The innovative FlexConnect global affiliate partner program emerges from research insights, offering unprecedented flexibility, simplified access, and enhanced alliances for mid-market Travel Management Companies.
TORRANCE, CA – In response to the significant shifts and turbulence in the business travel industry, JTB Business Travel announce the launch of FlexConnect, a Global Affiliate Partner Program. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to offer unprecedented flexibility, access, and innovation for Travel Management Companies (TMCs) in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.
The business travel industry continues to feel reverberations from the COVID-19 pandemic, during which many TMCs underwent mergers and acquisitions while others closed altogether. During and after the pandemic, JTB conducted research focused on answering two questions:
- How can smaller TMCs access the technologies and create the global footprint needed to better serve their business travel clients’ growing needs?
- How can more TMCs enjoy greater stability in an uncertain environment?
JTB’s research indicated that mid-market TMCs need greater flexibility and more options to better serve small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) clients while creating stability. The FlexConnect Global Affiliate Partner Program is designed to simplify network access and align with the operational resources that modern TMCs are seeking in the current environment. Specifically, participation in JTB’s FlexConnect program gives companies affordable access to:
- A global fulfillment network that combines international scope with local expertise, connecting organizations worldwide. This is not just a call center but rather an in-country service model covering 20 countries and growing.
- Stronger supplier relationships powered by JTB’s well-established global influence, offering more cost-saving benefits and choices to TMCs.
- Plug-and-play access to best-in-class technologies, giving clients the flexibility to choose as needed from among sustainability compliance, risk management and travel tracking tools.
- Live24/7 after-hours service support, ensuring that someone is always available to address travel-related issues promptly and efficiently.
- Expert consulting and supplier negotiation support, leveraging JTB’s industry knowledge, expertise and human resources.
- Leveling The Playing Field for Smaller TMCs and Their Clients
The JTB team created this program so network partners can select the necessary components to meet their unique business requirements. The fit-to-size approach provides the flexibility smaller organizations now require, which other partner programs lack. The FlexConnect® Global Affiliate Partner Program also democratizes managed travel, making the high-level services that large enterprises enjoy equally available to SMEs — a segment that JTB Business Travel has specialized in serving since its founding. Smaller TMCs lack the necessary resources to independently invest in technology, expand their global presence, and grow their workforce. JTB is uniquely positioned to launch this type of partnership network that addresses the needs of mid-market TMCs not currently satisfied by other network programs.
“As the business travel industry navigates significant changes, we at JTB are committed to stepping up and leading the way forward. The launch of FlexConnect, our Global Affiliate Partner Program is a testament to this commitment,” said JTB General Manager and Vice President Geert de Boo. “We believe in giving industry partners the flexibility to collaborate on the solutions they need to grow in today’s competitive and rapidly changing environment.”
JTB Business Travel is currently in active discussions with several TMCs and travel technology companies interested in becoming the first participants in the FlexConnect program. Some potential partners are eager to leverage JTB’s global network of offices to fulfill client needs, while others are interested in specially negotiated supplier programs.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
