Top 10 business travel trends: CWT
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How is the business travel industry likely to evolve over the next few years?
A Carlson Wagonlit survey of global clients and suppliers has identified 10 major trends. These are:
1. Companies will increasingly focus how they can get the best return on investment from travel and eliminate any unnecessary trips. Travel managers will increasingly look to technology for new ways to keep people connected.
2. The war for talent may lead to less restrictive travel policies, offset by tougher
compliance measures.
3. Companies will step up efforts to manage travel-related risks, ensuring the safety of travelers will remain a universal priority.
4. Policies will be greener and travellers more environmentally aware.
5. Technology will continue to improve the traveller experience
Key concepts will include self-service, plug and play, one-stop shop and mobile.
6. Suppliers will continue to seek lower distribution costs.
7. Dynamic hotel pricing will take off. One global company that has tested the system reported that it broke even on prices at the majority of its hotels in the United States and achieved considerable soft-dollar benefits.
8. Multiple forces will impact the competitive landscape. These include the
EU-U.S. Open Skies agreement, deregulation and fuel-efficient planes which will shave costs.
9. Suppliers will increasingly segment services and apply selective discounts. Airlines will focus increasingly on their offering for elite travellers, especially on long-haul international routes.
10. Cooperation among industry players will be key. Clients and suppliers alike pointed out the need for honest dialogue in order to move the industry forward.
The full article appears in Issue 3 of Carlson Wagonlit’s Vision publication and was put together by Mike Koetting, Executive Vice President, Global Supplier Management and Floyd Widener Vice President Sales, Europe, Middle East and Africa.
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