Business travel sector positive for 2013
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Business travel is predicted to see a boost next year following positive news from a buyer survey and Hogg Robinson Group (HRG) today.
Four in 10 travel buyers expect budgets to increase next year after 38% had higher budgets this year, although the same percentage expected budgets to remain the same. More trips are also expected in 2013 (47%) after seeing a 45% boost this year compared to 2011, according to the survey results from Business Travel Show (BTS).
The positive outlook was continued by HRG in its half-year results, which said its growth prospects remain “good”. This was despite a 10% drop in revenue; client spend down 8% in H1 and a higher UK deficit. HRG said it expects its full-year business to be in line with market expectations with clients including Bayer, Pirelli and Unilever to commence in 2013.
Alongside cost cutting the company will also focus on its technology, including a new partnership with Citi Commercial Cards to boost its travel management products. The companies will also look to develop new products, focusing on expense, data and advisory management services.