Ancillaries drive business travel bookings – GTMC

Saturday, 08 Jun, 2007 0

Growing demand for ancillary travel products helped drive transactions to record levels for Guild of Travel Management Companies’ members in the first quarter.

Members completed nearly 3.6 million transactions during the three months – the highest-ever quarterly figure.

Total bookings were almost 15% higher than in the previous quarter, and 12% higher than the first quarter of 2006.

The biggest increase year-on-year came in “ancillary” travel bookings – trip components such as car parking, insurance, and passport and visa services – which were 26% higher.

GTMC chief executive Philip Carlisle said: “As global commerce becomes increasingly competitive, companies have to maximise business trip productivity.

“Guild members are providing an increasingly diverse range of travel-related services to help ensure that travellers’ time is used to best possible commercial effect, and client companies are recognising, and capitalising on, that fact.”

The 30 GTMC member companies booked more than 1.8 million flights during quarter, 6% up year-on-year.

Bookings for all other travel arrangements showed double-digit growth. Rail bookings were 23% higher; hotel bookings were up 19%; and car hire bookings were 12% higher.

GTMC chairman Paul Allan (Ian Allan Travel) said: “With global economic activity reaching new heights, corporate travel has become a commercial imperative, and astute businesses are turning to Guild member travel management companies for expert advice and quality service.”

by Phil Davies

Phil Davies

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