In line with the various studies published in recent weeks in the business travel sector, it is now the turn of BCD Travel to take part in the exercise. This time, the business travel agency has put the spotlight on the travel managersThe survey questioned around 100 respondents, mainly in the North American (57%) and EMEA (29%) markets. They show that for the vast majority of respondents (84%), business travel is limited to essential journeys. In most cases (70%), travel does not take place because destinations are simply closed, with uncertainty about the risk involved cited by 30% of travel managers.
In this very particular context, travel programmes have had to adapt, whether it's a question ofhealth or pricing requirements... In the first case, the duty of care and the well-being are the two main priorities of travel policy today. As for the financial aspect, we have to face up to an environment that is volatile, to say the least. Some examples, 6 out of 10 travel buyers expect both a lower hotel rates and higher air fares. Many of them (55%) would therefore consider review their agreements with their suppliersaccording to BCD Travel. New demands are also emerging with regard to airlines, not only for strict health standards to be guaranteed (79%), but also for greater flexibility to modify or cancel a trip (52%): a logical request in this uncertain context. The trend is even more pronounced in the hotel industry, both in terms of health (92%) and flexibility (68%). In the same vein, travel policies have visibly restricted access to non-refundable air tickets. This development, pointed out by BCD Travel, comes after the obligation to use preferred suppliers, and above all the fact of favour direct flights.
