FCM has launched a fee-free, travel management programme for
Singapore-based start-ups to mid-sized companies, allowing businesses to
travel more yet spend less.
This means SMEs can tap on the travel management company's services,
which include flight and hotel bookings; 24/7 expert agent support;
monthly reporting; duty of care via Safety and Risk functions through
FCM’s mobile technology to account for the well-being and location of
every traveller; and online booking capabilities.
Businesses can also receive FCM's support for systems and technology implementation at no cost, completed within two weeks.
“Often, these companies have similar business travel needs as MNCs
and large national companies but are held back by greater budgetary
considerations. They also have less negotiating power for group deals
with suppliers as compared to large organisations," said Henry Jones,
Director of Marketing who is also leading the SME Travel division in
Asia.
Research done by the TMC revealed that after Singapore reopened its
borders and launched Vaccinated Travel Lanes since early October, more
than 60% of local SME clients booked trips — compared to 34% during the
pandemic in 2020.
Added
Jones, "This is our way of supporting them – providing cost-effective
rates and full travel management services inclusive of technology
support at no fees".
Eligibility criteria include businesses which do not have
international offices, spend between US$100,000 and US$800,000 on travel
in a given year, and those which do not have sufficient travel spend on
routes and destinations to negotiate with suppliers for competitive
rates.
FCM is launching the initiative first in Singapore, then to Malaysia
and Hong Kong when they re-open for international travel on a greater
scale in 2022.