Business travel is growing in 2022 and is forecast to continue to grow in the coming years. While technology may allow us to speak face to face over a camera, many companies find that having feet on the ground gets the job done better. With many trends showing growth in private jet charter and self-booking industries, here is all you need to know about the latest business travel trends.
Business mixed with pleasure
In the past, travelers were split into two groups. Those traveling for business, and those traveling for pleasure. However, these days those groups are becoming merged. If you are flying to London for a meeting, it makes sense to bring your wife and make a holiday of it. Many companies are becoming more flexible with their policies, seeing it as a reward to staff and allowing them to mix their business trip with some touristy things.
Traveling privately
What many companies have learned is that time is the most valuable currency. This has led more companies to fly using private jets as it saves a lot of time.
Rather than standing in long queues to check in luggage and get through customs, they hire a private jet so that their executives have a fast and easy process.
Business travel trends for 2022
Self-booking is on the rise
Gone are the days of spending hours on the phone trying to book accommodation on the other side of the world. Nowadays with online systems, you can book hotels, and rental cars all in one place.
This has led to more business travelers booking their own travels as it allows them more control over their itinerary and allows for easy changes and amendments should there be a need. Self-booking is a popular and growing travel trend.
Technologies involvement
Recent studies have shown that 22% of airfare bookings were made via mobile, and 39% of hotel bookings were made via mobile. This shows how travelers are using technology to book and manage their travel plans and itineraries.
While commercial flights still take longer than flying privately, many airports are introducing technology that will help speed up some of their processes. For example, facial recognition technology is being used to speed up immigration and border control at many airports across the world.
Another way technology is influencing travel is communication. With SMS and email services, as well as mobile apps, airlines can communicate flight changes and alternative plans as soon as possible. While delays are inconvenient, you would rather know before you’ve left home.
Lastly, technology helps speed up self-check-in and check-out processes thanks to biometric technology. Many airlines allow you to check in and book your seat the night before you fly, giving you less to do on the busy travel day.
Business travel perks
Many surveys and studies revealed that employees see business travel as a perk. They see it as valuable to their personal and professional development. This is especially true for the millennial generation which makes up the largest portion of the workforce.
Some companies with offices in multiple countries have even set up “work away from home” schemes, where employees can spend time working from offices in other countries. This allows for the sharing of expertise and knowledge.
Sustainable travelling
A market that is fast growing in the leisure tourism industry is also growing in the business travel world. Traveling in a sustainable and eco-friendly way is becoming a huge trend across the board.
Conglomerates like Marriot International are leading the way as they aim to have net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Companies and their executives are becoming more conscious of their carbon footprints as it can greatly affect their company image.
Many reports suggest that this trend will continue to grow in the coming years.
New travel markets
There are many traditional business hubs that travelers frequent. These are Dubai, London, Shanghai, New York, Chicago, Paris, Munich, and so on but China is still the dominant business travel destination. However, now trends are emerging showing new business locations gaining popularity.
Indonesia and India are the top two, both showing around 10% business traveler growth. Sweden and Norway are also among those growing in terms of business tourism, with 6% growth each.
These are just some of the many trends influencing the business travel industry in 2022.
