Travel management companies for businesses with complex travel needs

Managing enterprise corporate travel requires visibility, cost control and rigorous compliance. It is a strategic function that impacts the bottom line and employee safety.

What is a travel management company (TMC)?

A business travel management company (TMC) is a B2B service provider that manages the business travel requirements of an organisation. Unlike standard travel agencies, TMCs provide strategic corporate travel services, including travel policy optimisation, duty of care management, expense reporting and negotiated supplier rates.

They combine technology and human expertise to help procurement teams and travel managers optimise their travel programmes. 

Travel management company vs. travel agency

While both book trips, their functions differ significantly.

  • Travel agencies are transactional. They focus on booking flights and hotels, typically for leisure travel or small businesses with low-volume needs.
  • Travel management companies are strategic. They offer end-to-end management for complex corporate needs. This includes integrating with HR and finance systems, enforcing corporate policy, managing risk and providing data analytics to drive savings.
business travel support

Key functions of a business travel partner

Organisations partnering with a TMC gain access to infrastructure that supports scalability and efficiency.

Policy compliance and cost control

A TMC configures booking tools to reflect your specific travel policy. This ensures employees book within approved budgets and with preferred suppliers. Dashboards provide real-time visibility into spend, helping procurement teams identify leakage and savings opportunities.

Duty of care and risk management

Protecting employees is a priority. TMCs provide traveller tracking tools, risk alerts and 24/7 emergency support. For example, if a crisis occurs, the TMC identifies affected travellers and coordinates their safe return, satisfying the organisation's legal and moral duty of care.

Technology and integration

Modern travel management requires a platform that talks to your existing tech stack. Leading TMCs offer online booking tools (OBTs) that integrate with expense management, HR and ERP systems. This seamless flow of data reduces administrative burden and improves reporting accuracy.

Global coverage with local expertise

For companies operating across multiple regions, a TMC provides global consistency. They ensure travellers receive the same level of service in London as they do in Singapore, while navigating local cultural nuances and regulations.

Why choose FCM as your travel management company?

FCM manages travel for organisations of all sizes and industries, across multiple countries. Our approach is designed to make corporate travel smarter, safer, and easier.

We combine technology, service, and expertise to optimise corporate travel management for enterprises.

  1. Global and local coverage: A network of experts and suppliers in more than 95 countries ensures your travellers are supported wherever they go for a business trip. Expect global consistency with local nuances and knowledge.
  2. Data-driven insights: Dashboards and reporting help monitor spend, compliance, and traveller behaviour. Our predictive analytics and expert advice provide deeper insights to make proactive decisions.
  3. Seamless integration: FCM integrates with your existing procurement and workplace systems for a streamlined booking, expense management, and data capture process.
  4. Scalable solutions: FCM Platform is built for scalability and adaptability to meet the changing needs of your organisation as it grows. This includes prioritising the travel content you want displayed, such as preferred hotels and airlines.
  5. Compliance & risk management: We prioritise compliance by aligning with company policies and regulatory requirements. Our risk mitigation plans ensure traveller safety.
  6. Cost savings opportunities: Through strategic partnerships and consolidated travel management, we help you optimise cost savings and uncover opportunities to maximise your travel budget across your programme.

From RFProposal to RFPartnership

Box-ticking. Price-driven. Rarely built for the long game. For years, corporate travel procurement has been stuck in a cycle that’s no longer fit-for-purpose. But if the traditional RFP isn’t delivering the results you need, why do we keep playing by the same framework?

There's a better way - RFPartnerships. A smarter, more strategic way to sourcing a travel partner. 

Explore how

Real-world impact of managed travel

Partnering with the right TMC transforms travel from a logistical challenge into a strategic advantage.

  • Consumables Manufacturer: A Fortune 100 multinational consolidated its fragmented travel programme to improve visibility and traveller experience. By partnering with FCM, they developed a traveller-first change management game plan to drive adoption.
  • HAECO Global Engine Support: With a focus on sustainability, HAECO partnered with FCM to digitalise their travel programme. This shift supported their environmental goals while reimagining their return to business travel.
  • Education Provider: Following a merger, two education organisations needed to unify their travel programmes. FCM facilitated this consolidation, simplifying processes and ensuring consistent support across the newly formed entity.

Optimise your travel programme with FCM

FCM is the alternative travel management company for businesses that demand flexibility and consistency. FCM Platform empowers you with the control you need, with experts in 95+ countries to deliver strategy and insights.

Let's talk travel

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why should a company use a travel management company instead of booking direct?


    Booking direct lacks centralised data and control. A TMC provides full visibility over travel spend, ensures policy compliance and offers duty of care support that direct booking cannot match.

    Booking direct also brings challenges when there is an emergency or crisis. When you book direct, you are in a queue with thousands for a solution, where with a TMC like FCM, you are only a few rings away from support, any time of day.

  • Can a TMC integrate with our existing expense management software?


    Yes. As an enterprise-grade TMC, FCM Travel can integrate with major expense platforms (like SAP Concur or Expensify) and HR systems to automate data flow and reduce manual reconciliation.

  • How does FCM approach duty of care?

    We monitor traveller locations, provide real-time alerts, and offer 24/7 support. Our proactive approach ensures employees are safe and compliant wherever they travel.

  • Can a TMC help with meetings and events?

    Yes. FCM has a meetings and events division that can manage meetings, event management and group travel, ensuring seamless logistics, travel costs savings, and attendee satisfaction.

  • How do I know if I need a travel management company?

    If your organisation is questioning why it needs a TMC, we are happy to help demonstrate where the value lies, and why our travel solutions are about more than cost savings.