CHECKLIST
Selecting a TMC that offers customised travel solutions
Every business has varied requirements for corporate travel. That’s why it’s worthwhile to investigate the services offered by a corporate travel management company (TMC). But where should you start?
A good TMC will offer customised solutions attuned to your distinct requirements. They should not only manage travel logistics but also integrate them into your business model, reflecting your specific operational, cultural, and geographical nuances.
We have designed a free checklist that will help your company find the TMC that is a perfect fit. But first, let’s set the stage by investigating some of the custom services that a good TMC should offer.
1. Centralised corporate travel data: The cornerstone of partnering with a TMC is the consolidation of all travel-related information within a single platform. This not only streamlines the booking process but also simplifies management and access to travel information. Consolidated travel data is useful for budgeting, decision making, and supplier negotiation. It creates flexibility within the programme that would not exist in a decentralised environment.
2. Traveller safety, visibility, and emergency assistance: Companies of all sizes have a duty of care to their employees. Great TMCs will support this, but their services extend beyond mere risk management.
Knowing where your travellers are and how to connect with them when things happen is paramount. Tools that proactively locate and track traveller locations are a must have. This technology should be complemented by consistent, 24/7 human expertise to ensure that travellers have assistance when and where they need it.
Look for a TMC that can demonstrate their commitment to the wellbeing of your company's most crucial resource – your people.
3. Understanding your travel spend: Your company can gain a comprehensive view of your travel spending through a programme that’s centralised and managed by a TMC. For growing companies, budgeting and ROI are vital. A managed travel programme with centralised data tracks spending in real-time for more effective budget management. It can help with decision making and trip approval. Additionally, managing and centralising your travel spend is important for supplier selection and negotiation – particularly as you grow.
4. Scaling with you: Effective travel management supported by a great TMC allows fast-growing businesses to easily adjust as they level up. This could mean accommodating more frequent travel, adding to new markets, or simply increasing the volume of travel data that is managed. This is crucial when balancing growth against the bottom line.
5. Sustainable travel management: In an era increasingly focused on sustainability, TMCs play a crucial role in helping companies track and manage their travel carbon footprint. A centralised programme helps with this in the same way that it does for budgeting – by giving you visibility into your total spend so that the best, most sustainable decisions can be made. Forward-thinking TMCs can be instrumental in helping you reach sustainability goals with support for:
- Carbon emission tracking
- Access to carbon offset programmes
- Eco-friendly travel recommendations and ‘green’ suppliers
- Local sourcing and sustainable suppliers for events
- Sustainable travel policy consultation
6. A better traveller experience: For most companies, particularly in the growth stage, attracting and retaining top talent is a priority. A well-managed travel programme supported by centralised data and great traveller-focused tech can enhance the overall travel experience. This contributes to employee satisfaction and retention. With the right TMC and the right tech tools in place, travel transforms from a burden to a benefit.
Your TMC fit checklist
Choosing a TMC involves careful evaluation and comparison to ensure that they offer the right mix of capabilities and services to properly align with your goals. This might include service offerings, technology platforms, customer support, and pricing structures.
The TMC you select should demonstrate expertise in handling travel needs specific to your business. This might include expertise in certain key locations, or support at certain hours. It could mean alignment with specific suppliers, or even support for travel with special equipment or alignment with crew rotations. Group travel capabilities can also be important. A TMC’s ability to cater to your specialised requirements will go a long way toward ensuring the success of your managed travel programme.
To get started finding the TMC that is the perfect fit for your company, download our free "What to look for in a TMC” checklist. Let’s get started in optimising your corporate travel strategy today.