TMC Wings Global Travel has reported its “best ever” quarter for meetings and events following the expansion of its M&E division last autumn.
The UK-based company on Wednesday (12 March) reported M&E sales from December to February of “more than double” compared to the same period a year prior, with the biggest gains coming from its operations in the UK, US, Norway and South Africa.
Wings chief operating officer Gary Povey said the “phenomenal” growth reflects changing spending patterns in the corporate travel market.
“While travel budgets as a whole remain under pressure, we’re seeing a shift from ad-hoc travel to more intentional spending as buyers look to maximise value and measurable outcomes,” he said.
“The good news for TMCs is that there is high recognition of the value of in-person meetings. With fewer opportunities to bring teams together and widespread virtual meeting fatigue, businesses want to get as much out of face-to-face events as possible. Clients recognise that memorable events play a key role in team building and staff retention.”
According to Povey, buyers are looking for "the right location, compelling content and positive outcomes". Factors like opportunities for exercise and wellbeing, environmental impact and support for local economies are also important to corporate travellers, he said.
Wings is ranked as the 18th largest TMC in the UK in BTN Europe’s Leading TMCs 2024. It is also the 12th largest TMC in the Nordic region.