With flight frequencies picking up again and hotel occupancy rates approaching the norm, the business travel world is tending to return to the habits it had before the health crisis, if we are to believe it. FCM. The business travel agency recently published its Global Trends Report, which sums up as follows: " Travel volumes soar, with most bookings made online and even more in advance ".
TMC has put the figure at 85.5 % of 2019 levels, and the French market is a prime example. " Visit FranceWe recorded almost 48 % more airline bookings in the first quarter of 2023 than in the same quarter of the previous year, while international and domestic travel also increased by 23% and 62 % respectively over the same period. "assures Steve NorrisFCM's President for the EMEA region. " These results reinforce the importance that customers place on travel as a key driver of economic success, with more benefits expected from increased stability, particularly in global air travel in the near future. "added Steve Norris.
In thehotelsfour points now separate the occupancy rate 2019 levels, with a global average of 60,46 %. According to FCM, this is despite prices taking off compared with the end of 2022. Average tariffs would be 19% higher than at the end of 2022 in Europe. The same trend is seen in the Middle East (22 %), Latin America (12 %), Australia/New Zealand (12 %) and Asia (26%). The increase is more contained in North America (4%).
According to FCM data, the average hotel rate is 244 euros in ParisNew York is the most expensive destination in the world, slightly behind London (251 euros). And far behind the Big Apple: New York would be the most expensive destination in the world, with an overnight stay costing 334 euros (360 USD).
FCM Consulting's Global Trends Report has also monitored the evolution of supply and demand in the airline sector. According to the TMC, the price surge should ease thanks to a return to more solid capacity: " After 2022, a year marked by a significant imbalance between supply and demand, air transport should stabilise this year, with additional capacity in the first half of 2023 and moderate air fares in the second half of 2023. (...) Initial forecasts show that the air capacity offered in 2023 will be only 2.5 % below 2019 volumes. "note the authors of the report. For the time being, the data for the first half of the year still show a differential of 6.8 % compared with the start of 2019. FCM points out that airlines such as LATAM Airlines and United Airlines are expected to exceed their 2019 seat supply by 2 % and 4% respectively.
compared with 2019
It remains to be seen whether the return of supply will calm the surge in prices. ratesparticularly for business customers. FCM estimates that the global average for international business class fares has risen by 18 % in the first two months, with Europe limited to an increase of 8 % compared with 2019. In France, the Premium Eco class has even increased by more than 50% since the first quarter of 2022...
