TMCs band together

(KUALA LUMPUR) Ten independent travel management companies (TMCs) in Asia have launched an alliance they tout as Asia’s first and largest corporate travel network with an “Asian-centric focus”. The Corporate Travel Alliance (CTA) has its regional headquarters in Singapore, under its initiator, Corporate Travel Services. Benjamin Christen, CTA director – partner relations, said: “Our value proposition is our regional strength and local knowledge. CTA seeks to leverage on the strength of its partners who know Asia best to meet the needs of clients within and to Asia.” Thaddeus Foo, CTA founding member and Corporate Information Travel managing director, said: “The alliance will provide a strong platform for sustainable longterm value for stakeholders, personalised and culturally-attuned service to customers, and new opportunities for employees.”

CTA members are Corporate Travel Services (Singapore), Corporate Information Travel (Malaysia), TransViet Travel Group (Vietnam), Far East Travel Center (Thailand), Best Tour (Indonesia), DVL (Taiwan), Travelux (Hong Kong), Hanjin Travel (South Korea), King of Travel (The Philippines) and a TMC in Japan whose name could not be disclosed at press time. Members have a combined sales turnover of US$1 billion. By year-end, CTA will expand its alliance into India, China, Australia and the UAE. 

CTA regional director Audrey Ng said partners would benefit from advanced travel technology sharing and account acquisition via regional and local tenders for CTA partners. New clients would gain from free consultation and advice, while all clients would welcome the boutique-style service based on Asian hospitality, competitive pricing and the conveniences of a one-stop hassle-free regional travel management services with consistency throughout. According to Foo, CTA would soon roll out joint marketing initiatives with airlines and hotel partners as well as negotiated deals for clients. He added that alliance members were expected to grow their business by 10 to 30 per cent within a year. 

-TTG Asia.