Since the beginning of this year, there have been a lot hopeful murmurs about the return of business travel after a precipitous decline over the last two years.
Now we’ve got even more proof that business travelers–especially those from small and medium sized companies–are seeing growth opportunities and taking more trips.
Several times a year, I survey the Best Western Diamond 100 Advisory Board (BWD100), a group of about 400 of Best Western’s best customers who typically work for small or medium sized companies, or for themselves. They drive more often than they fly, and for the most part, they make their own travel decisions and rarely rely on travel agents or corporate travel managers.
Guess what? The outlook is brightening among this group of road warriors and many expect to travel more this year than last.
In a poll taken in earlier this month, 50 percent of those responding to the most recent BWD100 poll said they are seeing positive signs in their industries that signal economic recovery. That’s up from just 37 percent who said so in July 2009.
“Our firm is actually starting to give performance awards again, something that’s not been done since 2008,” said one member. Another said, “There is a nice chunk of stimulus money that our clients were able to get…this means more work for us as consultants…and more travel.” One added, “There are a lot of positive signs, but nothing permanent yet.” Several BWD100 members mentioned upticks in industries such as aerospace, maritime, petroleum and food.
Despite increased optimism, there’s still plenty of caution, with half of the group saying they’ve seen little sign of recovery. “There are some signs of improvement, but the attitude is still cautious,” commented one member. Another said that while she’d not seen signs of recovery, “it has stabilized.” Another added, “I’m hopeful, but I have yet to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
As a result of the improving outlook, 20 percent of BWD100 members say they’ll take MORE business trips in coming months, whereas only 11 percent said so back in July 2009. Most (62 percent) said their trip volume will remain about the same this year compared to last.
“My territory is vast and personal contact is the best way for us to generate new and ongoing business,” said a member planning to travel more in 2010. On a similar note, another member said, “I need to be in front of my customers more than before.”
While many pointed to an improving economy for an increased number of trips, some said they’ll travel more because of recent downsizing. “Layoffs have caused sales territory consolidation, so I’ll be traveling more than usual to fill the holes until the economy heals,” wrote one member.
Interestingly, the so-called “hassle factor” of air travel (new fees, security issues, delays) is having little impact on this group’s decision to fly or drive. Just over 70 percent report that air travel hassles will not result in fewer plane trips. Why? Because there’s little choice involved. Speaking for many, one member commented, “When I have to go, I have to go. Texas last week. Tucson next week and then Alaska in March. Not flying is not an option.” Another said, “The hassle factor remains a problem, but for me it’s just part of doing business.”
So for now it seems that business travelers are indeed creeping back out on the road. What about you?
(Photo credit: KLA4067 on Flickr Creative Commons)
