The coronavirus pandemic certainly took a toll on the business travel industry. Businesses either limited sending employees on trips or stopped sending employees altogether. It’s no secret that it’s been a tough few years for business travel, and there’s no telling exactly what the future holds for the industry. Although, thanks to a recent survey conducted by SAP Concur, we could possibly get some insight into where the future of business travel is headed.
Why Was the Survey Conducted?
The SAP Concur survey was conducted in order to gain a better understanding of the future of business travel. The survey details how people are feeling overall, and also shares what business travelers expect going forward.
Who Took the SAP Concur Survey?
A mix of people were surveyed, including 3,850 business travelers from 25 global markets and 700 travel managers from 7 global markets. Each participant was asked to answer some questions about their plans for business travel, including what requirements would need to be met in order for them to take a business trip going forward.
What Were Some of the Key Takeaways From the Survey?
Although there were many takeaways from the SAP Concur survey, one of the most fascinating is that 96% of people would be willing to travel for business during the next year, and 65% would be very willing to do so. People are starting to feel more comfortable traveling again, which is an excellent sign for business travel going forward.
Another takeaway from the survey is that though travelers are ready to jump back in, flexibility is of the utmost importance. 72% of those surveyed said flexibility is what they need most for business travel going forward. People want a say in their hotels, travel dates, and forms of transportation. Employees have gotten used to their flexibility while working from home, and they want that flexibility to continue when it comes to their business travels.
One more takeaway from the survey is that people are concerned about their health and safety while traveling, and they want their employer to be concerned about their health, too. In fact, 22% of those surveyed said they would hold their employer accountable for protecting their health while on a business trip. Health and safety are extremely important, especially during these uncertain times.
What Can We Expect For the Future of Business Travel?
There is no telling if business travel will ever return to pre-pandemic levels, but it certainly isn’t out of the question. People are willing to get back out there and travel for business, which is fantastic. And although we can’t predict what exactly will happen going forward, it is a positive sign that more people are becoming comfortable with traveling once again.
How Can I Prepare to Return to Business Travel?
If you are going to travel for business in the future, you’ll want to prepare. One thing you’ll want to do is make sure that you’re using the right business tools. These tools can get you around your destination more efficiently, help you track your business expenses, and so much more.
Another thing you’ll want to do is do your best to stay safe and healthy while away. Luckily, there are some things that you can do to protect yourself. Some things you can do include:
- Wash your hands often
- Sanitize your frequently used items
- Keep your distance from others
- Be conscious of those around you
Returning to business travel can be daunting. But if you prepare ahead of time, your travels are sure to go a lot more smoothly.
If you plan on traveling for business and need a business visa or passport, you can get the application process started on the Swift website. If you have any questions about obtaining a business visa or passport, please contact us. We’d be happy to help! No matter where you plan on going, we’ll get you there!
