The result is a veritable plebiscite. According to a study by the business aviation company VistaJet, 81% of global business leaders say business travel will be more important than ever in the future.
The survey on the future of business travel was conducted among over 200 senior executives and company managers in Europe, the United States, the Middle East and Asia/Pacific. In association with WSJ Intelligence, VistaJet's report quantifies for the first time the impact of the Covid pandemic - which led to a virtual halt in business travel. "The Future of Business Travel confirms the essential role and value of travel in people's working lives.
During the pandemic travel was restricted for 90 % of the companies surveyed, and almost all of them (97 %) said that their companies had suffered a negative impact as a direct result of these restrictions. Nearlya quarter (24 %) of them reported massive or substantial disruption in the sectors of activity analysedand 87 % cited massive or substantial disruption in at least one area. More than a third (37 %) said that international business development and product launches had been affected by the absence of face-to-face meetings..
Face-to-face meetings essential
With the easing of restrictions, a significant increase in business travel can be expected. Indeed, 81 % of those surveyed say that business travel will remain essential to their success. Among those who take at least eight private flights a year, 60 % plan to increase their face-to-face meetings.
VistaJet sees 49 % increase in business interest worldwide since the start of the pandemic. This confirms that private flights remain an essential tool for business travel. The main advantages of private flights for business travel, according to those questioned, are flexibility, efficiency, security and confidentiality.
The two main travel priorities are : visiting partners and suppliers, and taking part in industry events. They each represent 34 % motivations. Maintaining existing relationships and developing new ones are also key factors.
The return to business travel is largely dependent on the regulations in force. 46% of respondents are waiting for destinations to reopen ; 42% want updated Covid-19 data and rules for destinations ; 36% are looking for support in case Covid-19 regulations change during a trip. A similar percentage expect their own company's travel policies to be made more flexible.
For Ian Moore, Commercial Director of VistaJet, returning from a trip also has a psychological dimension. "The pandemic has shown that some business trips really are essential. And having to forego travel in person has a real cost for companies. What's more, it's difficult to decipher messages when everyone is behind a screen. Misunderstandings can arise, particularly between cultures. And these in turn can become costly mistakes," he adds.
