Tips on how to pick your Corporate Travel Adviser
Business/Corporate travel can be a very complexed process. It involves careful planning, paying attention to details and also ensuring the service quality is second to none.
Travel agents, advisers, consultants are plentiful in today's market. In this blog, I will touch on some important tips on what you can look out for when picking your preferred Travel Company/ Adviser.
Credibility
- Credibility is the main and most important factor. You would not want to pick an agency or Adviser that has little or no affiliation with the big world, like the few below, for example, are accreditations that you should look out for.
- Does the company have these accreditations?
- AFTA Travel Accreditation Scheme (ATAS)
- Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA)
- Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
- International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Does the company have any Elite, By- invitation- only networks
- Below are a few such affiliations:
- Virtuoso - The world's leading luxury travel network
- Belmond - The Bellini Club
- Cruiseco
- Virgin Galactic
Benefits of working with a Corporate Agency
- A dedicated MTA Corporate Travel Expert who will personally handle your account
- Competitive First, Business, Premium Economy and Economy class corporate airfares with a range of airlines
- Competitive and flexible rates at over 32,700 leading worldwide hotels with the majority offering value-added amenities and benefits
- Rare travel opportunities and exclusive VIP value offers that cannot be found elsewhere
- Redeem your Amex Membership Rewards points to pay for any travel anywhere
- 24/7 emergency assistance, backed up by MTA Head Office ticketing and support team
Professionalism and good practices
- What level of service does the Travel company/ adviser provide their corporate clients?
- Do they have a 24/7 service? Who looks after the emergency service?
- Is your Adviser looking after you throughout your trip from start to finish and everything in between?
- Is your Adviser your "go to person" or do you have to speak to a whole new different person and start your story again?
- How prompt is your Adviser on responding to emails? Do they comply with your standard service level agreement, if there is any in place?
- Do they have a duty of care towards all your travellers? In an emergency or in the event of a natural disaster, is your Adviser contactable, dependable and prompt in servicing you?
- Do they place your needs first? Do you have the flexibility of organising a time at your convenience to talk travel or do they work under strict work times?
Global Connections and Big Agency Buying power
- Do they have global connections for airfares and accommodation? Through global partners, your travellers are going to receive prestige products that will make travel more rewarding.
- Do they have a vast list of suppliers and personal dealings with suppliers to call in a favour or 2 when required?
- Do they have big agency buying power with exclusive fares?
Duty of care
- Can they be depended upon in the event of an emergency or a natural calamity, to make the necessary arrangements so that you are looked after?
- Will they work with you to provide that extra attention when you are already stressed out with a current situation?
Product Range
- What's their product range like?
- Do they have corporate and private fares that would generate savings?
- Do they have a hotel programme for Business?
Services
What services do they provide? such as:
- Air Travel
- Worldwide hotels
- Worldwide car hire
- Travel Insurance
- Passport and Visa assistance
- Personal holidays
- Plus so much more
- Do they provide for Conferences, group travel, event management, meetings etc?
Technology
- Are they using up to date systems, do they have a cutting-edge technology?
- Do they have a Client Management System that manages your company profile and those of your travellers?
- Are they able to generate the proper reports that you are after?
- Last but not least, do they have a passion for excellence in customer service, in which you are guaranteed the highest standard of personal and professional services?