Corporate travel refers to trips made by employees for business-related purposes. It’s vital to the global business ecosystem, fostering collaboration, building relationships, and promoting growth.
The demand for corporate travel agents has recently surged as businesses seek to optimise their travel strategies and it can be a lucrative field with loyal customers. Corporate or business travel agents streamline travel plans, manage costs, and handle unforeseen disruptions.
This article will guide you to becoming a successful corporate/business travel agent in the UK, explaining the skills, qualifications, and opportunities in this increasingly sought-after profession.
What is corporate travel?
Corporate travel allows employees to carry out their business-related tasks, including attending client meetings, participating in industry conferences, or visiting other company branches. The main objective of corporate travel is to help companies achieve their business goals, such as expanding customer bases, maintaining relationships with partners, or staying updated with industry trends.
The role of corporate travel in businesses
Corporate travel forms an essential aspect of many businesses. Firstly, it allows for the creation and strengthening of relationships. When employees meet clients or partners in person, it often fosters a stronger, more personal connection than virtual meetings, significantly impacting the company’s reputation and brand image.
Corporate travel also provides opportunities for employees to learn and grow. For instance, attending international conferences or workshops can expose employees to new ideas, enhancing their skills and knowledge, which the business will benefit from.
The benefits and challenges of corporate travel management
Effective corporate travel management can offer several advantages for businesses, but it also comes with particular challenges.
On the benefits side, a well-managed corporate travel programme can help a business control and reduce travel-related costs. By negotiating deals with airlines, hotels, and other service providers, a company can ensure it gets the best value for its travel budget.
An efficient travel management programme can also enhance employee safety by providing support and resources for travellers, such as information about their destination, emergency contacts, and assistance in case of travel disruptions.
Additionally, clear policies and procedures help ensure that all employees understand what is expected of them when travelling for business, contributing to fair and consistent travel arrangements.
On the other hand, managing corporate travel also presents some challenges.
One common issue is dealing with unexpected travel disruptions, such as flight delays or cancellations, which can cause logistical problems and additional costs. Another challenge is managing and reconciling travel expenses. Collecting and processing all the receipts and expense reports associated with corporate travel can be time-consuming.
There are also the duty of care responsibilities that companies need to fulfil. Ensuring the safety and well-being of employees while they’re travelling, especially in unfamiliar or high-risk locations, can be a complex task that requires considerable resources and planning.
What is a corporate travel agent?
Corporate travel agents work closely with companies to manage all aspects of corporate travel, from booking flights and accommodation to organising visas and other travel documentation.
Key responsibilities of a corporate travel agent include:
- Planning and booking: Arranging all aspects of travel, including flights, hotels, car hire, and any other necessary services
- Travel policy compliance: Ensuring that all travel arrangements adhere to the company’s travel policy
- Emergency support: Providing support in case of travel disruptions, such as flight cancellations or delays
Key skills and qualities for a corporate travel agent
A corporate travel agent must be detail-oriented to ensure that all aspects of travel arrangements are correctly handled. They should also have excellent organisational skills, an ability to manage multiple travel plans simultaneously, and extraordinary problem-solving abilities.
Effective communication and customer service in corporate travel management
Effective communication and excellent customer service skills are essential for corporate travel management. Agents must be able to clearly and promptly communicate with clients, keeping them informed about their travel plans and any changes or issues. This often requires being available outside standard office hours, as travel disruptions can happen anytime.
Excellent customer service involves understanding the requirements of each client and providing personalised solutions. A corporate travel agent should not only arrange travel plans but also ensure that the travel experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible for the client and go the extra mile to meet their needs.
Education and training
Typically, a corporate travel agent is expected to have at least English and Maths GCSEs. However, some employers may prefer candidates with higher education qualifications, particularly those related to travel and tourism or business administration.
Ongoing professional development allows a corporate travel agent to stay current with industry trends and best practices, which could involve training workshops, conferences or gaining extra qualifications.
Relevant courses, degrees, or certifications
Several courses and certifications can enhance the qualifications of a corporate travel agent. These may include:
- Travel and tourism courses or degree: Studying travel and tourism at a college or university level can provide a solid foundation of knowledge about the travel industry
- Business administration: A degree or coursework in business administration will be advantageous, especially for understanding corporate clients’ needs.
- Certifications: There are various certifications offered by industry organisations, including:
- The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) provides a range of training courses for travel agents, including an online training programme. While not a certification per se, ABTA membership is highly respected within the UK travel industry
- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) offers a variety of courses related to air travel, which can be relevant for travel agents. They offer training on travel and tourism consulting, managing travel business, and more
- The Travel Network Group offers a variety of business development and training opportunities for travel agents. They provide educational programmes covering different aspects of travel agency operations, including sales, marketing, customer service, and product knowledge.
