Organisations & Operators,

A rapidly evolving business travel landscape has been the catalyst for award-winning global travel management company FCM to transform its brand identity and take a fresh approach to developing a new tech platform.
With the global pandemic causing a seismic shift in the business travel industry, FCM has made it a priority to address customers’ pain points and their travel programmes by investing in new technology, rapid implementation, enhanced account management and sustainable and secure travel.
FCM’s new look is designed to showcase the brands’ distinctively flexible and unconventional approach to providing agile travel management services to its customers globally and locally.
The end-to-end rebrand has been launched in 97 countries across all websites, customer communications and social media platforms.
A core component of the announcement is that FCM is forging ahead with development of a ground-breaking proprietary technology that directly targets customers’ pain points with current and legacy corporate travel technology.

ADVERTISEMENT

The in-house platform is an omnichannel offering that is being developed following extensive research globally among customers to understand the different concerns of their bookers, travellers and managers.
Findings of this research revealed customers need an all-encompassing platform that is consistent across all markets, but also fully flexible with a positive user experience and simple user interface.

FCM global chief technology officer, Adrian Lopez, said the vision for the platform is based on addressing six key pillars: a globally consistent booking experience; always available travel assistance; traveller safety and wellbeing support; sustainability; AI powered reporting and savings, and flexible integration capabilities.
“The development of FCM Platform’s core experience is already well advanced, including a new proprietary online booking solution planned for key markets and integration of AI enhanced chatbot tool Sam as the digital ‘avatar’, providing live chat and real-time assistance across all of the platform’s channels,” said Lopez.
More Information
FCM is considered the World’s Leading Travel Management Company by voters at the World Travel Awards.
Older
Amadeus launches new digital health verification system

Newer
Singapore Airlines to trial IATA Travel Pass next week More

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Insight Vacations is thrilled to launch a new 13-day itinerary, Venice & the Croatian Coast, A Women’s-Only Tour.
The trip is part of its Wander Women series of journeys created for women, by women.
The trip will take place in summer 2022 and will offer enriching travel experiences that cater to the diverse interests of female clients and introduce guests to inspiring women in communities across Croatia and also in to Slovenia.
The first women’s-only trip, Inspirational India was launched last year and is set to depart in October, which has booking availability.
The journey includes three #MakeTravelMatter Experiences designed to uplift local women in their communities and ensure Insight’s travels are used as a force for good while supporting the United Nations’ Global Goals.

ADVERTISEMENT

TreadRight ‘planet’ ambassador and environmentalist, Céline Cousteau will be a special guest on the Croatia trip.
She helps amplify women’s achievements as a documentary filmmaker and director.
With this year’s International Women’s Day theme being #ChooseToChallenge, Insight is celebrating women’s achievements by creating experiences that connect clients with women artisans, entrepreneurs, business and community leaders as well as by hiring women travel directors, local experts, coach drivers, experiences hosts and more.
“More than 50 per cent of the global workforce in our industry are women and female clients are yearning for uplifting and immersive experiences.
“On this International Women’s Day, we #ChooseToChallenge by seeking out and celebrating women’s successes with local female trailblazers, artisans and community leaders whom we visit and support across the globe,” said Ulla Hefel Böhler, global chief executive for Insight Vacations.
“Our newest Wander Women Croatia journey will highlight our meaningful #MakeTravelMatter Experiences where like-minded female guests can personally connect with outstanding local women and spend time with our inspiring TreadRight ‘Planet’ Ambassador, Céline Cousteau,” she concluded.
This special women’s-only guided tour is available with limited space as a single departure date, so clients are encouraged to book early to secure their spot.
Older
Saint Lucia joins International Women’s Day celebrations

Newer
Virgin Atlantic honours two iconic women More

Saga has extended the current suspension of travel operations following publication of a new roadmap out of lockdown for the UK.
The company has told agents holiday and cruise operations will now begin on May 17th and June 27th, respectively.

ADVERTISEMENT

The health and wellbeing of guests and crew is number one priority, Saga said, with having taken the decision to extend the suspension against that backdrop.
A spokesperson for Saga said: “The health and safety of our guests and crew has been our number one priority and throughout the pandemic we have made all decisions with their wellbeing in mind.
“Following the release of the roadmap out of lockdown, we have taken the decision to delay the resumption of our holiday and cruise operations.
“As part of this decision, the inaugural cruise of Spirit of Adventure has been moved to July 26th.
“We have contacted all our guests who have been impacted by these changes and are discussing their options with them.”
Older
Greening joins On the Beach as non-executive director

Newer
Boeing 737 Max continues to regain ground around the world More

On the Beach Group has confirmed the appointment of former transport secretary Justine Greening to its board as a non-executive directors with immediate effect.
Most recently, after leaving government in 2018, Greening founded the Social Mobility Pledge campaign in that year to drive grass roots change through business and higher education.
Three years on, over 550 companies and 75 universities have committed to strategically drive social mobility through their respective organisations’ engagement with local communities.
Greening was member of parliament for Putney, Roehampton & Southfields from 2005 to 2019 and spent eight years as a minister, including six in cabinet.
Prior to her political career, she trained and qualified as a chartered accountant with PriceWaterhouse in the UK and Switzerland before taking a finance role at SmithKline Beecham followed by a strategy role at the newly formed GlaxoSmithKline.

