Top 2019 Trends Shaping Corporate Travel
Discover the top corporate travel trends of 2019, including bleisure travel, shared services, loyalty rewards, and the rise of online booking. These insights help businesses optimize travel costs, enhance employee satisfaction, and build stronger client relationships through strategic travel planning. Staying updated ensures companies make informed decisions to achieve smoother, cost-effective trips that cater to modern employee and business needs.
Top 2019 Trends Shaping Corporate Travel
Technological advancements have revolutionized how business and leisure travel are booked, making it easier with just a few clicks. Whether for work or pleasure, there are travel options suited for everyone. Below are some key corporate travel trends observed in 2019.
Bleisure Travel Continues to Grow
The blend of business and leisure remains popular among corporate travelers seeking relaxation during trips. Popular holiday destinations now double as venues for meetings and events. After meetings, travelers can unwind with shopping or sightseeing. Many employees travel with family, making bleisure an ideal choice that balances work commitments with personal time.
Additionally, integrating family into trips helps reduce time away from loved ones.
Shared Services Rise in Popularity
Shared mobility options like ride-sharing, staying in bed and breakfasts, and reducing reliance on private vehicles or luxury accommodations are trending. These choices help companies cut costs and make travelers feel more connected during their journeys. Smaller firms especially benefit by saving money when sending staff to expensive cities such as New York or San Francisco.
Preference for In-Person Meetings Over Video Calls
More companies are emphasizing face-to-face meetings with clients to build stronger relationships, leading to increased business travel. Even small businesses prefer sending representatives for personal interactions, enhancing deal quality. This trend enriches the corporate travel industry, encouraging tailored travel packages that fit various budgets and durations.
Emphasis on Loyalty Rewards
Loyalty programs rewarding frequent flyers and hotel guests are gaining popularity. Accumulating miles and points over time can lead to discounts or free trips. Some companies allow employees to redeem these rewards for personal travel, adding extra motivation and benefits to corporate trips.
Focus on Employee Satisfaction
Recognizing the importance of employee comfort, many travel services now offer incentives like extension opportunities for personal leisure at reduced rates. Such perks transform business trips into enjoyable experiences, benefiting employee morale and productivity, which reflects positively on business outcomes.
Online Booking Gaining Traction
Digital platforms offer flexibility, cost savings, and convenience. Booking online allows easy comparison of deals, personalized options, and better discounts, all without visiting travel agencies physically. This trend helps companies streamline travel arrangements efficiently and affordably.
Summing up, these trends highlight the evolving nature of corporate travel in 2019. Companies can leverage these insights and available deals to optimize travel expenses while enhancing overall travel experiences. Using specialized booking platforms and airline loyalty programs can secure significant savings for business trips.
