Who are corporate travel agents and what do they do?

Business travel has never been so important. Nowadays, companies invest time and resources to ensure their employees’ trips are efficient, safe and in line with company travel policy. In this context, there is a professional figure who is becoming increasingly important: the corporate travel agent. 

They proactively manage the entire travel experience, reducing risks, optimising costs and ensuring timely support in case of unforeseen events. Given the growing complexity of business travel (new regulations, security checks and custom mobility needs), having a competent, up-to-date partner guarantees the smoothest possible travel experience for entrepreneurs, managers and professionals. 

Read on to find out more about corporate travel agents, the skills they offer companies, and how they can give any organisation a competitive advantage.

What is a corporate travel agent?

A corporate travel agent is a professional who specialises in organising and managing business trips. Unlike traditional travel agents, they work exclusively with corporate clients, providing companies and professionals with bespoke solutions.

The duties of a corporate travel agent include:

• Managing travel in line with company policies and established budgets;
• Coordinating every stage of the trip, from transportation to accommodation;
• Using digital platforms to monitor bookings, expenses and reports;
• Negotiating discounted rates thanks to established relationships with suppliers;
• Ensuring the continuity, safety and quality of the traveller’s experience.

Corporate travel agent vs. travel management company: the differences

There is often confusion over the roles of corporate travel agents and Travel Management Companies (TMCs). In reality, these are two different solutions which can also be integrated with each other.

• A corporate travel agent is a professional who specialises in personalised business travel management. They work closely with clients to understand their specific needs and take care of bookings, assistance and monitoring themselves;
• A TMC, on the other hand, is a structured organisation offering comprehensive travel management services to companies of all sizes. TMCs provide dedicated teams, digital platforms, data analysis, 24/7 support and large-scale agreements with suppliers.

These two entities often collaborate: a corporate travel agent may work within a TMC as a point of contact for specific clients, or a company may opt to use both a trusted travel agent and a TMC. This approach combines a personalized service with advanced technological tools, offering maximum control and efficiency in travel management.

The advantages of using a corporate travel agent for business travel

Companies that have to manage frequent and complex travel can benefit from choosing a corporate travel agent. The most interesting of these are:

• Punctuality: having a dedicated agent ensures that every booking is made in a way that reduces delays and misunderstandings, guaranteeing that trips align perfectly with professional commitments;
• Risk reduction: thanks to proactive management and constant monitoring, a corporate travel agent can help to manage unexpected events, cancellations or emergencies, thereby reducing operational risks for travellers;
• Improved compliance: an experienced travel agent is familiar with company policies and international regulations, facilitating compliance with rules and duty of care procedures;
• Cost control: By negotiating rates and leveraging established partnerships, corporate travel agents optimize travel budgets, avoiding waste and unexpected expenses;
• Customisation: Each transfer can be tailored to travellers’ needs, including premium solutions such as LimoLane’s chauffeur services to ensure a comfortable, safe and high-quality experience.

Technology and innovation in travel management

We recognise that, like other sectors, the world of business travel is undergoing a profound digital transformation, enabling corporate travel agents and travel managers to work more efficiently.

Technology is an excellent ally in simplifying activities and providing access to fast bookings, tracking and reporting. In particular, technology such as that offered by LimoLane allows road mobility to be seamlessly integrated into corporate travel management workflows. Through the web app or customised platform, agents can:

• Book premium transfers in just a few clicks;
• Monitor every service in real time thanks to digital tracking;
• Access clear invoicing and costs at all times;
• Ensure a user experience that meets the expectations of business customers.

In addition, LimoLane offers multilingual support and dedicated 24/7 assistance that integrates with companies’ existing travel management systems, improving service continuity and reducing the risk of disruption.

Therefore, technological innovation is not just about booking; it encompasses the entire travel ecosystem, providing corporate travel agents and travel managers with a comprehensive and secure overview of every trip.

To learn more about LimoLane’s business services, start here.