Your guide to corporate travel - Ireland edition
Corporate travel management is an official sounding term. But it perfectly encapsulates the art of managing corporate travel in your organisation. Not just booking flights, but considering all aspects of a travel programme, from traveller safety and travel expenses to your travel policy and business travel needs.
This guide is for businesses in Ireland to explore and understand all areas of business travel management.
What to expect from your travel management company
Introduction: The Business Travel Ecosystem
Corporate travel is essential for business growth. But there comes a time when the effort and money spent on travel becomes too much, and that's where it's time to consider a more formal path of corporate travel management aka a managed travel programme.
A travel programme encompasses everything business travel related at your organisation. It typically starts with choosing a travel agency, in our world known as a travel management company (TMC).
Read more in these resources about how effective corporate travel solutions start with a TMC.
Trends shaping business travel for Irish start-ups and SMEs
As an Irish business, you understand the challenges and opportunities that arise from operating in today's global market. Riding the wave of innovation, you'll need to leverage technological advancements, adapt to new travel policies, and navigate changing trends. This whitepaper summarises some of the major trends to look out for.
Chapter 1: Choosing your travel partner
Your path to finding travel management solutions starts with choosing a travel partner. By that we mean a travel management company (TMC) that will be your central contact for business travel.
Whether your company operates with a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) process or not, these resources will help you decide which is the best travel company for you.
Chapter 2: Customer service
Service has never been so important for professional organisations. If you or your employees have an issue with business travel, you want to know it's been resolved swiftly so their trip can continue smoothly. You want travel advisors who have expertise in Ireland, Europe and the US, but have the support of global business travel experience. Believe us, when there's last minute changes, it helps to have that quick access.
I know the minute I send the email with travel requests that I don’t have to worry about it anymore as you will action it immediately
PA at technology company
Chapter 3: Saving money
Most corporate travel programmes' first goals are to save money on travel. There are lots of hidden costs associated with work trips that you might not have even thought of - such as taxis, parking and meals. When you start booking all your travel through one TMC, you will get a better picture of your entire travel spend and can make more informed decisions on where to start saving.
Wowsers - thanks so much for booking the business option (it was cheaper). Just had a lovely cuppa and pastry in the lounge and boarded with a great seat – unbelievable!
Executive at sports governing body
Chapter 4: Reporting & analytics
Data is a major plus when you start working a specialist business travel company. With bookings in one place, you start to quickly build the picture of what you're really spending on business travel. With AI-driven insights you can start to make clearer decisions about your next steps. For example, you might spot your colleagues are booking the same hotels and can reach out for a discount. You can even get reports on well being. View these resources to help you think further about data and analytics.
Chapter 5: Traveller safety
All companies have duty of care obligations for their colleagues, especially when they're on work trips. With centralised travel itineraries through a TMC, it is much easier to keep travellers safe. You can introduce technology such as traveller tracking dashboards so you know where people are in a crisis, and start utilising different risk alerts so everyone is kept informed.
Chapter 6: Technology
Corporate travel programmes need technology that enhances journeys and provides actionable insights. Technology that works on desktop and a mobile app seamlessly, catered exactly to what you, your travel bookers and your travellers need. At FCM, that's why we built our tool the FCM Platform based on our clients' needs first, tailored to the data, travel experience and services that matter. Plus, there's always support for our customers if they need it.
Chapter 7: Action!
Ready to embark on the road to better travel management?
A short plug from us: FCM Travel has been part of the business travel industry in Ireland for decades, known for a boutique approach to travel that our clients love. As part of Flight Centre Travel Group we have exclusive discounts and perks you can't get anywhere else, and a strong foundation in travel experience that is unrivalled.
If you're ready for your next travel management search, let's get started!