Collinson

Explore Collinson, a global leader in enhancing travel through services like airport experiences, loyalty programs, and tailored travel insurance. Serving over 400 million worldwide.

August 29, 2024

A photo of the author - Simon Rowles
Simon Rowles
Founder, CEO

Markets

Global
New Zealand

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Bank
Loyalty Foundation

Research Report

Collinson is a global leader known for making travel smoother and more enjoyable. With services such as airport experiences, loyalty programmes, and travel insurance, Collinson caters to over 400 million consumers worldwide. They aim to enhance every step of your journey, from start to finish, ensuring you travel with ease and confidence.

Founded as a family-run business, Collinson has expanded its reach to offer a wide range of solutions. These include airport lounge access, customer engagement services, and innovative travel insurance like SmartDelay™. Their commitment to high-quality service makes them a trusted partner for many airlines and other travel-related businesses around the globe.

Their services are designed to meet the needs of a diverse, global customer base, making it easier for travellers to navigate the complexities of international travel. Whether it's offering loyalty rewards or providing assistance in emergencies, Collinson has built a reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction.

Key Takeaways

  • Collinson enhances travel with diverse services like airport experiences and travel insurance.
  • The company serves over 400 million customers globally, focusing on quality and ease.
  • They partner with airlines and travel businesses to offer reliable, innovative solutions.

About Collinson Group

Collinson Group is a privately-owned company known for its market-leading products in travel, loyalty, and insurance. Key aspects include its core values, leadership, corporate responsibility, and its historical journey.

Core Values and Integrity

Collinson Group values customer trust and integrity. As a family-run business, they prioritise long-term investments and sustainable growth. Employees are encouraged to maintain high ethical standards, ensuring that services are reliable and trustworthy. The company works with over 1,400 banks, 90 airlines, and 20 hotel groups worldwide to offer seamless travel experiences and loyalty programmes. Their offerings include market-leading airport experiences such as Priority Pass.

Leadership and Governance

Leadership at Collinson is characterised by innovative thinking and strategic planning. Colin Evans, the Founder and Chairman, has been instrumental in shaping the company's growth. David Evans, who serves as the CEO, and Todd Handcock, the Global Chief Commercial Officer, play significant roles in decision-making. The board includes experienced professionals who guide the company towards global success. Collinson has received accolades like the APAC CEO of the Year Awards, recognising their leadership excellence.

Corporate Responsibility

Corporate responsibility is a cornerstone of Collinson Group. They engage in various charitable activities and partnerships, including Fareshare UK, Foster Love, and the Coach Core Foundation. Employees are encouraged to volunteer, contributing their time and skills to make a positive impact. This commitment extends to sustainable practices within the organisation, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint. Their charity partner programmes aim to address social issues and support underprivileged communities.

Collinson's Journey and Milestones

Collinson Group's journey began over 30 years ago with Colin Evans as the Managing Director of IAPA, a global travel benefits business. In 1985, Colin took ownership and developed new products that shaped the company’s current structure. Milestones include the launch of ICLP, the first dedicated international loyalty agency, and Priority Pass, the first global airport lounge access programme. Columbus Direct was another notable achievement, being the first in the UK to sell travel insurance directly to consumers.

Collinson's Global Reach

Collinson is known for its extensive global presence and its ability to offer tailored solutions across various markets. Their operations span multiple regions, addressing unique challenges and leveraging local opportunities.

International Presence

Collinson boasts a significant presence across the globe, with operations in Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. They work with leading payment networks, over 1,400 banks, 90 airlines, and 20 hotel groups worldwide. This vast network allows them to deliver market-leading airport experiences and loyalty programmes.

In Europe, Collinson has established significant roots, providing services that improve productivity and reduce costs for businesses. The Americas region sees a similar level of activity, with a focus on customer engagement and insurance solutions. The APAC region benefits from Collinson’s innovative approach to travel and customer experiences.

Regional Insights

Europe stands out for its diverse range of industries and complex market needs. Collinson has helped companies across the continent to streamline operations and enhance managerial effectiveness. Their work often involves restructuring businesses to adapt to local economic conditions.

In APAC, Collinson’s efforts are focused on integrating advanced technical standards and creating seamless traveller journeys. The region’s rapid growth requires agile and responsive solutions, and Collinson’s deep experience in managing people better and leveraging local resources ensures continued success.

The Americas region benefits from Collinson's ability to support businesses on their growth journeys. With a focus on loyalty and customer engagement, Collinson helps companies to navigate the challenges of this diverse market. The collaboration with various airlines and hotel groups underlines their commitment to exceptional, interconnected travel experiences.

