Middle East strategy a success for BCD Travel

The company's commitment to innovation, technology and outstanding customer service has quickly achieved results, with significant new client wins, a widely recognized brand and a unique approach to streamline operational processes all playing their part.

Over the last 24 months, BCD Travel has moved forward on a long-term strategy to become a Middle East market leader in the provision of managed multinational corporate travel progams. Increased support on the ground, technology innovation and process standardization are all key to the company's success.

BCD Travel's strategy for further growth in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) regions is being led by organic client program expansion and prospective demand. BCD Travel anticipates growing further into three to five new markets in the Middle East over the coming months.

In coordination with BCD Travel's global operations, existing client-led travel program consolidation opportunities are increasing rapidly for the MEA regions. Corporations recognize the advantages that BCD Travel can deliver, particularly with regard to overall travel program savings, increased leverage in supplier negotiations and traveler security and risk mitigation. National, regional and global client wins currently being implemented in the region have combined travel volumes in excess of US$50 million; a significant volume of potential new business, exceeding $60m, is still in the pipeline.

BCD Travel is perfectly placed to provide in-depth account management and analysis of clients' travel needs and patterns, enabling corporations to truly control the total cost of their travel programs. DecisionSource, BCD Travel's management information solution suite, effectively delivers managed travel data throughout the reservation lifecycle to improve business practices and help clients better manage their costs.

Greg O'Neil, Managing Director and Senior Vice President for Growth & Emerging Markets, said:

"BCD Travel has truly established itself as a leading business travel specialist in the Middle East. We have experienced phenomenal new client growth from a variety of industry sectors, most notably oil and telecommunications. Our strategy to invest in resources, technology and the brand has been very successful to date, but we're not stopping here."

O'Neil added: "Economies in the Middle East don't appear to be slowing as much as others in today's uncertain economic climate. Nonetheless, BCD Travel's approach has always been - and will continue to be - to reduce the impact of travel expenditure on our clients' bottom line by providing outstanding customer service and effective technology solutions."

To show its commitment to a more focused regional approach within its new hub structure for growth and emerging markets, BCD Travel earlier this year appointed a Strategic Development Manager (SDM) for the Middle East. The SDM is responsible for increased coordination and business development in the region, concentrating on process efficiencies, branding and training initiatives across Middle Eastern markets to ensure the delivery of consistently high service levels and market presence.

BCD Travel's Middle East country representatives will be present in Dubai this month for the company's next regional strategy and planning summit as well as for the Business Travel Show in Dubai, October 20-21. BCD Travel will be demonstrating its travel technology offerings and service excellence at the Business Travel Show at stand 111.