Planning business travel might sound simple – book a flight, reserve a hotel, and that’s it. But anyone who’s handled it knows how quickly things can get complicated. You need business travel solutions to overcome problems like juggling tight schedules and multiple destinations.
Besides, with unexpected delays or confusing visa requirements, business trips can easily become stressful and time-consuming. That’s especially true when you factor in regional specifics. In any aspect of a business trip, local context matters. For example, Armenian business travelers may have completely different needs compared to those from Europe.
That’s why partnering with a professional travel agency can be a game-changer. In this blog we will break down 5 key reasons why teaming up with professionals is a smart move.
Handling Complex Itineraries
Business travel can get complicated fast when you’re dealing with multiple countries, airlines, and visa rules. Imagine you’re traveling from Armenia to multiple EU destinations and also have to stop for a conference in the UK. You’ll need a Schengen visa for the EU, but also a separate UK visa. This alone can impact how you plan flights, accommodations, and entry timelines.
Now add in low-cost carriers. It’s great for saving money, but they often require passengers to collect their luggage and re-check in for each leg of the trip. If you’re not prepared for that in advance, it could mean missed flights, which is especially critical when traveling on business.
That’s where a professional travel agency makes all the difference. Agencies like Levon Travel handle all details, including visa planning and baggage transfers.
Cost-Effective Solutions and Exclusive Deals
One of the biggest advantages of working with a professional travel agency is access to cost-effective business travel solutions you simply won’t find on your own. Agencies often act as official partners or sales representatives for airlines or car rental companies in the region. This gives access to corporate rates, booking discounts, and exclusive insider deals.
For example, if your business frequently flies from Yerevan to major hubs like Frankfurt, a travel agency that is an official sales representative might have some exclusive negotiated deals. In this case, fares are significantly lower than rates by other agencies or online booking systems. Or they might secure preferred hotel rates in cities your team visits regularly.
Besides booking deals, agencies help you set budget limits and manage monthly or yearly travel spending.
Time-Saving Booking and Support
Time is money, especially when it comes to business travel. Problems may emerge, for example, when flying low-cost airlines. Traveling from Armenia, tourists often rely on low-cost airlines with routes through hubs like Milan, Vienna, or Warsaw. These airlines frequently reschedule or cancel flights. If managing without a professional, a last-minute change can throw your whole trip off track.
A travel agency provides real-time support and has backup options ready. It can be alternative routes, fast re-bookings, or even switching to a different airline when needed. If a flight from Yerevan to Milan via WizzAir gets canceled, the agency might immediately offer a different connection through Vienna or rebook you through Tbilisi or Kutaisi in neighboring Georgia. Business travelers do not have their time and avoid spending time on logistics, being focused on work.
Better Traveler Safety and Risk Management
Employee travel is essential in today’s world. Travel agencies can offer 24/7 support, access to emergency contacts, and real-time travel alerts that help your team avoid unnecessary risks.
Let’s say the employee is traveling to a country where yellow fever vaccination is required. A travel agency will inform them ahead of time for entry and assist in scheduling it. The same is in the case of sudden political unrest or a health emergency in different regions. The agency can immediately reroute or delay travel plans, ensuring safety comes first.
They also help with travel insurance, up-to-date information on entry requirements, and changing health protocols in different countries. Do you remember COVID restrictions? It was especially important in those circumstances.
Expert Guidance on MICE
One of the most underrated benefits of working with a travel agency is having access to expert guidance on MICE. This refers to the organization of corporate travel events. The agencies can help with planning a meetup or a regional summit, bringing together employees from different countries. The agents can coordinate visas, flights, airport pickups, group accommodations and venues. They’ll even build a custom itinerary and handle last-minute changes if someone’s flight gets delayed.
The agency works closely with the client to define the specific goals and take care of every detail, including every aspect of a meeting and free-time activity. They also assist with budget planning, vendor negotiations and on-site coordination. With a travel agency, there is more structure and strategy in a complex MICE planning.
Business Travel Solutions by Local Agencies
Business travelers from Armenia can find all the services at Levon Travel, an agency with a decade of experience in the travel industry and a trusted partner for managing corporate travel for companies across various sectors.
The agency is dealing with incoming travel to Armenia and outgoing business trips abroad. It has provided services to a wide range of clients, including international organizations, embassies, NGOs, and private companies, tailoring travel solutions to meet their specific needs. This includes multi-stop itineraries, group travel and last-minute changes and VIP services.
Choose Levon Travel to plan your business trip ahead!