INSIGHT
A return to travel requires the right partner
Why TMCs will be at the heart of business travel’s recovery
The world has faced plenty of change and uncertainty over the past two years. Despite the disruption and adversity, the pandemic has also led to new paths, new partnerships and the potential for growth.
FCM has experienced this first-hand. FCM India Managing Director Rakshit Desai explains that as corporate travel begins to recover, organisations are looking for innovative and experienced travel partners. TMCs that have stood the test of time – and with the strength and vision to move forward with confidence.
“Many companies don’t want to navigate post-pandemic travel alone, they’re looking for the right partner,” says Desai. “FCM has been very fortunate in that we could draw on our financial strength to weather the pandemic, while investing in new and differentiated products to enhance the customer experience, and to make travel safer and easier.”
The result? Over the last 18 months, FCM India has acquired 36 new clients worth INR 2,902 mn. A clear indication that not only do organisations still consider business travel integral to their future success – but they are partnering with travel management companies (TMCs) to get back on the road.
FCM’s new business wins come from almost every industry you can think of, including Oil & Gas, Construction, Telecommunications, FMCG, Logistics, Media and Entertainment, and the NGO sector. With Manufacturing, Chemical and IT/ITES in the top three.
They all have unique needs, different challenges, and technical requirements. But what do they have in common?
Put simply, the need to get back to travel in the safest, most effortless, and successful way possible.
To fulfil this need, they are looking for a partner that can offer an alternative mindset which puts people, information, innovation and responsible travel at the heart of their travel programme. They have to ensure their travellers remain safe and well – and that they can get them home quickly if need be.
Throw in country-entry requirements; airline protocols; testing and vaccination certificates; and new air routes (especially to far-flung destinations) and there is still plenty to navigate.
This is where a strong and modern TMC really comes into its own. FCM tackles the current chaos head on, explores new ways of doing things, and brings travellers reliable and up-to-the-minute information when they need it.
Today, the following are non-negotiable:
- Live, accurate updates and travel information
- Traveller safety and duty of care
- A wide range of global travel content
- The bests rates and fares – guaranteed
- Clear, clean and powerful data for reporting and decision making.
There’s no doubt about it: corporate travel is making a comeback. From vaccinated travel lanes to air bubble agreements, climbing vaccination rates and positive sentiment, international business travel is showing strong signs of recovery.
While you contemplate your return to business travel, 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. After all, the world is evolving. Are you ready?