Whitepaper: Optimizing Global Travel Data

Travel and Transport is excited to offer our latest whitepaper, developed in conjunction with the BTN Group entitled Optimizing Global Travel Data.

In an increasingly globalized economy in which businesses are
continuously driving down costs and increasing productivity, it stands to reason that an increasing number of travel managers have globalized their travel programs—or will soon be on that path. When managed successfully, globalized travel programs offer a number of benefits.

Making the Connection: Travel and Transport’s Growth and Success as a Traveler-Centric, Service-Focused Company

Chicago: Site of Travel and Transport's 2012 Corporate Conference. Photo used under CC License by anneh632 (Flickr) Last week over 100 Travel and Transport managers and executives ventured to the Windy City to attended our annual Corporate Conference. With 13 first time attendees at the conference the adrenaline and excitement could be felt in the air. Everyone was eager to network, bond as a team and hear what our future holds as a Travel and Transport employee owner.

The theme of the conference was ‘Making the Connection’. Our President and CEO, Bill Tech explained to the group that the conference was designed to help us all focus on creating new ways of working together, cross mingling our talents and sharing our knowledge base with our fellow employee owners. He said, “We are a team. Focusing, collaborating and creating together will make us a stronger, better company.” By the smiles in the room you could tell that we were all ready to connect!

In Bill’s opening remarks regarding his vision for the company, he emphasized that we will continue to grow our company and we anticipate seeing Travel and Transport grow 2-3 times our current size within the next 5 years. As we currently sit at over $50 million in new business in 2012, Bill was excited to announce the posting of 10 new job openings in our Sales, Account Management and Operations departments as well as additions to our agent team to support our tremendous sales efforts. Beyond internal growth, we will continue to look for acquisition opportunities. Bill was quick to point out however, that our unique culture is not one that can be replicated in the market place and we will make sure that any acquisition we make is one that is strategic and that makes good sense for our entire company.  

Bill also spoke of our technology offerings and explained to the group that we must maintain our belief in creating proprietary solutions while at the same time working with 3rd party providers to strengthen our offerings. This strategy will allow us to become more of a traveler-centric company; one that provides options to travelers so that they feel empowered in their travel decisions yet allows for travel managers or procurement teams to keep a firm control on the overall travel program.

Bill emphasized our continued dedication to our global solution. Our partnership with RADIUS will continue to grow and thrive as we work together to create solutions and integrate data in a way that is truly beneficial to our clients. These solutions will be customized for those just embarking on a multinational program or created for those that have a mature global program in place.

Most importantly Bill emphasized that we must continue to focus on what has become our company's mantra – that customer service must remain at the forefront of all of our minds. All of our employee-owners must continue to understand that this strength is one that needs to be constantly nurtured. We will continue to differentiate ourselves in the market with our focus on quick response times and follow-up that is meaningful to our clients. We cannot lose focus on this foundation from which our company was built.

The week was jam packed with amazing presentations by our internal departments as well as a day-long procurement seminar presented by Will Tate, Senior Vice President, Management Alternatives. Though many may have been skeptical to read our agenda and see an 8-hour session on procurement, the comments that were revealed after the seminar were very powerful. Many great takeaways were conjured up during this session with action plans being created in our team meetings.

It is always inspiring to have time with fellow colleagues to focus on how we can all connect to become better and create new ways of doing things. Keep your eyes open for many new initiatives from Travel and Transport that truly show how we are making the connection.

What You Need to Know About Atlanta's New International Terminal

In less than a month, travelers traveling to, from, and through Atlanta will soon realize the convenience of the new Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. This new terminal, which is being called Atlanta's "New Front Door to the World", includes 12 gates on the new Concourse F that will serve as a gateway for those leaving the US to 80 different destinations in 50 countries. It will also connect those flying into the US with over 150 US cities. All carriers operating international routes at Hartsfield-Jackson will use this new terminal. The new concourse also incorporates the airport’s commitment to sustainability. The terminal features recycled materials, carbon footprint reduction, water reclamation, and many other “green” efforts to reduce the environmental impact of the airport to the surrounding areas.

