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‘We’re needed more than ever’, insists new GTMC chairman
The new chairman of the Guild of Travel Management Companies has insisted business agents are “needed more than ever” as he delivered a combative debut address to members.
Paul Allan, chairman of Ian Allan Travel, called on the Guild to hammer home the benefits of their work and to demonstrate to clients that their services are indispensable.
He said the Guild remains as strong as it was 13 years ago – when he was last chairman – despite constant change and doom-mongers predicting the demise of TMCs.
“The changes of the last 13 years were, to many people, very likely to cause a substantial, if not total decline of the business travel agent,” said Allan. “But it’s interesting to note that 13 years ago the Guild had 35 members. Today we have 33 but when one considers how many of our number have been involved in acquisitions, have merged or amalgamated, the Guild’s size remains steady in spite of everything.
“Despite all the talk of market decline and consolidation there is still a wide range of players, showing that the market continues to need TMCs of all shapes and sizes.”
Rather than threatening the future of businesses, Allan said the shifting marketplace and constant change has made them even stronger.
“Change has been driven by technology, by differing needs of the customer, by security threats, increased globalisation, by the advent of low cost carriers and the Internet,” he said.
“With the vastly increased complexity and choice, TMCs are more needed than ever and the GTMC will be taking a far more proactive stance rather than us reacting to changes that are continually thrust upon us.”
“I want the Guild to become even more vociferous in explaining the added value that travel management companies bring to business travel, something that in this harsh world of security threats, financial pressures and global business requirements, is absolutely vital.”
He said the biggest challenge facing the Guild is for business travel to be recognised by legislators and regulators for what it is – a facilitator between trade organisations, nations and people.
Report by Steve Jones
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