INTRODUCTION
One of the most popular questions we receive on a regular basis from prospective business travel clients, is “How can a travel management company (TMC) save my business money on my accommodation?”
And surprisingly, sometimes even those who already use a TMC for particular aspects of their business travel will still assume it’s cheaper to book their own accommodation. So, what’s the reality? Does it work out cheaper to DIY or should you leave it up to your TMC? Let’s find out!
WE LOVE A CHALLENGE
Recently, the purchasing department of one our clients threw a challenge our way to tangibly demonstrate our value in the booking of their business hotels, after claims from a traveller that they could find cheaper hotel rates by securing reservations directly with the hotel or via third-party consumer websites.
There’s nothing we love better at Gray Dawes than a challenge, so we began undertaking a thorough benchmarking exercise during the month of May, to review multiple room rate options. We compared our negotiated rates, our aggregator rates, property direct rates, and well-known consumer hotel aggregator rates to see which offered the very best rates.
THE CLIENTS NEEDS
Throughout the month of May 2018 the client in questions spent £279,606 on mid-week UK and European hotel stays – amounting to a total of 1237 room nights. These encompassed a range of different hotel properties, from 3-5*.
WHAT WAS THE RESULT?
One of the main reasons why business travel is important is the personal interaction that builds good foundations for a future or existing relationship. This can also reduce miscommunication, and encourage almost a sense of unity. Written communication on tricky subjects can often be read differently to the way the it was intended. Having a physical meeting around the same subject is so much more beneficial in understanding each other’s communication skills.
OUTRO
Want to find out more about our hotel booking? Find out exactly what we offer here. If you’d like to speak to a member of our team about your Travel Management, please get in touch.
MORE BLOGS
How Do Gen Z Travel for Business?
As more and more members of Gen Z enter the workforce, businesses want to understand what makes them tick and tap into their potential as new employees and customers. For Gen Z, business travel isn’t just about meetings and clocking miles – it’s about purpose. In this blog, we explore how Gen Z might approach business travel differently from previous generations, what values influence their travel behaviours, and the key takeaways for travel managers and bookers looking to serve them better.
6 Signs You Need a TMC
As your company grows, so do the demands of managing business travel. What once worked for a small team can quickly become a logistical headache – missed savings, compliance gaps, and limited support for employees on the move. This article outlines six clear signs it’s time to partner with a TMC. From rising travel costs and missed duty of care obligations to the complexities of international expansion, we’ll explore how a TMC can bring structure, savings, and peace of mind to your business travel programme, so you can focus on growth while your TMC handles the rest.
Toronto: A Business Traveller’s Guide
Located on the north-western shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto is a vibrant metropolis known for its multiculturalism, thriving economy, and global business influence. Originally founded in the 18th century as a British colonial town named York, the city adopted the Indigenous name “Toronto” in 1834 – thought to derive from the Mohawk word tkaronto, meaning “where trees stand in the water.”
Today, Toronto is Canada’s financial and tech capital, home to the headquarters of major banks, global consulting firms, and innovative startups. With one of the most diverse populations in the world and a booming downtown core, it’s an ideal destination for international professionals. In this comprehensive guide to Toronto for business travellers, we delve deeper into navigating the city’s unique corporate landscape, offer our top tips for getting around, and pick out our top 3 things to see or do to make your trip unforgettable.
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OUR PURPOSE
At the heart of everything we do are our people. We don’t just mean just our employees, but our clients and suppliers too.
At Gray Dawes Group we strive to create an environment which recognises and nurtures a healthy work/life balance – for our staff and clients alike.
By providing our customers with better travel management, they’re able to achieve what they need to by working flexibly, whether in the office, at home or around the globe.
