The business travel market, characterized by its unique demands, presents a lucrative opportunity for independent travel advisors, and you can even drill down into specific business travel niches as well.
However, business travel requires a specialized approach to clients which can vary to corporate, down to the small business, and even entrepreneurs.
Here are a few pointers to get you started:
a) Understanding the Business Traveller:
- Prioritize Their Efficiency: Business travellers value their time above all else. Every interaction should be swift, efficient, and focused on saving them time.
- Master Corporate Policies: Familiarize yourself with corporate travel policies, including booking restrictions, preferred vendors, and expense reimbursement guidelines.
- Grasp the Need for Flexibility: Business travel plans often change abruptly due to different circumstances and even time constraints as mentioned above. Thus, travel advisors must always be prepared to adapt itineraries quickly and efficiently.
Demonstrate Your Expertise: Showcase your in-depth knowledge of destinations, airlines, hotels, and corporate travel tools all aimed at providing satisfaction.
Provide Exceptional Customer Service: Respond promptly, anticipate needs, and exceed expectations at all times. Often business travel can be frustrating for you as a travel advisor with its many swings, so be prepared to navigate difficult issues.
Build Up Long-Term Partnerships: Focus on building relationships with corporate clients, and business partners, not just individual business travellers.
c) Leveraging Travel Technology:
- Utilize Travel Management Platforms: Employ booking tools and travel management platforms to streamline the booking process. Invest in appropriate software like CRM.
- Master Data Management: Efficiently manage client data, travel itineraries, and expense reports. Maintain an efficient calendar and tracking services for clients.
- Stay Updated: Continuously update your knowledge of travel technology advancements, and be flexible when it is required.
- Cost Management: Help clients optimize travel spend through negotiations, fare comparisons, and loyalty program management.
- Risk Management: Provide information on travel insurance, security protocols, and emergency plans, specific to the client.
- Personalized Service: Offer advice and tailored recommendations based on individual traveller preferences and company culture.
- Unexpected Changes: Be prepared to handle itinerary changes, cancellations, and rebooking’s with minimal disruption.
- Travel Disruptions: Offer support and assistance during travel disruptions, such as flight delays or cancellations. Find alternative arrangements quickly.
- Expense Management: Help clients understand and optimize expense reports. Work within their budgets and try and save them money wherever possible.
>Network Effectively: Attend industry events and build relationships with corporate travel managers. Deliver exemplary services for word of mouth advertising from clients
>Showcase Your Expertise: Highlight your knowledge of business travel through content marketing and social media. Become an expert in all things related to business travel
>Offer Clients Competitive Pricing: Develop competitive pricing structures while maintaining profitability, and never compromising on efficiency of services.
There are always unique needs for business travellers, so do everything possible for building strong relationships, leveraging technology, and providing exceptional service.
