When it comes to booking travel, many people wonder about the difference between a business travel agency and a more stereotypical or regular travel agency. Since they both have their own advantages and specialties, the one you choose to use for your trips will depend on your needs.
Business travel agencies focus holistically on the travel and expectations of the organisations that they represent, including expense management, travel logistics and the individual travelers experience. While on the other hand, regular travel agencies specialize in leisure travel that curates dream vacations that help people recharge and reconnect.
Both types of agencies typically offer similar services, such as booking airfare, hotels, rental cars, and tours. However, there are some key differences between the two.
In this article, we’ll go over the key differences in details so that you can make the best decision for your next trip.
Business Travel Agency
A business travel agency specializes in arranging business trips for corporate clients. They usually have closer relationships with airlines and hotels, which allows them to negotiate better rates for their clients. They also have relationships with ground transportation companies that allow them to get their clients discounts on rental cars and other ground transportation.
The focus of business travel agencies is to save their clients money on business travel expenses, simplify administration, and the time to coordinate everything themselves. They also typically have more experience dealing with corporate red tape, such as visa requirements and government regulations. As a result, business travel agencies can often provide a smoother and more efficient travel experience for business travelers.
A good business travel agency can make all the difference when it comes to organizing a successful meeting, conference, or event. They will have the experience and know-how to handle all the logistics involved in planning and executing a successful event, from booking flights and hotels to arranging transportation.
Furthermore, a travel agency can also provide valuable insights into different destinations, helping their clients to choose a location that is convenient and cost-effective for their attendees. With their help, the clients can focus on getting the most out of their event without having to worry about the details.
In addition, these agencies have systems and processes in place to help their clients keep track of business travel expenses and comply with their company travel policies. One of the most important things is providing a consolidated view of all travel-related expenses.
This ensures that the clients have a complete picture of their spending and can identify areas where cost savings can be made. By helping their clients to better manage their travel expenses, corporate travel agencies can save businesses both time and money.
Many business travel agencies have custom online booking platforms for their clients to book business trips directly. These online booking tools help business travelers to stay organized and have everything in one place. On top of that, most business travel managers are available around the clock to assist their clients when plans change.
Regular Leisure Travel Agency
A regular leisure travel agency specializes in arranging leisure travel for individuals and families. Although they may still be able to book business trips, they are not geared towards business travelers. These agencies offer a variety of services in addition to booking airfare, hotels, rental cars, and tours. Such as putting together package deals that include multiple components of the trip, helping with visa applications, travel insurance, and currency exchange.
Leisure travel agencies also provide guidance on what attractions to see and things to do at their clients’ destination. They can assist with the planning of itineraries and make recommendations based on their client’s interests and budget. They help maximize the vacation experience by making sure that their clients have all the necessary information before departure.
This includes things like a list of recommended activities, restaurants, and attractions in the area, as well as any insider tips that will help the traveler make the most of their time. By taking care of all the details, a travel agency can help to ensure that the traveler has a stress-free and enjoyable vacation.
Since regular travel agencies focus on leisure travel, the agents working there will have a wealth of knowledge about hot travel destinations and are always staying on top of travel trends. They educate their clients about alternate destinations if they are open to suggestions and are looking for a different travel experience.
In conclusion
Both business and leisure travel can be stressful, especially if you are trying to coordinate travel arrangements on your own. A travel agency can take care of all the details for you, so that you can relax and enjoy your trip. For companies that frequently send employees on business trips, working with a business travel agency can be valuable.
Whether you’re looking to take a quick business trip or planning a leisurely vacation, it’s important to do your research and choose the right type of travel agency for your needs.
If you would like to learn more about booking business travel, conferences and events, our Travel Managers at Worldgo can help. We specialize in corporate travel and have years of experience helping businesses book and organize the best trips possible.
Contact us today to get started!
FAQ
What are the benefits of using a business travel agency?
A business travel agency can take care of all the details for you, allowing you to focus on your trip goals. You can save time and money while ensuring that your trip goes smoothly. They can provide guidance and support if there’s a problem during your trip. They will also have access to a wide range of travel services and vendors, so they can get the best deals for you.
How much does business travel agencies charge?
Business travel agencies typically charge a commission on the total cost of a business trip. While some operate to transparent cost-plus fee structure. The amount is typically dependent on the complexity of the itineraries. When choosing a business travel agency, it is important to ask about all fees upfront to avoid any surprises.
How to choose a good business travel agency?
You will want to make sure that the agency should not only be familiar with booking flights and hotels, but also with booking conferences and meetings, and have experience dealing with the unexpected events. Also make sure that the agency offers excellent after-hour support to help when you need it.