Travel Over the Years

Willie McPherson, ATPI Director of Business Development and Client Engagement

Willie McPherson, Director of Business Development and Client Engagement at ATPI, has witnessed the last 40 years of changes, challenges and developments in the travel industry. 

In particular, how the energy sector has relied on ATPI as a global travel management company (TMC) through the highs and the more challenging times. With first-hand experience of technological developments and changing trends as part of an ever-evolving travel company, Willie shares his journey following 33 years of insights at ATPI supporting the energy sector.

“Experience and expertise are essential, and our people can’t be replaced” - a statement Willie will stand by when discussing the advancements of technology for the market. With decades of experience in oil and gas and offshore travel, technology is an essential part of offering specialist solutions to this constantly evolving sector. However, Willie also knows how important it is that people continue to play a role in the service that is offered too.

“Human intervention can’t be substituted in our sector, however, technology will continue to complement and strengthen our offering. I have worked in the energy industry for over 30 years with ATPI, and as the only truly global TMC in Aberdeen, our team on the ground is an essential part of what sets us apart from our competitors. Coupled with the technology advancements we have made and invested in to make us a one-stop shop, the service we provide is hard to compete with.”

Willie states’ "ATPI has led the way with technology and has done this by listening to our clients carefully and positioning products that the industry needs".  For example, ATPI’s Traveller Tracking Systems was one of the first technology enhancements, this was a development to support duty of care obligations, which is essential, especially in the energy sector. Having real-time information and visibility of travellers has been vital for the industry during challenging periods including the pandemic, security risks, political unrest, and ongoing travel-related disruptions. "ATPI has some really exciting technology announcements coming soon, and these are things that I know the industry has been crying out for".

“The energy sector must have a strong duty of care obligations in place for its employees as they travel to somewhat complex and remote locations, both onshore and offshore. The unique demands of this multi-country industry mean that ATPI has developed tools designed to support our customers and ensure their well-being is always a priority. We regularly align with our energy clients’ values that focus on safety, innovation, integrity, and trust - which is why we have customers, such as CNR, who have partnered with us for over 25 years.”

One key area that Willie has witnessed over the last decade is the focus on the energy transition and the journey towards a more sustainable future. With the energy sector heavily reliant on travel, ATPI developed its own offering through ATPI Halo. "Our offering is different in that it provides a full end-to-end offsetting programme which can support measuring, reducing, and offsetting Scope 3 carbon relation emissions. ATPI understand the pressure on energy companies to become more sustainable, and embracing ATPI HALO supports this.’’

“My own career path with ATPI has been hugely rewarding, and it is amazing to look back at the changes of when I first started working in this industry. Our sector is evolving constantly, and it’s a privilege to be part of that with many wonderful people who support me and the wider ATPI team. It’s an exciting time for not only the business but also the wider energy market – innovation will always be a focus, but what really stands us apart is our people and relationships that build the strong foundation that ATPI has.”

Read the latest issue of the OGV Energy magazine HERE