For Immediate Release | Official News Wire for the Travel Industry

Where press releases are breaking news

Europe Companies Twice as Likely to Travel than North America

by

A global survey of Uniglobe Travel corporate clients finds that companies in Europe are almost twice as likely as those in North America to have employees travelling now or expect to have travel within 3 months.  Just 32% of North American companies indicated that they have employees currently travelling, will do so within a month, or within 2-3 months, compared to 61% of European companies.  Globally, this number was 48.7%.

The survey was conducted by Uniglobe Travel from June 15-25, asking travel managers and decision makers from corporate accounts to answer 14 questions about how their travel policy was changing to reflect the Covid19 travel environment and their timing and expectations about the resumption of travel.

In line with Europe’s earlier expectations of travel, 56% of European companies had already made travel policy changes compared with only 41% of North American companies. The most common policy changes globally were limiting or banning travel for internal meetings (64.1%) followed by limiting participation at meetings or conferences based on attendee numbers or places of origin (54.1%).

“Looking at the travel policy changes, there is a discernable traveller-centric approach,” says Martin Charlwood, President & Chief Operating Officer for Uniglobe Travel International. “The least popular policy changes are those that impact traveller rights and privacy – such as requiring them to sign liability waivers, use a tracking app or restricting their personal activities including staying with friends and family during a business trip.”

Another area of interest in the survey looks at environmental and sustainability considerations in corporate travel policy. “As companies have increasingly been prioritizing sustainability within travel programs, we know that balancing sustainability with physical distancing can be problematic,” says Andrew Henry, VP US Operations for Uniglobe Travel International. “Many forms of environmentally friendly travel – such as shared transport – are less popular or viable at this time. However, it was encouraging to see that amongst companies that had sustainability elements in their pre-Covid19 travel policy, well over half of those expect the sustainability policies to be strengthened or enhanced in the next 18 months.”

Uniglobe Travel agencies worldwide will continue to consult with their clients on their evolving travel policy and will now use this survey report and data, along with other Uniglobe resources, to do so.

See Uniglobe Corporate Travel Policy Survey results and key findings attached.

About Uniglobe Travel

With a global network of local travel agencies across more than 60 countries, Uniglobe Travel leverages current technologies and preferred pricing to deliver leading edge travel management services with a local, customer-centric approach. With a focus on small and medium business travel as well as leisure, our goal is to drive success through better travel.

Uniglobe Travel was founded in 1981 by U. Gary Charlwood, CEO, and is headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. It generates annual system-wide sales of circa $5 billion (pre-Covid19).

More news about Uniglobe.

#rebuildingtravel

Media contact: media@uniglobe.com

Uniglobe Travel launches revitalized brand

by

Uniglobe Travel International is launching a new brand presence, an evolution of the brand created almost 40 years ago that has become synonymous with corporate travel. This new brand identity and design package reflects Uniglobe’s new mission – to drive clients’ success through better travel.

“At Uniglobe, our vision is to be the unrivaled travel partner of choice for small and medium businesses,” says U. Gary Charlwood, Founder, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Uniglobe Travel International. “Our new brand reflects our continued commitment to innovation while providing our clients with an elevated service experience that puts them first. To succeed in today’s travel industry, it’s all about being engaged, knowledgeable, creative problem-solvers, with the ability to see possibilities and solutions others can’t. Now, we are taking the brand to another level with a focused client-centric strategy, all about providing travel solutions that help businesses grow.”

Uniglobe’s worldwide network, represented in 60 countries, gives clients the benefit of accessing content and technology they wouldn’t get from an independent agency, combined with hands-on support from local agency owners who really care about their clients. Uniglobe’s local owners are personally invested in ensuring that they provide seamless travel experiences while effectively managing a travel budget. That approach is encapsulated in the new brand motto – Travel Well.

“Our new brand identity is sophisticated and professional but still pays tribute to the core values that the company was built on – flexibility, reliability and dependability,” says Martin Charlwood, President & Chief Operating Officer for Uniglobe Travel International. “As we worked on this renewed strategic direction over the last year, it was important it speaks to the passion our agency owners have for understanding what their clients need and their dedication to helping them succeed, whether they are taking a routine trip to a meeting or organizing a conference on another continent.”

