Business travel is always evolving, with new travel policies, trendy destinations, and exciting technology changing how we travel for work. Travel also connects many clients, partners, and work opportunities. For some, it is a major backbone of their company and industry.
Here are some popular trends in business travel to remember if you have another trip before the year’s end.
Willingness to Pay for Comfort
Travellers are willing to pay extra or out-of-pocket for a better, more comfortable travel experience. Especially with longer flights, many will upgrade to business class seats. This is where additional perks, such as a business trip limo service, can offer unprecedented comfort.
More Business Trips, Higher Spending
This year, we will see the most business trips and travel spending since the pandemic. Business travel has bounced back after the pandemic, with continued uncertainty. That said, this year, numbers have risen so significantly that they are now at an all-time high.
Emphasis On ROI
More companies seek purposeful business trips with an emphasis on return on investment. Unproductive business travel is a reality, and ROI, however one defines it, can measure whether trips are justifiable for the organization to continue.
Less Traditional Destinations
Some business travel is being redirected to less traditional destinations than major hubs like New York or London. In the United States alone, there has been an increase in business travel to New Jersey, North Carolina, Michigan, and Honolulu, Hawaii.
Stricter Business Travel Policies
Companies are reinforcing stricter travel policies and, in some cases, reducing permitted travel spending coverage. As corporate travel expenses have soared since the pandemic, regular business travellers are looking for any way to reduce their trip costs.
Sustainable Travel
Many corporate travel policies factor in carbon budgeting and how to make the most eco-conscious choice when it comes to business travel. More sustainable travel, such as carbon offset flights, has become popular as companies seek to reduce their carbon footprint further.
Using Points to Upgrade
Three-quarters of business travellers this year will use points to pay for a hotel or airfare upgrade, reinforcing the importance of collecting points through a credit card or a loyalty rewards program.
Loyalty Perks Matter
When loyalty perks and upgrades are involved, business travellers are in a good mood and excited about the travel. Evaluate any loyalty programs you are already a part of to see if there is any chance to claim something free or take advantage of an available perk.
Self-Booking
More businesses are letting employees book their flights and carry more flexible travel policies than they used to. This allows team members to optimize travel to their preferences, often covering some of the costs.
Managing Business Travel With AI
This year, four-fifths of all business travel will be partially or fully managed by AI. This is a major jump from the year prior and is further evidence that it’s becoming more accessible to book or rebook flights and accommodations as needed.
Gym Is the Top Amenity For Business Travelers
Business travellers’ biggest request regarding amenities is access to a gym. Unfortunately, only a few companies offer it.
Unconventional Accommodations
A small – but growing – percentage of young business travellers seek unconventional accommodations. From Airbnb to hostels, some travellers are not afraid to go rough instead of spending money on luxury hotels.
Limo Service Is Trending For Business
Having a limo pick you up at the airport and drive you to your hotel is much easier than waiting for a shuttle or taxi. Ride in style. Feel valued. A limo service for business travel is a way to treat yourself or anyone travelling with you.
Blending Leisure With Business
Particularly among young business travellers, many are opting to extend their stay in a travel destination for leisure and fun. A few extra days before or after a business event can make a long trip all the more worthwhile.
Virtual Cards For Travel Expenses
It is becoming more difficult to separate personal and professional expenses and reimbursements. To simplify, some companies provide virtual cards for travel arrangements, business dinners, or airfare. These cards have custom spend controls and offer automated reconciliation – two major growing trends in business travel.
Craving Local Experiences
The business travellers who do stay tend to crave more local experiences than tourist-heavy sightseeing expeditions. Airbnb’s uptake among the younger business class is also on the rise.