It is becoming increasingly difficult for TMCs to demonstrate their value to clients, and travellers will try to find lower fares themselves.

• 57% cited demonstrating the value of a TMC to stakeholders and travellers as a challenge.
• 53% cited access to fares through their online booking tool (OBT) as a challenge.
• 47% cited managing travellers who are price-checking and booking themselves as a challenge.

The piece suggests that TMCs, more than ever, are having to work overtime to prove why they are needed, and that travellers are becoming increasingly alienated. It points to a new crop of younger travellers who want to self-serve – a group who believe they can find lower fares and think they are doing the right thing.

💡Why Gray Dawes Is Different

But it is important to remember that value is not only derived from the power of proprietary travel technology or the cheapness of fares. It is also gained by taking the time to understand the needs of a business traveller and reinforced by awesome customer service. Our High Touch approach to understanding our clients, their culture, and their business objectives allows us to craft tailored travel solutions and deliver unique experiences that go beyond monetary benefit.

The value of a TMC is determined by several factors, from the power of its technology to the content options it offers to clients. Not to mention outstanding customer service that’s ALWAYS ON.

At Gray Dawes, we’re there for our clients whenever and wherever they need us.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

From the Business Travel Magazine

“TMCs find themselves having to reassert their value to travellers and the feeling of déjà vu is palpable. The global pandemic was a successful exercise in doing that but two years later a new trigger – access to content – is causing concern.”

Related Articles

1. Expect busier streets and more people using public transport systems

There are some reports which suggest 2024 will set new records for the number of visitors heading to Europe, with the Paris Olympics a major catalyst for travel to the continent. Record-breaking or not, one thing is guaranteed: the French capital will have to host an influx of visitors this summer and transport infrastructure will be stretched to its limits.

If you’re travelling for work in France during the event expect delays on the metro, buses, and trains, in Paris and its surrounding towns and cities, especially during peak hours and around competition venues. But it’s not only French streets that will be feeling the strain. Neighbouring countries like Spain and Germany could also see a rise in travellers and tourists as Olympic visitors extend their trips to other parts of Europe.

What can you do about it?

Consider flying into a less congested European city before travelling to Paris by train, making sure that you have all of the relevant identification and paperwork. Here are a few recommended destinations:

• London: Eurostar train (2 hours)
• Brussels: Thalys train (1 hour 50 mins)
• Geneva: TGV Lyria high-speed train (3 hours)
• Frankfurt: TGV INOUI high-speed train (3 hours 40mins)

3. Keep an eye on the French Parliamentary elections and what might change

France’s parliamentary elections take place on 30 June, with “run-off” elections lasting until 07 July. Not only could this herald the beginning of an entirely new government, it might also cause unrest and uncertainty which could have a detrimental impact on travel.

Besides a potential change in governmental policy surrounding the travel industry (any of which is unlikely to be enacted in the short time between the election and the start of the Games), a big political change could cause disruption in the capital, whether that be because of an increase in media attention or politically-motivated tensions.

What can you do about it?

Though Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says she has “difficulty understanding” President Macron’s decision to call an election so close to the Olympics, the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach has assured fans that elections “will not disturb the Olympics”.

It would be wise to keep an eye on any political developments if you’re planning to travel to Paris on a work trip. That way you can prepare for any eventuality (or perhaps use the elections as an ice-breaker topic at your next business meeting!)

Related Articles

As an early adopter of NDC, Gray Dawes is the largest adopter of British Airways NDC content and the second largest adopter of Lufthansa NDC content. We’re also making great strides with Air France KLM as more and more airlines adopt this modern retailing platform.

With no restrictions to a single GDS, we deliver content from recognised travel retailers, such as Expedia Group, Premier Inn and Booking.com, alongside direct connections to airlines, hotels and global rail suppliers And it’s all beautifully presented in our single booking tool YourTrip, no matter where in the world you are.

It’s what we call ‘𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓’. Empowering our clients with the freedom of choice, giving them everything they need to book better, spend less and travel smarter.

And we never hear “I can find it cheaper myself on the internet.”

Do you?

