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8common Limited (ASX:8CO) and TRAVLR are pleased to announce its strategic alliance to launch its employee travel benefits platform Benefits8 to address the growing Bleisure (Business and Leisure) travel opportunity.The TRAVLR powered Benefits8 platform will deliver an end-to-end leisure travel platform which will leverage the client relationships of 8common’s Expense8 business unit which includes users from large corporates like Woolworths, Broadcast Australia, Amcor and 117 State and Federal Government Agencies.

The concept of combining business and leisure travel is well embraced and has been identified as a significant priority by travel industry experts. A recent survey by Hilton Hotels & Resorts found nearly 70% of respondents had a desire to extend their work trips for leisure purposes. In its 2018 Bleisure Trends Report, the travel management company Egencia noted 68 percent of travelers mix business with pleasure trips between one and three times a year.

Founder of TRAVLR, Simon te Hennepe is thrilled to see TRAVLR supported and utilised as a technology platform by Benefits8.

“At TRAVLR, we have developed this platform over the last 10 years, seamlessly using technology to create the very best experience for travellers. In 2019, bleisure travel, adding a leisure portion of travel to a business trip, will become a hugely popular way to make the most out of business travel, with 68% of business travellers globally taking at least one bleisure trip per year,” he said.

“It’s great to be partnering with 8common and Benefits8 who have recognised the need for innovation and a new technology platform that powers and allows the whole experience of booking and planning travel to be effortless and enjoyable whilst also maintaining the highest compliance standards,” says te Hennepe.

The Expense8 Corporate Travel module offers a Pre-Trip approval function to let employees easily plan and book corporate travel. The module also includes an easy and secure approval process for both managers and employees to meet strict government and corporate compliance requirements.

Executive Chairman of 8Common, Nic Lim says he’s proud to see such an exciting and innovative partnership get off the ground.

“With this powerful alliance, 8common aims offer a seamless ecosystem that keeps the lines clear between business and leisure travel,” he said.

“Benefits8 customers will have access to an enhanced travel booking experience through TRAVLR featuring an industry leading network of flights, hotels & resorts, Agoda homes inventory, cruising, as well as more than 200,000+ experiences and activities from across the globe,” he said.