CanadianSME Small Business Magazine recently spoke with Tarandeep Singh, Regional Vice President of Commercial, Marketing, and Revenue Management at IHG Hotels & Resorts, to discuss the importance of implementing a structured travel program to achieve business goals while saving time and money.
He highlighted the unique challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canada and the value of partnering with travel providers that understand and address their needs.
With over 14 years of senior leadership experience at IHG across India, Singapore, Dubai, and Canada, Tarandeep has focused on aligning global strategies with regional market demands to enhance services and optimize revenue. He provides strategic guidance to SMEs in Canada, helping them simplify travel planning.
In addition to his professional responsibilities, Tarandeep contributes to industry discussions, sharing insights that benefit SME clients and the wider hospitality community. He has been a prominent advocate for new trends in revenue management through HSMAI in the Middle East and Asia Pacific. His commercial expertise advances IHG’s goal of delivering innovative, client-centered solutions to businesses across Canada.
What are the most pressing travel challenges facing Canadian SMEs, and how do these impact their ability to manage business travel effectively?
SMEs are the backbone of Canada’s economy, contributing more than half of the country’s GDP and employing 63% of the workforce. Business travel is critical for SMEs to explore new opportunities, manage accounts, and strengthen relationships. As SMEs thrive, so does Canada’s economy.
However, smaller businesses face challenges that impact them more significantly than larger corporations. Affordability is a major concern, as business travel represents a larger proportion of SME budgets.
Time is equally important. SME business owners and managers wear many hats and rarely have dedicated travel managers. Travel planning—including choosing hotels, comparing rates, and advising employees—is a time-consuming responsibility that competes with other priorities. Without the support of a trusted travel advisor or streamlined process, managing travel can be challenging.
What specific factors influence the travel decisions of Canadian SMEs, particularly when it comes to choosing accommodations?
For Canadian SMEs, affordability influences travel decisions. Economy and midscale hotels are often preferred because they offer essential amenities—clean rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, and a quality breakfast—at competitive rates.
SMEs also value corporate travel discounts, loyalty programs, and bundled offers to reduce costs. Sustainability is a priority, as many SMEs now prefer hotels with green certifications or energy-efficient practices that align with their values.
In addition, we have seen that Canadian SMEs appreciate accommodations that highlight the regional culture or local partnerships.
How can partnering with a travel provider simplify business travel for SMEs?
Partnering with the right travel provider can simplify business travel for SMEs by addressing challenges like time constraints, affordability, and flexibility. The right travel partner offers a centralized and transparent booking process, providing easy access to reservations with guaranteed discounts and visibility into expenses.
This is especially helpful for SMEs that frequently book on short notice. With flexible cancellation policies and the ability to make quick changes, SMEs can easily make last-minute adjustments without incurring excessive costs.
SMEs often face challenges in securing competitive rates due to their size and limited negotiation power. By partnering with travel providers who understand the unique needs of SMEs, businesses can gain valuable allies who can help optimise travel budgets, streamline processes, and minimise administrative burdens.
How can travel providers support SMEs in meeting business travel needs?
Travel providers that understand SME priorities can better support their travel goals by offering cost-effective programs with a streamlined experience and tailored features that meet their needs.
For example, the IHG Business Edge program was specifically created for SMEs. The program provides guaranteed discounts, flexible cancellation policies, and a single, easy-to-use portal to manage bookings and track expenses. Members also benefit from accelerated IHG One Rewards loyalty status for additional benefits after a qualified stay.
The program continually evolves to deliver additional value. It recently added partnerships with trusted brands, including Hertz, Dell, Getty Images, and other businesses, with specially curated offers for IHG Business Edge members.
IHG Hotels & Resorts prioritizes sustainability with its comprehensive Journey to Tomorrow responsible business plan, which supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Programs like the IHG Green Engage system and the Low Carbon Hotel Program help reduce carbon emissions and support energy-efficient practices, aligning with SME priorities around responsible travel.
What role does IHG Business Edge play in helping SMEs meet their business travel goals?
At IHG, we recognize the value of their time, money, and energy—and we aim to simplify travel so SMEs can focus on their business goals. Whether meeting new clients, expanding your business, or enhancing team productivity, IHG Business Edge makes managing travel seamless and cost-effective.
With over 200 hotels across Canada, we deliver a consistent, high-quality hospitality experience through trusted brands like Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites, and Candlewood Suites to name a few.
IHG Business Edge consolidates bookings, data, and cost management into one user-friendly platform with no minimum spend. Members enjoy guaranteed discounts, flexible policies, and accelerated IHG One Rewards status, reaching Silver Elite after just one stay. Companies and employees earn loyalty points that can be applied to business or personal trips, benefiting each.
Our new Partnerships Program further enhances value with exclusive savings on trusted brands. IHG Business Edge, recognized as Global Traveler’s Best SME Program for six consecutive years and awarded the Inc. Power Partner Award in 2024, reflects our ongoing commitment to serving SMEs.
Visit the IHG Business Edge portal for more information and discover how we can help simplify travel and support your business success.
