Typical costs for using a Business Travel Agency: Are they Worth it?
Are you on the fence over whether working with a business travel agency is worth it? Travel agents take the stress out of travel planning, minimizing time spent researching and booking, and helping business travelers uncover lodging and experiences they might not otherwise be able to find on their own. Those who have worked with an experienced agent will tell you they’re worth their weight in gold.
Minimal Charges
Though corporate travel management services come at a cost, that cost is relatively low. Here are some typical costs you may incur when working with an agency –
- Full Service/Concierge Options
The agency will keep your information and preferences on file and manage your travel bookings accordingly. You will pay a small per-transaction fee for each booking, and the agency will manage all of your airfare, ground transportation and lodging needs at a far lower cost than an employee’s hourly rate.
- Self Service Options
Some employees prefer control over their arrangements, so many travel agencies also offer self-booking services through a portal, and may charge you an annual fee for the use of the portal. They may or may not charge an additional small per-transaction fee with this option.
- Travel Policy Creation/Implementation Assistance
If you are looking to create/improve your company’s travel policy, or need help with policy enforcement, experience travel agencies are well equipped to assist with that. They may offer travel policy consultations at an agreed-upon rate, although good travel agencies with whom you have relationships may offer free policy samples and waive the consultation fees as a goodwill gesture
The costs vary from agency to agency, but many travel agencies charge no contract fees and have no minimum booking requirements so there are no costs to you unless you book a trip. But make sure to understand your contract, read the fine print, and ask questions about the specific fees before signing anything.
Maximum Benefits
There are many benefits of using a travel company.
- Travel Agents Help You Get Better Discounts
You don’t have to be a member of your area wholesaler club to know purchasing power nets savings advantages. It’s a fact, travel agency relationships can leverage better deals for your business. - Travel Agents Can Provide Expert Advice
Top corporate travel companies are up-to-date on the best amenities and trending leaders in service, quality, and customer favor. It’s their job to stay on top of travel trends and the most popular travel and lodging offerings. - The Best Travel Agents Deliver Fun Extras
Some of the best perks of regularly using a travel agent are the fun extras agents can include that venues often overlook with travelers booking solo. Agents know you don’t have to use them to book the next trip, and they want to thank you and encourage future business. - Travel Agents Provide Integral Support in Unfortunate Circumstances
From flight delays to hotel quality issues, travel agents are your advocate should something go awry, helping business travelers with everything from lost luggage and forgotten prescriptions to mitigating unexpected natural disasters safely. - Travel Agents Uncover Actionable Data
The best business travel management companies provide booking reports and compliance tools, helping your business identify opportunities for savings.
Save money on annual travel expenses with GTI Travel. Our business travel service can help your organization save 20% on average. Contact us now for a free travel and expense assessment from our experienced team and uncover new opportunities to save on business travel today.
