At least 96% of corporate procurement managers say that a Travel Management Company’s membership of ASATA is important to non-negotiable when selecting a TMC to service their account.
This was the result of a recent survey run in conjunction with the African Business Travel Association (ABTA), which also found that 82% of corporate procurement managers believed ABTA membership by TMCs was important.
While ASATA and ABTA membership are a top consideration, there are several other criteria for choosing your top TMC partner, according to the study:
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Achieving value for money and savings
Companies often disregard the time it takes for staff to organise and adjust their travel based on changing requirements, or the time wasted by errors as a result of staff not having the expertise to implement a travel policy effectively. A TMC’s role is not only to assist in the implementation of a travel policy, it is also to ensure that the travel policy meets the overall company goals of that corporate. This requires a proactive strategic approach and full understanding of the corporate’s environment and strategy.
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Transparency and trust
With transparency comes trust, and TMCs that build that trust will develop a stronger, more intimate relationship with their corporate travel managers and business travellers. Constructive partnerships between the TMC supplier, the supply chain and the end customer are essential to implementing a successful travel policy.
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Professionalism
Expect your TMC to combine personalised service, innovative technology and travel knowledge to assist with all business travel requirements. ASATA members comply with a code of conduct and constitution that ensures corporates receive professional service, ethical conduct and trustworthy behaviour. By working with an ASATA member, corporates can be assured that their travellers will travel with peace of mind.
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Sound business practices
ASATA members comprise over 95% of the travel industry, and these market leaders have committed themselves to complying with a stringent code of conduct, constitution and an ASATA Charter that guides their business practices and their dealings with customers.
Otto de Vries
CEO: ASATA