New research released ahead of this month’s Business Travel Show reveals more than four in five managers (82 per cent) say membership of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) is important or very important when choosing a travel management company (TMC).
The survey of 502 managers at companies where employees travel for business was carried out by Censuswide on behalf of ABTA.
According to the research, managers at companies with annual turnover of £50-99.99 million especially value ABTA membership, with 93 per cent stating that it was a very important factor in selecting a TMC. Similarly, 95 per cent of businesses with 50-99 employees felt the same.
It was also especially important for business owners, 95 per cent of which look for the ABTA membership stamp when deciding on a TMC.
ABTA says membership gives businesses confidence in their TMC because it means the company has passed financial fitness tests, including minimum capital requirements, balance sheet net asset strength and financial security requirements and that it follows the association’s code of conduct.
Victoria Bacon, director of brand and business development at ABTA, said: “As well as the strong association with ABTA’s brand, TMCs benefit from a wide range of ABTA’s services and expertise – including our insight and expertise around Brexit preparedness. With just weeks to go before the UK is due to leave the EU, we are supporting all of our members to help them be ready for any eventuality. We also continue to lobby the EU and UK government to urge a sensible, pragmatic solution which delivers for the industry, business travellers and holidaymakers.”
abta.com