Building industry knowledge
The travel industry is a dynamic field characterised by frequent changes from airline policies to travel technology advancements. By staying informed about these changes, a corporate travel agent can provide the best possible service to their clients, anticipate challenges, and identify new opportunities.
Resources for learning
There are several valuable resources corporate travel agents can tap into to expand their industry knowledge:
- Industry publications: Regularly reading industry publications can help agents stay informed about the latest news and trends eg Travel Gossip, Travel Trade Gazette (TTG) and Travel Weekly
- Blogs: Numerous travel industry blogs offer insights and analyses on various topics, including corporate travel
- Networking events: Industry conferences, seminars, and webinars provide excellent opportunities to learn from experts, gain insights, and network with other professionals in the field. For example, The Business Travel Show is a good place to start and occurs annually.
- Work experience: Get work experience at a travel management company.
Joining professional associations
Becoming a member of a professional association is another effective way to enhance industry knowledge. Travel organisations often provide resources such as training programmes, research reports, and networking events. Examples include ABTA, IATA, the Guild of Travel Management Companies (GTMC), and the Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT)
Developing technical skills
Proficiency in various technical tools is essential for effective corporate travel management, including a knowledge of different travel booking software and reservation platforms.
Familiarity with corporate travel policies and procedures
Corporate travel policies and procedures typically outline the company’s guidelines regarding approved vendors, expense limits, and reimbursement procedures. Being well-versed with these rules ensures the agent can make travel arrangements that adhere to the company’s requirements, which is crucial for maintaining client satisfaction and trust.
Networking and building relationships
Building a strong professional network can lead to opportunities for business growth, partnership, and collaboration, making it crucial in the corporate travel industry. It can also provide valuable industry insights that are often not accessible through other means.
Attending industry conferences, seminars, and trade shows
Industry conferences, seminars, and trade shows bring together a variety of professionals from the travel industry, offering the opportunity to meet new contacts, learn from others’ experiences, and stay updated with the latest trends and developments. Regular participation in these events can significantly expand your professional network and knowledge base.
The power of corporate networking and relationship-building cannot be underestimated. It’s not just about making connections but also about nurturing those relationships over time. This leads to improved services for your clients and the ongoing success of your career as a corporate travel agent.
Continuing professional development
Continuing professional development is a crucial element of a successful career in corporate travel management. By prioritising ongoing learning and skill enhancement, corporate travel agents can ensure they provide the best possible service to their clients and are ready to adapt to the industry’s ever-changing demands.
Advanced certifications and specialised training for career advancement
Pursuing advanced certifications or specialised training can significantly boost a corporate travel agent’s career. These programmes offer more profound knowledge in certain areas, such as luxury travel, group travel, or travel law. In the UK, entities like the Guild of Travel Management Companies (GTMC) provide specialised courses for corporate travel professionals. Internationally, the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) offers an Advanced Certification in Business Travel Management.
Stepping into the future of travel: Become a UK corporate travel agent
Becoming a corporate travel agent in the UK offers a dynamic and rewarding career path. From understanding the critical role of corporate travel in the business world, and learning about the complexities of travel management to exploring the necessary skills and knowledge for success, we have taken a deep dive into this exciting profession.
As a corporate travel agent, you become the architect of seamless business journeys, handling every detail precisely and considering the corporate traveller’s unique needs. Equipped with a deep understanding of travel booking systems, and corporate policies and a keen eye on the ever-evolving travel trends, you’re in a prime position to create impactful travel experiences.
You can stand out in this field by developing strong technical abilities, consistently expanding industry knowledge, and building strong professional relationships. Moreover, pursuing advanced certifications and ongoing professional development underscores the commitment to excellence and dedication to clients’ satisfaction.
If you’re passionate about travel, committed to delivering excellent service, and prepared for continuous learning and growth, a career as a corporate travel agent could be your ticket to a fulfilling professional journey. The travel industry is ever-evolving, promising new challenges, opportunities, and adventures at every turn.
Remember, corporate travel industry success is driven by passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to ongoing learning. So, step into the future of travel, embrace the opportunity to shape corporate journeys, and embark on your path as a corporate travel agent in the UK.
If you are already a successful travel agent you may wish to move into the corporate travel world, or perhaps you’d like to become a travel agent from home. You could then foster relationships with corporate clients as well as leisure travellers. Some companies, such as The Travel Franchise, enable you to become travel agents without any previous experience in travel.
