Online air bookings outstripping offline for first time – Amex
Europe is narrowing the gap with the US in online business travel booking and expense management, with 58% of air bookings expected to be made online in 2006.
American Express research reveals the “incredible pace” in the adoption of online travel booking and expense reporting tools since 2004.
The Amex European Travel Management Technology Survey 2006 shows that the average number of air tickets booked online in Europe has increased by 70% from 2004.
European-headquartered companies report that for the first time online air bookings and travel expense reports will account for the majority of their company booking and expense reports.
Forty two per cent of companies have introduced online booking systems since 2004 and another 25% plan to buy travel management systems within the next year.
On average the survey revealed an online adoption forecast of 58% for 2006 and a 48% commitment to directing business travellers to approved travel agency websites. Amex said its customers outperformed the survey average with a higher online adoption forecast in 2006 (64%) and higher loyalty in directing travellers to the approved travel agency websites (63%).
“We’re keeping our finger on the pulse when it comes to understanding customer attitudes towards technology and committed to offering value in this area” said senior vice president, head of business travel EMEA Ron DiLeo. “Enabling companies to embrace online travel management systems can be a time effective way of harnessing cost savings, convenience and control.”
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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