Celebrating the success of our people

We are proud to announce that our Customer Experience Leader, Lisa Hooper received the Hall of Fame award at the annual Flight Centre Travel Group's awards. The Hall of Fame award is regarded as a huge accolade in the company and this is the first time a Corporate team member has been recognised.

Corporate clients ‘looking for strategy’ from agents

Designing a travel policy that allows corporate customers to feel they have a choice is among the keys to success in a travel management environment, says one of the leading travel agents in the field.

Lisa Hooper, of Corporate Traveller, recently won the Hall of Fame award at the annual Flight Centre Group National Awards. The Hall of Fame award is regarded as a huge accolade in the company and this is believed to be the first time a corporate travel team member took the title.

Hooper says the sector faces a number of challenges, including a perception that travel agents are no longer needed as it is so easy to book online.

She adds that agents need to be thinking about the duty of care and how to support businesses with this, data security and enhancing that data to give good buying choices, and how to incorporate the sharing economy such as Uber and Airbnb with customers’ travel policies. "Good service is no longer enough," Hooper says. "Customers are looking for strategy – for example benchmarking against similar size (companies) and geographical location. Getting the blend right between technology and personal service is the key. Giving the customer choice in how and when they book is important."

Hooper adds that business travellers are definitely wanting more hands-on control – via a booking tool, booking on a mobile device etc. "Customers want to access things now, see an itinerary on their phone. It’s all about productivity and efficiency." Hooper notices a trend towards ‘bleisure’ – the combination of business and leisure travel.

"As businesses try to improve their travel programmes and offer better workplaces they are encouraging their people to add on leisure. Wellness amongst their people is important. Travel is affordable these days, so it is easy to add a few days to a business trip."

"Harmonisation of work-life balance, working hours are definitely not nine to five anymore and this applies to travel also. Millennials are definitely more flexible, so they are more likely to enjoy some rest and relaxation while away for business."

The above article featured in Travel Memo, click here for the full article.