The new brand is the result of a broad, year-long strategic review. The process started with internal and external focus groups and research, guided by strategy firm RedShift Collective to help enunciate the brand’s well-established character and place within the industry. Following this, Uniglobe brought in branding agency Carter Hales, which sought to bring the brand firmly into the future while retaining the iconic teal that has so long been associated with Uniglobe.

Over the coming months, the world will know the essence of Uniglobe in a way never expressed before. Its agency owners’ innate desire to help their clients improve and grow their business will come across in every location; on every phone call; in all materials; and how client relationships are nurtured everyday.

About Uniglobe Travel www.uniglobe.com

With a global network of local travel agencies across more than 60 countries, Uniglobe Travel leverages current technologies and preferred pricing to deliver leading edge travel management services with a local, customer-centric approach. With a focus on small and medium business travel as well as leisure, our goal is to drive success through better travel.

Uniglobe Travel was founded in 1981 by U. Gary Charlwood, CEO, and is headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. It generates annual system-wide sales of circa $5 billion.

Media contact: media@uniglobe.com

UNIGLOBE Travel Names its 2020 List of Top Performing Travel Management Teams Worldwide

by

UNIGLOBE Travel International has announced its 2020 UNIGLOBE Chairman’s Circle and Platinum Circle members. Membership is awarded to UNIGLOBE agencies and travel management companies (TMCs) who achieve the highest standards of service and financial performance. 

Twenty-three UNIGLOBE members from nine countries were recognized this year at an annual meeting hosted by UNIGLOBE founder and chairman U. Gary Charlwood and president and COO Martin Charlwood. The meeting took place from December 3 – 6 at the Hotel Grand Vela Riviera Nayarit in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Countries represented included Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Germany, India, the Netherlands, United Kingdom and United States.

Guest speakers included travel technology evangelist and serial startup founder Johnny Thorsen; Amadeus executive vice president of business travel and managing director of the Americas, Rajiv Rajian; Amadeus head of managed travel in North America Jay Richmond; Delta Airlines franchise account manager Tim Frederick; IATA regional director, financial and distribution services, Americas, Alicia Lines; and UNIGLOBE Travel Asia Pacific managing director David Hughes. Sponsors included Amadeus, United Airlines and Delta Airlines.

In keeping with event tradition, attendees also contributed to longtime charitable partner Plan International, raising USD $17,000 to support the organization’s Safe Schools for Refugees program in Ethiopia.

Says U. Gary Charlwood, “I have always believed that it is vitally important for companies to recognize, celebrate and engage high-performing teams. They are the reason UNIGLOBE has thrived for nearly 40 years. Adds Martin Charlwood, “This has been a strong year of growth for UNIGLOBE. We are pleased to be able to share in our success with our Chairman’s Circle members and show them our appreciation.”

The first UNIGLOBE office opened in British Columbia, Canada in 1981 and has since grown to include locations in 60 countries.

About UNIGLOBE Travel International 

Working globally to serve clients locally across more than 60 countries, UNIGLOBE Travel International leverages current technologies and preferred supplier pricing to save clients time and money on business and leisure travel services. Since 1981, corporate and leisure travellers have depended on the UNIGLOBE brand to deliver services beyond expectations. UNIGLOBE Travel was founded by U. Gary Charlwood, CEO and has its world headquarters in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Annual system-wide sales volume is $5.0+ billion.

Media contact: media@uniglobe.com

UNIGLOBE Travel International launches UNIGLOBE Apartment Services for travellers seeking full-suite accommodations

by

UNIGLOBE Travel International has partnered with The Apartment Service (TAS) to cater to business and holiday travellers seeking alternatives to hotel accommodations.

UNIGLOBE Apartment Services provides short and long-term accommodations for itineraries of one week or more. Says UNIGLOBE president and chief operating officer Martin Charlwood, “Especially when it comes to long-term business trips, many of our customers crave the comforts of home when they travel abroad. With this partnership, travellers who book with UNIGLOBE can now choose from more than one million serviced apartments in more than 160 countries in addition to hotel accommodations.”

