Oil and Gas Exploration/Production
Consulting Objectives
The client’s objective was to identify a single global travel agency and online booking tool to coordinate all business travel related bookings for travelers and contractors located across North America, Europe, Africa, Russia and Asia. The company’s unique travel patterns, technology, travel security and cost savings goals were of important consideration for TCG during the agency and online booking implementation.
Idea/Strategy
After examining its client’s travel patterns and expenditures, both domestic and international, TCG identified two possible service scenarios – a domestic North America travel program with an aggressive push toward online booking with local e-fulfillment; and an international travel program to include strong internationally-trained travel consultants. With the company’s new international ventures forthcoming, it was determined that a global program, with modifications for local country requirements, would provide the most workable solution.
Tactics/Tools
- Assessment of local market conditions and practices
- Identify vendors capable of meeting objectives
- Coordinate sourcing activities with Travel Council and IT resources
- Source technology solutions providers
- Review contract, implementation and adoption goals
Results
TCG achieved significant results for its client, including these major milestones:
- Implemented the global travel program on time and without interruption to travelers in North America, Europe, Africa and Asia (implemented completed within 90 days).
- Implemented a managed online booking tool, GetThere, including direct access to internet fares, a dedicated travel agent team, and 24x7 customer support owned and operated by a selected agency in the US and in the UK.
- Introduced and implemented electronic fulfillment to reduce agent intervention and maximize program savings.
- Established a process to upload employee changes, additions and deletions from the company’s HR database, to manage profiles monthly.
- Established an agency-managed external Company Travel Portal for access to online booking tool and other travel information for all employees and contractors globally.
- Implemented multiple reporting tools to provide service for employees, along with additional automated tools to increase the efficiency and manageability of company’s travel agency program.
- Implemented a global corporate philosophy in which headquarters sets broad business strategies in key areas, including travel management – while allowing for local input and local customization, where appropriate – to meet the needs of all regions during program implementation.
- Improved efficiencies and reduced costs worldwide to obtain an estimated 40% cost savings.
- Developed a global platform to allow for additional cost saving opportunities and enhanced services in other key sourcing elements of company’s global travel program.
Client Profile
Scope of Services Global
Primary Business: Oil and Gas Exploration/Production
Total Travel and Expense Budget: $70 million
Total Air Volume Annually: $33 million