Related Articles

Ed has made a lasting impression on VCK Travel as Managing Director. With his leadership and dedication, the company has become a leading player in the fields of business travel, marine travel, and government travel. Under his guidance, VCK Travel has solidified its position as a prominent player distinguished by transparent and innovative services with a personal touch.

This decision marks a crucial milestone following the acquisition by Gray Dawes Travel in January 2024. After nearly twenty years of leading the company with energy and dedication, Ed has decided to retire from VCK Travel. This decision has been carefully made in consultation with the Works Council and with Gray Dawes. Ed will continue to support the company until he retires on June 30, 2024.

​

Dave Bishop brings 25 years of executive experience in finance, sales, technology and commercial to his new role. He is currently Chief Operating Officer of Gray Dawes, positioning him excellently to continue VCK Travel’s success. His determination, strategic insight, and proven track record make him the ideal candidate to lead in this exciting new phase of the company.

“I am honoured and excited to accept the role of Managing Director of VCK Travel,” says Dave. “We are immensely grateful to Ed for his dedication, vision, and leadership during his tenure. I now look forward to a seamless transition of VCK into the Gray Dawes Group, a successful next phase for our Netherlands operation and an exciting future for our European clients.”​

Commenting on the announcement, Gray Dawes Group CEO, Suzanne Horner, said “Gray Dawes’ expansion into Europe is incredibly exciting. It represents the next step in our global growth plan and closes the circle on our unique service delivery strategy.” Suzanne continues. “Out of hours, for example, is simply no longer a thing for Gray Dawes; we are now ALWAYS ON – there for our clients, where they need us, when they need us. And with a shared technology platform across the entire Gray Dawes operation, our clients will enjoy a seamless personal service as we follow the sun around the globe from the UK and Europe to America, to Australia and back to Europe.”

In conclusion, Dave commented, “As an integral part of the Gray Dawes Group, I look forward to building on VCK Travel’s impressive success and collaborating with the talented team in the Netherlands to achieve our ambitious goals.”

About VCK Travel

Business morality

VCK Travel add a personal note to everything they do. They continuously adjust their service provision to their clients’ operational and financial preferences. This also explains why VCK Travel has chosen to work from regional offices throughout the Netherlands. Rather than consolidating our services from one head office – which is the way most TMCs operate – VCK have deliberately chosen to be closer to our clients.

Ethically Responsible

The organisation has an inclusive work environment where everyone can be themselves and belong. They maintain a zero tolerance policy when it comes to discrimination and corruption. VCK work with a VOG (certificate of conduct) for all employees, both at management and administrative level.

Integrity, Trust and Reliability

Everyone employed by VCK Travel must comply with their Code of Conduct, which is based on core values of morality, ethics and integrity. VCK adheres to the IAO standards and fully embraces the UN Code of Conduct. This forms the foundation of their transparent way of working.

Related Articles

Related Articles

Related Articles

#2- Book Seats On Flights The Moment They Go On Sale

As the well-known proverb goes: “the early bird catches the worm”. This is especially true when it comes to Sports travel and booking flights – the earlier you secure your seats, the more likely you are to save money.

Most airlines list seats for sale 11 months prior to the scheduled flight. If possible, ensure that your travellers and/or teams are confirmed for travel a year in advance so that when the seats go on sale you are in a position to swoop in and get the early deals. 

This is where a TMC can really add value. Most airlines (with the exception of low-cost carriers) will let TMCs hold seats for a period of time by paying a small deposit. Via this method, travel bookers do not need to confirm final passenger numbers or worry about submitting passenger names until a month in advance in many cases. Even after submitting names, a TMC like Gray Dawes can generally change them free of charge before the tickets are issued. 

Essentially it doesn’t matter if you haven’t chosen your team; with the help of a TMC you can still book the flights!

#3- Submit Your Calendar of Events to Your TMC

Your sporting calendar is usually very predictable. Tournaments are scheduled and venues are booked years in advance, alongside all manner of sporting conferences, events, and meets that fill the seasons of sport. 

A good TMC with expertise in sports travel will ask you to send a copy of your sporting calendar so that they can assess your year(s) ahead and plan accordingly. This information is invaluable. It not only helps consultants to secure fares early (and more cheaply), it allows them to thoroughly analyse the location, lock down any on-the-ground logistics, and book accommodation long before it sells out. 

