At its launch stage the Egencia Advantage programme will include:
- LoungeBuddy - a global aggregator of airport lounge information for business travellers.
- Visa Services - through global network of partners including CIBT visas, offers travel visa processing services for applications, renewal or replacement.
- AirHelp - a passenger rights company helps business travellers apply for compensation from the airlines following a flight disruption.
- Traveller Risk Management - to connect travellers with recommended providers for their specific duty of care needs.
Egencia confirms that this is just the first stage and it is "actively seeking out relationships with the world's leading travel and technology companies" so it can enhance its offer and further improve people's travel experience and optimise cost and efficiency for both employee and employer.
"As a leading travel management company (TMC), we are going beyond booking to offer travellers a best-in-class integrated experience that makes corporate travel as efficient and enjoyable as possible," says Mark Hollyhead, chief operating officer at Egencia.
"There are so many touchpoints throughout the trip where we can help - from airport check-in to lounge access," he adds.
Egencia Advantage goes far beyond flight, hotel or ground transportation needs and is matching business travellers and their employers to innovative travel companies and solutions that cater to those in-between moments when things may perhaps go wrong, or when demands require some additional support.
For example, automatically receiving compensation for substantially delayed flights, automatically receiving refunds for all VAT charges expensed on your trip or having immediate access to world-class medical support without the worry over the cost of any treatment.
While these can be acquired directly by travellers or their employers, Egencia hopes an integrated solution via Advantage will appeal to the market. "We can connect travellers with the service providers they know and love, and fold them into a seamless package that not only benefits the traveller, but also helps drive compliance for companies," adds Mr Hollyhead.