Business travel is the practice of
people traveling for purposes related to their work.
It is on the rise especially with foreign business markets opening up.
Many airlines began
to concentrate on providing premium service on long haul flights
especially for the first and business class business traveler with the development of
more sophisticated business traveler needs over the last 15
years.
Airlines have also been working on tools that benefit the business travellers
such as: Improved and competitive mileage programs, quick check in and
online check in, lounges with broadband connection, etc. Hotels are not
far behind. They are also on the competition for the business travellers
by offering flexible points programs, broadband connection in all rooms
and fast check in and check out services.
While internet booking engines have become the first destination for
around 60% of leisure travelers, business travelers, especially with the need
for itineraries that may include more than one destination, have still
found that a knowledgeable travel agent may be their best resource for
better ticket pricing, less hassle and better air and land travel
planning. For larger business travel accounts these travel agents
take on a travel management role, and are referred to as Travel
Management Companies (TMCs), providing services such as consultancy,
traveller tracking, data and negotiation assistance and policy advice.
Recent trends in this market have extended to the implementation of
Self Booking Tools (SBTs) which allow automated booking of trips within
company policy, an increase in the inclusion of Duty of care practices
in the booking and monitoring process and more consideration for the
environmental impact of business travel.
Top three expense categories for business travel:
- Airline expenses
- Hotel expenses
- Food and beverage expenses
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