Travel Management Execs Rally to ACTE Message in Mexico City Executive Forum

Business travel management executives gathered at the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) forum on advanced travel management techniques in Mexico City.

A key component of the forum was the changing role of the traditional travel agency, and the options they have to offer, in their evolution to travel management companies.

Jerome Cartier, Director of Sales and Marketing for Carlson Wagonlit Travel, made a compelling case for TMC as strategic consulting partners, as opposed to mere ticket expeditors and the enhanced value this new model offers to managed business travel.

His message was well received by an audience of travel managers, 54 percent of whom are committed to a dramatic cost-containment/cost-cutting approach to their travel policies. Cartier, as well as the other speakers and delegates emphasized that communication, however, remains a key part of traveler compliance.

Additional presenters included reps from Latin America Travel Operations Manager for IBM, Hotel Sourcing Corporation and Low Cost Carriers, among other boldface industry companies.