More than four in five (84%) managers describe Abta membership as important or very important when they select a travel management company.
The figure is up from 82% in 2017, and is even higher than the 74% of the general public who regard membership of the travel association as essential or important when booking a holiday, new research published today reveals.
Managers at companies with an annual turnover of £50-£99.99 million especially value Abta membership, with more than nine in ten (91%) stating that membership was very important or important when selecting a TMC.
Similarly, 92% of companies with 50-99 employees took the same view.
Using a TMC that is a member of Abta is also particularly important for business owners (86%) and directors (87%), according to the study released ahead of the Business Travel Show in London on February 21-22.
Booking business travel through Abta members allows corporate managers to book with confidence, knowing that their travel provider has passed the association’s financial fitness tests, including minimum capital requirements, balance sheet net asset strength and financial security requirements, and that it follows a code of conduct.
Abta brand and business development director Victoria Bacon said: “More and more business travel buyers see membership of Abta as important or very important when choosing a TMC and it is a particular priority for directors and business owners.
“The fact that so many companies look for the Abta logo when choosing a TMC is testament to the high standards and services that our members deliver.
“Abta provides a wide range of services and support both to our members and their customers, and we remain firmly committed to developing and improving our offer for consumers and business travellers.”