For British Swimming, one of our clients, coordinating calendars with our team of travel experts is one of the first things they do before the start of every season. This calendar allows us to see exactly where the swimmers need to be throughout the year, gives us the chance to understand their training and tournament schedule, and leaves us with time to ensure staff and athletes arrive at their destinations in good time and in the best possible shape.

#4 – Don’t Overlook the Importance of Defining Your Travel Budget

Take time to think more deeply about your travel budget and how it fits in with your objectives, not just for your organisation, but for your athletes and/or team. Ensure that it covers all aspects of the trip so that you aren’t tripped up by unexpected costs. Think about things such as:

• The costs involved in sustainable travel options.
• The price of ground transportation at the destination.
• How much travellers might need for food and drink.

Your TMC should be able to help you plan out your travel budget. They will also recommend and help you secure any financial support your athletes and staff might be entitled to, including considerations for meals, transportation, and incidentals.

Related Articles

As seasoned travel management specialists, both VCK Travel and Gray Dawes Travel are renowned for our technical innovation and high-touch service, focussing on providing complete business travel management solutions with a personal touch. This combination sets us apart in the corporate travel arena and is the core reason behind our respective ongoing success and why VCK Travel is such a perfect fit for the Gray Dawes family!

There are increasing calls from international clients to offer services in other countries with a single contract and uniform technology. A decision was reached to seek affiliation with a strategic partner, to operate more strongly internationally and with a like-minded, customer and staff-focused TMC. It was important to ensure that the excellent levels of customer service you are used to could and would be maintained. After due consideration, Gray Dawes were the nominated company. Gray Dawes own ambitions for global expansion and international growth also helped to make this fit a perfect one.

The acquisition of VCK Travel takes family-owned Gray Dawes Group’s turnover to over £500m and pushes employee numbers worldwide towards 500.

The two travel management specialists, renowned for their technical innovation and high-touch service, focus on providing complete business travel management solutions with a personal touch and unrivalled content. This combination of high touch, high tech and high content sets them apart in the corporate travel arena and is the core reason behind their respective ongoing success.

Suzanne Horner, Gray Dawes Group CEO, comments:

“I have long admired the business that Ed Berrevoets (VCK Travel’s Managing Director) and his team have built. This latest chapter in our development – Gray Dawes’ fourteenth acquisition to date – marks such an exciting time for us and our customers.”

Horner continues,

“Our clients increasingly want global solutions, even the smaller ones. They’re taking us on the journey. We’ve been very successful picking up businesses in the UK and integrating them. We know how to do that well. Now, following our expansion last year into Australia and the USA, we’ve been doing that internationally.”

Commenting further on the announcement, Suzanne Horner, Gray Dawes Group CEO, said, “Our expansion into Europe is incredibly exciting. It represents the next step in our global growth plan and closes the circle on our unique service delivery strategy. Out of hours, for example, is simply no longer a thing for Gray Dawes; we are now ALWAYS ON – there for our clients, where they need us, when they need us. And with a shared technology platform across the entire Gray Dawes operation, our clients will enjoy a seamless personal service as we follow the sun around the globe from the UK and Europe to America, to Australia and back to Europe.”

Horner says, “The challenges the industry has faced over the past few years are firmly behind us, as our revenue now exceeds all pre-pandemic levels and continues to break profitability records. Gray Dawes is fantastically placed, both financially and from a skills perspective, to really drive our strategy, while developing all parts of the business and new ventures. Through strong management, belief in our people, innovative technology and outstanding customer service, Gray Dawes weathered the pandemic storm better than most. Welcoming VCK Travel into the Group only strengthens our position and global offering, almost doubling the size of our business. VCK Travel is renowned in the Netherlands and across Europe for their loyal and outstanding staff. I am delighted to welcome them to the Gray Dawes Group!”

Fergus Glenapp – Gray Dawes Group Chairman and board member of our owners, Inchcape Family Estates, commented, “We are delighted to have acquired a business of VCK’s reputation and length of operation. It gives us an exceptional European platform from which to continue to grow our operations around the world.”

