Business travel management company, ABT UK, reveals its top five predictions for the corporate travel market in 2012:
With the British economy set to stagnate next year and on-going
pressures on travel budgets, what lies in wait for the corporate travel
market in 2012?
1. “Safety never takes a day off!”
Following a turbulent year dominated by uprisings in the Middle
East, riots across the UK and unrest throughout Europe due to the
Eurozone crisis, safety concerns will be the number one priority for
business travel in 2012. Rigorous issues and crisis management
procedures, including detailed repatriation plans, will be requested and
analysed by existing and potential clients.
2. The airborne office takes flight
This year will see inflight mobile phone and wireless internet
connectivity become a reality. As such, air travel will no longer be an
opportunity for business travellers to escape the office and seek peace
and quiet in the sky.
3. 24-7-365 service expected as standard
Time is the most valuable commodity for business travellers. As a
result, clients expect to be able to call and speak directly with a
knowledgeable travel consultant at anytime from anywhere in the world.
ABT UK already provides as standard for all clients an in-house 24-7-365
Emergency Travel Helpdesk manned by a dedicated team of specialist
consultants.
4. In-house IT innovation slowdown
As internal resource cuts bite deeper, businesses will be looking to
external suppliers including travel management companies (TMCs) to
deliver ever more creative ways of doing business, particularly on the
international stage.
5. Budgets, People, Planet – in that order
The relentless squeeze on travel budgets will ensure that, for the
first time, cost will override staff and green travel considerations.
While the bottom line will rule in 2012, TMCs have an opportunity to add
real value through tailor-made customer services.
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