Business Traveller concerns

A survey of 252 corporate travel buyers and procurement managers by the Business Travel Show, revealed that 73 per cent said managing cost would continue to dominate both business travel generally and buyers’ habits directly, throughout the next 12 months.

The other top four issues facing the industry are the Olympics, the introduction of stronger travel policies, the economy and the rise in travel alternatives.

“As we head into a year of economic uncertainty and increasing hotel, fuel and ancillary fees, such as APD, it’s no surprise that buyers are worried about keeping costs down,” commented David Chapple, Business Travel Show event director.

“The impact of the Olympics on hotel availability, commuting disruption and reduced demand also explains why buyers are expecting to feel a ripple effect from London staging such a massive event.”

Buyers also claimed the biggest change in their buying for 2012 will be greater cost scrutiny, followed by enforcing policy compliance (21%), fighting for more from suppliers (19%), introducing new technology (online booking, mobile, etc.) (17%) and increasing the use of travel alternatives (3%). 

When asked what their top tips were for getting better deals as budgets continue to be squeezed, more than one third of buyers insist on booking ahead; one in three said shop around; almost a fifth recommend good old-fashioned haggling; eight per cent demand increased policy compliance and five per cent spend less by travelling less. 

And in light of the pressure to manage costs closely and reduce demand for travel, 99 per cent of buyers are now using travel alternatives as, or more, frequently as they did one year ago.

“Cost has been the overriding issue facing business travel since we entered recession, but there is good news on the horizon – the market is looking much healthier and, though buyers are being cautious, this survey also shows that one quarter of budgets are on the increase,” added David Chapple.

“Two of the biggest tips buyers shared were ‘shop around’ and ‘negotiate’, and with the most comprehensive and diverse number of exhibiting suppliers at any corporate travel event in Europe, there is no better place to do this than at the Business Travel on 7 and 8 February 2012.