Collinson's strong regional insights and comprehensive international presence underline their capability to solve complex business challenges on a global scale.

Collinson Products and Services

Collinson offers an array of products and services designed to enhance customer experiences. They specialise in loyalty programmes, insurance solutions, travel services, and customer engagement, benefiting various sectors worldwide.

Loyalty Programmes

Collinson provides tailored loyalty programmes that integrate sales, service, marketing, commerce, and customer data. These programmes aim to build long-term relationships between brands and their customers by offering points and rewards earning opportunities. Valuedynamx, a key component, helps brands drive customer loyalty through data-driven insights and personalised offers. This ensures businesses can engage customers effectively and retain their loyalty over time. Their partnership with Salesforce enhances these solutions, making them robust and adaptable across different industries.

Insurance Solutions

Collinson offers comprehensive insurance solutions, including travel insurance, underwriting, and claims management. Their insurance services are crafted to meet the needs of travellers, providing peace of mind during their journeys. Collinson collaborates with over 1,400 banks and major payment networks, ensuring broad access to their insurance products. These solutions are designed to be flexible and responsive, covering a wide range of potential travel-related issues, from cancellations to medical emergencies, thus ensuring travellers can journey with confidence.

Travel Services and Benefits

Travel services and benefits are a cornerstone of Collinson's offerings. They provide premium travel experiences through products like Priority Pass. Priority Pass grants access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, allowing travellers to relax in comfort regardless of their airline or class of travel. Additional benefits include spa access and other travel perks designed to make journeys more enjoyable and stress-free. Collinson's travel services are aimed at enhancing the overall travel experience, ensuring that customers travel with ease and confidence.

Customer Engagement and Retail

Collinson excels in customer engagement by providing solutions that enrich the retail experience. Their services help retailers understand customer preferences and deliver personalised experiences. By utilising data analytics and targeted marketing strategies, Collinson enables retailers to engage customers effectively, leading to increased loyalty and repeat business. Their expertise in creating meaningful interactions ensures that customers feel valued and understood, which is crucial for sustained business success in the competitive retail landscape.

Industry Partnerships and Collaborations

Industry partnerships play a crucial role in driving innovation and enhancing operational efficiency across various sectors. These collaborations often lead to increased revenue and improved customer experiences.

Banking and Financial Institutions

Partnerships in the banking sector focus on enhancing payment networks and financial services. Financial institutions, through strategic alliances, can offer more innovative products and services. Such collaborations aim to improve the speed and security of transactions, making banking more accessible. These partnerships also often lead to shared technology and expertise, resulting in better fraud detection and risk management.

Travel and Hospitality

In the travel and hospitality industry, collaborations between airlines, hotel groups, and airport experiences significantly enhance customer satisfaction. Airlines partner with hotels to offer bundled deals. Hotel groups collaborate with local businesses to provide unique travel experiences. Music tourism, for example, is amplified through strategic alliances, drawing travellers to specific destinations for events and concerts.

Healthcare and Wellness Collaborations

In healthcare, partnerships aim to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. Collaborations between hospitals, wellness centres, and technology companies lead to advanced medical treatments and preventive care. These alliances also focus on making healthcare more accessible and efficient. Through shared resources, they develop new technologies and treatments, enhancing the overall quality of care offered to patients.

Charity and Community Initiatives

Partnerships in the realm of charity focus on social impact and community betterment. Corporate collaborations with non-profit organisations lead to various initiatives aiding global communities. For example, partnerships with the Colombian Paralympic Committee and other Paralympic organisations support athletes, promoting inclusivity. These collaborations often involve fundraising, awareness campaigns, and volunteering efforts, driving positive change in society.

Customer Experience and Engagement

Collinson leverages technology and insights to enhance customer interactions, particularly in sectors like travel and commerce. Their approach ensures personalised and seamless experiences across various touchpoints.

Evolving Consumer Services

The current landscape of customer expectations has dramatically shifted, especially following the pandemic. Collinson focuses on understanding these evolving needs to deliver superior services. Consumers now place a high value on the overall experience, equating its importance to the actual products and services offered. This makes agile decision-making crucial. Brands must continuously adapt their offerings to resonate with the changing behaviours and preferences. This is evident in the integration of loyalty programmes that reward not just purchases but also engagement and interactions.

