WORLDCHOICE is launching a second bid to gain a hold
in the business travel market, following a previous attempt three years ago.
On September 26 the consortia will unveil its new
business travel initiative complete with logo and deals with key suppliers. The
move follows the appointment of head of marketing and business travel Trudy
Redfern earlier this year.
At its 1999 conference, Worldchoice introduced a
business travel scheme following demand from members. Plans included a brochure
featuring a range of benefits for business travellers, such as low-cost fares
and passport services. However, commercial director Keith Wilson admitted it
had not been followed up.
“The new scheme we are introducing is a completely
different kettle of fish,” he said. “We didn’t have a business travel manager
before and we do now. Since her appointment, Trudy Redfern has been working
hard on this project, making deals with airlines and other suppliers to support
it.”
The consortium is keen to target business travel
accounts of small to medium-sized businesses and plans to unveil services to
help its members win these accounts as well as offering members new branding.
“Half of our members have a business travel interest
so we want to give them the tools to win new accounts. Hopefully this
initiative will help win new members too,” said Redfern.
As part of the project, Worldchoice will be teaming up
with four key suppliers: Carlton Tower London, Hertz, Emirates and Silversea
Cruises.
But Advantage Travel Centres director of business
travel Norman Gage warned: “It has taken us six or seven years to get where we
are and glossy logos will not impress business travellers.
“Airlines also want to see
revenue returns, not initiatives.”