As corporate travel agencies and corporate travel management companies (TMCs) in India become more important in 2024, the distinction between them will become more critical. Both support corporate travel needs, however, they are not the same in scope, services or level of expertise. This article will provide an in-depth look at how a travel management company like SKIL can elevate the corporate travel experience by separating them.
The main focus of corporate travel agencies is to book flights, hotels, and transportation. Most of their offerings are transaction-based providing quick, efficient travel arrangements for businesses. However, agencies play a vital role in supporting corporate travel, although they tend to be limited in scope, not capable of handling complex travel requirements or managing large companies’ extensive trip itineraries.
However, corporate travel management companies in India provide end-to-end travel solutions. TMCs like SKIL do all the booking to post trip reporting, managing expenses, policy compliance and more. TMCs develop comprehensive travel programs that offer businesses more than just tickets, they offer streamlined and structured travel solutions. TMCs help align travel programs with company goals, improving efficiency and reducing costs.
Corporate travel is expensive and managing expenses is vital to any business with regular travel needs. Corporate travel agencies provide baseline prices for bookings but don't have sophisticated cost management tools. Corporate travel agencies can also arrange discounts, but they rarely have systems in place to track expenses comprehensively.
One common thing implemented by travel management companies is strategic budgeting solutions. SKIL is a TMC that offers real-time expense tracking, transparent invoicing and actionable analytics with access to advanced travel expense management tools. In addition to that, TMCs also use data insights to renegotiate rates with airlines and hotels to come up with customized packages and even reduce travel costs.
Incorporating data analytics is a strong point of travel management companies, especially valuable for companies that prioritise corporate travel. While agencies mainly focus on completing bookings, TMCs use data to drive insights that help optimise future trips. They analyse spending patterns, traveller preferences, compliance rates, and even travel frequency, enabling companies to make data-driven decisions and improve their travel policies.
SKIL, as an advanced corporate travel management company, leverages data to create insightful reports and dashboards that help companies make informed decisions. With regular reports on travel patterns, policy adherence, and cost-saving opportunities, SKIL provides businesses with a strategic advantage in managing corporate travel.
Ensuring traveller safety doesn’t end at booking. In general, corporate travel agencies provide little customer support, and such support is usually limited to business hours. That can be tough when travellers suddenly have their flights cancelled, luggage gets lost or gets delayed in different time zones.
SKIL is one of the travel management companies that offer dedicated 24/7 support. This commitment means that travelers are well supported wherever they are, and that issue resolution is effective. TMCs also value duty of care by employing travel risk management protocols. With their ability to monitor travel patterns, provide instant notifications, and provide evacuation support if required, these are a must for businesses with frequent international trips.
Managing travel expenses and keeping up with the company standards is made possible by corporate travel policies. Basic company policies are followed by corporate travel agencies, but they don’t have the tools or resources to enforce policies actively.
However, SKIL TMCs incorporate policy compliance into the booking system itself. They make sure that all bookings adhere to approved budgets, preferred vendors and travel standards. In addition, TMCs reduce travel risks by staying vigilant to global trends and events and enabling them to adjust travel plans proactively where necessary.
As businesses commit to sustainability, corporate travel is an area where reducing carbon footprints becomes relevant. While agencies typically handle bookings, they seldom address sustainability in travel practices.
In contrast, TMCs like SKIL can facilitate environmentally responsible travel. Through carbon offset programs, efficient route planning, and partnerships with eco-friendly airlines and hotels, SKIL helps companies align corporate travel with their CSR goals. Sustainable travel options, like eco-conscious accommodation and carbon-tracking solutions, give businesses a greener approach to corporate travel without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
For businesses investing in corporate travels and concerned with efficiency, cost savings, and traveller experience, choosing a travel management company like SKIL over a traditional corporate travel agency is a game-changer. TMCs deliver holistic solutions that go far beyond booking flights and hotels, offering strategic management of every aspect of corporate travel. Through proactive budgeting, compliance, data insights, and cutting-edge technology, SKIL brings expertise and innovation to corporate travel.
Looking for seamless corporate travel management? Trust SKIL travel to elevate your travel experience. Contact us today to redefine travel with expert support, tailored solutions, and complete peace of mind.
