Glossary of terms
Learn about key terms related to enterprise travel.
What is omnichannel servicing in corporate travel?
Omnichannel servicing connects every corporate travel booking and support channel into one seamless experience, allowing travelers to switch between digital tools, suppliers, and travel advisors while maintaining a complete trip record.
What is travel infrastructure in corporate travel?
Travel infrastructure is the technology foundation behind modern corporate travel, connecting booking, servicing, payments, settlement, and financial systems into a unified workflow that improves visibility, reduces manual work, and supports better traveler experiences.
What is a TMC (travel management company)?
A travel management company (TMC) helps organizations manage business travel through booking, traveler support, travel policy enforcement, supplier management, and reporting. TMCs are designed to give businesses greater control over travel spend, compliance, and the overall traveler experience.
What is a GDS and how does it affect corporate travel?
A global distribution system (GDS) is an intermediary that aggregates airline, hotel, and car-rental inventory and resells access to travel buyers. GDS fees typically run $3–15 per segment, and EDIFACT leaves out bundled fares and ancillaries that direct and NDC connections carry in full.
What is NDC and why does it matter for corporate travel?
NDC (New Distribution Capability) is IATA's XML-based standard that lets airlines sell richer fares, full ancillaries, and dynamic pricing directly, bypassing the limits of GDS systems.