Kuala Lumpur - Over in Malaysia, Diethelm Travel Management (DTM) is downplaying the impact of the loss of its partnership with Rosenbluth, despite the relationship going back to 1989.

Managing director, Mr Manfred Kurz, said: “Rosenbluth International was not very active in Malaysia and only a small portion of our business was linked with it.

“At this moment, we are not sure if we will lose any accounts to American Express (AMEX). The feedback we have received from some of the companies is rather positive. Rosenbluth being taken over by AMEX does not mean that all Rosenbluth accounts automatically switch to AMEX.”

In fact, Mr Kurz pointed out, some of the global accounts which were using AMEX before, actually decided to leave it and join Rosenbluth. “Why should they suddenly decide to go back? At the end, the important things are service and price,” Mr Kurz said.

As he does not expect to lose many accounts, there is no need for any layoffs. “We are also very active in sales and marketing efforts and are steadily increasing the number of new accounts,” Mr Kurz said.

On an affiliation with another global travel management company, he said: “We are right now in discussion with two global players and will make a decision very soon.”

Such a global affiliation is considered useful to enhance Diethelm’s profile. “If you have a global label you are recognised in the market. This means you have better chances to get invited for tenders,” Mr Kurz said.

However, it does not guarantee an account. “You still have to fight for yourself to get the business in,” he said.