The Business Travel Association (BTA) has today revealed that the second week of March saw the biggest drop in domestic and international business travel since the start of 2022.

Data from Travelogix shows that business travel trips departing this week fell by 49.64% compared to 2019. The first week of March, in comparison, was reduced by 42.44%

Clive Wratten, CEO of the BTA said: “At a time of increased uncertainty across the world and rising fuel prices threatening our industry, it is disheartening to see a reduction in business travel. If this trend continues, we will be in the sad position of needing further Government support.”

Data shows that there has been an overall £3.41bn GDP loss associated to domestic and international travel* compared to the same week in 2019. This is the biggest loss seen since the start of 2022.

The data shows that in the second week of March, the lower levels of business travel to:

  • Republic of Ireland have cost UK GDP £527 million
  • Germany have cost UK GDP £487 million
  • Singapore have cost UK GDP £465 million
  • France have cost UK GDP £401 million, and
  • USA have cost UK GDP £281 million this week.

The thirty fourth edition of the BTA’s Business Travel Tracker can be found here.

* Data from leading travel data provider Travelogix shows this decrease in business travel trips across ten key international destinations has cost UK GDP £2.72 billion, and an additional £695.61million from domestic business travel, equalling a total of £3.41 billion loss to UK GDP in the second week of March 2022.

About Travelogix

Travelogix is a leader in the world of travel data, reporting and analytics. Founded in 2011 by Chris Lewis and Gary Jones, Travelogix empower TMCs across the globe with accurate, accessible, real-time data that drives success. Travelogix are the standard for data analysis within travel and continue to craft and innovate their solutions to meet the demands of the industry.

About the BTA

The BTA is the authority on business travel. Working collaboratively across the industry and with the government to promote the integral role of business travel and events to the wider economy.

Originally founded in 1967, the BTA has a diverse membership and roster of industry partners. It's TMC membership accounts for over 90% of UK expenditure on managed business travel, delivering value for money and great service to business travellers in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. The BTA focuses on delivering practical solutions to challenges and market changes, as well as supporting best practice, sustainability, and the well-being of travellers.

For more information on BTA please visit: www.thebta.org.uk or call 020 3657 7010.

Victoria Naylor-Leyland
Pembroke and Rye
+44 (0) 7899 890 908
BTA (Business Travel Association)

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