With employees around the world struggling with the disconnect of remote work, efficient business travel is a top priority, providing access to new markets, insights and development opportunities. But it can be complicated, as a new SAP Concur survey of 3,750 business travelers and 600 travel managers in markets around the world reveals.
Many influences are driving, and sometimes stalling, the business travel industry. To maximize the productivity and happiness of travelers and travel managers, companies need to support them with the right education and tools in 2024 and beyond. To keep business travel running smoothly and get the most out of their investments, business leaders need to understand business travel friction points. The sixth SAP Concur Global Business Travel Survey explores some of the most pressing challenges facing business travelers today. Here are five key takeaways:
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1. The threat of disruption
In the past year, 88% of travelers have had to make last-minute changes due to unexpected delays, cancellations, or the need to reroute. 80% of travelers choose to add “booking buffers” at the beginning and/or end of their trip to build in extra time for unexpected schedule changes. This frustrating cycle can put people off business travel altogether.
2. Traveler safety concerns
The most common reasons cited by business travelers for turning down a business trip are safety concerns about the destination (44%) or political or social concerns (35%). Many travel managers are feeling burned out by the many factors they have to consider when planning and preparing for a business trip. A third feel they are expected to take on a more strategic role without further training.
3. Balancing sustainability and cost
More than a quarter of business travelers are prepared to turn down a business trip due to the environmental impact or lack of sustainable options available, while 27% claim that their company has cut spending on sustainable travel options in the past 12 months. More than a third of travel managers are challenged by the demands of offering more sustainable travel options without sufficient budgets.
4. Unequal access to travel opportunities
Two in three business travelers say travel is essential to their career advancement, yet the same proportion feel they do not have equal travel opportunities compared to their coworkers. Employees cite reasons for unequal travel opportunities including job level (19%), age (18%) and gender (11%).
5. AI Solutions and the Need for Education
While the majority of travelers (95%) are open to using AI-enabled options when making travel arrangements, a “wait and see” attitude is widespread: currently, less than one in ten feel comfortable using AI-enabled options. 89% of business travelers would like more support from their companies, including assurances of protection of their personal data, potential bias, and protection from repercussions if an AI-assisted booking violates company policies.
Leaders can't fix the current travel disruptions overnight, but they can make them more manageable for staff. By implementing measures that increase travel flexibility, training opportunities, and next-generation software solutions, organizations can adapt to a tough market and future-proof their business travel posture in the long term.
For more information on the study, including additional findings, download our whitepaper for business travelers, travel managers and SME business travelers:
Charlie Sultan is president of Concur Travel at SAP Concur.
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The SAP Concur Global Business Traveler Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research from April 5-26, 2024 among 3,750 business travelers in 24 markets: US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg), Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Italy, Spain, ANZ (Australia, New Zealand), Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia), Japan, Korea, India, Mexico, Brazil, SEA (Singapore, Malaysia), South Africa, Portugal, Switzerland and Austria. Data is weighted for ease of tracking.
The SAP Concur Global Travel Manager Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research from April 5-26, 2024 among 600 travel managers who lead or manage corporate travel programs in six markets: Germany, Canada, Japan, ANZ (Australia and New Zealand), the UK and the US.
