At a time when the needs of female business travellers are becoming more specific and diverse, Holiday Tours & Travel (HTT) is stepping up to ensure that every journey is tailored to provide safety, comfort, and convenience. In a recent interview with The Exchange Asia, Amy Lee, Senior Vice President of Finance, MICE, People & Culture at HTT, shared her insights into how the company is addressing the unique travel challenges faced by female professionals, particularly those in the corporate world.
HTT’s approach to travel for female executives goes beyond the ordinary. “At HTT, we understand that the needs of female professionals differ from those of other travellers,” says Amy Lee. “We’re committed to providing a travel experience that prioritises safety, wellness, and overall convenience.”
One of the company’s key initiatives is recommending wellness-oriented accommodations that feature robust security measures, such as well-lit premises and 24-hour concierge services. Amy elaborates, “We ensure that our female travellers stay in environments that not only offer peace of mind but also cater to their well-being, such as access to fitness centres and wellness facilities.”
Additionally, HTT integrates cultural and religious considerations into its offerings, providing halal meal options and access to prayer spaces, making sure that female professionals feel respected and supported during their trips. “Our tailored itineraries, which can be adjusted according to the specific needs of female executives, ensure that every journey is comfortable and aligned with personal preferences,” Amy adds.
HTT goes a step further with its Travel Safety Promise, a key feature of their services that ensures travellers’ safety from the start of their journey to their return home. “We have dedicated teams working 24/7, both locally and internationally, to provide support and ensure that every step of the journey is secure,” says Amy. “We pride ourselves on offering real-time assistance to address any crises or unforeseen situations.”
Measurable Impact on Client Satisfaction and Retention
The impact of HTT’s initiatives on client satisfaction has been substantial, particularly among female executives who frequently travel for business. “We consistently receive positive feedback from female travellers who value our focus on their safety, convenience, and overall comfort,” Amy shares. “Our approach not only enhances their travel experience but also improves their engagement and productivity.”
Amy mentions that HTT uses tools such as Net Promoter Score (NPS) surveys to measure client satisfaction. “The feedback from female executives has been overwhelmingly positive. Many clients appreciate our tailored approach, especially when it comes to offering flexible itineraries, wellness facilities, and accommodations with enhanced security features,” she notes.
As a result, client retention rates have soared. “When female executives feel valued and supported throughout their travels, they’re more likely to stay loyal to their organisations and, by extension, to us,” Amy adds.
Bridging the Gap in Corporate Travel Policies
Despite the growing recognition of female travellers’ needs, Amy believes there is still a significant gap in many corporate travel policies. “Traditional corporate travel policies often focus on logistics and cost-efficiency, but they don’t take into account the specific safety concerns and well-being of female professionals,” she says.
HTT is working closely with corporate clients to address this gap. “Our role is to review existing corporate policies, identify opportunities for improvement, and then propose solutions that prioritise the safety and comfort of female travellers,” Amy explains. “For instance, we recommend accommodations with enhanced safety features, incorporate wellness services into travel programmes, and ensure that all travel itineraries are tailored to reduce stress and increase productivity.”
HTT also ensures that corporate clients understand the importance of a more inclusive and supportive approach to travel. “When corporate travel policies include well-being considerations, it shows that companies truly care about their employees, which boosts loyalty and satisfaction,” says Amy.
The Role of Trusted Partnerships in Enhancing Travel Experiences
One of the pillars of HTT’s success is its strong partnerships with trusted travel suppliers. “We carefully evaluate and select travel suppliers who meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and service,” Amy shares. “Our extensive network of global partners ensures that female travellers have reliable, on-the-ground support in every destination.”
Maintaining these relationships is key to HTT’s ongoing success. “We work closely with our suppliers, constantly reviewing performance, gathering feedback, and ensuring that our partners align with our core values of safety and traveller well-being,” Amy says. “By fostering these strong, collaborative partnerships, we ensure that female professionals have a seamless, worry-free travel experience.”
Leveraging Technology to Enhance Safety and Efficiency
HTT has embraced technology to further enhance the safety and efficiency of corporate travel. Amy discusses how real-time alerts play a crucial role in providing female travellers with up-to-date information on potential risks. “With our technology, female travellers are notified about changes in local conditions, safety concerns, or travel disruptions. This empowers them to make informed decisions and adapt their plans accordingly,” she says.
Through HTT’s Online Booking Tool (OBT) and partnerships with services like International SOS, the travel planning process is streamlined while embedding essential safety considerations. “Our 24/7 crisis management team ensures that female travellers can get immediate assistance should they face any challenges during their trips,” Amy adds.
The Future of Inclusive Travel Policies
For businesses looking to integrate inclusive travel policies, Amy offers some practical advice. “It starts with a comprehensive review of existing policies to identify gaps. From there, companies should work with travel experts, like HTT, to develop traveller-centric solutions,” she says. “It’s also essential to communicate that inclusive travel policies are not just about meeting basic needs; they reflect an organisation’s commitment to supporting its employees’ well-being.”
Amy acknowledges that there are challenges in implementing these policies, such as resistance to change and balancing diverse needs. “However, with the right tools and partnerships, companies can overcome these challenges and ensure that their travel policies align with the evolving expectations of today’s workforce,” she concludes.
