An evaluation by Best Western in conjunction with the National Business Travel Association (NBTA) of America, shows that complimentary internet access is the favourite amenity when considering mid-market hotels.
More than half of respondents (52%) said free high-speed internet access is the most important service they look for. Internet access ” regardless of fees ” was second (16%) followed by the quality of bedding and towels (13%).
And nearly two thirds (63%) of travel managers rate a hotel”s proximity to meeting locations as the most influential factor.
”Amenities such as free internet access help people save on the bottom line,” said Best Western International senior vice president of marketing, Dorothy Dowling. ”In addition, loyalty programmes help increase compliance with travel policies while rewarding travellers for their continued business.”
NBTA executive director and chief operating officer Bill Connors, said companies will continue to seek out managed travel programmes ” ”Because they”re worried about value, cost, security and, increasingly, liability. We”re working very hard to help our members tackle these issues so they minimally affect their bottom line.”
Meanwhile, NBTA Canada”s Business Travel Overview report anticipates mild growth in business travel by Canadian companies this year, driven by an increase in the number of trips taken, while fares are expected to largely remain flat.
”Based on a unique survey of business travel purchasers and managers, we project increased spending on business travel in 2008,” said NBTA Canada president, Tanya Racz. ”We found 42% of respondents said they expect their companies” travellers to take more trips this year, while only 21% said they do not expect more trips. Travel managers are looking to contain costs with effective travel policies.”
The report is based on a survey of corporate travel buyers for 95 corporations.