p30 biz trav nov14 11/11/08 16:19 Page 30
Business travel
Martin Ferguson
020 7921 8011
maferguson@ttgbusiness.com
Keep up with the latest business travel news at ttgbusiness.com
TMCs urged to get
set for downturn
Martin Ferguson.
Fiona Vandersluys, Chambers’ sales and
TRAVEL management companies are still enjoying marketing director, said: “We are not naive
better-than-forecast transaction volumes. enough to think that transaction volumes will
But many are anticipating a sharp decrease not slow. Travel policies are tightening and we
at the start of 2009 and are preparing their will see the knock-on effect in the future.”
businesses for a period of turbulence. Vandersluys said some corporates were
Simone Buckley, managing director of Capita already imposing bans on business-class travel,
Business Travel, said: “At present our volumes are adding: “Some are even asking for business-class
up year-on-year. But the industry is heading into travel to be suppressed on the self-booking tool.” It’s out today! Find out how to do business in
an environment where people will travel less.” David Thomas, FCm Travel’s sales director for the Russian regions, read the Big Interview
Buckley said it was vital that TMCs worked the UK, said spending on conferences and events with Bath Business Travel managing director
with clients to refine travel policies. would also be affected by the slowdown. Adam White, see how airline consolidation
“It is important to both the corporate and the “A client cancelled a Christmas party because will effect business travel and learn how to
TMC to explore travel that can be booked they believe it sends out the wrong message,” he manage travel for A-list celebrities.
cheaper and more efficiently,” she said. said. “But suppliers have also had to react to
“It will help avoid travel bans and it is where market conditions and there are a lot of good ■ ttgbusiness.com
the TMC can demonstrate its value.” prices. Consultants must find best-value fares.”
Obama ignites
Advantage splits
feelgood factor
into three parts
ADVANTAGE Business Travel is to split its
membership into three categories.
LEADING figures in the business travel industry Bosses say the restructure will make the
believe the election of Barack Obama will inject organisation more flexible and give its travel
a “feelgood factor” into the world economy. management company members better value.
Barry Whittaker, managing director of Tzell Its 15 largest members will form a section
Travel Management UK, said: “I expect the called Corporate Premium.
Obama victory will, within a relatively short The Focus Partnership – a group of 80 TMCs
period, create greater confidence throughout the with a combined turnover of more than £1 billion
corporate world. Economic confidence will return, – will remain the same.
probably quicker than originally thought, and A third group, Corporate Plus, is for members
businesses will be looking again at their business with who do not fall into the other categories.
plans and adjusting accordingly. Ken McLeod, Advantage’s corporate director,
“The world will be looking to do business with said the restructure will provide better support,
the US and its allies and this will ultimately products and services for members.
reflect within the business travel industry.” He will oversee implementation of the overall
Tim Giles, Worldchoice director of business strategy, while Norman Gage, director of
travel, said: “If the election result has a positive business travel, will continue to manage the
effect on the US stock markets then it will be Focus Partnership on a day-to-day basis.
positive for the UK. Otherwise it may be slightly P
A Photos
David Moore has joined as key account
irrelevant. Now more than ever what the Obama’s election “will create greater confidence throughout manager from Travelport to work with Premium
industry needs is a widespread feelgood factor.” the corporate world”, says Tzell Travel’s Barry Whittaker and Corporate Plus members.
30 14.11.2008
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