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Company Profile - FAQsQ. Why are you different?A. First and foremost we are an agency that understands the pressures placed on all businesses from customers, shareholders, bankers, regulators etc. to operate an efficient, cost effective and profitable organisation. We know precisely how these pressures manifest themselves for, after all, we too are running a business in a fiercely competitive industry where only those committed to providing the highest standards of excellence will succeed. Q. What about standards?A. In order to accomplish and maintain these standards we have made a strong commitment to training and we are able to boast that our team is made up from well travelled, responsible, qualified and cost conscious individuals who are able to handle your account with professionalism and maturity. Q. Are you financially secure?A. It is naturally important for commercial clients to feel secure in the knowledge that the travel agent is financially sound and properly accredited. As a member of both IATA and ABTA our clients may take comfort from the fact that The Travellers’ Friend is fully bonded and licensed and has passed the rigorous financial tests that these associations demand to ensure consumer protection. Indeed, we are rated strongly, placing our financial stability and performance amongst the top 5% within this industry sector. Q. Why are you ‘more than’ a travel agent?A. We recognise that travel generally forms an important part of many companies operating needs and that it usually represents significant expenditure in the overall budget. No longer is the role of the business travel agent confined to simply making reservations and order taking from clients. Clients' expectations now demand, and rightly so, a high degree of sophistication and a full travel management facility. The agent must now work in close liason with clients to achieve the optimum both in terms of cost and expediency. Only by working together in an honest and transparent relationship can we hope to develop and grow our business whilst at the same time assisting with your own business success. Q. What technology benefits do you offer?A. We have ensured that we are equipped with ‘state of the art’ technology and that we are constantly reviewing our position to take account of this rapidly changing technological environment. We employ the latest ‘Focalpoint’ Galileo systems and operate ATB document printers to ensure the speedy processing of check-in facilities and to limit the likelihood of errors occurring at airports. We will seek creative solutions to your travel specifications and make suggestions designed to take advantage of economic opportunities which exist in this truly global business. Q. What other financial benefits can you offer?A. We will keep you informed of relevant developments in the industry in order that you can seize opportunities which could be of benefit to your business. We will recommend alternatives, if appropriate, to your current methods of payment thereby extending periods of credit and generating cash flow advantages. We will ensure that your company and those executives travelling on your behalf are enrolled in the many ‘Frequent Flyer Reward Programmes’, some of which offer benefits to both the employer as well as the actual traveller. Q. What do you mean by your ‘personal’ approach?A. We understand how important it is for travel organisers in your company to feel confident in the agency and we will ensure that they are given the opportunity to meet the members of our team responsible for your account. We know how aggravating it can be to have to deal with anonymous voices on the ‘phone and we place considerable store in trying to build personal relationships and to maintain the continuity of personnel. Q. How do you dispatch tickets?A. Although, in this high tech age there is no difficulty in arranging for travel documents to be available at the point of departure, we also appreciate that many travellers feel more secure having their documents in their possession and avoid the need of queuing at airport ticket counters. We will ensure these documents are delivered to your premises prior to your departure. Electronic tickets and tickets on departure continue to be an option. Q. How quickly can you respond?A. We also understand and fully appreciate that business can sometimes call for immediate travel and that much might hinge on your ability to react. We are your service for such emergencies 24 hours a day. |