New, more user-friendly service gives business travelers speedier resolution of travel disruptions

New York, NY (August 12, 2018) –Travel Leaders Corporate has rolled out its new CONNECT 2.0 mobile texting tool, available to all corporate clients in the U.S. and Canada. SMS-based CONNECT provides business travelers with 24/7 real-time booking information and alerts about disruptions to their flight arrangements. The tool allows travelers to easily connect with a live specialist via text for support in making or changing air, car and hotel reservations without standing in line or sitting on hold. CONNECT is also available to all Travel Leaders Group agencies.

“Business travelers want fast answers and work-arounds when they run into travel issues,” said Gabe Rizzi, President of Travel Leaders Corporate. “CONNECT is designed to give travelers the real-time, round-the-clock travel information and booking choices they need to take care of business – and not waste time worrying about how they’ll get home or to their next appointment.”

Convenient, Instant Communication for Travelers

Travel Leaders CONNECT typically works like this in the event of a travel disruption: When an airline announces a flight cancellation or delay, or if there is a weather or other incident affecting travel, a business traveler receives an instantaneous alert and can chat with an agent via text to request information on alternate arrangements.

“Almost everybody with a smart phone today texts,” added Rizzi. “CONNECT is the smartest way for companies to give their travelers instant support from travel agents with the expertise to change or make new bookings in line with their corporate travel policy. Since it’s not an app, there aren’t any system requirements or any need to update. It is always available for business travelers whenever they need it.”

CONNECT sends a welcome message and invitation to chat after a traveler makes a booking, followed by an invitation to check in via a hyperlink 24 hours before a scheduled flight. CONNECT sends a text updating the traveler on flight delays or flight cancellations within the 24-hour window to departure and if the flight is on time, CONNECT sends a text four hours prior to the flight.

“CONNECT uses SMS, the most widely-adopted digital communication system. Users don’t need a WiFi connection or an app and corporations don’t need to worry about travelers installing software on their company owned device,” said Rizzi.

CONNECT works with all smart phone operating systems and tablets. The previous version of CONNECT routed the traveler through an online portal; the latest version is all-SMS and works on any device. Travel Leaders Corporate is offering the service to clients with no contract and for a flat usage fee.

“We are combining the latest mobile technology with a human touch,” Rizzi explained. “CONNECT gives users the expert travel support that they choose, whether that is a simple re-booking, via chat or a longer conversation with a travel professional who can handle a complex changing travel situation. CONNECT provides Travel Leaders Corporate clients with a travel agent at their fingertips 24/7.”

For more information or to take advantage of Travel Leaders Corporate’s personalized service and cutting-edge corporate business travel solutions that provide a complete travel enrichment experience, email  partnerships@tlcorporate.com or call 877-404-4173.

About Travel Leaders Corporate
Travel Leaders Corporate is part of Travel Leaders Group, which manages leisure, business and franchise travel operations under a variety of diversified divisions and brands. Travel Leaders Corporate has three service offerings – Travel Fulfillment, Travel Consulting and Meetings Management – which can be used independently or combined for maximum results. At Travel Leaders Corporate, each client is served by a dedicated team of professional travel agents assigned to each account. With a reputation built on reliability and a commitment to excellence, Travel Leaders Corporate offers its clients industry-leading products and services, and continuously seeks higher levels of performance. With employees in more than 120 cities across the United States, Travel Leaders Corporate is a forward-thinking, innovative company with a focus on continually improving the customer experience.

2018: Year of the Travel Agent
Travel Leaders Group has named 2018 Year of the Travel Agent. Over the last decade, the travel agency industry has flourished through technology, the growth of travel options and personalized service. Travel Leaders Group represents approximately 52,000 travel agents with unmatched expertise in 135,000 destinations and 53,000 areas of interest. Travelers and suppliers have rediscovered the value a professional travel advisor delivers to the travel experience. Travel agents help to move people around the world, and keep our economy growing.