Hi Mel! Tell us a bit about your career to date
I’ve worked in travel my entire career. I spent 20 years working in commercial aviation sales for global airlines, latterly leading the sales team for Etihad Airways in the North and Scotland. I moved into travel management as Commercial Director at CTI in 2016, before specialising in Marine & Offshore travel at Clyde Travel Management in 2020 as Head of Sales and Customer Relations. I then joined Travel Counsellors in June 2023.
Why did you decide to join Travel Counsellors for Business?
I got a call out of the blue from an industry recruiter. I was very happy where I was, but as soon as they mentioned the company they were recruiting for, I jumped at the opportunity. I had worked with Travel Counsellors for years in my airline roles and always admired the culture and brand. Every interaction I had during the hiring process was a positive one and it was a no-brainer when I was offered the position.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I think the diversity of my role is the most enjoyable. I’m involved in everything from trading trends, product development, supply, sales, communications, and presenting - what’s not to love?
What’s been your highlight so far since joining us?
Travel Counsellors for Business hitting the £200m sales milestone was an amazing achievement for the franchisees and the corporate support team.
What are you most looking forward to in your role over the next 6-12 months?
The recently launched myTC Online and myTC Insights are game-changers, and we have more to come in terms of our technology offering. I’m also immensely looking forward to celebrating the company's 30-year anniversary at our annual conference. I’ll be going as a guest this year, having worked last year - which gave me huge respect for the Events and Core teams that do a phenomenal job every year.
What do you think sets Travel Counsellors for Business apart from other TMCs?
I think it’s our unique model. I’m proud and confident to say we care more than anyone else, because I know the service our Corporate Travel Counsellors deliver is unrivalled. Each client’s business is an extension of their own.
What advice would you give to SMEs who are looking for a corporate travel provider?
Be clear and aligned about what matters most to your business and listen to your travellers. Choose a TMC partner that is aligned with your values and can deliver for your people. People make a difference in business, and if travel is part of their role, they must have the right level of support from their TMC partner.
Would you like to find out more about how Mel and our expert Travel Counsellors can take the stress out of planning and managing your business travel? Get in touch with us and we’ll be more than happy to show you what Travel Counsellors for Business can offer you.
Travel Counsellors for Business is pleased to announce the appointment of Wayne Durkin as the new Head of Business Development. Wayne Durkin brings over 25 years’ experience in the travel industry with a focus on business development and the SME market, having previously held the position of Director of Business Development at CTM.
The final factor we feel is impacting the need to redefine care, and arguably one of the most prominent in our day-to-day lives, as well as the business travel industry, is technology. Technology has transformed business travel over the past 20 years, but how do we integrate technology into a care-led approach? That’s what we’ll explore in this blog.
RFP season is fast approaching. Whether you’re currently looking for a new partner or it’s something further down the track, it always pays to be prepared. We’ve asked experts from across the Travel Counsellors’ community, and the wider industry, what advice they would give to help prepare for an RFP.