The Value of Excellent Customer Service in Corporate Travel Management

In the age of online booking platforms, automation, and AI, it’s easy to assume that technology alone is the answer to better corporate travel management. And while digital tools offer speed and convenience, there’s one essential ingredient that technology can’t replace: human customer service.

We’re all used to doing things online – booking meetings, ordering meals, managing travel and more. But what happens when things don’t go to plan, and you need help from a real person? Issues with check-in, delays, cancellations, and last-minute disruptions are inevitable in business travel. And when they happen, the ability to speak to someone who knows your programme – and cares – can make all the difference.

When Things Don’t Go to Plan

Take the London Heathrow closure in March 2025, for example. A fire at a nearby electrical substation caused a major power outage, forcing the UK’s busiest airport to shut down and disrupting more than 270,000 journeys.

At Inntel, our corporate travel management team was already in action before most people had heard the news. Our offline service teams began contacting clients in the early hours and proactively managed travel changes over the following days. From re-bookings to traveller updates, we ensured our clients felt supported throughout.

This kind of response is only possible because we invest in a fully staffed, experienced team available 24/7, 365 days a year.

“A TMC’s customer service always comes into its own when assisting with a disruption or unplanned event. Being able to take that added pressure off our clients is something we pride ourselves on.”

– Laura Rogers, Inntel’s Head of Business Travel

Laura continues: “At Inntel we are proud to have fantastic online facilities, as well as a large offline team, meaning  we are able to help and assist our clients 24/7.

Our expert consultants constantly strive to deliver an unrivalled customer service, which reinforces our company values and is a key contributor to the longevity of our clients.

Inntel’s customer service stands out from the crowd, because of the relationships that we have with our clients and suppliers. We treat all our clients as individuals and not just a number, we put their wants and needs at the forefront and aim to deliver every time.

In a world so heavily focused on technology, to have access to a team of humans at the end of the phone or email shouldn’t be underestimated – and what a team we have at Inntel!”

Corporate Travel Management You Can Rely On

Your travel management company should be more than just a booking engine. At Inntel, we combine cutting-edge tech with a people-first approach to reduce risk, control costs, and deliver exceptional traveller care.

Our expert consultants are available around the clock to:

  • Manage complex or urgent bookings
  • Resolve last-minute issues
  • Support you with unforeseen disruptions

As one long-standing client in the insurance sector shared with us via anonymous feedback:

“Inntel customer service is fantastic. Quick, efficient, polite and friendly. Every interaction I have had over the past three years has been excellent. The team are proactive and incredibly supportive.”

– Anonymous client feedback, via Customer Thermometer

What to Look for in a TMC’s Customer Service

Not all travel management companies offer the same level of support. Here are some key things to consider when evaluating your current TMC – or choosing a new one:

  1. Technology + Human Support: Look for a TMC that offers a seamless online booking experience, but also backs it up with a real team offering out-of-hours support.
  1. Measurable Service Quality: At Inntel, we use tools like Customer Thermometer and Net Promoter Score (NPS) to gather client feedback and continuously improve our service.
  1. Opportunities for Feedback: Every client of ours has a dedicated Client Relationship Manager who facilitates open communication, regular reviews, and ongoing improvements.
  1. Clear Service Level Agreements: We set and meet service standards for call and email response times – so you always know what to expect.
  1. A Strong Company Culture: The best service comes from happy teams. Inntel is proud to be a B Corp certified organisation and a Gold Investors in People employer.
  1. Focus on Learning & Development: We invest in our people, with at least 8% of our workforce in apprenticeships or formal training – ensuring every aspect of our service remains knowledgeable and future-ready.

 

Why the Human Touch Still Matters in Corporate Travel Management

TMCs do far more than book travel. At Inntel, our goal is to help you travel smarter – with less admin, fewer risks, and more value. And while our technology leads the way, it’s our people who bring it to life.

When plans change, we’re here.

When your team needs support, we answer.

When you need results, we deliver.

That’s the Inntel difference.

“Inntel's approach is very practical, very relevant. They don't overcomplicate, or over dramatise - they just get things sorted.” ‬

Senior Project Manager | The Law Society

Our decision to choose Inntel was driven by their competitive booking fees, excellent account management, and user-friendly online booking system. They’ve consistently worked with us to improve efficiency and achieve cost savings.

Construction Industry

“LOGiC is a game changer for me. I can book, amend, and cancel hotel rooms so easily, and you get immediate updates.”

Planning Executive | Media Company

“We have worked closely with Inntel for over a decade and always appreciate their expertise and their fast turnaround.”

Mobico Group PLC

We have been using Inntel's services for approximately 10 years, and they have consistently proven to be an excellent partner for our travel and meetings management needs.

Head of Transport & Travel

The LOGiC portal has also been a game-changer, giving our teams the ability to manage their bookings quickly and efficiently.

Supply Chain Manager