Ahead of the Business Travel Show in London this week, Amadeus has released research on traveller priorities for 2014.
The Business Travel Gets Personal study throws up efficiency as the number one priority for travellers followed by related elements, wifi/internet connectivity.
Just over a fifth value the ability to get the job done quickly with elements such as hotels close to meetings important to them as well as systems that make it easy for them to focus on their objectives.
After efficiency, 18% say being able to connect to the corporate network via wifi/internet is the second biggest priority and 16% say productivity while on the go is key.
The study demonstrates the ongoing expectation for services at the click of a button with 48% of business travellers able to book travel via a self-booking tool although the technology is less likely to be used for changes to plans. The research shows only 43% can use the tools to change travel plans despite the fact 51% made changes prior to departure in 2013.
Hotel and flight bookings, 79% and 77% respectively, are the top services available via self-booking tools with rail at 60%. More than a third also say they can manage expenses via the technology.
Despite much discussion around blurring of business and leisure travel, only 3% respondents wanted to extend trips to leisure travel, 2% want advice and insight into local sights and restaurants and 1% want to travel with family and friends.
Findings also reveal 62% like to be able to book ancillary services such as extra legroom and lounge access via the corporate booking process.
The report also identifies four business traveller segments (tribes) to focus on:
- Reluctant traveller - tend to be older business travellers (72% aged 45 to 64 years old) and don't really enjoy business travel.
- Corporate shark - make up 58% of respondents, are result driven and want to make the most of the trip even if it means greater expense. They are also comfortable with technology with about a fifth able to amend plans via smartphone or tablet on the go.
- Gadget Nomad - relying on technology to stay productive whilst travelling with 50% saying connectivity is their top priority. 60% of this category make at least five trips a year and they tend to hold senior positions.
- Reward Traveller - making the most out of the travel experience by collecting loyalty points. More than half say the ability to collect points from airlines or hotels is a top priority and 23% of respondents belong to this segment and make at least 10 trips a year.
The research was conducted among 411 people working for large companies (250 plus employees) in the UK and Ireland and travelling regularly for work.
NB: Shark image via Shutterstock.