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Minister Harris welcomes award of Travel Management Contract to Club Travel

Mr Simon Harris T.D., Minister of State responsible for Public Procurement, today announced the award of the new State travel management contract to Club Travel Limited. The contract covers air, rail, ferry and hotel bookings and was awarded following an EU tendering process. It will come into effect on 1 August 2014.

Welcoming the announcement Minister Harris noted, “Today’s [31-July-2014] award is another example of an Irish SME successfully competing for and winning government business. Club Travel’s success adds 5 new jobs to the 135 already employed there. A priority is to see more Irish SMEs competing for more and larger State contracts. Irish businesses who innovate, drive efficiency and are competitive can succeed at home but can also pursue opportunities in new markets.”

The new contract, put in place by the Office of Government Procurement, is expected to deliver the State significant cost reductions in terms of management/booking fees and reduced administration. In addition, it includes a demanding 2-hour turn-around to ensure bookings are timely and cost-effective. The extension of this central contract beyond the civil service to the wider public sector is envisaged to add to the savings arising from improved terms.

Liam Lonergan, Managing Director Club Travel HRG, commented: “The tender process enabled us to demonstrate our willingness, passion and capability to deliver a tailored travel service to the Irish Government and Framework Clients. We look forward to working to deliver a quality travel service at the best possible price to the Irish taxpayer.”

The new one year contract, renewable annually for up to three years to 2017, will allow Club Travel to grow its business and employ another 5 people immediately, with potential for additional recruitment.

ENDS

Note to Editor:

· The Office of Government Procurement Framework contract is available to the entire non-commercial public sector including: central government departments and offices; non-commercial state agencies; local authorities; the health sector; the education sector; An Garda Síochána; the Defence Forces and the Irish Prison Service.

· The contract will achieve efficiencies in terms of

(i) a market-leading online booking tool;

(ii) better accounting and management information systems; and

(iii) simplified single management fee which will enhance administrative efficiencies

· Club Travel is Ireland’s largest Travel Management Company employing 135 staff and has been in business for over 42 years. Club Travel is the Irish Partner of Hogg Robinson Group (HRG), the international corporate services company, with regard to sourcing fares.