Business Travel Agents Serve a Valuable Purpose

Business travel is less of a necessity these days with the increasingly common use of video conferencing applications and software. When it comes to inter-company travel in particular, many companies have banned travel altogether and now rely solely on video conferencing.

But business travel agents today are still just as busy as they ever were. That’s because, for all the travelers who were meeting people from their own company to try and solve company problems, there are many travelers that are reaching out to new clients, suppliers, and partners in an effort to grow the business and create new business relationships and opportunities. Companies don’t really want to stop that from happening. Managers know that some aspects of business remain traditional in the modern world.

In the business world, "face" is an important concept. It applies to managing difficult clients as much as allowing you to judge the honesty and integrity of a potential partner or supplier.

But in this post-Covid world of fewer and more expensive flights and more competition in the marketplace, the need to justify a business trip from both a logistical and financial perspective is paramount.

Business Trip ROI

Many company managers are looking more closely at the types of business travel being requested. They are taking into account a business trip's potential and actual ROI before signing off on it. Managers are more cautious and sparing. Trips to meet with potential investors are being taken later in the new relationship when the deal is more of a sure thing. There are also fewer trips being offered as incentives, and more business trips must be earned by a representative’s performance.

Beyond the ROI potential, traveling for business, in general, is also undergoing cost-cutting measures. Everything used to be written off simply as "expenses ." Nowadays, the expenses have to be attributed to a specific reason and purpose, be it a high-volume client, an improvement in production, or a new, less-expensive supplier. The days of bottomless expense accounts are quickly becoming a distant memory.

With this new development of close scrutiny on business trips, the role of the business travel agent has proven to be more valuable than ever.

Business Travel Agents Save Companies Money

Even if your company only takes a few business trips per year, setting up an account with a business travel agent makes good financial sense. The travel agent can find the flights most appropriate for your travel budget and that fit within your time schedule. They can also arrange flight transfers, ground transportation, and hotels.

The travel agent can do this quickly and efficiently and supply you with a clear itemized invoice of every cost, which is helpful to company accountants. The travel agent adds extra value in relieving you of this chore and performs the task much more efficiently.

Partner with G.M. Tour & Travel in Thailand

In Thailand, many companies are learning about the value of partnering with a business travel agency, and G.M. Tour & Travel in Bangkok is a popular and smart choice. By partnering with a professional travel company like G.M., you can minimize the time you spend on the details of the booking and simply confirm the bookings made by the travel agent. You can also book early and have your booking be flexible in case of last-minute disruptions.

By booking through G.M., your travel agent can greatly streamline your transit and commuting times, saving you time on the road and at the airport and allowing you more quality time to attend to business. All of your bookings and reservations will also be insured, adding another facet of value.

Value of a Handshake

The business world has changed in many ways. Digitalization has meant that business functions and decisions can be made at lightning speed. Communication can also take place immediately between two people on the opposite side of the globe.

But business can also be distinctly human. Bad decisions are made as often as good ones in business. Trust, integrity, and honesty are still highly valued in the business world. This is why the business trip will never be fully replaced by email, a phone call, or a video conference. The value of looking someone in the eye while you share a handshake is still important enough to fly around the world.

But these days, those costs need to be financially justifiable, and this is the value of an efficient business travel agent. Contact us to learn more about the range of services available from G.M. Tour & Travel.