The Federal Government’s new approach to travel procurement will usher in a new era of travel efficiency and cost savings for the Commonwealth, according to preferred travel provider FCm Travel Solutions.

FCm has been named as one of five companies to supply travel services to the Commonwealth, which from July 1 2010 will see the leading corporate travel and expense management specialist help streamline travel for public service agencies.

The announcement was issued by the Federal Government on Tuesday and follows an eighth month tender process for air and travel management services.

FCm’s regional director for account and sales management Sabrina Ricci said that as a preferred provider FCm would be working closely with government agencies to help implement and deliver travel policies including strategies for best practice travel management and procurement.

“Part of our role will be to assist the Federal Government to put in place solutions that will deliver long-term savings through strategic travel management. This will include the use of Best Fare of the Day for airfares, maximising value through advance purchase and changing traveller booking behaviour to optimise travel spend value,” Ms Ricci said.

“We also will be looking to identify further saving opportunities through online travel technology such as FCm’s E3 booking tool.

“We’re delighted to be selected as one of the preferred providers and will be working very hard to ensure the government is on track to achieve further savings and efficiencies in addition to the $160 million in savings already identified by the Commonwealth.”

Ms Ricci said FCm’s flexible business model and ability to effectively manage travel for organisations of all sizes was well suited to the Federal Government’s requirements.

“FCm’s unique business model and small teams will ensure the Federal Government’s travel needs can be met with a tailored service that suits the individual requirements of each government agency, no matter what their travel volume is,” she said. “We believe our flexibility will be a key driver in the success of our partnership with the government moving forward.”

Ms Ricci, who is based in NSW, has been charged with overseeing the government portfolio for FCm and will be helped by the company’s corporate travel teams across NSW and ACT.