.
TripStax Puts Carbon Data Reporting in Spotlight during GBTA Broadcast Studio Interview in Atlanta
The discussion put sustainability firmly in the spotlight, with David explaining why TripStax has seen such a surge in demand from clients for consolidated carbon reporting.
Questions put to David by GBTA Studio host Monisa Cline also covered why it is so important for corporates to have all their carbon data consolidated in one place, and how the extensive connectivity and capabilities of the TripStax Core as a data aggregator makes collecting and normalising carbon data accessible and effortless for TMCs and their corporate customers.
The GBTA Convention is the premier global event for the business travel industry giving thousands of industry peers, suppliers, and partners the opportunity to benefit from unparalleled opportunities for professional and business growth. This year, the 55th annual convention in Atlanta attracted 5,400 registered attendees who came together from July 22nd to 24th to learn from insightful speakers and educational sessions, and discover the latest industry trends, best practices and technologies.
TripStax bolsters commitment to client data protection with ISO certification and SOC2® audit
Following an extensive auditing process, TripStax’s technology solutions have achieved ISO 27001 certification for the second year running. This year the certification also extends to include new TripStax Hotels module. ISO 27001 is an information security standard created by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which provides a framework and guidelines for establishing, implementing, and managing an information security management system (ISMS). Certification to the ISO 27001 standard is recognised worldwide and indicates that TripStax’s ISMS is aligned with information security best practices. These requirements are a list of requisites that organisations need to implement and maintain to create a robust ISMS.
In addition, TripStax has been approved for ISO 27018 certification, a standard that is used to ensure cloud service providers adhere to best practices for handling data. ISO 27018 establishes commonly accepted controls and guidelines for implementing measures to protect Personally Identifiable Information (PII) for the public cloud computing environment. These controls are split into privacy principles, including consent and choice, legitimacy, and specification of purpose.
Furthermore, TripStax has also successfully completed its Type 1 SOC 2® audit, a voluntary cyber-security compliance framework for service organisations, developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), which specifies how organisations should manage customer data. The primary purpose of SOC 2 is to ensure that third-party service providers store and process client data in a secure manner. The standard is based on the following trust services criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, privacy.
Scott Wylie, CTO TripStax commented: “Our entire technology and business proposition is built around innovative solutions for TMCs and corporates to manage travel data more effectively. Millions of our clients’ data transactions are being processed by the TripStax Core and within the cloud based TripStax modules on an annual basis. We therefore take the security, separation and integrity of that client data very seriously.
“It is vital that we can provide assurances to our customers that their data is secure and that we have extremely robust data management systems in place. The ISO certification and SOC 2 audit processes are meticulous and leave no stone unturned. They are also voluntary, but we believe it is imperative to undertake them. We are proud to have achieved these standards as this demonstrates unequivocally that our customers can trust TripStax to manage and protect their data with the utmost security,” said Scott Wylie.
TripStax partners with Riskline to enhance duty of care support for TMCs and corporates
The agreement means that Riskline’s technology will be integrated with the TripStax Core, the central data processing engine that powers TripStax’s fully-connected stack of travel management modules. Riskline is one of the world’s leading travel risk insights companies leveraging professional analysts to process more than 100,000 data sources providing accurate and timely travel risk assessments.
The TripStax Core will consume real-time, human-verified risk intelligence data, alerts and destination information from Riskline and proactively determine how best to deploy that data within the relevant connected TripStax modules such as Track, Approve, Docs and Mobile. The unique connectivity of TripStax’s ecosystem of modules means that TMCs and corporates will receive immediate and actionable data regarding threats and incidents to traveller safety. For example, approval flows can be created and re-run within the TripStax Approve module based on risk factors; accurate information can be populated within the TripStax Docs module to add status alerts to itineraries; proactive notifications can be sent to travellers via the TripStax Mobile; and vital information regarding travellers’ location can be immediately sourced within the Track module.
