BTA has launched an “accredited badge” for TMCs
The UK’s Business Travel Association has launched a new accreditation scheme for its travel management company members in a bid to “raise standards and build trust” across the TMC sector.
In a statement, BTA said the new scheme would set a “clear benchmark for quality and compliance across the travel management sector”.
TMC members will receive a “trusted mark” of approval — the new BTA “accredited badge” (pictured right) — after successfully completing a series of assessments and checks covering financial stability, data protection, insurance and professional competence.
Clive Wratten, CEO of the BTA, said: “This accreditation scheme represents a significant step forward for our industry. It not only recognises excellence among our members but also gives businesses the assurance they need when choosing a TMC. Our goal is to create trust and build on high standards in the industry.”
The move comes as one of BTA’s TMC members, CTM, continues to struggle to put its overcharging crisis behind it, with a resolution to the situation currently not expected until August.
Several TMCs have already secured the BTA accreditation. They include Inntel, Clarity Business Travel, Key Travel, Direct Travel, Wings Travel Management, arrangeMY, Good Travel Collective, Munro's Travel and Identity Travel.
Douglas O’Neill, CEO of Inntel and chair of BTA’s board, added: “For too long, the industry has lacked a consistent, independent benchmark for assessing professional credentials.
“As a BTA member, we're proud to be among the first TMCs aiming to secure this new accreditation, which helps address that need. It’s a major step forward for the TMC community and a win-win for both agencies and procurement teams.”