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Press Release

NBTA Survey Reveals Future of Business Travel - 88% Say They Will Increase the Use of Video Conferencing

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 19 / In response to last week's tragedy, corporations and their corporate travel managers are speaking out about the future of business travel. In a focus group survey conducted by the National Business Travel Association (NBTA) today, corporate travel managers revealed the actions their corporations are taking in reaction to safety and economic concerns in the industry.

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According to today's survey, the majority of corporations are not suspending travel in light of recent events. 77% have not suspended domestic travel and 66% have not suspended international travel.

NBTA's survey indicates that 58% of corporate travel managers say their companies will reduce travel, while 23% were unsure and 19% were not planning on reducing travel. Of those reducing travel, 65% are doing so immediately. However, comments received by NBTA indicated that some travel reduction initiatives are the result not of last week's terrorist attacks, but of previous cost-cutting measures.

Other survey results indicate that corporations are looking for alternatives to traditional business travel. For instance, of those surveyed:

  • 88% Say They Will Increase the Use of Video Conferencing
  • 65% Say They Will Increase the Use of Car Rentals on Short-haul Trips

"Corporations are being realistic about their need to travel," concluded McInerney. "There is definitely more caution out there, but travel remains an essential part of doing business in the United States."

Comments from survey respondents reinforce McInerney's assertion:

  • "Employees have been advised to use good business judgment in making travel plans."
  • "We won't be putting our travelers at risk, but we will need to get the job done."
  • "We must get back to the business at hand ... if we don't, they win!"

The National Business Travel Association, established in 1968, represents over 2,400 corporate travel managers and travel service providers. NBTA members manage and direct more than 70% of expenditures within the business travel industry. NBTA is committed to the professional development of its members and offers educational and training opportunities. It is the source for critical information on the business travel industry.

SOURCE: National Business Travel Association

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Association

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is the world’s premier business travel and meetings trade organization headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area with operations on six continents. GBTA’s members manage more than $345 billion of global business travel and meetings expenditures annually. GBTA delivers world-class education, events, research, advocacy, and media to a growing global network of more than 28,000 travel professionals...