All properties come fully furnished with equipped kitchens and access to a washer/dryer. Wi-fi and housekeeping are included. Accommodations can be booked for a minimum of one week up to a year and include a choice of:

  • Temporary serviced accommodation
  • Extended stay
  • Residences
  • Apart-hotels
  • Serviced apartments for corporate use

“I am delighted that TAS is now assisting UNIGLOBE with the delivery of extended stay and corporate housing solutions for their business clients”, says Charlie McCrow, CEO of The Apartment Service. “Business trips and assignments away from home are more frequently required than ever before and this option is widely preferred due to the cost savings and extra comfort provided by a larger living space on these longer stays away from home.”

About UNIGLOBE

Working globally to serve clients locally across more than 60 countries, UNIGLOBE Travel International leverages current technologies and preferred supplier pricing to save clients time and money on business and leisure travel services. Since 1981, corporate and leisure travellers have depended on the UNIGLOBE brand to deliver services beyond expectations. UNIGLOBE Travel was founded by U. Gary Charlwood, CEO and has its world headquarters in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Annual system-wide sales volume is $5.0+ billion.

About The Apartment Service

The Apartment Service (TAS Global) is the leading global serviced apartment booking agency. TAS Global has over three decades of experience, offering a wide choice of solutions for corporate travel buyers looking to develop global, regional or local extended stay programmes for business travel, relocation, assignments and business projects. TAS Global operates from our 7 global offices in London, New York, Lisbon, Madrid, Barcelona, Frankfurt and Singapore providing an end to end service for consulting, sourcing, booking, managing and analysing reservations into serviced apartments worldwide, using our own proprietary technology. In February 2014 The Apartment Service launched the celebrated TAS Alliance. The TAS Alliance brings together small and large serviced apartment operators across the globe under a single representation, distribution and marketing strategy, all powered by a common technology platform.

For more information, visit apartmentservice.com and thetasalliance.com.

Media contact: media@uniglobe.com

UNIGLOBE Alliance Travel and UNIGLOBE Travel Partners-NJ named UNIGLOBE TMCs of the year

by

UNIGLOBE Travel International has announced a tie for its Travel Management Company (TMC) of the Year award.

Tied for top spot are UNIGLOBE Alliance Travel in the Netherlands and UNIGLOBE Travel Partners – NJ in New Jersey, USA. The award is the most prestigious in the UNIGLOBE Travel network. Founder and chief executive U. Gary Charlwood, alongside president and chief operating officer Martin Charlwood, announced this year’s recipients at the bi-annual UNIGLOBE Global Rendezvous, held this year in Vienna, Austria, to an audience of TMCs from 60 countries.

Accepting the award on behalf of the winners was Rob Jansen, owner of UNIGLOBE Alliance Travel, and Marie Magliano, owner of UNIGLOBE Travel Partners – NJ.

“Rob and his team at UNIGLOBE Alliance Travel embrace the true spirit of entrepreneurship,” says Martin Charlwood. “They are loyal supporters of UNIGLOBE and utilize the various programs and technologies to successfully manage their business. They value teamwork, customer service, and are always willing to share and assist other members of the UNIGLOBE family, in addition to going that extra mile for their team.” 

“I have had the pleasure of working with Marie and her team at UNIGLOBE Travel Partners – NJ for many years,” adds U. Gary Charlwood. “The team successfully runs their business through a combination of strategic selling, customer-focused servicing and teamwork. They are loyal supporters of UNIGLOBE and are fully engaged with our various programs, products and technologies. They are currently networking with many members, are always willing to help and share with others and are well respected amongst their peers.”

About UNIGLOBE

Working globally to serve clients locally across more than 60 countries, UNIGLOBE Travel leverages current technologies and preferred supplier pricing to save clients time and money on business and vacation travel planning. Since 1981, corporate and leisure travelers have depended on the UNIGLOBE Travel brand to deliver services that go beyond expectations. UNIGLOBE Travel was founded by U. Gary Charlwood, CEO and has its world headquarters in Vancouver, B.C., Canada.  Annual system-wide sales volume is $5.0+ billion.

Media contact: media@uniglobe.com