Business Travel Rebound Predictions Post-Pandemic

Dr. Ursula Ron

August 30, 2022

Predicting The Back To Normal

Forecasting the return of business travel has been akin to a rollercoaster ride. Initial hopes for a return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2022 have shifted, with the GBTA diverging from earlier forecasts.

The outlook of business travel varies depending on whom you consult. While some airlines and hotel chains project optimism based on their revenues, industry associations, ravel management companies, and Travel Managers remain cautious amidst the uncertainty.

The key question remains: do the presented numbers indicate a lasting shift in business objectives and traveler behavior, or are current trends merely transient responses to market instability and travel conditions? Disruptions have been ubiquitous marked by pandemic’s variants, airport chaos, flight cancellations, geopolitical tensions, and global inflation.

While the exact timeline for a return to “normal business travel” remains uncertain, Travel Managers and enterprises seek to make informed decisions to optimize business travel programs.

The Purpose Of Business Travel

The fundamental purpose of business travel is to support business goals for business success. Every business trip should contribute tangible value whether it’s to close sales, meet with existing customers, do implementations at the customers’ sites, bring teams together, or enabling unique learning and personal growth opportunities for employees.

While benchmarking against industry trends and competitors provides insights, true success lies in understanding internal data and trends.

Harnessing Internal Travel Insights

Delving into your organization’s data and uncovering travel trends is more crucial than ever. This process not only enables success but also provides a more sustainable approach for your company. After all, it’s the responsibility of Travel Managers, alongside their TMCs, to craft a travel program tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of your company.

Your Own Business Travel Data Can Reveal Critical Insights:

Is the traditional one-day trip becoming obsolete within your company?
How do longer trips impact your flight and hotel allocations in the budget?
Are extended trips a result of strategic planning combining business tasks or driven by the rising trend of “leisure” trips?
Have destination preferences shifted, and will these changes remain significant in the coming year?

Analyzing internal data can unveil invaluable insights, from assessing trip durations to identifying shifting destination preferences. Close collaboration across departments and alignment with business goals are imperative for success.

While data analysis may reveal familiar patterns or unforeseen changes, understanding the underlying reasons requires intimate knowledge of your company. Ultimately, it’s the combination of data-driven insights and internal expertise that unlocks the full potential of your travel program.

Business Travel Spend Optimization

In the current landscape, business travel spend optimization is paramount. Negotiated fares and rates may not always yield the best pricing, particularly amidst dynamic pricing and volatility. Here, travel spend optimization solutions, such as automated price assurance across airfares and hotel rates, play a crucial role in maximizing ROI.

Find out more about Oversee’s Travel Spend Optimization solution for tailored business travel spend optimization starategies aligned with your business objectives.

Schedule a demo with us if you want to learn more about Oversee’s Travel Spend Optimization solution.

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