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.
βFor savvy small-business travelers, international services such as foreign currency exchanges, shoe shines and US Postal Service mailboxes are no longer enough,β the Alliance concluded.
The businessmen want services such as a quiet workplace with a choice of WiFi networks.
βThey also want more seating at the gate, better dining options, private showers and more personal services,β 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 airportβs terminals.
The airport also offers a wide array of dining options and personal services such as haircuts, massages and manicures.
βClearly, many airports have already responded to this. Airports and airlines realize how important small business travelers are, and weβre sure weβll see even more of this positive growth,β said Chet Gray, vice president of sales and marketing for the Alliance.
Report by David Wilkening
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