Key summary:
- Seven culture indicators separate a great TMC partnership from a mediocre one, focusing on trust, proactivity, and alignment.
- Great travel programs are built on multi-level relationships. You should know who your TMC’s senior leaders are, and you should be able to reach them when you need.
- When a consultant remembers what’s important to a traveller, or an account manager picks up the phone before a problem becomes a crisis. That is culture in action.
- The psychological contract, which represents the unwritten expectations both you and your TMC hold, lies beyond your formal agreements.
Inside the guide
This guide breaks down what a strong travel team looks like, how to spot the red flags, and what to do when things aren’t quite clicking.
Inside, you’ll discover:
- What your inner circle and allies need to thrive.
- The signs your travel management company (TMC) is proactive
- How to spot trust and alignment, and what to do when they’re missing.
- A quick self-assessment to see where your setup stands
- Practical advice from FCM people to reset expectations and build trust
You deserve better than “it’ll do”. See how your travel team culture stacks up.
Behind every great travel program is an empowered team
Corporate travel runs on people. The executive assistant, business travel manager, traveller, and the external crew of account managers, consultants, and after-hours consultants. This guide takes a closer look at the humans who keep travel programs running and how collaboration and culture can change the whole program for the better.
Travel programs work when people trust each other. This is a human, highly emotive industry. People are away from their families, out of routine, and often under pressure. In those moments, the trust you have in your travel management partnership is so important.
- Sue McEvoy, Head of Sales FCM Australia
The invisible force you can't outsource
You can't outsource it to tech, and you can't fake it. Misaligned cultures leak into service, missed savings opportunities, duty of care failures, traveller experience disasters, and communication that makes you sigh.
The people who created this guide
This guide was co-created by FCM’s people. The sales team, account managers, and people who live and breathe travel every day. These people below.
Frequently asked questions
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Why is a strong corporate travel management partnership important?
A strong corporate travel management partnership ensures your corporate travel program runs smoothly. It means having a team that’s proactive, reliable, and understands your needs. Saving you time, reducing stress, and supporting your travellers.
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What makes a good travel management partnership?
A strong partnership goes beyond transactions. It includes proactive communication, clear accountability, fast issue resolution, and a deep understanding of your business needs.
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How do I know if my corporate travel program is working effectively?
Look at how your team experiences day to day. If issues are resolved quickly, travellers feel supported, and your travel management company (TMC) brings forward ideas, your program is likely in a strong position. If not, it may be worth reviewing your setup.
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How can I improve my corporate travel program performance?
Start by assessing your current setup. Identify gaps in communication, support, and ownership. Strengthening relationships and clarifying expectations often delivers faster results than changing tools or suppliers.
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What will I learn from the “Empowering your travel team guide”?
You’ll learn what a healthy travel team looks like, how to spot the signs of a poor partnership, and practical steps to build a better relationship with your TMC. It includes a self-assessment tool to check the health of your current travel setup.