“The new terminal will allow those who are deplaning on the return to leave the international terminal and jump in a car and go, instead of riding the train with 5 stops before baggage claim where they have to reclaim their bags,” said Dorrie Green, Director of Operations for Travel and Transport’s Atlanta office. “The added capacity will help the region to continue to grow into the global marketplace that we are now a part of.”

How to Get There:

• Travelers departing from ATL for international flights will access the International terminal via Interstate 75, Exit 239 (different entrance than Domestic flights)
• Travelers departing ATL for domestic flights will access the Domestic terminal from Interstate 85, Exit 72
• Nonstop international flights check in at international terminal. International flights routing through another US city check in at domestic terminals.
• Shuttle service between international terminal and domestic terminals.

Checking Your Bags:

• No need to recheck bags on Atlanta international flights
• 8 security checkpoint lanes
• New US Customs and Border Protection facility

Getting Around the Airport:

• The Plane Train (people mover) has been extended to Concourse F – connecting it to all terminals.
• Free designated shuttle to rental car center
• Hourly, Gold Reserve, and Park-Ride parking options available

For more information on the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal, please visit the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport website. 

UPDATE: APRIL 25, 2012:
Travel and Transport Account Representative Debbie Michel had the opportunity to visit the new terminal last week and provided the following first-hand comments on the new terminal. Thanks Debbie!:

I toured the new Concourse F on Friday! It is beautiful, easy to walk through, well thought out, plenty of charging stations, showers and LOTS of light. Concourse F is self-contained with baggage, customs, and passenger parking onsite. The challenge will be that ATL will continue to operate international flights in Concourse E also so they still will need to shuttle/people move between E and F (about 12 minutes). For Atlanta based travelers they will find it difficult to use offsite parking until those lots get permission to drop and pickup travelers. F is accessed on I-75 and not I-85 like the Main Terminal. I also saw the new Delta Sky Club. It is beautiful, newest design with again lots of light, no meeting rooms, space for eating and showers. International travelers connecting through Atlanta with longer layovers will find it worthwhile to have access to the club which is located in the middle of Concourse F. Delta is communicating to SkyMiles travelers that they will notify them of which Concourse their flight will be assigned. Our travelers should find smooth sailing (carpeted floor) through customs with lots of kiosks for Trusted Traveler. If Customs wants to get up close and personal there is a holding cell in the back along with the “beagles”. Concourse F will most assuredly relieve the traffic at the Main Terminal and the trains running from A to E Concourses. In Atlanta we are happy to have this new addition.

5 Tips for Traveling with your Family

Does it make your head hurt just thinking about planning a family vacation? Where do you start and what direction should you take?  Here are some things to consider:

1. Kids stay free at many all-inclusive resorts.

Since most of your meals, drinks, snacks and activities are included, this is a great way to save money on a family vacation. At all-inclusive resorts, non-motorized sport activities are usually also included, along with different dining experiences and nightly entertainment.

2. Find a hotel that accommodates 5 or more people.

Some hotels and resorts offer suites which can accommodate the number in your family.  Paying for one larger room might be much more affordable than paying for multiple smaller rooms.  Another option: adjoining rooms, to give the family plenty of space and bathrooms while still connected!

3. Look for Kids and Teens Clubs.

A hotel with family-friendly amenities like kids’ and teens’ clubs, or specially designated kids’ pools are popular. This offers the opportunity to go your own way during the day and reconnect later on. Some resorts offer supervised play areas and complimentary babysitting, along with toys to check out.  

4. Choose a destination with lots of activities

Each day can bring something new and exciting when on vacation. From exploring the surrounding area around your hotel, to swimming at a pool or the beach, be sure there are plenty of things to do.  Some resorts feature waterparks, discos for teens, nature trails, art classes, and the like.

5. Try something new as a family

Experience something you have never done together before!  Watersports like snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, biking trips, or attending a sporting event of the local team - the possibilities are endless.

Whatever you choose to do, everyone in the family will be sure to remember it for a lifetime. So go ahead, create great memories for that family scrapbook. If you need help coming up with some great family vacation ideas, our Travel and Transport Vacations team would love to help.