According to figures published on 12 August by SAP ConcurIn 2024, there was a clear upturn in business travel. The business travel specialist's analysis of transactions within Concur Expense relating to the various expenditure items identified as 'air tickets', 'car hire', 'petrol', 'ground transport', 'accommodation' and 'meals' is proof of this. SAP Concur figures transaction growth at 13% for the past year.
" Concur Expense data showed a more ideal year for business spending in 2024 - a year where we saw an increase in spending and relatively stable average costs per transaction "says Stéphanie Zetlaoui, Senior Pre Sales Specialist Travel at SAP Concur.
"A strong return from employees in the field".
In detail, SAP Concur notes the driving role played by air travel, with more marked growth in international than in domestic travel. The authors of the report believe that "air ticket bookings are up sharply", and emphasise that " Between 2023 and 2024, the volume of domestic business travel increased by 3 %, while international travel rose by 6 %. This upturn illustrates the strong return of employees to the field," they conclude. After several years of fluctuations linked to the health and economic context, 2024 confirms a tangible upturn in business travel ".
The report published on Tuesday by SAP Concur also shows double-digit increases in various expenditure items: accommodation (+17 %), ground transport (16 %) and meals (13 %). Other increases seem particularly significant in terms of the changing travel habits of business travellers. SAP Concur points to growth of 10% for car hire, 14 % for rail and even 16% for the VTC - carpooling category.
However, these increases could reflect a more generous approach to travel policies, SAP Concur notes on the contrary that " this dynamic recovery is taking place despite internal policies that are often stricter in terms of cost control ". One in three business travellers believe that their company is trying to reduce travel costs. SAP Concur mentions better negotiating conditions, optimised travel policies and gradual fare regulation. This is an opportunity for SAP Concur to reiterate the strategic importance of management tools, in a context where 15 to 20 % of expense claims still contain irregularities: errors, duplicates, missing receipts and other thresholds exceeded.
" The expense management process needs to be as accurate, simple and compliant as possible. Companies with better control over their expenses achieve better results, are more innovative and have stronger relationships with their customers. "concludes Stéphanie Zetlaoui.
