Corporate Traveller unveils Melon, a new travel platform built exclusively for SMEs

Ahead of the predicted boost in business travel demand, Corporate Traveller, the UK’s largest Travel Management Company catering exclusively for start-ups to mid-market businesses, has unveiled Melon – its new proprietary travel management platform. Onboarding new UK customers from early 2022, Melon’s intuitive design and simple navigation belies a host of innovative features developed in response to the evolving expectations of an increasingly travel hungry, tech-savvy and budget conscious workforce. An exclusive preview will be available at The Business Travel Show Europe (30 September-1 October, 2021).

Commenting on the motivation for the development of Melon, Andy Hegley, UK General Manager said: “During this period of pause, we listened to our customers to develop a next generation digital experience that fuses rich content supported by our trademark dedicated and personalised service. Simple to use and tailored specifically to meet the exacting needs of our customers, Melon is a different type of travel platform — we’re excited to be showcasing Melon for the first time at this year’s Business Travel Show Europe.” 

“We are also encouraged by the UK government’s recent simplification of travel requirements, and are optimistic this will accelerate recovery. In the past month, future bookings for Corporate Traveller have returned to 2019 levels, indicating a strong desire for prospective client meetings which will be further aided by the easing of these barriers to travel,” added Hegley. 

Seamless online experience, tailored to individual needs   

As a business travel expert, Corporate Traveller understands that an accessible, on-the-go travel management solution is business critical to its customers; therefore, the new omni-channel platform has been designed to switch between mobile and desktop without losing functionality.  

With Melon, programme managers are also able to control travel options, by setting personalised algorithms and even individual spend levels. Armed with this information, the platform’s AI technology does the legwork and removes the frustration typically associated when searching via multiple sites, serving up a variety of choices based on learned behaviours to align with company travel policies and program goals, while taking traveller preferences and loyalty affiliations into consideration. A breakdown of spend, alongside dashboard analysis of important KPI metrics in real-time, also helps customers extract key data needed to inform decision making and accurately manage finances.   

Combining technology and personal service to support customers 24/7 

Unsurprisingly, as barriers to international movement lift and companies resume travel programmes, duty of care has been identified as a priority. Corporate Traveller addresses this in multiple ways with Melon: from displaying the latest guidance before booking to proactively sharing live updates. Programme managers can also track employees’ whereabouts in real-time, while Melon’s robust health and safety capabilities provides prompt alerts on risk-related events impacting travel such as country entry requirements, latest government and supplier COVID restrictions, adverse weather, crime and more. These features are underpinned by access to dedicated travel consultants 24/7, 365 days a year.  

Hegley added: “While the government has recently taken much need steps to simplify travel requirements for those leaving and entering the UK, it is still difficult to keep track of the latest developments across the world. Melon ensures our customers are informed and aware at every step of their booking journey. And while travelling, help is always an instant away whether via Melon’s AI mobile chat function or the expert assistance of our agent support team. At Corporate Traveller every customer is considered a VIP, and we pride ourselves in always extending the highest level of service to all travellers at all times – with no exceptions.”  

Access to a competitively priced, truly global inventory  

Corporate Traveller customers also enjoy an expansive choice of travel content and options sourced from the widest range of travel suppliers. And being part of industry powerhouse the Flight Centre Travel Group, this means the best market wide rates, unique added-value benefits, and exclusive deals too.  

In the UK, Corporate Traveller provides expert travel management services from start-ups to mid-market specialists who spend between £50K to £2M p.a. on business travel. With over 2,500 clients in every industry sector, Corporate Traveller services 125,000 UK employees who travel for business each year. 

To experience a demonstration of Corporate Traveller’s Melon platform, book via the following link or reserve a slot at this year’s Business Travel Show Europe. Book here - stand BTSC130.  

Notes to Editors: 

The onboarding of existing UK customers is underway, with new UK customers expected to have access to Melon from early 2022. 

About Corporate Traveller 
Corporate Traveller is the only global TMC catering exclusively to start-ups and mid-market businesses. Established in 1993, the company is present in seven countries where it provides expert tailored advice, dedicated travel managers, and innovative, advanced booking technology to more than 14,000 customers worldwide in a typical year. Being part of industry powerhouse the Flight Centre Travel Group, access to a competitively priced, truly global inventory alongside added-value benefits and exclusive deals comes as standard. Corporate Traveller recently unveiled Melon – its new proprietary, on-the-go travel management platform featuring intuitive navigation and a seamless end-to-end online experience to help customers easily book, manage, and measure the performance of their business travel programmes. For more information visit www.corptraveller.com/en-gb.