Why is there VIP travel with non-profit organisations?

Many non-profit organisations do not offer VIP travel benefits. Some choose to focus their resources on their core programmes and services. Additionally, some have policies that prohibit VIP travel benefits, either because they believe that it is not appropriate to give preferential treatment to certain individuals or because they are concerned about the potential for conflicts of interest.

There are non-profits, however, who have VIP travellers for a number of reasons:

  • Some VIP travellers are major donors. Non-profit organisations rely on the generosity of donors to fund their programs and services. As a way to attract and retain important donors, many non-profits offer VIP travel benefits, such as upgraded airline seats, hotel rooms, and VIP access to events.
  • A number of VIP travellers are high-profile supporters. These individuals may be celebrities, politicians, or other public figures who use their platform to raise awareness of the organisation's work. As a way to leverage their influence, many non-profits offer VIP travel benefits to these individuals.
  • Other VIP travellers are board members or other senior leaders. Board members and other senior leaders at non-profits play a critical role in governing the organisation and ensuring that it is fulfilling its mission. Often, they have taxing travel schedules and work on time-sensitive assignments such as organising disaster relief operations in far flung locations both of which require a personalised VIP travel service. VIP travel is also occasionally granted to non-profit leaders to attract and retain them or in recognition of seniority or service or contributions e.g. significant fund-raising.

Overall, the decision of whether or not to offer VIP travel benefits is a complex one that each non-profit organisation must make on its own. There are a number of factors to consider, such as the organisation's budget, donor base, talent pool, mission and values.

What do VIP Travellers at non-profits look for?

Here are the key trends in VIP travel captured in a recent round of discussions with non-profits:

  • Increased demand for personalised service. VIPs want their travel to be tailored to their individual needs and preferences. This includes understanding their preferred airlines, hotels, and transportation options, as well as any dietary restrictions or other special requests.
  • Desire for rapid response times and 24/7 support. Given the large demands on their time, the urgent nature of the interventions needed from their organisation, and the spread of their missions across different time zones and geographies, VIPs at non-profits desire rapid response times and 24/7 support availability.
  • Greater emphasis on sustainability. VIPs are increasingly interested in traveling in a sustainable way. This means booking them on flights with airlines that have a commitment to sustainability, and choosing hotels that are eco-friendly.

What is Key Travel doing to serve VIP not-for-profit travellers?

Key Travel is an international travel management company that is exclusively dedicated to reducing the cost, complexity, risk, and carbon-impact of travel for non-profit organisations so that they can deploy more of their resources on delivering their missions. We have recently launched a new comprehensive VIP offering.

This includes:

  • A personalised service for an individual traveller, a group of travellers or a specialist department or for the whole organisation. This involves a dedicated approach from agents, with specific training on the VIPs’ requirements.
  • An enhanced speed of answer for calls or emails or both.
  • 24/7 support availability to answer questions, address any concerns, and make last-minute changes to travel plans.
  • End-to-end trip planning and meetings co-ordination.
  • Access to our unique portfolio of sustainable travel options including carbon offsetting with Cool Effect, one of the world’s leading carbon reduction NGOs.

Conclusion

Many non-profits offer VIP travel for a variety of reasons depending on donor or supporter requirements or to support board members or leaders in carrying out their duties. VIP travellers at non-profits, like their counterparts in the corporate world, are increasingly demanding a more time-sensitive, personalised and customised travel experience. They appreciate it when their travel organisers are responsive and go the extra mile to make their travel seamless and stress-free. They are also placing greater emphasis on sustainability. Key Travel is the world’s leading travel management company focused on non-profit organisations. It has launched a comprehensive VIP offering to assist those clients who offer VIP travel to select groups in their stakeholder community (donors, supporters, board members, senior staff).