Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT), a global leader specializing in business travel management, achieved a major milestone in its commitment to help clients optimize their travel programs. The company recently conducted the 2000th CWT Diagnostic, a comprehensive performance assessment and strategic action plan based on what CWT calls the Eight Key Levers to Effective Travel Management. (1)

CWT Diagnostic is a proprietary tool designed for clients of all sizes and in all regions. Using an in-depth survey, CWT program managers determine the maturity of their clients' travel programs against the Eight Key Levers and uncover opportunities for greater savings and program optimization. A database rich with diagnostic assessments enables clients to benchmark all aspects of their travel program against peer groups—based on size, area of activity, geography, service configuration and more—to enhance their insights and decision making. Together, CWT program managers and their clients then establish a customized, short- and long-term business plan based on best practices, clients' travel management priorities and their overall business objectives. CWT sales managers can also use CWT Diagnostic with prospective clients to demonstrate how the company can help them optimize their travel program.

According to Cathy Voss, CWT executive vice president, Global Program Solutions, clients using CWT Diagnostic to assess their travel programs have seen an overall improvement: "CWT Diagnostic is the cornerstone of our strategic program management offering and as such, it is the crucial first step in program optimization. By offering our clients actionable insights and carefully chosen solutions that cover all aspects of a well-managed travel program, we can help them implement best practices that drive savings, enhance the traveler experience and contribute to their company's strategic objectives. This is particularly important as more and more companies seek a measurable return on their business travel investment."

CWT recommends that a CWT Diagnostic be conducted at least once a year so that program managers and their clients can effectively track progress against established goals. " CWT Diagnostic is a standard element of our core program management offering. As companies plan and budget for 2011, there couldn't be a better time than now to pinpoint specific needs and make thoughtful choices regarding their travel program," Ms. Voss added.

About Carlson Wagonlit Travel
Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) is a global leader specializing in business travel management. Present in more than 150 countries, CWT serves companies of all sizes, as well as government institutions and non-governmental organizations. By leveraging both the expertise of its people and leading-edge technology, CWT helps clients derive the greatest value from their travel program in terms of savings, service, security and sustainability. The company is also committed to providing best-in-class service and assistance to travelers. CWT services and solutions comprise four lines of business: Traveler & Transaction Services, Program Optimization, Safety & Security, and Meetings & Events. In 2009, sales volume for wholly owned operations and joint ventures totaled US$21.4 billion. For more information, please visit our global Website at www.carlsonwagonlit.com.

Media Contact:
Kim Derderian
Carlson Wagonlit Travel
(33)1 41 33 60 44
kderderian@carlsonwagonlit.com