Business Travel Buyers see the Importance of ABTA Membership

New research, released ahead of the Business Travel Show (26-27 February), finds over four in five (83%) managers say that membership of ABTA is very important or important when they select a travel management company (TMC) for their business travel needs

According to new research, managers at companies with an annual turnover of £50-99.99 million especially value ABTA membership, with over nine in ten (92%) stating that membership was very important or important when selecting a TMC. Managers at even larger companies also particularly value ABTA membership with 86% of managers at a turnover of £100-499 and over £500 million saying it is very important or important to them.

Using a TMC that is a Member of ABTA is also particularly important for senior decision makers such as directors (92%) as well as business owners (83%).

Booking business travel through an ABTA Member allows corporate managers to book with confidence, knowing that their travel provider has passed ABTA’s financial fitness tests, including minimum capital requirements, balance sheet net asset strength and the provision of financial security and that it follows ABTA’s Code of Conduct.

ABTA offers expert advice and guidance to the travelling public and further supports the travel industry by promoting high service standards, encouraging responsible tourism at home and abroad and works closely with its Members on health and safety issues.

ABTA Members have access to its operational crisis support and operational bulletins which provide out of hours crisis support and keeps them informed of the latest worldwide incidents that may impact their businesses.

ABTA Members also benefit from a wide range of support services including free legal advice and detailed guidance notes and advice and support to help plan for regulatory changes including the effects of Brexit.

Victoria Bacon, Director of Brand and Business Development at ABTA – The Travel Association said: “This latest research shows that the vast majority of managers regard ABTA membership as important or very important when choosing a TMC. ABTA membership is particularly valued by larger companies and senior decision makers such as business owners and directors.

“As well as the strong association with ABTA’s brand, TMCs and their clients benefit from a wide range of ABTA services and expertise, all available at no extra cost.”

ABTA is the UK’s most trusted travel scheme. 38 of the 50 largest TMCs are ABTA Members. ABTA Members which count business travel as their principal business have a combined annual turnover of over £15 billion.

ABTA staff will be at the Business Travel Show on stand B2304 to meet current and prospective ABTA Members as well as corporate travel managers to discuss the benefits of ABTA membership.

ABTA is hosting a seminar on Business Travel Risk Management on 22/4/20 in central London offering insights into the emerging threats in business travel and how organisations can mitigate these risks

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