Business Travel

Solutions for What Ails You

By Erica Rascón on May 22, 2017 in News

Travel Leaders Group, the largest traditional travel agency in North America, released the 2017 Business Travel Trends survey. More than 540 agents participated in the survey, each with a portfolio composed of at least 50 percent business travel clients. The survey highlights industry trends as well as business travelers’ leading concerns.

The business travel sector is projected to remain strong with 86% of agents expecting bookings to remain “as high or higher” than the same time last year. With potential growth in mind, industry professionals search for ways to improve the traveler experience.

Top Concerns

Each year, agents reported the top travel three concerns for their clients. The chart below reflects changes from year to year.

 

While agents can do very little to ease difficulties within the airlines and TSA, they have committed to tackling the problems within their reach. Agents reported that they are most able to address or mitigate the following concerns for corporate travelers:
Delayed flights 48.6%
Making sure someone has their back 39.2%
Earning frequent flyer/loyalty points 32.3%
Limited airline seat availability 28.7%
Travel costs 25.1%

Wish Lists

Skift, the nation’s largest industry intelligence platform, created the Supertraveler’s Wish List this year. Beyond the woes of airlines and agents, this list hones in on what business travelers seek on a personal level. The most sought-after features include better apps for hotels and improved retail in and around accommodations.

Those are great additions for short term stays. But for travelers on assignment for several weeks or months, more is needed to help them feel comfortable.

Corporate housing provides a more permanent feel than hotels—but they rarely get it right. Beyond pots and pans in the kitchen, corporate housing fails to address personal needs.

Yardi has created a travelers’ wish list to include amenities for longer-term stays.

Lyft Outings

Business travelers can sometimes feel lonely or isolated. To ease the discomfort, housing providers could host social events for residents. These outings would come with arranged travel, like Lyft, to local sports clubs and neighborhood events. It’s a great opportunity for travelers to meet one another and practice a bit of community integration.

Complimentary Zip Cars

When rental cars are not provided, complimentary Zip cars give business travelers the freedom that they need. Like permanent residents, travelers need to run errands and maintain a social life. Free Zip cars offer flexibility and independence without the hassle of personal expenses or reporting.

Local Incentives

Borrowing a page from apartment communities, corporate housing that offers local incentives provides benefits for both parties: travelers receive discounts to local businesses and the local businesses improve the likelihood of attracting new clients.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations

Pet-friendly corporate housing can help travelers feel at home and combat mental health issues. Pets encourage caregivers to explore the benefits of exercising outdoors, which also improves physical health. Pet-friendly business housing may also be an interesting foster care opportunity for local animal shelters.

What are the most challenging aspects of business travel for you? What possible solutions would you propose for those issues? Let us know by commenting below.