As Principal Business Travel (PBT) gears up to celebrate a major anniversary in September, it’s a time to reflect on the incredible journey that has shaped our company. Founded in 1999, PBT began as a small, independently owned business travel agency with a clear mission: to provide exceptional, personalised service to business travellers. Over the past quarter of a century, we’ve grown, adapted, and evolved, but our commitment to our clients has remained steadfast.
The beginnings: laying the foundation
When Ingrid Sanderson established Principal Business Travel in 1999, the travel industry was on the cusp of significant change as online travel booking began to take hold and ‘de-humanise’ the traditional travel agent experience. Amidst this evolving landscape, Ingrid saw an opportunity to offer something unique. Ingrid believed in the power of relationships and understood that trust and reliability were essential in this industry. She recalls, “We started with a simple goal: to be more than just a travel agency. We wanted to become an integral part of our clients’ organisations their ‘Travel Department’ if you will – and we worked hard to understand our client’s company values and needs as well as they do, delivering the best possible solutions to their business travel requirements.”
The key to success in our journey
Over the years, Principal Business Travel has celebrated numerous milestones that have cemented our place as a trusted partner in the business travel industry. From embracing new technologies that streamline travel bookings to launching innovative programs like the VIP Concierge Service and the PrINcipal Rewards Program, each achievement has been driven by our desire to enhance the customer experience.
One of the key advantages of Principal Business Travel has always been our independence. As a small, privately-owned agency, we are not bound by contracts with specific airlines, hotel chains, or tour operators. This independence allows us to offer our clients the best possible travel solutions tailored to their unique needs and preferences. Ingrid explains, “Our independence is our strength. It means we can truly focus on what’s best for our clients, rather than being influenced by external contracts or partnerships.”
A legacy of trust and excellence
As a small team, we pride ourselves on offering a personalised service that larger agencies simply cannot match. When clients contact us, they speak with someone they know—someone who understands their business, their travel needs, and their preferences. This level of service has allowed us to build long-lasting relationships with our clients, many of whom have been with us since the early days.
Join us as we celebrate this significant milestone and look forward to the future with optimism and excitement. The journey so far has been remarkable, and we are eager to see what the future will bring.
