The following blog is Brett Trevena, CTM is one of the specialized business analysis and solutions managers.
I remember early in my career, clients’ Australian and New Zealand travel plans were completely managed separately.
They have two different travel management companies, different technologies, different service levels, different contacts, no shared reports.
In quarterly comments, trying to piece everything together is a challenge.
I didn’t see it transformative until I helped clients unify their trips in Australia and New Zealand. With only one manageable contract and a single point of contact between two markets, the alignment process becomes much simpler – although the unique nuances of each region are still flexible.
Over the years, I have worked with companies in both markets and across Asia. It is now more clear than ever that in today’s world, it makes sense to merge Australia and New Zealand under one plan with a single travel management company (TMC) Business Travel Portal and Online booking tooldelivers a 100% consistent user experience in both markets.
If you are currently not integrating travel plans for both markets, you should consider this seriously because the benefits make it worth it.
At the beginning of the question, the biggest advice I gave was: get the right people to participate in it early. This means finance, procurement, travel orchestration, travel managers, and even the traveler themselves. Support and greater success in making merger sticks when everyone has a seat on the table.
So, what are the real benefits of integrating your travel plans in Australia and New Zealand? In my experience, there are many:
Centralized reservation
A single centralized booking tool reduces complexity and simplifies the booking process for arrangers and travelers who can book for travelers in two locations while at the same time in one location
Single point of contact
Whether for customer service, booking changes or special requirements, having a single provider in two countries can simplify communication and speed up decision making.
Merge data
The unified travel plan provides you with clearer, end-to-end data on both countries. This makes it easier to track costs, identify trends and make smarter decisions about future travel plans.
Standardization experience
Travelers can expect the level of service and amenities in both regions to be consistent, including accommodation standards, airline preferences, and booking processes, establishing comfort and familiarity no matter where you travel.
Easier changes and support
When the plan changes, a single program makes it faster and easier to adjust the itinerary and provide traveler support, which is especially useful in high pressure or time-sensitive situations.
Consistent tax report
Managing travel in both countries through a single system helps simplify tax reporting, reduce administrative efforts, and ensure that any compliance issues are handled evenly.
Regulatory compliance
Australia and New Zealand have unique travel regulations (e.g., GST, air passenger duty). The combined approach supports consistent compliance between the two regions, thus reducing risks.
Centralized carbon offset plan
if Sustainability It is a priority, integrating your travel plans can help you implement, manage and report carbon offset plans more effectively in Australia and New Zealand.
Preferred partnership
Mergers can enable you to deepen your relationship with major suppliers in both markets, helping you unlock better prices, added benefits and more flexible travel options.
Off-road trading
Some suppliers offer discounts or privileges to travelers moving between two regions. A consolidated travel plan can help you take advantage of these cross-border benefits.
Crisis Management
If unexpected damage occurs, a merged plan can be coordinated faster, clearer communication and more effective crisis management.
Travel safety
In a provider and consistent security agreement between the two countries, it is easier to ensure that responsibilities for fulfilling care obligations are met and that travelers’ well-being is prioritized in each step.
If I can only offer one piece of advice to anyone still managing trips in Australia and New Zealand separately, it is:
leap. The benefits are real. Interact with your internal stakeholders early and work with a travel management company that knows how to guide you through. This may just be the smartest move you can take for your travel plan.
