Business travel trends are constantly evolving and gone are the days of generic, one-size-fits-all itineraries, so as a travel advisor you need think out of the box instead of just planning trips from point A to Point B.
Today's corporate, and business travellers demand more personalized experiences that cater to their specific needs and preferences.
Considering this, independent travel advisors, have a golden opportunity to carve out a niche in the lucrative business travel market and excel in itineraries that go beyond the same old, same old….
Understanding the Business Traveller
To craft exceptional customized itineraries, it's essential to understand the unique demands of business travellers.
Remember the previous point we made in that business travellers prioritize efficiency, productivity, and comfort.
Their time is valuable, and every moment spent traveling should contribute to their professional goals.
Thus planning a successful itinerary goes beyond simply booking their flights and accommodations; it's about optimizing every aspect of the trip, and delivering the pinnacles of satisfaction to them.
The Art of Customization Itineraries
Creating customized business travel itineraries requires a deeper understanding of both the destination and the traveller’s needs.
Let’s Consider the following elements in Planning:
- Pre-Trip Planning:
- Do comprehensive research on their destination, including time zones, currency, and essential documents.
- Do in-depth client consultation to understand their specific requirements, preferences, and corporate policies.
- Select only optimal flight times, considering factors like jet lag and meeting schedules to save business travellers time.
- Accommodation Selection:
- Provide a choice of hotels or serviced apartments based on location, amenities, and corporate rate availability.
- Ensure that the accommodations align with the business traveller’s comfort and productivity needs.
- Ground Transportation:
- Arranging efficient ground transportation options, at arrival, such as airport transfers, car rentals, or public transportation.
- Consider time consuming factors like traffic congestion and meeting locations, and adjust itineraries accordingly.
- Itinerary Optimization:
- Schedule their meetings and appointments efficiently, considering time zones and travel times.
- Incorporating downtime for relaxation and rejuvenation.
- Suggest time out to visit local attractions or for dining options for networking or downtime.
- Post-Trip Support:
- Provide detailed post expense reports and receipts to the business traveller.
- Offer assistance with any travel claims and reimbursements, or providing them with discount packages.
Delivering exceptional customized itineraries is key to building long-term relationships with business and corporate clients.
Always provide consistent communication, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to ensure all their needs are catered for.
For repeat business from this traveller demographic do everything for exceeding their expectations, and thus you can position yourself as a trusted advisor and increase the likelihood of referrals.
Leveraging All Travel Technology
Technology can be a powerful tool for creating and managing customized itineraries for travel advisors.
Using travel management platforms, booking tools, and communication apps can streamline the process.
However, as we have mentioned in past articles, the human touch remains essential.
While technology can handle the logistics, it's the personal connection and expertise of the travel advisor that truly set you apart.
Do everything you can in creating tailored business travel experiences, to establish yourselves as valuable partners to corporate clients.
