Key findings include:
2013 saw an increase in business travel compared to 2012: The report showed a small increase in business travel trips in 2013, with an average of 13.1 trips being taken per person compared to 12.7 in 2012. The number of individuals taking one or more business trips has doubled between 2011 and 2013 (4% vs. 8%).
Personalisation and efficiency are key: Almost two thirds of travellers say ancillary services such as extra legroom, dietary requests and extra luggage are important to them. 10% of women stated they could not do without extra luggage allowances, compared to just 1% of men. Efficiency is also the main focus for business travellers, with 21% of travellers specifying that obtaining the closest hotel to the meeting is their top priority when travelling. The second greatest is connectivity, with 18% citing the ability to connect to Wi-Fi as their top travel need.
Business travellers concerned that travel budget cuts affect business: One in 10 travellers believe that reduced travel has a negative effect on customer satisfaction or has resulted in lost business.
Men more out of pocket from expenses: 52% of business travellers have outstanding travel expenses, with nearly a fifth (18%) being out of pocket by more than £100. Men are twice as likely to be out of pocket by more than £100 compared to women.
Roaming charges need to be watched: 19% of travellers were either completely unaware or need to be informed before each trip on the company policy on mobile roaming for where they are going.
Travel plays a significant role in employee satisfaction: Business travellers are positive about the impact of business travel on working life - 96% say they like business trips or do not mind travelling for business. 55% of respondents stated they find business trips interesting, and women find business trips more motivating than men (21% vs 15%). However, 21% of respondents state that budget cuts make them less willing to travel. 19% state that their company travel policy has a negative impact on how they feel about their employer.
Commenting on the findings, Diane Bouzebiba, Managing Director of Amadeus, UK and Ireland, says: "We are delighted to see the growing optimism in economic outlook translating into an increase in travel as indicated by our survey, especially given the pivotal role it plays in both employee and customer satisfaction. The findings shine a spotlight on the variation in traveller requirements, enabled by the proliferation of online and mobile travel management tools, variation of travel choices on offer."