Commenting on the new partnership David Chappell, Chief Product Officer at TripStax, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have forged this new partnership with Riskline for the provision of risk information into our platforms. Considering that the provision of actionable information based on risk is at the top of many customers' agendas at the moment, the partnership comes at an important time. Ultimately, the travel industry needs more forward-thinking, open, and collaborative architectures and this agreement not only highlights our own desire to partner with the best in the industry but also is a blueprint of how two leading technologies can work together to create better experiences for our customers".
Suzanne Sangiovese, Director of Travel and Technology at Riskline, added: “We are really excited about the partnership and the new opportunities it offers us. By working with TripStax, our risk technology can be utilised by travel management companies and their customers, enabling them to travel with greater confidence.”
For further media information: Vanessa Aves, TripStax PR Consultant,
email: VanessaAvesPR@aol.com, tel: +44 (0) 7721 413358
About TripStax
TripStax (www.tripstax.com) is an award-winning fully connected modular stack of proprietary business travel applications, powered by The Core, a profound central data processing architecture that consumes, enriches and manages all business traveller booking, profile and invoice data across the entire TripStax eco-system. TripStax is leading the charge for the iterative transformation that the business travel tech landscape needs, by changing how travel data is consumed, managed and utilised by TMCs and corporate travel managers.
About Riskline
Riskline is a leading travel risk intelligence company in operation since 2007 and based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Riskline’s world-class information and analysis services are trusted by small businesses and Fortune 500 companies across a wide range of industries. For further information please visit https://riskline.com/
TripStax announces partnership with Thrust Carbon
Thrust Carbon, the leading tech provider of science-based data and intelligence on emissions, is integrated to the TripStax ‘Core’, the central data-processing powerhouse that consumes, manages and enriches a TMC’s corporate client profile, booking and finance data across each module in the TripStax eco-system.
The agreement means that each booking transaction, once collected in the TripStax Core, is sent via API to Thrust Carbon to calculate the carbon emissions of the specific trip, and then returned to The Core for storage. This carbon data can then be applied across relevant TripStax applications used by the TMC, for example added to itineraries via the TripStax Documents module, reporting via TripStax Analytics, as well as invoicing at point of sale. If the TMC makes any changes to the booking transaction prior to travel, The Core re-sends data to Thrust Carbon to provided updated calculations.
TripStax has also collaborated with Thrust Carbon to identify additional carbon data calculation points and variations for certain airlines and load factors since the post-Covid recovery of the aviation sector.
Scott Wylie, Chief Technology Officer, TripStax commented: “A major challenge for corporate travel managers is influencing sustainable travel practices as more and more companies move towards net zero carbon targets. Travel managers are looking to their TMC for support in managing this challenge and that starts with best-practice in measuring carbon emissions. Hence it was a priority for us to enhance our technology offering to give our TMC clients access to accurate carbon emissions data.
“We conducted an in-depth analysis of providers, challenging and checking their measurements by route, flight number, type of aircraft. Thrust Carbon emerged as the clear leader in this process as their methodology is science-based and therefore far more meaningful. We are delighted to have agreed this partnership with Thrust Carbon and to be working with such a like-minded tech innovator to enhance each other’s data capabilities,” said Wylie.
Mark Corbett, Director of Thrust Carbon, added: “Tackling the climate crisis is the defining challenge of our time, and it requires urgent action. It’s not enough to simply talk about sustainability; we must take bold steps to maximise our impact. And that’s exactly what we’re doing here. By partnering with TripStax, TMCs are able to put best-in-class sustainability intelligence at the fingertips of travel managers around the world, and empower them to make impactful decisions for their programs. With granular and accurate insights plus recommendations, travel managers will be able to make informed choices that lead to game-changing reductions in emissions. Together, we can create a more sustainable future for generations to come”.
For further media information: Vanessa Aves, TripStax PR Consultant, email: VanessaAvesPR@aol.com, tel: +44 (0) 7721 413358