Luca Carlucci: How One Entrepreneur is Reshaping the Landscape of Corporate Travel

In the bustling world of corporate travel stands a figure with a distinct vision to transform the industry: Luca Carlucci. With an impressive resume that reads like a world map, Luca's journey from Trieste, Italy, to the global stage is marked by a dedication to business, a fascination with technology, and a restless spirit that thrives on new challenges.

In his early career as a technical assistant at the World Trade Organization, Luca quickly ascended the ranks of the business world, driven by a firm belief in the power of international trade. Whether it was managing international projects at a construction firm or representing Italy at key negotiations, Luca's early experiences fortified him with a comprehensive understanding of global business dynamics – and of business travel.

But his ambition didn't stop there. In pursuit of a broader perspective, he sought an MBA in Spain, an experience that included a year's immersion in China's distinctive business landscape. His time in the East served as a stepping stone to a new adventure in the West, specifically in San Francisco, where he found himself captivated by the thriving tech scene of Silicon Valley during a stint with 500Startups.

It was during these years of frequent travel that Luca identified a crucial gap in the market: the need for a streamlined solution for business travel. Teaming up with Flavio Del Bianco, he channeled his passion for travel and technology into BizAway, a startup aimed at revolutionizing the corporate travel process with a blend of digitization and a focus on the human element.

Luca’s wide-ranging business experience, from co-founding and serving as CEO of both BizAway and BidAway to providing financial management and business development for various organizations, has equipped him with a uniquely rounded perspective. A visionary with an unwavering commitment to innovation, Luca demonstrates the transformative power of a global mindset.

In the world of corporate travel, Luca is more than just a seasoned businessman; he's an innovator, a tech enthusiast, and a global trailblazer. His story is a compelling example of how varied experiences, a pioneering spirit, and a commitment to continuous learning can lead to groundbreaking innovation. As we navigate the future of corporate travel, we do so in the exciting wake of his vision.

Now, we sit down with Luca for a deeper dive into his fascinating journey, what he sees in the future for business travel, and his thoughts on the intersection of technology and human interaction...

How have your international experiences across different industries shaped your approach to travel?

As a frequent business traveler, I was frustrated by the lack of a unified solution that could streamline the entire process. This frustration led to the birth of BizAway, as Flavio and I realized there was a gap in the market for a comprehensive service that could effectively manage business travel in a flexible and efficient manner.

Flavio and I combined our passion for travel and technology to create a proprietary software tool that would provide a holistic solution for business travel management.

We believe that the future, in general, lies in technology, so our approach always leans towards the digitization of the processes – while keeping a strong focus on the human element, where it can make a difference.

‍Can you discuss the challenges and rewards of launching three businesses in Barcelona, including your latest, BizAway? Is there a synergy between the businesses you’ve launched?

They were completely different businesses in remarkably different areas, so the main synergy between them lies in what I’ve learned from each one. But since it is vital to me to not repeat the same mistakes twice, each business has contributed to the development of the others.

‍What is the vision behind BizAway, and what makes it stand out in the market?

From the beginning our vision has been to revolutionize the management of business travel by digitizing as many processes as possible while keeping the human element and experience where it can really make a difference.

We believe that the primary need for our clients is the convenience of having everything related to business travel in one place, and that's what we strive to deliver with the best service possible. Beyond technology, what makes our platform innovative is the ability to integrate various features that further simplify processes and make the platform as all-in-one as possible. On top of that we have an internal, highly experienced team of travel experts that our customers can call 24/7 for any need or emergency. The idea is once again bringing together people and technology to have the best of both worlds.

‍How did your past experiences in international organisations, manufacturing, and construction influence your approach to launching BizAway?

‍Working in international organisations provided me with valuable insights into different cultures, markets, and global business practices. It allowed me to develop a global mindset and an understanding of how to navigate complexities in different regions.

These experiences have been instrumental in shaping our company's international expansion strategies and our ability to cater to a diverse customer base.

And as I mentioned, I always try to not make the same mistakes twice, so everything that I’ve experienced in the past has shaped my current approach.

Bizaway’s partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects allows customers to offset the carbon of their travel. How do you think the travel industry can contribute to a more sustainable future?

Approximately 8-10% of global pollution is attributed to the tourism and travel sector, making it crucial for us to actively contribute to addressing this issue. The European Union has provided clear sustainability directives, and it is important to consider specific measures to meet the established goals.

In response to these changes, the travel industry is striving to adapt. Some airlines are exploring the use of fuel blends and Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), while many, including our company, employ pollution offsetting methods.

As a B-Corp, one of our priorities is to engage in initiatives that contribute to the preservation of the environment as much as possible. We partnered up with Eden Reforestation Projects, which specializes in mangrove planting, and Squake, which offers a range of projects for participation.

By embracing these initiatives, we are committed to being part of the solution and minimizing the environmental impact of travel. Our participation in these initiatives is not driven by any desire for personal gain – the collective benefit of society is the reward.

‍What gets you up in the morning? What is your driving force?

‍I believe each day brings new opportunities and challenges, whether it's adapting to technological advancements, navigating global events, or discovering innovative ways to enhance our services. Embracing these challenges and finding creative solutions keeps me motivated and excited to tackle each day.

Also, my driving force is the opportunity to make a positive impact on my stakeholders’ experiences. As a company, we are driven by the desire to be a trusted partner for our clients, helping them achieve their business goals by providing tailored travel solutions that enhance their productivity and well-being.

‍Looking back at your journey, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who are about to launch their first business?

‍There are several key aspects to consider for a successful journey. Developing a clear vision that defines your business's purpose and long-term goals is maybe the most important aspect because this will serve as your guiding light and keep you focused. Also, embracing calculated risks by conducting thorough market research is important.

Surrounding yourself with a strong team is also crucial; build a talented and dedicated team that shares your passion and complements your skills. Continuously learn, adapt to and try to anticipate industry trends and changes in consumer behavior, as this will help you identify new opportunities and stay ahead.

Focus on scalability by developing efficient processes and systems that can handle growth. Last but not least: take care of yourself by maintaining a healthy work-life balance, managing stress, and nurturing your well-being. It’s challenging, but by integrating these elements into your entrepreneurial journey, you will be better equipped to build a successful business.

‍How do you stay ahead of the curve on travel, the latest tech, and industry trends?

It requires ongoing effort and a commitment to continuous learning. I stay informed by reading extensively and staying connected with knowledgeable professionals, engaging in regular discussions and exchanging insights.

Filtering information and evaluating the credibility of its sources are crucial aspects of staying ahead. Critically assess the reliability of the information you come across to ensure that you stay updated with accurate and valuable knowledge.

‍Where do you see the future of travel?

I’m a firm believer that real human interaction is extremely difficult to substitute for any technological advancement - the sharp recovery of travel after the pandemic emergency terminated is clear proof of that. However, the future of business travel will depend on various external factors, including technological advancements, global economic conditions, regulatory changes, and unexpected events.

As difficult as it is to make predictions in an ever-changing landscape (as is our world), the two main directions I see the travel industry going in are sustainable travel and personalization through service and technology.

The future of travel is likely to prioritize sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Travelers are increasingly conscious of the environmental and social impact of their journeys, leading to a rise in eco-friendly accommodations, carbon offset programs, and a focus on preserving local communities and natural resources.

At the same time, we may see more personalized experiences tailored to individual preferences. Artificial intelligence, big data, and machine learning can enable travel companies to offer customized recommendations, seamless booking processes, and enhanced customer service.

And of course, it’s no surprise that at BizAway, we’re already deep at work in these two areas.

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Images courtesy of: Luca Carlucci