Biz travelers booking less expensive rooms and cutting conferences
Rather than reduce business travel because of the slow economy, corporate travel managers are booking rooms in less-expensive and lower-rated hotels, according to a survey by Orbitz For Business.com.
Business travelers are also increasing day trips in lieu of overnight stays, the survey added.
Sixty percent of 610 respondents said they are traveling as much, if not more, on business this year than last, said the report.
Companies are reducing trade show and conference travel, with 44% either sending fewer people or simply not attending shows this year.
“Most clients aren’t cutting back on travel, rather, they continue to look for ways to become more cost-effective with their managed travel programs in a cost-conscious economy,” said Dean Sivley, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Orbitz for Business.
The survey found that:
•41 percent are tightening travel policies and implementing more restrictions on travelers for hotels and dining.
•47 percent indicate changes to their company’s rental car policy, including requiring employees to rent the smaller/least-expensive car available (38 percent) and return vehicles with a full tank of gas to avoid costly surcharges (20 percent).
•42 percent are exploring alternatives to travel, including video/web conferencing.
•32 percent say the area in which they are most limiting or keeping an eye on spending is air travel, and 17 percent say their company’s per diem spending for meals has decreased in the past year.
David
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