travel tech insights

Two days ago we were announcing our newest partnership agreement with Element Travel Technology with the purpose of enhancing TMCs technology. With some of the most experienced people in the industry, Element enables its TMC clients to gain access to cutting edge travel technology, complemented by the peace of mind that results from their unparalleled level of experience. As a result of our Value Added Reseller (VAR) Agreement, Element is now providing TINA automation solution to Travel Management Companies across Europe.

We have always invested time and effort into building up strong relations with our partners and today we discussed with Mr. Gavin Smith - Founder and Director of Element Travel Technology, trying to find out how he sees the collaboration with dcs plus.

Operational stability within you travel agency is critical. One of the ways that ensures its achievement is represented by the accuracy and security of the processes that take place on a regular basis. Defining and having in place a specific set of rules with restrictions that will prevent your agents from adding invoices if certain mandatory criteria are not matched will ensure a seamless process.

Get your financials right! You know very well the range of commercial agreements that you have with your corporate customers and how complex they can become. Also, a smart and accurate set up and management of service fees, commissions and discounts will have an impact on your business long-term profitability. Most likely, you have a diversity of service fee models – whether in terms of the amounts charged, type of service for which you are charging, type of operation performed (for ex. in case of air tickets – issue, change, refund etc.). As these service fees are a valuable source of revenue, you as a TMC, should be strict when applying fees, discounts and commissions.

Today’s global travel industry is awash in complex actions and tasks travel management companies must undertake to remain competitive and acquire and retain customers. But with so many players in the travel and tourism landscape - travel agents, tour operators, and more - customers too can find themselves struggling to navigate the wealth of options, methods, and modes when it comes to researching, comparing, and completing bookings. While the needs of the customer and TMC might vary, the desire for responsive, agile, and transparent operational platforms is key.

This is where a travel ERP solution is an important value proposition on both sides of the equation, for TMCs and customers alike. The capacity of a travel ERP solution to automated workflows and back-office tasks, and fast, accurate invoicing and documentation reduce headaches for both parties by streamlining once manual, time-consuming activities and providing TMCs and customers with greater visibility across each touch point of the value chain.

During the past decade it has certainly seemed to be the case that disruption has been experienced to a far greater degree on the leisure side of travel rather than business side. Leisure travel has been impacted by OTA and witnessed the role of the travel agent - though still a force now – reduced in decision-making influence to that of friends, family and social media.