The acquisition of VCK Travel takes our family-owned Group’s turnover to over £500m and pushes our employee numbers towards 500, across the UK, Australia, North America and Europe.

We are super excited to welcome VCK Travel into the Gray Dawes family today, as we officially announce our acquisition of this awesome European TMC. Marking the next phase of of our global expansion, we’d like to say a huge “hello” to all our new colleagues in the Netherlands. We can’t wait to bring our new global capabilities to our international clients through our ALWAYS ON ethos.

About VCK Travel

Business morality

VCK Travel add a personal note to everything they do. They continuously adjust their service provision to their clients’ operational and financial preferences. This also explains why VCK Travel has chosen to work from regional offices throughout the Netherlands. Rather than consolidating our services from one head office – which is the way most TMCs operate – VCK have deliberately chosen to be closer to our clients.

Ethically Responsible

The organisation has an inclusive work environment where everyone can be themselves and belong. They maintain a zero tolerance policy when it comes to discrimination and corruption. VCK work with a VOG (certificate of conduct) for all employees, both at management and administrative level.

Integrity, Trust and Reliability

Everyone employed by VCK Travel must comply with their Code of Conduct, which is based on core values of morality, ethics and integrity. VCK adheres to the IAO standards and fully embraces the UN Code of Conduct. This forms the foundation of their transparent way of working.

Related Articles

Duty of Care

As any TMC or travel booker worth their salt knows, ensuring that a journey complies with obligations of Duty of Care is one of the most important aspects of any business trip. These obligations were cemented by the publishing of the ISO 31030 Travel Risk Management standard in 2021, a global benchmark for businesses seeking to understand and prepare for situations involving risk.

Indeed, a large proportion of respondents to the ITM survey revealed that Duty of Care is one of their top travel priorities in 2024. The suggestion is that travel buyers are keen to build a watertight risk management plan, a need which TMCs can satisfy with the offering of expert advice and guidance about the process.

Budget Control

Learning how to effectively manage a travel budget is one of the most important skills in a travel booker’s arsenal. It’s not just about knowing how much you have to spend; the most successful business travel programmes are built upon years of knowledge in managing costs to maximise the traveller experience.

Indeed, the ITM survey revealed that suppliers were concerned by rising costs due to inflation and further economic uncertainty in 2024. Respondents revealed that corporate travel budgets are set to be tightened, while there is concern about talent shortages, recruitment, and training new staff.

These concerns are regularly communicated to us too. In an episode of our Travel Talks webinar about the importance of controlling business travel costs, we spoke about the benefits of advance booking, offered advice about negotiating corporate fares, and told of the importance of winning the hearts and minds of business travellers.

In Conclusion

The ITM Trending Survey offers a tempting glimpse into the priorities that will shape the decisions of travel buyers and suppliers in 2024.

As highlighted by the survey, the optimisation of Online Booking Tools (OBTs) is one of the most pressing concerns. OBTs face scrutiny for their ability to deliver full content and meet the diverse needs of modern business travellers and dissatisfaction with features underscores the urgency for enhancement in this critical area.

Duty of Care emerges as another paramount focus, reflecting the heightened importance of risk management in the wake of the ISO 31030 Travel Risk Management standard. Travel buyers seek to fortify their risk management plans, relying on Travel Management Companies (TMCs) to provide expert guidance and support.

Access to full content remains a persistent challenge, with buyers expressing a need for comprehensive travel data, including content from the New Distribution Capacity (NDC). Meanwhile, effective budget control emerges as a skill of increasing significance, particularly in the face of rising costs, inflation, and economic uncertainty.

Sustainability takes a prominent position in the priorities of both buyers and suppliers too, reflecting a growing awareness of environmental concerns. The survey indicates an increasing demand for suppliers to comply with carbon emission reporting, signalling a shift towards more sustainable travel practices.

In essence, the ITM survey provides a roadmap for stakeholders in the business travel industry, guiding them towards strategic decisions that align with the evolving needs and expectations of modern travellers. As we approach 2024, the emphasis on technology optimisation, duty of care, content access, budget control, and sustainability underscores the industry’s commitment to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Related Articles