6 Signs You Need a Travel Manager

You know the feeling. You’re so busy at work keeping all the plates spinning, you hardly have time to scratch yourself. You’re probably wearing all kinds of hats in the business, from people manager to money watcher to chief getter of the cakes for the office birthday party. And with work travel becoming such an important part of doing business, you’re probably handling all of that too.

Good news, there is a better way. Bringing a Travel Management Company (TMC) on board to manage your travel has many benefits, including saving you time, money, and your sanity. So, how do you know when you should appoint a TMC? Here’s six sure signs that the time is - now.

If your company’s travel volume is steadily increasing and more employees are on the move, the complexity of coordinating flights, accommodation and itineraries also increases. A dedicated travel manager can streamline this process, ensuring that everything runs smoothly.

Are your travel expenses spiralling out of control? Without a travel manager, it’s easy for costs to balloon due to last-minute bookings, inefficient routes, or non-compliance with company travel policies. A travel manager can negotiate better deals, implement cost-saving strategies, and monitor spending to keep budgets in check.

If your team is regularly dealing with travel disruptions—like delayed flights, overbooked hotels, or missed connections—it might be time for a TMC. A business travel manager can anticipate potential issues, arrange alternative plans quickly, and ensure that your employees are supported during travel emergencies.

When travel is managed by various people within the company, inconsistency can become a problem. From booking preferences to expense reporting, different approaches can lead to confusion and inefficiency. A travel manager ensures consistency across all travel-related activities, from bookings to compliance with travel policies.

“The great thing about running a SME, is you get to choose which 18 hours of the day you work”
- Anon

Business travel comes with risks, including safety, legal and compliance issues. If your company is struggling to manage these risks, a travel manager can help. They stay up to date with travel regulations, ensure that employees adhere to travel policies, and provide necessary training or guidelines to minimise risks.

If your admin staff is spending a significant amount of time managing travel, it’s a clear sign that a travel manager is needed. By handling the complexities of travel arrangements, a business travel manager allows your administrative team to focus on other essential tasks, improving overall efficiency.

Find out how Flight Centre Business Travel can help streamline your business’ end-to-end travel program and make your travel for work easy.