Media Release
THE OPPORTUNITY FOR CHANGE IS NOW
Five things to look for in a new travel provider
JOHANNESBURG, 21 October 2021 – The past year has been a whirlwind of change. As a result, most people – and companies – are relying on steadfast consistency in their return to ‘normal’. However, counter-intuitive as it may sound, change might just be the more successful option.
“When it comes to business travel particularly, times are still tough. Budgets are tight. And let’s face it, even though the world is opening to South African travellers, corporate travel volumes are still down. However, instead of returning to the old status quo, now is the perfect time to reset and re-imagine business travel for your company,” says Bonnie Smith, GM FCM.
Smith explains that companies that are contemplating a return to travel are faced with several new challenges. Travel sentiment has changed and some of the company’s former ‘road warriors’ might feel reluctant to get back to travelling.
Priorities have also changed as compared to two years ago. Companies are now focussed on the introduction of new hybrid meeting models, re-evaluating the necessity and benefits of business travel, as well as setting ambitious sustainability goals that will see them achieving carbon-zero by as early as 2030.
In this new travel landscape, it is important to partner with a travel expert who has evolved as much as your company has. “Forget status quo,” says Smith. “As the Business Travel Association pointed out in a recent study, Time for Change, whatever each corporations’ objectives, it has become more important than ever to ensure to match travel management company (TMC) services to business requirements.”
So, what could this look like? It’s essential to analyse how important travel is within your corporation. Do you need someone to simply make bookings on your behalf or are you looking for a strategic partner to help drive the overall strategic direction of your company’s travel programme? Or are you looking for a partner who can manage and support travel spend?
While you are relooking your business travel needs, Smith reminds us it’s important to keep an eye on:
More than ever before, the travel industry is focussed transactions with the emphasis on shaving a few rands off the cost of the flight, hotel or transfers without seeing the bigger picture. “At FCM, we do not add value in this fashion. Instead we look beyond the transaction, at the bigger picture. We crunch the data and tell you where you can cut back; advise you on the most efficient tech for your organisation; give you a strategic opinion on your travel programme; and maximise your travel programme health. That’s how we add value,” says Smith.
As businesses have decided to change their business models during the pandemic, so have TMCs. Some small and medium size TMCs have merged with larger players to give themselves more purchasing power in the industry, while larger travel companies are also considering mergers to reduce costs, increase sales and revenue.
Smith explains: “Amid all these changes, it is imperative you work with a supplier that has the same vision and idea of how to future-proof a business. As our global managing director for FCM Marcus Eklund recently pointed out FCM has been fortunate in that the company could draw on its financial strength to invest heavily in key growth drivers at a time when many of its competitors were forced to hibernate their operations. The business invested in new and differentiated products, and fast tracked new technology implementations to enhance the customer experience, to make travel safer and easier.”
It is great to have the latest technology at your fingertips, but more important is to consider whether the available technology ‘works’ for your company. You need a technology platform that addresses and solves your pain points.
“At FCM, we are developing a technology platform that is based on six key pillars: a globally consistent booking experience, 24/7 travel assistance, traveller safety and wellbeing support, sustainability, AI-powered reporting and savings, and flexible integration capabilities. This is based on extensive research on what our customers said they needed most,” says Smith.
In crisis situations like the COVID pandemic, requirements such as duty of care, approval processes or lack of data may be driving the need for a more targeted solution. Your travel partner should be in tune with your priorities and values and be able to offer tangible solutions from safety dashboards, traveller tracking tools to carbon calculators and streamlined approval processes.
Most businesses today really want to reduce the impact they’re having on the planet. Business travel is a great place to start if you want to reduce your carbon footprint. After all, it typical represents about 50% of an organisation’s greenhouse gas emissions. It’s important to ensure your TMC is aligned with your goals and can help you book the most environmentally friendly as well as cost-effective travel.
“Now is a good time to assess what you expect from your TMC. On the surface, all TMCs do the same thing. They all help support and manage travel programmes. But how they do this, is substantially different between TMCs,” concludes Smith.
While you evaluate the future of travel within your organisation, it has become more important than ever that your chosen TMC understands the needs of your business and is on the same trajectory to success that you are.
**ends**
For more information about FCM, or to interview FCM General Manager South Africa, Bonnie Smith, call Dorine Reinstein on 083 278 8994 or email dorine@bigambitions.co.za.
About FCM:
FCM, the flagship corporate travel brand at Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), is the business travel partner of choice for large national, multinational and global corporations. We are an award-winning global corporate travel management company ranking as one of the top five by size around the world. We operate a global network which spans more than 100 countries, employing over 6000 people.
FCM are transforming the business of travel through our empowered and accountable people who deliver 24/7 service and are available either online or offline. Leveraging FCM’s negotiating strength and supplier relationships in conjunction with our tailored business travel programs, our expertise delivers more for our clients where it matters most to them.
Visit us at www.fcmtravel.co.za
Issued by: Big Ambitions
