More business travel, and rising prices: that's the trend emerging from a report published on 14 September by Advito, a specialist in business travel consultancy. The document, entitled "Advito Industry Forecast 2012", forecasts steady growth in demand for business travel in 2012, but also an increase in the overall cost of business travel compared to this year (from 4 to 6% on average). Air ticket prices could rise by between 3 and 5%, due in particular to the strengthening of airline alliances. "Given the increase in demand for business travel, transport and hotel prices will follow suit," says Advito, adding that Europe and the United States could be less affected. However, the introduction of the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) from January next year will also add salt to the wound on the Old Continent, as will the rise in oil prices, according to Advito's forecasts. The railways should not be spared either, with fares up by 5% overall, while the hotel industry should follow suit (+2% to +6%), particularly in the major international cities. London is likely to be particularly affected by the trend, with the organisation of the Olympic Games synonymous with price rises.
THE FRENCH BUSINESS TRAVEL & MICE MEDIA