ADVERTISEMENT

Richard Pennycook, chair of On the Beach, commented: “We are delighted that Justine has agreed to join the board of On the Beach as a non-executive director.
“Justine has had both a successful business career and an illustrious political career.
“Her important work upon leaving government to establish the Social Mobility Pledge has been instrumental in changing the way businesses and universities think about social mobility.”
He added: “As the travel sector recovers from the pandemic, we expect some fairly major reforms to the regulatory landscape.
“Justine’s experience, in and out of Westminster, will be invaluable as On the Beach navigates these reforms and pursues opportunities to grow our market share both in the UK and internationally.”
Older
Marriott offers cash incentive to vaccinated staff

Newer
Saga pushes back holiday relaunch into summer More

Escape to Greece will launch this month, offering bespoke holidays to 27 destinations in the country, with over 400 hand-picked properties.
Aiming to attract discerning independent travellers looking mainly for four-star boutique hotels and eclectic villas, Escape to Greece launches under renowned ski operator, Holiday World.
Holiday World has a stellar 23-year track record in the ski holiday market, is ATOL protected and has a reputation for customer service, online technology and value for money.
Founder, Peter Brennan, said: “Escape to Greece has been born out of our love for Greece, its islands and the hospitable people.
“We have personally chosen our properties from the simple-style Lemon Tree Houses in Folegandros to the latest in stylish luxury such as Cayo Resort & Spa in Crete with its minimalist tones and incredible design influences.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Many of the properties are exclusive to us and our aim is to fill the gaps between the large operators who don’t offer the smaller islands and other Greek specialists who cannot always offer the depth of accommodation choice in each destination nor instant live availability.”
Greece is primed to be one of the first destinations to open up to UK travellers.
Holidays with flights are ATOL protected and accommodation-only bookings are secure thanks to the firm’s membership of the Travel Trust Association.
“All of our range can be booked online or via our customer service centre with or without flights from BA and Aegean Airlines.
Escape to Greece can also quote separately for low-cost carriers,” said Brennan.
“During these uncertain travel times, we are also offering flexible flight options with most of the hotels providing rates that can offer free cancellation.”
Older
Hurtigruten to offer new ex-UK itineraries next May

Newer
Inghams cancels all trips until mid-May More

Moving goalposts, changing travel guidelines and confusion over testing are now the norm for anyone planning a holiday.
Luxury travel companies Abercrombie & Kent, alongside its sister company Cox & Kings, have launched a central place of information on how the trade can help their clients travel safely with their Book with Confidence Hub.
The site includes travel corridor details, frequently asked questions, links to the current Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advice, and a host of other resources to aid the safe planning of a holiday.
As restrictions are relaxed and holidays become possible again, the advice will be continuously updated.
While many tour operators rely on third party suppliers, A&K is in a unique position, with over 55 offices across 30 countries, meaning guests enjoy the same experience throughout every stage of their holiday.

ADVERTISEMENT

Kerry Golds, managing director, commented: “We know there is significant pent-up demand after months of travel restrictions.
“Our trade partners and their clients are looking for reassurance and peace of mind for a stress-free holiday – something we have always prided ourselves on delivering.
“That is why we have launched our Book with Confidence hub and our enhanced flexible booking policy for travel up to the end of 2022.”
The Abercrombie & Kent hub can be found here, while Cox & Kings is here.
More Information
Breaking Travel News earlier spoke to Abercrombie & Kent managing director in the UK, Kerry Golds – take a look at her thoughts here.
Older
New sales leadership for Travel Corporation brands in UK

Newer
Tauscher to lead new Aman New York More

The Travel Corporation (TTC) has promoted two of its existing senior leadership team – Donna Jeavons and Chris Townson.
The move follows the resignation of Rachel Coffey as director of sales and business development for Trafalgar, Costsaver Tours, Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold.
In addition to their existing remits, Jeavons, director of sales and marketing for Contiki Holidays in the UK and Europe will now take the reins of Trafalgar and Costsaver Tours in the UK and Ireland.

ADVERTISEMENT

At the same time, Chris Townson, managing director of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection in the UK and Ireland will take responsibility for Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold.
Townson will report into Ulla Hefel Böhler, global chief executive of Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold, and continue to report into Ellen Bettridge, global chief executive of Uniworld.
Jeavons will report to Gavin Tollman, global chief executive of Trafalgar and Costsaver, in addition to Adam Armstrong, global chief executive of Contiki Holidays.

Tollman said: “We continue to see huge potential for growth in the UK and Ireland, so it is vital we have the right people leading our brands in these markets.
“For us, the succession path was clear.
“At TTC, we are always proud to be able to give our existing talent the platform to step up, and we are delighted that Donna has accepted the opportunity to lead Trafalgar and Costsaver here.”
The duo will take up their new roles with immediate effect, working alongside Coffey for a handover period to ensure a smooth transition.
Older
Government announces local tourist board funding review

Newer
Abercrombie & Kent launches new confidence boosting measures More