FCM launches proprietary tech platform in China

JUNE 22, 2021

FCM, one of the world’s largest travel management companies today announced the launch of its new proprietary technology platform in China. The launch reinforces FCM’s strategic commitment to the Chinese market and to be the best localised global TMC in China. FCM’s globally consistent platform has been enhanced with unique localised features and content developed specifically for the Chinese market and their traveller needs. FCM expects its first pilot customers to start using the platform in July.

With an accelerated investment in technology during the pandemic, along with extensive customer and traveller feedback, FCM developed a platform which provides a superior user experience and flexibility. The technology can also be adapted to specific customer and country requirements.

With the local expertise and resources, FCM is working closely with popular Chinese business travel vendors, and will be able to offer content add-ons, integration or extensions to customers beyond what is currently available in the corporate travel space. They include content from airlines (especially non-GDS and low-cost carriers), hotels and online car booking, to all prevailing HR and expense management systems in China.

Post-pandemic, we have seen an increase in requirements from MNCs and Chinese national companies to achieve flexibility in their travel programmes. Through joint efforts with these local players, we will continue to build our vision in making FCM a one-stop shop for customers, with the aim of equipping them with tools they need to manage a travel programme efficiently through one simple, powerful and effective experience. At the same time, we will continue to engage actively with our long-term travel partners like TravelSky, Concur, Cloud Helios and Airplus who are important to our Chinese customers.

- Calvin Xie, General Manager of FCM Travel China

With the launch of FCM Platform in China, FCM offers tremendous opportunities for MNCs and national companies in China to tap into solutions which will improve their managed travel experience. While much development in travel technology has been focused on Duty of Care for business travellers in the post-covid travel landscape, FCM has gone a step further to improve the customer experience.

The platform provides seamless crossover between devices, air and rail comparison options, and self-service functions that include rebooking or changes in itinerary. Travel managers will have access to a slew of solutions including greater travel policy control, comprehensive approval processes and heightened risk and safety controls. In addition, travellers will also be ensured of always available assistance, via live chat with an agent or via FCM’s mobile chatbot Sam which has evolved into a digital assistant across the entire platform.

“China remains a critical market for FCM Travel globally and we have chosen to launch FCM Platform in China as we believe this new platform will benefit MNCs, national companies and business travellers significantly in this market. At the moment, there is a relatively low percentage of companies in China who uses a TMC to manage their travel programme. This is a clear signal that managed travel still has far-reaching opportunities in China. FCM’s new platform will be invaluable in enabling current as well as new customers to be highly agile in the ever-evolving travel landscape post-covid, as well as support them through their company expansion plans," adds Calvin.

As FCM continues its recovery out of the pandemic with strong growth in China driven by returning domestic pent-up demand and supported by significant new client activity, many businesses will be looking at risk and safety, speed and convenience as the cornerstones for the return to travel.

To keep up and stay competitive, managed travel must be radically simplified yet flexible enough to fulfil the evolving needs of organisations and their travellers. As a leading travel management company, we draw extensive experience from FCM’s global set-up with a commitment to develop corporate travel technology solutions that empower companies with the tools they need to thrive in a digital era. FCM Platform is a culmination of the expertise and experience in travel technology, with the customers’ needs at the heart of the system.

- Bertrand Saillet, Managing Director of FCM Travel Asia