Government not listening - Tilstone
Travel buyers and managers want improved ground links across the UK, research by the Institute of Travel Management UK and Ireland (ITM) has revealed.
The ITM said 94% of its members want better links between airports, cities and major sites, with 64% believing UK transport is poorer than the rest of Europe.
Of the 1,000 professionals polled, 81% supported investment in high speed rail and 79% believed it should be prioritised ahead of airports and roads.
"There is a primary call here, from those who represent the customers in the business travel and meetings sector, for rail investment and for facilities to link air with other transport options," said Paul Tilstone, ITM chief executive.
"Government should be listening to the needs of this significant travelling community - and it appears they are not."
Members also expect Self Booking Tools (SBTs) to provide "door to door data across all travel options within the next two years", the ITM said.
The survey further suggested more than 25% of buyers will source additional travel elements such as accommodation, rail, passports and visas from sources other than travel management companies (TMCs).
"Once again the data suggests there is a real opportunity for key supply sectors," said Colin Goldney, managing director of Argate, the ITM's research partner.
"The TMC's can work on creating better one-stop shops and the SBTs should focus on better joined up data to give door-to-door data.
"Until these options are at a generic standard, the buyer will continue to exercise procurement from specialist providers and to aggregate information from a variety of technology sources."
www.itm.org.uk