Every year, it's an opportunity to look back over the past few months and consider what the near future might hold for business travel: American Express GBT organised theTEU 2023 in Paris, the 32nd of its kind. It also unveiled the results of its business travel barometer. Among the many elements deciphered by this 40-page report, one piece of data can be particularly revealing about the reality of the company. This is the criteria used by business travel decision-makers to measure success. Here we learn that the "ability to promote sustainable modes of transport and reduce carbon footprint "is cited only by 26% of those surveyed. Well behind savings (58%) and compliance with policies, tax rules and data protection (58%).
However, the authors of the barometer assure us that they have observed " encouraging progress "emissions, at least as far as measurement is concerned. In fact, 66% of those surveyed claim to measure their CO2 emissions, compared with 53% last year. " This confirms the growing importance of measuring the carbon footprint in companies' thinking and their desire to quantify their emissions. "notes the report. But this one attests to the fact: " l'carbon footprint remains the last criterion considered by decision-makers. This confirms the increase in awareness, but action is still limited. In fact, only 16% responded that they had set up and piloted actions. "...
Focus on people, the booming MICE sector
If theenvironment is still struggling to find its way into travel policies, it has to be said that thehuman is the focus of attention. This is reflected in the importance attached to the passenger satisfactionThis is cited as one of the top three success criteria (55%), with a clear increase compared to 2022. In addition, 81% of decision-makers believe that traveller feedback will have an impact on business travel policy in the future. Another sign that the human element has its rightful place in corporate travel management is the return in force of the MICE. As the authors of the EVP barometer point out: ". the democratisation of video-conferencing and teleworkingIn addition to business travel, mobility, defined as the "new normal" and considered in some cases as an alternative to travel, must be taken into account in the long term as a vector for growth in the French economy. With this in mind, we also need to look at MICE expenditureto take account of the impact of all business travel and gatherings on the development of the French economy ". This trend is reflected in the figures: " MICE increased in importance by 8 points this year. Internal and external events grew strongly in 2022 "recording a " faster recovery than standard moves ". The authors go on to say: " In-house events and meetings will also be a major reason for business travel in 2023.This is particularly true of SMEs and SMIs. For 51% of travellers, business trips allow them to maintain a strong link with their colleagues and their company. This is a long-term trend, linked to new ways of working and the vital need to work on social and not just commercial growth. ".
TMC strengthened, its business model questioned
The other winner of this EVP 2023 barometer is none other than the business travel agency itself. If the figures published by American Express GBT are to be believed, the usefulness of the TMC is widely recognised: 85% on average (+7 points), and even more so among large companies (90%). The agency is particularly acclaimed for the sensitive issue of securityWhether it's the duty of care (89%) or the data security (89%). TMCs are also expected to work in the environmental field, monitoring carbon emissions (79%). According to the authors of the report, these missions will enhance the status of TMCs: " the value placed on travel agencies has risen sharply, confirming companies' need for business travel services ".
But at what price, and above all in what form, are companies prepared to pay for this service? While the health crisis has, for many months, called into question the transactional modelAmerican Express GBT has raised the question of a possible evolution of the business model. And clearly, decision-makers are undecided on this point. If their agency were to change its business model, the majority don't know whether they would be prepared to go along with the change. When in doubt, the EVP barometer suggests that the trend is towards conservatism. Half of those surveyed still prefer transaction fees (48%), and these are even gaining ground among the decision-makers questioned (+14pts).
Whatever the business model of tomorrow, what the managers of American Express GBT will remember at the end of this EVP 2023 is - in particular - their mission to support the traveller and the company. With one leitmotiv: "willingness". " If there's one thing to take away from the barometer, it's a sense of willingness. The will of travel managers and travellers to move in the same direction, to travel for the right reasons, to have access to the content and tools they need. They also want to be well supported, to feel safe and responsible when they travel. A busy but promising roadmap ".
