United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
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
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel
Foreign Office issues travel advisory for winter sun destinations