Airport Security Concerns Not Likely to Dampen Optimism in the Business Travel Industry

The federal government's announcement that full-body scanners will be introduced at major Canadian airports is not likely to dampen optimism in the business travel industry. A recent poll, conducted by Angus Reid, suggests that the majority of Canadians support the airport use of full-body, three-dimensional scanners to detect hidden weapons or explosives. Political wrangling and new rules for travelers will not likely deter planned business travel or reduce the need to meet face to face.

The results from the third annual Canadian Business Travel Outlook survey conducted in collaboration with the Conference Board of Canada represent an improvement over the dramatic business travel reductions implemented last year. “While more than a third of travel managers are looking to make substantial reductions in travel spending for 2010,” stated ACTE’s Canadian Board Representative, Annemarie Reininger, Director, BottomLine Group, “It’s clear that the majority are positioning their companies to take advantage of new opportunities as the economy recovers.”

The survey indicated that the two main reasons companies will reduce travel are the economy and the rise of electronic travel alternatives. More than half (56 per cent) of survey respondents said they will increase their use of electronic travel alternatives such as video conferencing. With most travel managers now exerting influence over many meeting and event activities, electronic travel and meeting alternatives are gaining momentum.

As travel managers seek to uncover further savings and to leave no stone unturned, cumbersome day to day processes are being streamlined. ACTE Canada will be hosting an education forum in Toronto on March 9th which will highlight the principles of Lean Six Sigma as one strategy to improve business processes and improve quality.