Business Travel – Upcoming Trends to Consider
The New Year is finally here and people are wondering what changes we are going to see in business travel. While some of the answers may seem straightforward and logical, a few of the trends that are going to become apparent in business travel in 2012 may surprise you.
Extra fees are going to increase
Unfortunately, surcharges and ancillary fees that are tacked on top of hotel rooms and airline tickets are going to increase in 2012. It is true that hotels and airlines may try to lure people in with low initial costs, but add-on charges are going to drive the prices up even higher than before. Most experts suggest that if consumers thought that 2011 was bad, we have seen nothing yet in 2012.
Airlines are going to have to change
Unfortunately, those in the United States are going to notice that there will be significantly less domestic routes available. Chances are that American Airlines is not going to be the last major airline having to declare bankruptcy anytime soon. However, in Asia Pacific, international competition and capacity is going to increase significantly due to wide-body aircraft and additional low-cost carriers.
Europe has a different approach
Meanwhile, in Europe rail travel is going to emerge as a usable alternative to air travel. With extended networks and improved service, a harmonized European ticketing and planning system does not seem like simple ideology anymore. Those concerned about their carbon footprint and on-board working environments are going to be pleasantly surprised. Expect European corporate travelers to make much more use of the train.
The smartphone becomes the guide
Business travelers are not going to want to be without their smart phones anymore. Did you know that in the United States more than 84% of all business travelers use their smart phone while they are traveling? Whether they are reading the latest news, receiving emails or simply finding out practical information through social media and apps, they do not want to be apart from their phones anymore. It becomes vital for travel managers to embrace on-the-go alerts, location-based information, social communication, and mobile itineraries. Business travelers are going to expect a plug-in for their smart phone before the battery goes dead, yet another aspect that needs to be taken into account when trying to keep the business traveler happy. It may also become important to clarify appropriate usage in their travel policy.
