FCM to Launch New Platform in China

FCM will roll out a new proprietary travel technology platform in China, with plans to begin piloting the system with corporate clients in July, the travel management company announced.

Developed specifically for the Chinese market, the platform is designed to offer enhanced flexibility in response to increased post-pandemic demand for omnichannel travel booking and management capabilities from multinational companies and Chinese firms alike, according to the TMC’s Chinese business unit.

To that end, the new platform offers “seamless” crossover between devices, air and rail comparison options and self-service rebooking and itinerary change functions. Assistance will be available via live agent or a mobile digital assistant tool, which is based on the FCM chatbot formerly known as Sam.

FCM Travel China general manager Calvin Xie described China as a “critical market” for FCM’s global clients and noted significant growth potential in serving Chinese companies themselves.

“At the moment, there is a relatively low percentage of companies in China [that use] a TMC to manage their travel program,” Xie said. “This is a clear signal that managed travel still has far-reaching opportunities in China.”

With China’s Covid-19 vaccination program progressing, the return of both inbound international and domestic travel is gaining momentum, FCM added.

FCM for the past several months has touted a forthcoming revamp of its global technology platform, but details have remained scarce. It was unclear as of press time as to whether China will be the launch market for that platform, and to what degree the China-specific platform will resemble versions in other markets.

Adam Perrotta www.businesstravelnews.com