Online booking tools and the internet have had the most impact on corporate travel over the past 30 years while the Covid-19 pandemic was the most “worrying” development, according to a survey by Business Travel Show Europe.
The show, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, surveyed corporate travel and procurement managers from across Europe to get their views on how the industry has changed since the first Business Travel Show was held in 1994. Registration is now open for this year’s event, which takes place at ExCeL in east London on 19-20 June.
Travel buyers were asked which three innovations have most changed business travel since the mid-1990s: online bookings tools and the internet were in joint first place at 51 per cent, followed by e-tickets and mobile apps (41 per cent), GDS (37 per cent) and the smartphone (25 per cent).
Louis Magliaro, executive vice president of BTN Group, which organises the show, said “No one can question the impact the internet has had on business travel but let’s spare some praise for OBTs, too, which have revolutionised the way we plan, book and manage corporate travel.
“And, boy, how they’ve changed since 1994. These days, customer interfaces and experiences are akin to leisure and entertainment apps: intuitive, quick and enjoyable to use. And they are helping businesses – and travellers – to make more sustainable and healthier travel decisions, too.”
Buyers were also asked to name the “most worrying development” of the past 30 years, with the pandemic unsurprisingly coming top as the industry had to deal with the impact of unprecedented travel restrictions, border closures and health concerns.
Climate change was ranked as the second most worrying development, followed by war and geopolitical unrest, and finally in fourth place was Brexit for adding a new layer of complexity and uncertainty for travel managers in Europe.
BTSE surveyed 127 travel and procurement managers in April, including 45 per cent from the UK, 41 per cent based in continental Europe and 13 per cent from other parts of the world.
“Over the last 30 years, the five innovations topping our poll – plus the many thousands more that exist - have collectively transformed the landscape of business travel management,” added Magliaro.
“These technological advancements have empowered corporate travel managers with unprecedented efficiency, flexibility and control, while also enhancing the overall travel experience for business travellers.
“As we look ahead, continued innovation in technology is poised to further revolutionise corporate travel management, driving greater convenience, cost savings, sustainability, traveller wellbeing and satisfaction in the years to come. And there’s no better place for buyers to discover them than at Business Travel Show Europe, which has consistently provided a platform for innovation since 1994.”