Ask a student about a career in travel and they are likely to talk about agencies, tour operators and airlines. It is no surprise, therefore, that the multi- billion pound business travel sector is the best-kept secret in the jobs market
Companies, charities and organisations have staff that travel regularly. Allowing them to book their own trips would cost a lot of time and money. The company would have no control. That’s why travel buyers and travel management companies (TMCs) exist. Buyers purchase products and services from airlines and accommodation providers, as well as road, rail and sea transport operators. They are responsible for developing travel policies that dictate what people can and can’t book.
Rewarding career There is a degree course in travel management at the University of Brighton, but buyers have diverse educational backgrounds. Simone Buckley, chief executive of the Institute of Travel and Meetings (ITM), says: “Choosing a career as a buyer can be very rewarding. You could visit interesting destinations, fly in modern aircraft and stay in the best hotels. But you have to be a good negotiator, communicator and have a head for numbers.” Travel buyers almost always
employ an external TMC to help manage their policy. The biggest TMCs include Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) and HRG, which operate globally. Hillgate Travel and Chambers Travel Management are among the leading independent TMCs in the UK.
Starting out An entry-level job as a junior business travel consultant is an excellent way into the sector. Many progress from consultant level to sales, account management, marketing, supplier relations, customer support or online service delivery. Once in the sector, many people move between TMCs and suppliers, such as British Airways, Hilton or Avis. Kerry Rimmer, business development director of the Giles Business Travel Academy, says: “There
are so many opportunities in business travel. You need to be impeccable at customer service, have a professional ethic and strong relationship- building skills. There are sector-specific skills, such as using our technology and understanding travel policies, which you learn through specific on-the-job training.” The meeting and event- planning sector (M&E) is also an important strand of business travel. This could involve organising an internal meeting for 20 office workers in Slough through to a multi- million pound product launch ceremony in Monte Carlo for a major brand.
The top 50 TMCs in 2013 had
combined sales of £8.3 billon
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