The travel management company steps in to fill the gap left behind by smaller agencies in Singapore; plans to roll out the initiative in Malaysia and Hong Kong when borders re-open for international travel.
FCM, one of the world’s largest travel management companies has announced the launch of its fee-free travel management programme for start-ups to mid-sized companies in Singapore. Following the first programme roll-out for Singapore, FCM plans to launch the initiative in markets like Malaysia and Hong Kong when they re-open for international travel on a greater scale in 2022.
The programme aims to help SMEs travel more and spend less. “We are launching a fee-free travel management programme in Singapore because we believe it’s the right thing to do to support start-ups and mid-sized companies,” said Henry Jones, Director of Marketing who is also leading the SME Travel division in Asia. “Often, these companies have similar business travel needs as MNCs and large national companies but are held back by greater budgetary considerations. They also have less negotiating power for group deals with suppliers as compared to large organisations. This is our way of supporting them – providing cost-effective rates and full travel management services inclusive of technology support at no fees.”
The first of its kind in Singapore, FCM’s fee-free travel management programme for start-ups to mid-sized companies provides fee-free business travel for all flight and hotel bookings. FCM will also help the company with systems and technology implementation at no cost, completed within two weeks. Services included within the programme are FCM’s 24/7 expert agent support; monthly reporting; always available duty of care via Safety and Risk functions through FCM’s mobile technology to account for the well-being and location of every traveller; and online booking capabilities.
With the re-opening of the Singapore borders and Vaccinated Travel Lane arrangements with several markets in Q4 of 2021, business travel has been on the rise. The pandemic had also left many start-ups and mid-sized companies stranded with the closure of several local agencies, which has impelled FCM to step up and fill in the gaps left behind by these players.
“We recognise that the travel landscape is changed which has created a challenging trading environment for some companies, especially budget-conscious clients,” said Vicki Parris, Vice-President of Customer Success for FCM in Asia. “It has always been important for us to work collaboratively together as an industry to support each other through difficult times. This initiative allows us to offer a helping hand to more Singaporean start-ups and mid-sized companies as they continue to grow. Furthermore, we want to continue to be able to provide more customers with the FCM trademark personalised service regardless of the size of a company,” added Parris.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
