Travel Management FAQs

What is the function of a travel management company?

A travel management company (TMC) specialises in planning and booking corporate travel, handling all aspects from start to finish and offering expert support and guidance to businesses. This includes making arrangements for group flights, hotels, car rentals and transport; as well as handling cost management, policy compliance and traveller safety.

Why use a travel management company?

There are several reasons to use a travel management company (TMC), not least of all because they can simplify corporate travel arrangements, add value and save businesses money. As experts in the field, TMCs can also offer a streamlined booking process, policy compliance, data and reporting, and finally, employee safety and security when travelling.

What does CTM stand for?

CTM stands for corporate travel management. It is the process of organising and facilitating corporate travel for businesses. 

What is corporate travel management?

Corporate travel management is the system companies use to arrange and facilitate business travel. While this primarily includes planning, booking and budget management, it also involves setting company travel policies and using technology to streamline processes and track spending.

Why is corporate travel management so important?

Corporate travel management is important for businesses because it can reduce costs, improve employee safety, and ensure policy compliance at all times. By investing in CTM, businesses can centralise and even automate travel bookings, giving them more control over spending, as well as providing support for travellers in an emergency. This simplified process and peace of mind enables employees to focus on their work, rather than the logistics. 

What is MICE in travel?

MICE stands for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions. It’s a specialised area of the travel sector that focuses on corporate and group travel, particularly when arranging large-scale, professional events. 

What are the four pillars of MICE?

The four pillars of MICE include:

• Meetings: Client meetings, team gatherings, training sessions and internal reviews.

• Incentives: Reward-based trips for employees or partners who have worked hard, incentivising others to perform well.

• Conferences: Typically larger-scale, more formal events such as networking events or galas.

• Exhibitions: Trade shows, product launches, seminars or award shows. 

What services are included in MICE travel management?

Some of the key services included in MICE travel management are: strategic planning, venue selection, travel logistics, accommodation, transportation and financial management for events. This could also include itineraries and activities tailored to meet specific corporate objectives.

What is a group flight booking?

A group flight booking refers to one booking for a larger number of passengers, typically 10, although this can vary depending on the airline. These tend to be used in situations such as corporate or educational travel or sporting events. This is more practical when making arrangements for lots of individuals would be a costly and lengthy process.

Is it cheaper to book flights as a group?

Some airlines will offer discounted rates for group bookings, which can make them cheaper. Plus, working with a travel management partner like Meon means they are likely to have strong relationships with major airlines, often securing better airfares that aren't always made available to the public. 

What are the benefits of booking group flights?

There are several key benefits to booking group flights, such as possible cost savings and greater flexibility, like being able to share baggage allowances or make changes to your booking. A group booking also guarantees that everyone in the group will pay the same airfare, and you’ll get dedicated support from experts in the field.

What is conference travel management?

Conference travel management is the specialised planning of any travel logistics related to a conference. This might include the booking of flights and hotels, arranging transportation on the ground, and managing logistics for those who will be attending.

What is repatriation travel management?

Repatriation travel management is the system of organising and conducting the return of an individual to their home country, as a result of  a medical emergency, illness or death while abroad. It involves taking on all logistical and administrative tasks like booking flights or air ambulances and securing medical clearance.

What are repatriation expenses?

The costs of transporting someone who is ill, injured or deceased back to their home country can be huge. Factors that contribute to these expenses often include flights, the need for an air ambulance, emergency medical assistance during transport, sealed coffins or embalming requirements, managing paperwork and coordinating healthcare on both sides.