John McEwan, Advantage CEO, warned the coming year could be the most difficult yet for travel companies.
"We've been through a recession for the last 18 months," said McEwan, "but those consumers who kept their jobs have not really been affected.
"With interest rates being kept low people have had disposable income in their pockets, but there is the probability that VAT will rise and that interest rates will go up in order to curb inflation, so 2011 will be different."
McEwan warned members attending the consortium's conference in Lucerne that they would need to drive costs down.
"We need to make sure that we can get the best possible deals," said McEwan. "We need to drive margins on business travel to bring more customers in."
On a more positive note, he predicted business travel would be a necessity, as companies look to expand business after the recession.
The travel boss also said Advantage would be bringing in a number of innovations to help its members, including a new corporate hotel programme.
"We can ride through difficult times and be in a more competitive position," said McEwan.