THE foiling of alleged terrorist attacks has provided travel management companies with the chance to prove their worth to business travellers.
The Guild of Travel Management Companies chairman Paul Allan said it was in crisis situations that business travel agencies should come into their own and demonstrate their importance.
Business travellers worldwide were badly affected as airports were thrown into turmoil last Thursday as security was tightened. Allan said the GTMC briefed all 32 members as the events of the day unfolded.
He said: “The important point to make to members and other TMCs is we are geared up to deal with situations like that it’s what makes us stand out from those people who went direct.
“Even before September 11 we were all aware of the possibilities, so it is a case of having systems in place.”
Allan stressed most TMCs have e-mail alert and text message systems as well as a database of contacts to see where customers are travelling if a situation were to arise. He claimed business travellers will not be deterred and will adapt to any new security processes brought in.
FCm Travel Solutions business manager for security Stephanie Kay said 2,000 clients were affected on Thursday. She sent out e-mails to 4,000 customers throughout the day.
“The general consensus was that travellers were alerted early so had the choice of what to do. Most were still planning to travel but they were well-prepared for delays.”
Advantage director of business travel Norman Gage said: “Everybody got the information to their clients. There were cancellations and TMCs will have reorganised bookings, but the situation will even itself out.”