Business Travel Agencies Face Dilemma Keeping Russian Ties Active
Photo Credit: Penza, Russia. Unsplash / Pavel Neznanov
Skift Take
There seems to be an obligation to carry on working with partners in the country, but relationships may now be kept at arm’s length as the war in Ukraine continues.
Travel management is a lot more complex than selling hamburgers or soft drinks, and several global agencies are now weighing up the links they have with their Russian partners. There's a delicate balance between obligations to their customers, and a potential public relations blowback.
Most have told Skift they continue to monitor the situation — in other words, they're keeping them at arm’s length.
The list of sanctions against Russia is expanding as growing numbers of travel companies disassociate themselves with the country as it continues to invade neighboring Ukraine. Many corporate travel agencies have long-standing ties with local Russian agencies, mostly because as true global players they need a presence there, but some will also count customers from the energy, marine and maritime industries.
As a result, there are affiliations, licenses and wider network partnerships in place.
It’s New TerritoryAs the global travel management comp