Digital Commerce Interventions

Collinson utilises digital solutions to enhance customer engagement in the commerce sector. By integrating systems like Salesforce Loyalty Management, they provide brands with the ability to craft loyalty programmes that are both innovative and efficient. These programmes unify various aspects of a business such as sales, service, and marketing. The result is a seamless user experience where customer data informs every decision. This holistic approach ensures that every interaction reflects the customer's preferences and history, thus fostering deeper loyalty and engagement.

Creating Memorable Travel Experiences

Travel remains a core focus for Collinson, where they aim to improve every aspect of the journey. They collaborate with airlines, hotel groups, and VIP lounges to offer personalised experiences. By leveraging customer insights, they enhance various travel touchpoints, from dining options to sleep amenities, aiming to cater to the unique needs of travellers. This focus on personalisation creates memorable experiences that encourage repeat interactions. Moreover, their expertise in VIP lounges ensures a premium and comfortable environment, making travel more enjoyable and seamless.

Engagement Through Marketing and Insights

Collinson employs data-driven marketing strategies to deepen customer engagement. By harnessing extensive customer insights, they create tailor-made marketing campaigns that resonate on a personal level. This method not only increases engagement but also aligns with business objectives. Marketing efforts are closely monitored and adjusted based on real-time feedback and analytics. These insights are crucial for designing campaigns that not only attract but also retain customers, building long-term loyalty. Their experience in this field ensures strategies that are both effective and innovative, providing brands with a competitive edge.

Joining Collinson

Collinson offers a dynamic and inclusive work environment. Whether you’re interested in starting your career or looking to grow within a global company, you’ll find opportunities that match your aspirations.

Exploring Careers at Collinson

Collinson provides a range of career opportunities across multiple sectors. With over 1,800 employees, the company operates in various regions including London, England. They offer roles in airport services, customer engagement, loyalty programmes, and insurance solutions.

Employees have access to continuous training and development. The company values diversity and inclusivity, making it a great place to grow your career. The Collinson career portal is a great starting point for job seekers to explore current openings.

Life and Culture

The culture at Collinson emphasises teamwork, innovation, and personal growth. With a presence in 14 countries, employees experience a diverse and inclusive work environment. The company supports work-life balance and offers perks like flexible working hours and various wellness programmes.

They also host training sessions such as Mind Gym workouts, accessible to all employees. This focus on employee well-being and development helps foster a positive and productive workplace. Collinson’s strong culture of support and community makes it a great place to work.

Discover More About Collinson

Collinson is a global, privately-owned company known for creating innovative travel experiences and customer loyalty solutions. With over 30 years of experience, Collinson collaborates with renowned brands across various sectors.

Latest News and Press

Collinson recently announced its continued commitment to enhancing airport experiences through its LoungeKey programme. This service provides travellers access to lounges worldwide, helping them relax before flights. Additionally, Collinson is celebrating the success of Columbus Direct, a travel insurance brand under its umbrella, which has received high praise for its customer service and comprehensive coverage.

The company’s impact is also evident in the financial services sector, collaborating with over 1,400 banks. By partnering with industry leaders, Collinson stays at the forefront of market trends and customer needs. For more updates, visit their LinkedIn.

Events and Sponsorships

Collinson takes an active role in industry events and sponsorships, fostering engagement and innovation. Recently, Collinson was a Gold Sponsor at a major travel industry conference, showcasing their latest products and services. This sponsorship underscores their commitment to driving the travel industry's growth.

In addition to conferences, Collinson supports various community initiatives. Their involvement in local events strengthens their brand presence and fosters positive relationships within communities.

Collinson’s ongoing participation in global and local events highlights its proactive approach to industry leadership and social responsibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Collinson offers an array of services and operates in various domains, including travel insurance and customer loyalty. Below are some key details about their services, application process, and more.

What services are provided by the Collinson Group?

Collinson Group provides travel insurance, loyalty programmes, and medical and security assistance. They also help businesses improve customer experiences and manage risk.

How can one apply for a position at Collinson?

Job seekers can apply for positions at Collinson by visiting their official careers page. Here, they will find job listings and application procedures.

Who is the underwriter for Collinson's insurance policies?

Collinson’s insurance policies are underwritten by reputable insurance companies, ensuring reliable coverage and service.

Where are Collinson’s headquarters located?

Collinson’s headquarters are located in London, United Kingdom. They also have offices in other major cities across the world.

How does Collinson’s travel insurance differ from others in the market?

Collinson’s travel insurance is known for its comprehensive coverage and additional services. It includes medical assistance and emergency travel support, features that stand out in the market.

What are the contact channels for Collinson customer service?

Collinson customer service can be contacted via phone, email, and their official website. They offer dedicated support for various queries and services.