Business travel sharing economy booms in 2016
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More than a quarter (28 per cent) of travel managers now include sharing economy providers (aka interrupters) in their travel policy, compared to 8 per cent last year. 56 per cent have used Uber more in the last 12 months and 17 per cent have increased bookings through Airbnb over the same period.
These are just some of the results of a Business Travel Show poll of 178 European travel managers investigating the growth of the sharing economy within corporate travel.
Almost half of buyers use disruptors when booking independently, compared to 20 percent last year.
Thirty-seven percent believe they benefit their travel programme, compared to 27 percent previously.
Nikki Rogan, Global Travel Manager, Symantec, UK is a senior buyer on the Business Travel Show advisory board. She commented: “Business travellers who book directly are increasingly using alternative providers. As a result, buyers are now taking note and starting to include them more in policy and programmes – it’s just one part of the move towards listening to our travellers and offering them a more personalised offering.”
Airbnb and Uber are exhibiting at the Business Travel Show in 2017 and buyers can also find out more about next generation suppliers in the Business Travel Show conference programme’s session ‘Access economy or excess economy? Figuring out the best way to manage new-gen suppliers and distributors.’
Andrew Ratcliffe, Sales Manager, Airbnb UK & Ireland commented: “Travel Managers are increasingly engaging with Airbnb to learn about the business tools we offer and the benefits their travellers enjoy with Airbnb for business. The show is a great opportunity to engage with buyers and connect again with our clients.”
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