Small business owners traveling overseas in startling numbers
The number of small business travelers going overseas is far more than expected and has various implications for service providers, a study says.
Almost half of small business executives travel internationally, far more than expected, according to the American Small Business Travelers Alliance.
“For savvy small-business travelers, international services such as foreign currency exchanges, shoe shines and US Postal Service mailboxes are no longer enough,” the Alliance concluded.
The businessmen want services such as a quiet workplace with a choice of WiFi networks.
“They also want more seating at the gate, better dining options, private showers and more personal services,” the Alliance said.
The group reported that some airports and airlines meeting lounges have made efforts to reach these groups.
At Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, for example, business travelers with wireless-enabled laptops can choose from at last five WiFi providers in all of the airport’s terminals.
The airport also offers a wide array of dining options and personal services such as haircuts, massages and manicures.
“Clearly, many airports have already responded to this. Airports and airlines realize how important small business travelers are, and we’re sure we’ll see even more of this positive growth,” said Chet Gray, vice president of sales and marketing for the Alliance.
Report by David Wilkening
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive