There has been a sharp rise this year in buyers including sharing economy providers in their travel policy.
According to a study of 178 travel buyers from The Business Travel Show more than 28 per cent of travel managers are using services such as Uber and Airbnb, compared to 8 per cent in 2015.
The study showed one of the main reasons behind the take up are cost and choice. However, a quarter of buyers still maintain the sharing economy is a threat thanks to the potential impact on traveller tracking and security.
Global travel manager, Symantec and Business Travel Show board member, Nikki Rogan, said: “Business travellers who book directly are increasingly using alternative providers. As a result, buyers are now taking note and starting to include them more in policy and programmes – it’s just one part of the move towards listening to our travellers and offering them a more personalised offering.”
BBT are media partners for 2017 The Business Travel Show. Both Airbnb and Uber will be exhibiting.