WHEN news broke in April that Singapore passport holders visiting China needed visas to enter from July 1, the travel consultants at Hogg Robinson Group (HRG) were inundated with phone calls.

Confused clients who had business there during the Beijing Olympics asked questions like: "What is the permitted period of travel for a visa holder?" and "Is a visa needed if the trip is shorter than 15 days?"

Previously, Singaporeans did not need visas if they entered China for up to 15 days.

To answer clients' queries, HRG called up China's embassy in Singapore to ask for clarification, then reiterated the information in clear, concise point form.

The ability to facilitate smooth transitions is one of the attributes a corporate travel agent should have, and firms in the industry are in need of such talents.

The corporate travel industry is not to be confused with outbound tours - agents act more like their clients' personal assistants when it comes to taking care of their business travel needs.

Ms Marilyn Pang, 44, head of operations at HRG, elaborated: "The demands and expectations of a corporate travel client are much higher than that of someone who buys a packaged tour.

"Our main call of business is to arrange our clients' business travel.We manage their expenses, make sure that flights and hotels are booked, and they make it to their appointments smoothly."

But more than that, they sometimes also act as personal advisers and in some cases, they need to help soothe ruffled feathers.

"There was a slight commotion recently when Singapore Airlines announced they would be converting direct flights from Singapore to Newark and Los Angeles from economy to business class," Ms Pang, who has been in the industry for 25 years, recalled. "We sent a few bouquets and cases of wine out to customers who were unprepared for the change."

HRG is one of the biggest names in corporate travel management, with a network spread across 90 countries globally. Although the company's official working hours are from 9am to 6pm, consultants are available 24 hours daily - through their mobile phones.

When asked who would qualify for a job in the corporate travel industry, Ms Pang said: "A university education would give one value-added advantage, as a graduate generally is able to write and speak better, but the degree alone may not be put into practice in this field of work."

That's why recruits are sent to the TourismManagement Institute of Singapore (TMIS) to read the International Air Transport Association and the United Federation of Travel Agents' Association's (IATA-UFTAA) Travel and Tourism foundation diploma course after their first three months at HRG.

The IATA-UFTAA programme equips consultants with a knowledge of travel planning. These include the nitty-gritty details of calculating lapse time, fare, and acquainting them with the geography of various cities.

Travel consultants at HRG are expected to have at least three to five years' of experience with a travel management company.

"You need to be creative and pro-active to be in this client-focused industry," Ms Pang said.