Business Travel Consultant Onboarding Checklist

Business Travel Consultant Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Business Travel Consultant starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Travel onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Business Travel Consultant, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Business Travel Consultant onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Business Travel Consultant Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to company policies and procedures: The new business travel consultant should be provided with a comprehensive overview of the company’s policies and procedures. This includes understanding the booking process, client communication guidelines, expense reporting, and any other relevant protocols. The HR department or a designated trainer typically performs this task.

2. Familiarization with travel management systems: As a business travel consultant, it is crucial to become proficient in using the company’s travel management systems. This task involves training on how to navigate the system, make bookings, manage itineraries, and access client information. The IT department or a designated trainer usually handles this training.

3. Product and service training: To effectively assist clients, the business travel consultant needs to have a deep understanding of the products and services offered by the company. This includes learning about different airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and other travel-related services. The training may be conducted by senior consultants, product managers, or a designated trainer.

4. Familiarization with client profiles and preferences: Each client has unique preferences and requirements when it comes to business travel. The new consultant should be introduced to the existing client profiles and preferences, including preferred airlines, hotels, seat preferences, loyalty programs, and any other relevant information. This task is typically performed by the team lead or a senior consultant.

5. Shadowing experienced consultants: Shadowing experienced consultants allows the new business travel consultant to observe and learn from their colleagues’ expertise. This task involves accompanying experienced consultants on client calls, observing their booking processes, and understanding their problem-solving techniques. The team lead or a designated mentor usually facilitates this task.

6. Understanding corporate travel policies: Many companies have specific travel policies that their employees must adhere to. The new consultant should be familiarized with these policies, including restrictions on travel class, accommodation options, and expense limits. The HR department or a designated trainer typically provides this training.

7. Learning about visa and immigration requirements: International travel often involves visa and immigration requirements. The business travel consultant should be trained on understanding the visa application process, necessary documentation, and any specific regulations for different countries. This training may be conducted by the legal department or a designated expert.

8. Building relationships with suppliers: As a business travel consultant, it is essential to establish and maintain good relationships with suppliers such as airlines, hotels, and car rental companies. The new consultant should be introduced to key suppliers, understand the company’s preferred supplier agreements, and learn how to negotiate rates and secure the best deals. This task is typically performed by the team lead or a designated supplier relationship manager.

9. Learning about emergency protocols: In the travel industry, emergencies can arise, such as flight cancellations, natural disasters, or medical emergencies. The new consultant should be trained on the company’s emergency protocols, including how to handle such situations, communicate with clients, and provide necessary assistance. The team lead or a designated emergency response coordinator typically provides this training.

10. Continuous professional development: To stay updated with industry trends and enhance their skills, business travel consultants should engage in continuous professional development. The new consultant should be introduced to the company’s training programs, webinars, industry conferences, and other learning opportunities. The HR department or a designated training coordinator typically manages this task

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Business Travel Consultant checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Business Travel Consultant up to speed and working well in your Travel team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.