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More corporates seeking agent support for business travel, Advantage finds

Almost half of Advantage Travel Partnership’s business travel members have seen an increase in approaches from clients who had previously worked independently.

This continues the trend seen last year, as previously ‘unmanaged’ corporate travel teams seek the assistance and knowledge of a TMC as travel has become increasingly more complex, disrupted and potentially difficult.

A member survey found that more than half of agents have seen an increase in approaches due to companies opting for a TMC’s support to prepare for the potential travel disruption caused by late changes and cancellations.

One in three business travel members of the consortium surveyed have also seen an increase in the length of business travel trips, as hybrid working continues and many companies introduce ‘work from anywhere’ polices to enable travellers to stay in a destinations for longer periods.

More members are now providing both business and leisure travel services to clients, as more independent business travellers want the reassurance and confidence of booking with an expert.

Advantage global business travel director Guy Snelgar said: “We are seeing a rise in members on both sides of the industry offering both business and leisure travel services. 

“Travellers are looking for the reassurance and confidence of booking with an expert whom they trust, who knows and understands them, and will look after them if and when travel plans are disrupted, which is happening more regularly, particularly with the recent strikes, airport disruption and cancellations.”

“Business travellers who received significant assistance during the pandemic from their TMC, whether returning from being stranded abroad or dealing with the complications of vaccine or quarantine requirements, have established strong connections with the TMCs and individual travel agents who supported them.

“As a result, travellers are increasingly turning to their trusted experts to ask about their leisure travel and family holidays. 

“On the other hand, we are also seeing a number of business travellers now booking corporate travel packages with their independent local agent, having previously established relationships through booking personal holidays.”

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