BUSINESSNESS PLAN MORE TRAVEL FOR 2008
UK businesses are less pessimistic about the state of the economy than analysts may suggest, according to research released from the annual Barclaycard Business Travel Survey. The survey, now in its 12th year, canvasses the views of more than 3,000 business travellers across the country, building a comprehensive picture of the UK’s business traveller, gauging views on business travel and travel behaviour.
Despite widely reported fears of an economic slowdown, the Barclaycard Business travel survey reveals that 44 per cent of respondents travelled more in 2007 than they did in 2006. And one in three respondents (33%) plan to travel more in 2008 than they did in 2007. 36 per cent cited business expansion in the UK as the main reason, and 31 per cent citing overseas expansion.
However, spending is under closer scrutiny, with business travel no longer meaning ‘business class’ travel. More businesses are focussed on managing and minimising costs, with more than half (55%) saying they are most likely to fly economy class when travelling for business. This compares with 46 per cent in the previous year.
Denise Leleux, Director of Commercial Cards, Barclaycard Business said: “Travelling on business to expand into new markets or win new business has always been an indicator of economic confidence. This year’s results show that confidence is still there and that business people are still positive about economic and business growth. But they are also becoming even more cost conscious – perhaps more so this year than before. And it is clear that the long term impact of premium economy services on many long-haul scheduled carriers is continuing”.
easyJet and Ryanair have increased the market share but British Airways remains the most used airline for business travel (28%).
Luxury, all-frills accommodation is also on the decline for business travellers, with more than half (54%) choosing hotels based on value for money. Indeed, 49 per cent said that the cost of a hotel was the sole factor when choosing accommodation.
Accommodation | Transport
4/13/2008 1:52:31 PM UTC 
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