The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) and the Guild of Travel Management Companies (GTMC) are set to collaborate on industry issues and events.
The two business travel organisations have signed a memorandum of understanding, formalising their relationship.
Together they plan to “tackle issues impacting corporate travellers, TMCs and travel buyers”, as well as attend, promote and participate in each others’ events.
The GTMC, made up of TMC and supplier members, has a “unique level of knowledge, insight and expertise,” according to Ron di Leo, which ACTE hopes to draw on.
“ACTE is the right partner for us in the European marketplace,” he said.
ACTE, which has business travel buyer members as well as suppliers, will not take part in the GTMC’s political lobbying activities, however.
Speaking at the ACTE Global Education Conference in Paris, Di Leo said: “We are not asking them to lobby for us.... but they will bring a deep knowledge of legislative issues which our members can take advantage of.”
Anne Godfrey, the GTMC’s CEO, said the link is a “positive step for both organisations”.
“Our activities complement each other,” she said, “and we each have specific strengths we can share.
“ACTE representatives have said they are very impressed by GTMC’s lobbying activity. As GTMC extends this into European territory, we feel sure that this collaboration with ACTE will enhance our efforts.”