As we say goodbye to 2023 and eagerly welcome 2024, we sat down with Ghislain Domi, the Global Head of GetGoing, to find out the highs and lows from the previous year, the challenges, and the exciting plans for this year.
GetGoing (GG): Could you briefly introduce yourself for those who don’t know you and tell us about your role as the Global Head of GetGoing?
Ghislain: Of course! I’m Ghislain Domi and after having worked in various roles in the Business Travel industry over the last 15 years, I’ve now been with BCD Travel for almost 5 years. I lead an independent Travel Tech startup team in charge of GetGoing’s digital business. I report directly to Cees Batenburg, GetGoing’s Executive Sponsor and BCD Travel’s Global CFO.
GG: What would you say are GetGoing’s most exciting achievements or milestones in 2023, and why?
Ghislain: I would say that one of the most exciting achievements for us in 2023 was the successful launch of GetGoing in the US market, a significant milestone in terms of expansion. 2023 was even more exciting thanks to the exceptional growth we delivered throughout the year, with +702% in the 4th quarter versus the same period in 2022. This kind of growth is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team.
GG: Every year has its challenges. What hurdles did GetGoing have to overcome in 2023, and how did your team face them?
Ghislain: In 2023, we were faced with what is called the “Innovator’s Dilemma” by Clayton Christensen, world-renowned researcher on Innovation and a professor at Harvard. While leveraging the best out of BCD Travel, we stepped away from what is considered the traditional world of TMCs, scaling to an innovative digital business model that leverages technology and operates in a completely different way. It was –and still is – a delicate balancing act, but our team’s adaptability and commitment have allowed us to continually navigate these challenges successfully, reinforcing the importance of an agile approach based on flexibility and autonomy.
GG: Can you tell us about any lessons you learned in the previous year, and you plan to apply them in the coming year?
Ghislain: One of the key lessons from 2023 is that when targeting SMBs, we need to not only address small enterprises, but also be sure not to neglect medium sized companies. 2023 has without a doubt demonstrated that our platform and model are ready for this kind of strategic move. This will without a doubt help us to accelerate growth in 2024 by expanding our addressable market. Secondly, our team proved how motivated and capable they are, but in order to navigate the fast-paced digital corporate landscape, we must increase the team’s autonomy.
GetGoing (GG): What exciting plans or initiatives can we expect ahead of us in 2024?
Ghislain: Get ready for a new era in terms of user experience! We already have a unique interface that looks like everything other than a traditional corporate software for travel management, but we plan to take it to the next level in 2024. Clients can expect a revamped shopping and booking experience incorporating their valuable feedback. We will continue to enhance user experience on the platform with BCD’s culture of excellent service through our developments. We’re also excited about the launch of our highly-anticipated mobile app, which will continue to push the boundaries making travel management more seamless and convenient.
GG: Without revealing any secrets, are there any innovative projects or features in the pipeline you’re particularly excited about for 2024?
Ghislain: Yes! We’re constantly investing in developing our supplier content to offer you the best deals on the market. We will continue to do this on an ongoing basis, with more unique fares on the hotel side and more NDC content on the airline side. We will also dedicate our efforts to sustainability, working to align our services with the needs of environmentally conscious travelers and clients. We will also leverage BCD’s partnerships with rail carriers and distributors to introduce a fully integrated rail experience, meeting a significant demand from our clients not only in Europe but also in the US. And we’re really thrilled to say that the expense management offering will also launch in 2024. These exciting projects all represent our commitment to offering a comprehensive and forward-thinking all-in-one digital solution.
GG: Can you share with us a customer story from 2023 that shows the positive impact your services had on their experience?
Ghislain: In the 4th quarter of 2023 we experienced a trend of returning customers, who had tried GetGoing in its earlier stage but were not ready to act as early adopters. These customers had decided to try larger digital travel management platforms in parallel, and we stayed in touch with them throughout. They witnessed how quickly GetGoing closed the gaps between promises and reality with the other players. Plus, they could see that a digital business backed by a family business with strong travel experience and a culture of high quality service brings better and faster results. This really confirmed that we are on the right track to bring the best of both worlds together. This all helped to earn their confidence that GetGoing is now ready for them.
GG: Is there an individual or team whose contributions stand out from 2023?
Ghislain: I think the whole team deserves to be recognized for their hard work and commitment. They all played a role in helping us to achieve great results. However, I’d like to shine a spotlight on Julie Suhard and Jeff Rolling. We couldn’t have done it without them. They worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make GetGoing the success it is today.
Julie Suhard
Commercial &
Customer Success
Jeff Rolling
Product
GG: On a personal note, do you have any “New Year’s resolutions” for GetGoing in 2024?
Ghislain: Our New Year’s resolution for 2024 is to maintain the extraordinary levels of engagement and excitement within our teams. To do this we need to create more opportunities for face-to-face meetings. Additionally, we hope for greater recognition from the broader BCD scale. The achievements delivered in 2023 against all odds prove the need for more recognition and support as we continue to drive innovation.
GG: Any closing thoughts about GetGoing’s journey over the last year?
Ghislain: Our journey in 2023 was marked by substantial growth, innovation and the ability to deliver strong results. As we head into 2024, we have a clear vision: to continue pushing boundaries, enhancing user experiences, and redefining industry standards. We take from 2023 the learnings and the achievements that stand as a strong foundation for the exciting developments of the future. Get ready for another remarkable year with GetGoing!