‘Digital natives’ favour sharing face-to-face
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Face-to-face interaction initiated through travel is more important to Generation Y than others, with a willingness to adopt the sharing economy model.
These were some of the findings from the new Amadeus UK Business Travel Insights: Hotels 360 report released yesterday at the GTMC’s autumn conference.
The report found 64% of business travellers in the 18-34 age group think travel is essential to maintaining contact and doing business, compared to an average 50% across all age groups.
They would also look to do so at a cheaper cost with 54% saying that would consider sharing accommodation with companies like Airbnb, compared to 18% of the total group questioned.
However the majority (85%) said they can find the type of accommodation they want through their corporate booking portal, although 69% will still compare outside of the system just in case.
Access to the best rates was cited as a core challenge for the industry although full rate parity is a ‘pipedream’ as prices have different amenities or facilities included. As a result this makes value and inclusion of elements like breakfast important.
“The connected traveller has checked-in and is here to stay. Individual travellers understand how to build their own itineraries and shop around for deals, so to keep people engaged and on-plan, it is vital that the service offered by TMCs meets their needs and stretches their ideas whilst balancing the financial and safety aspirations of their company,” said GTMC CEO Paul Wait.
“We are delighted that this research shows so clearly that travel management companies are meeting the needs of so many, keeping travellers on-plan and within budget.”
In the technology arena access to Wi-Fi and tools that work on mobiles were named as top priority while only 38% would be interested in seeing reviews from other business travellers.
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