Research

GBTA Survey Shows Constant Rise in Business Travel Demand

By Gaurav Banerji Jul 21, 2021 4:16pm

According to a latest poll from Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), more companies are reporting a willingness and actual return to business travel, with domestic travel taking the lead; however, government restrictions on international travel continue to hinder the ability for companies to conduct key business functions.

The latest poll shows a 12 percent increase compared to last month in companies opening travel and fewer companies suspending or canceling all travel. Domestic business travel is now widely allowed and corporate bookings and travel spend continues to rise month on month; however, half (52 percent) of GBTA respondents said that government policies and restrictions relating to international business travel continue to impact their companies’ ability to conduct important business functions such as networking, business prospecting, planning and sales meetings.

Indicators Show Strong Demand for Business Travel’s Return

The GBTA poll respondents continue to be optimistic about the industry’s path to recovery. Half (54 percent) report they feel more optimistic compared to a month ago whereas two in five (40 percent) say they feel the same. Only six percent say they feel more pessimistic about the industry’s path to recovery.
As far as willingness is concerend, three in four (77 percent) GBTA members and stakeholders feel their employees are ‘willing’ or ‘very willing’ to travel for business in the current environment. The remaining members feel their employees are not willing (four percent), are neutral (12 percent) or are unsure (seven percent) of their willingness to travel for business. And desire to serve their customers is a key driver, with greater willingness to travel for sales and account management (59 percent) and service trips (56 percent).
Corporate positions concerning business travel vary. And GBTA respondents report that 57 percent of non-essential domestic business trips are usually or sometimes allowed, compared to 26 percent for non-essential international business trips.
Of the companies that suspended most domestic business trips, nine in 10 plan to resume domestic travel in the near future or are considering resuming domestic travel but have no definite plans. Three in 10 plan to resume international travel within one-three months and half are considering resuming international travel soon but have no definite plans. One in 10 do not plan to resume international business travel in the near future

Restrictions Continue to Hinder International Travel, Business Functions

Government policies and restrictions relating to international business travel continues to impact GBTA member companies and their ability to carry out important business functions. Over half (52 percent) of GBTA member and stakeholders report that networking, business prospecting (51 percent) and business planning and strategizing (50 percent) are impacted by these policies.
Respondents based in Europe were more likely to cite the impact of government policies and restrictions on key business functions compared to those based in North America. And it was significantly higher regarding the ability to network, conduct sales meetings and train or develop employees.

Business Travel Spending, Bookings and the Bottom Line

Seven in 10 (72 percent) of those surveyed report their company’s business travel spending increased ‘somewhat’ to ‘a lot’ in June 2021 compared to the prior month, whereas one in five (20 percent) report spending remained ‘the same.’ Less than one in 10 (six percent) report travel spend decreased or are unsure (one percent).
Among those respondents who note their June 2021 travel spend increased from May, the average increase was 41.8 percent.
Seven in 10 (70 percent) suppliers report their bookings from corporate customers have increased from the previous week, whereas one in four (27 percent) report their bookings have remained the same from the previous week. Less than one in 10 (three percent) report their bookings have decreased.

Changing Priorities for Travel Programs

Over half (57 percent) of GBTA respondents are usually or sometimes allowed to conduct non-essential domestic business travel. Two in 10 are rarely allowed (20 percent) or not allowed (23 percent).
Non-essential international business travel continues to lag, with one in four (26 percent) GBTA members and stakeholders usually allowed or sometimes allowed to conduct non-essential international business travel.
Non-essential domestic business travel that can help generate revenue for the company are the key reasons for company travel requests. Seven in 10 of sales/ account management trips are usually or sometimes allowed, similarly seven in 10 service trips are usually or sometimes allowed. Over half of non-essential trips are for sales, account management and service trips.
Seven in 10 (69 percent) of GBTA respondents believe that risk management and duty of care are more important than before the pandemic.
Less than two in 10 of respondents indicated their employees will need to be vaccinated before travelling for business (18 percent) or meet with clients and customers face-to-face (16 percent), compared to more than half who will not. A quarter of respondents do not know their company’s vaccination policies and whether they will be required to be vaccinated for business travel or to meet with clients and customers face-to-face.

Flexible Working Continues as Employees Return to Office

Almost half (45 percent) of respondents report their company’s office(s) have re-opened but working in the office is optional. One in five (19 percent) say their company’s office(s) have re-opened and most/all employees are required to work from the office at least one day per week. Just one-quarter (27 percent) report their office has not reopened and most (if not all) employees work from home.
Respondents based in Europe (53 percent) are more likely than those in North America (42 percent) to report their company’s office(s) have re-opened and most or all employees currently can choose to work from the office or work from home.
Half (52 percent) of GBTA members and stakeholders expect most employees will work from the office some days and work from home other days when offices fully re-open. Fewer expect most employees will return to the office full-time on most days (18 percent), employees will make the decision themselves (13 percent) or most employees will work from home most days (nine percent). Fewer respondents report they expect employees will have other working arrangements (six percent) or are unsure (three percent).
Respondents based in Europe (64 percent) are more likely than those based in North America (49 percent) to expect most employees will work from the office some days and work from home other days.

Source: GBTA