Managing business travel can be a challenge. Travel managers know usually have a lot of work to do when it comes to rerouting flights, booking hotels, and sorting through expense reports, on top of everything else you have to do. Additionally, your company could find itself at a loss when you don’t know how to expertly navigate the world of travel management.
In that circumstance, you end up with only access to a limited travel inventory which will result in overspending, or you will realize that your employees use consumer sites to book travel, which is significantly riskier. Rogue travel bookings are a huge problem. Such companies will also have a tiresome travel approval and reimbursement process, which will slow down the flow of work. Amongst other challenges, these companies are likely to face the following:
The reality is that businesses that require employees to go on one business trip or the other need outside assistance for the management of their travel requirements. Even an HR Leader knows that travel management is more than just bookings: travel policy development, risk management, the duty of care, disruptions, expenses, etc. Travel management can quickly become overwhelming, which is why travel-heavy businesses should work with a travel management company (TMC). TMCs can provide you with the right tools and management processes
But here’s the challenge: How do you choose the right management company from among the sea of options on the market?
Travel management companies are a huge business decision for a corporation to make. Businesses have to ensure that the organization they choose for their travel management is capable of meeting all of their requirements. Make sure to keep these points made by various business leaders in mind while looking for a travel management partner. Here’s what some CEOs have to say on how they choose travel management partners;
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Knowing your company is one of the most crucial aspects to consider before choosing the appropriate TMC to partner with. While travel management businesses provide a wide range of services to fulfil the demands of various organizations, keep in mind that just because they do so does not indicate that you require them. The first step is to gain an understanding of the long-term needs, goals, and vision of your company because the TMC you decide to partner with needs to fit not only the needs of your company but also the vision of your company.
Stefan Smulders, the CEO of Expandi, said, “When I first decided to hire a corporate travel agency, having a clear vision of the needs of my business was crucial in the process of selecting the best TMC for us, as I knew exactly what to look for.”
When you know the needs of your company, you become more aware that one size cannot fit all. The needs of a large company would vary from that of SMEs, which will thus help you cut back on costs.
Knowing what your company can afford is the next course of action. Although not every firm aims to save money on flights and hotels, if you do, be sure you know what success looks like in that category for your company. Considering these tips and points will help you figure out why you’re looking for a travel management business in the first place. With this information, you’ll be much better equipped to make an informed decision about what’s best for your company.
What services does the TMC offer? Will they benefit your company and its goals, or will it just cause you to spend more money? These are a few questions you need to ask before you choose a TMC. Most CEOs look out for particular features of TMCs; here’s what Emma Gordon, the founder at USSalvageYards, said, “So I want TMCs that offer cost-effective services and travel plans with a positive impact on business decisions.”
Some services TMCs offer include the following:
TruTrip’s platform allows you to tweak according to your business’ travel policies
Every organization has a set of regulations that govern its travel policy, and it’s important to adhere to them. When making a reservation, an agency can enforce these rules.
It’s important to choose an organization that works to meet your specific needs rather than trying to fit your needs into an existing business model.
TruTrip’s platform allows you to get detailed financial reports in a snap
Don’t just focus on travel and savings. Your TMC should have a professional account manager who will benchmark and analyze your travel spending and make strategic suggestions.
Is your TMC a technological leader? Are they using the best booking and management tools? If not, you’re not getting the greatest TMC services, especially given the digital transformation in travel. Zachary Colman, CEO of Creatitive, said, “You would want a TMC that has a system that makes it easier for your employees to spend money and for you to track it.”
What additional services can the TMCSs on your shortlist offer you besides booking your travel arrangements? Inquire about the TMC’s approach to optimizing your business travel strategy. All good travel management companies should include an experienced account manager as part of their service, not only to ensure that service level targets are being met but also to inject innovation and expertise into your travel management program as a standard component.
Chris Atkins, the founder and owner of Central America Fishing, this is what he had to say, “I knew that choosing the right travel software would be one of the biggest decisions for the future of our company. Choose wisely, and it would allow us to scale both our sales and operations departments as much as we desired.” He went on to add, “Ultimately, it was important that our entire team would be able to work in one system together as opposed to operating in their own separate silos.”
Consider whether or not a TMC offers additional services to its corporate clients when making your decision about which one to work with. Leisure booking programs and services are something that some TMCs make available to their corporate clients. One more thing to look into is whether or not they book group travel, meetings, or incentive trips.
When it comes to corporate travel, don’t forget to look for a company that has the experience, a good track record, and expertise, as well as the ability to handle even the most difficult and last-minute details.
Thomas Niemczewski, the founder and CEO of Dream Chasers, shared, “When choosing a TCM for your business or organization, there are many things that you have to consider. This includes the company’s reputation, reviews they have received from previous clients, and their pricing.”
Jaya Aiyar, Founder & CEO at Créatif just and Créatif Franchise, added that, “Identify their history. The longer they are in the industry, the better connections they have with other travel agencies, even airlines.”
Like your company, each TMC is unique. Finding the right one is essential. Travel management companies (TMCs) can save you money by identifying the most cost-effective ways to transport your employees from A to B while also helping you stay within your budget. If you don’t already have a travel policy in place, they can help you create one. If something goes wrong, they’ll be there to help you right away.
Selecting the perfect travel management company (TMC) based on these criteria will allow you to stop worrying about travel and concentrate on running your business instead.
Get in touch with TruTrip today to learn more about how we can help you streamline your company’s corporate travel process and save you money. Experience a wide range of solutions that can be tailored to suit all your travel management needs, book a demo today or sign up for a free trial on TruTrip.
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