British Airways tasks SMEs on travel cost reduction

Travel agents have been enjoined to scale up their trade by venturing into travel consultancy.

The British flag carrier, British Airways gave the counsel at an On Business Breakfast session for the agents in Lagos.

Maintaining that this step will help the agents beat the recession that Nigeria’s economy is grappling with, the BA Regional Commercial Manager West Africa, Kola Olayinka, stated that, “The best time to build a healthy relationship with a customer is during recession especially if you are assisting them save money and manage their travel budgets.”

He further advised the travel agents to begin to introduce the On Business Loyalty Programme to customers because the scheme permits management of travel budget with a simple online tool.

“The online management information tool helps you keep track of On Business travel including who is earning points and when. You can also redeem On business points against reward flights and upgrades. In addition to this, you can also collect personal Avios on flights,” said Olayinka.

Arese Ugwu, founder of smartmoneyafrica.org who was also a facilitator at the On Business Breakfast Event gave tips to the travel agents in attendance on how to stay ahead amid the challenges facing the aviation industry; while helping the customers that they service.

According to Ugwu: “Disruption, collaboration and leveraging digital media for marketing are the three strategic approaches that will ensure that travel agents are better positioned as consultants.”

British Airways used the On Business Session to enlighten the Travel Agents on its On Business Loyalty Programme, with the aim of helping them serve their customers better by adjusting and managing their travelling budget.