Case Study

A Software Company Wanted Global Services With a Personal Touch

Maintaining consistency and control across a global organization doesn’t mean you have to give up flexible, convenient, friendly local service.

The Challenge

A business intelligence software firm that operates internationally had been using different travel agencies for each of their local offices. Although the company had a travel policy in place, each agency interpreted and enforced it differently based on local practices. Local managers were also reluctant to work with agencies from other countries, feeling they wouldn’t understand their unique cultures. As a result, management grew frustrated with the lack of consistency and cost control.

The Strategy

Uniglobe Travel met with the firm’s management team to assess their multi-country operations and identify which travel decisions and policies could be centralized. After understanding the needs and cultural preferences of all stakeholders, Uniglobe proposed a solution: local offices would continue to be serviced by locally owned travel management companies, while providing centralized coordination of activities such as policy interpretation, control and reporting.

"Our local offices like dealing with local people, but we needed consistency in program implementation. Uniglobe Travel gave us the best of both worlds."

The Result

The model provided the right balance for the company. Local travel managers appreciated the personalized service that aligned with their language and cultural expectations. At the same time, global managers could maintain alignment between local services and company-wide policies. Uniglobe Travel also added value by helping the company negotiate better pricing for hotels and car rentals, leveraging consolidated data from multiple locations.