p31 Biz travel feb20 17/2/09 10:35 Page 31
ttglive.com
conference report news
Business Travel Show • February 10-12 • London
FCm unfazed by credit crunch
SALES bosses at FCm Travel believe they will be “What makes the next five years exciting is
one of the travel management companies least that as the economy starts to recover and grow
affected by the credit crunch, thanks to the we’re confident these companies will start to
“lucky timing” of a sales strategy. increase their travel spend.”
The TMC launched a campaign to expand its But FCm has not been immune to the effects
sales team 18 months ago and believes it is now of the downturn. Milne said sales volumes
reaping the benefits in the midst of the financial were “slightly down” but was confident the
crisis. business would reach its July year-end target
“Not long before the talk of a financial of £100 million.
downturn started we embarked on a strategy to Meanwhile, the company revealed at the
recruit sales staff and make an aggressive move Business Travel Show that it has created a
to increase our market share,” said Graeme marine specialist team in its Aberdeen office.
Milne, head of UK sales. David Thomas, FCm’s sales director, said: “It
“It’s a growth model, both in terms of head is a specialist division. We have the marine
count and turnover, that has proved successful.” fares at our disposal and there is plenty of
Milne said the company was handling at least business out there so it was definitely the right
70 new business leads a day. time to make this decision.”
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Book any Carlson branded hotel
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Harlequins players Tom Guest and Nick Evans join the Etihad Airways UK sales team at the Business Travel Show. The and looktobook will automatically
Etihad staff pictured are, from left: Khalid Othman, Tara Jerrard, Sue Randall, Kelly Sheridan, Steve Nash and Tim Lorimer.
reward you with 50% more points
Etihad promotes
as well as the chance to participate
added value to their business travel clients.”
Agents are also able to take advantage of this
in a great incentive weekend in
upgrades to ‘first’
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*
early Summer 2009.
Members of the Etihad guest loyalty
programme will still earn Etihad guest miles
To find out more or to enrol in looktobook,
ETIHAD Airways launched its “fly higher” relevant to the class of travel, and also earn an
visit www.looktobook.com
campaign at the Business Travel Show last week. additional 2,500 miles if they book online.
Member Service Centre: +353 1 706 0234
Travellers booked in business class before Last year the trade accounted for 83% of the
February 28 will be upgraded to the first-class carrier’s business.
cabin, subject to space. “The trade is absolutely vital, therefore we’ll
Radisson SAS GDS code: RD / Park Inn GDS code: PD
And travellers flying on a full economy ticket be upping our efforts to develop relationships
* terms and conditions apply
will be upgraded to business class. throughout the year,” said Wratten.
Outbound travel must be completed by March “We’re still a relatively new player in the
31 and the return leg by May 31. market but with the support of the trade we
Clive Wratten, Etihad Airways’ country hope to come out of the recession stronger.” www.looktobook.com
manager in the UK, said: “This promotion will Wratten claimed Etihad had an overall 83%
give agents the opportunity to provide load factor last year.
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