THE GTMC COLUMN PAUL WAIT
Paul Wait is chief executive of the Guild of Travel Management Companies (
gtmc.org)
THE ACTE COLUMN CAROLINE ALLEN
GETTING THE MESSAGE ACROSS
We need to shout about the added benefits a TMC can bring to business
benefits of a tailored travel programme, and the insight and expertise that travel management companies (TMCs) can provide. While savings will always remain a priority for businesses, as an industry we need to be better at shouting about the added benefits that a well-managed approach to travel can bring.
A
In this changing political climate, increasingly we are seeing duty-of-care becoming a greater focus. A full-service TMC will ensure that those on business trips have a global support network, 24 hours a day. In the event of anything happening that affects travel or is a risk to travel, a TMC can track and report on the whereabouts of travellers and make provisions to return them to a safer place.
As well as cost and duty-of-care, a key focus for TMCs should be demonstrating their value in taking work away from clients. Getting under the skin of a business is vital for understanding its travel needs, so that each travel management programme fits with the nuances, structure and objectives of the company. A good TMC should enable clients to save time and focus on their business rather than on booking or researching travel. Finally, while working with a TMC means that clients
don’t need to spend their valuable time booking a trip, it’s important that the detailed expertise in ensuring productivity is demonstrated. Travel experts can negotiate the best deals and schedules while planning a trip that allows employees to be both as productive and comfortable as possible. The complexity of business travel planning is dealt with seamlessly by TMCs, providing people with the solutions that ensure the best connectivity, productivity and rest.
GTMC members have the experience to ensure that the travel management needs of each type of business are met. As an industry we know and understand the benefits of working with a TMC inside out. Most importantly, however, we need to make sure that clients are fully aware of the benefits that a properly managed travel programme can bring in terms of enhancing the overall success of a company and its contribution to the growth of a business.
BUYINGBUSINESSTRAVEL.COM
s an industry, we are fully aware of the value that travel contributes to UK growth. All too often, however, business leaders look to cut costs in this area without considering the wider
SHARE AND SHARE ALIKE
Cross-functional collaboration can add value for all concerned
T
echnology and changing social demographics are redefining the way companies operate and communicate in all sectors of industry. In response, travel management continues to develop its strategic value to business as a whole; so to remain relevant, the skillsets required to operate in the sector need to adapt accordingly. As data sets morph into useable business intelligence, the analytical skills to interpret patterns and opportunities must evolve, too. Travel professionals have vast quantities of information that can support HR, IT, marketing, security, procurement and finance, so cross-functional collaboration can enhance the business, as well as the travel manager’s profile and value to the organisation. Delegates at ACTE’s Sydney Global Conference were polled
on predictions for the next 24 months. Results included: 79 per cent believe they will book and manage travel differently; 81 per cent will incorporate sharing economy providers in their travel programme in some way; and 80 per cent believe the focus is moving back to service over savings. As oil prices drop there are clear winners and losers. We are seeing talent development and corporate social responsibility return to education agendas in more buoyant global markets, evidencing the shift from pure cost-control back to a more service-focused environment. But where markets are being squeezed, notably the oil and gas sectors, significant cost-cutting measures are being implemented with some travel restrictions and freezes being imposed. ACTE’s London forum on March 15 launches the first collaboration with the Sourcing Industry Group (SIG), an association for chief procurement officers (CPOs). The partnership will bring CPOs and travel professionals education sessions that have been created to ensure relevance for this joint audience, with the agenda designed to share ideas around unlocking corporate travel programme savings and improving compliance through effective internal communications. See
acte.org for more details. Later in the year, ACTE’s Autumn Global Corporate Travel Conference will take place in Amsterdam in conjunction with CAPA and CORTAS. Take advantage of the early bird rates and seize the opportunity to hear about trends from senior figures across the industry. Finally, don’t forget Buying Business Travel and ACTE will partner again for another Forum in London on May 19. The agenda is already formed and registrations are open.
BBT MARCH/APRIL 2016 119
Caroline Allen is the regional director of the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (
acte.org)
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