BTM takes second look at business travel indicators
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Business Travel Market (BTM) has continued its ‘Optimising Business Travel Performance’ theme by revealing on day two of the event the results of a survey conducted in conjunction with BTM official conference programme co-ordinator, the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE). The survey focused on the disruption to lifestyles caused by business travel, particularly in the areas of sleep patterns and food and drink consumption, whilst away from home. The results showed that nearly 50% (48.6) of business travellers surveyed consume more or significantly more food and drink when away on business, clearly reflecting long established views of the industry. However, crucially, nearly 80% (78.1) of those surveyed consider experiencing new cultures as the most enjoyable part of travelling for business. This offers a real opportunity to transport and hotel providers who tap into local markets and provide a food and drink offering which ties into the local markets where they operate. With 49% of those surveyed positioning room comfort facilities such as a choice of pillows as a key factor in enabling them to relax, BTM said hotel providers must ensure that these types of facilities are available to guests. From a technological perspective, 57% of business travellers would consider Wi-Fi as crucial to their ability to relax, sending another key message to industry providers that it’s not just the bar and fitness facilities which guests consider as deciding factors when choosing where to stay. The survey results illustrate the opportunities available to transport and hotel providers if they react to business traveller demands. With more than 50% (51.4) of those surveyed being of the opinion that the travel industry looks to be better off in the next year, compared to last, the industry needs to act now to ensure that they are providing the facilities that travellers really value during their stay.
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