It isn't THAT long ago that the stalwarts of the corporate travel community would shrug at the suggestion that the sharing the economy would alter the business.
Or that travel managers might find themselves competing against technology provided by hotels or airlines, rather than being at the end of a telephone call.
But then the so-called millennials came along and started doing it anyway and, by remarkable coincidence, business travel brands and the sector's representative organisations are falling over themselves to ensure they do not appear to be behind the so-called trend-lines.
The Global Business Travel Association and American Express recently surveyed a group of UK-based corporates to see how much (or little) consumer habits are impacting on the behaviour of travellers.
The key points raised in the study are as follows:
- Over one in five (22%) of UK travellers will likely use an app-based private car service instead of a traditional taxi on a business trip, with the figuring jumping to 39% for millennials.
- Nearly half (48%) of millennials say social networks have improved their ability to meet with colleagues or business contacts when travelling for work (just 21% of over-55s agreed).
- Some 55% of business travellers consider their overall travel experience is enhanced by using mobile apps from suppliers (airlines, hotels, etc), shifting to over six out of ten (62%) for millennials.
- Over a fifth (21%) will use a mobile cashless wallet to pay for items on a business. This drops to 5% for over-55s but climbs to 35% for millennials.
And, finally, what about some of the priorities these hard working business travellers have these days?
Gone are the days of being wined and dined and TLC, with the highest ranked item being access to wifi ahead free food and drinks, and upgrades on planes and in hotels.
NB:Business travel beach image via Shutterstock.