Business travel is on the rise, according to a survey for a travel risk management firm. A survey of some 500 UK business travellers, on behalf of World Travel Protection, part of the insurance firm Zurich, found that 39 per cent of UK business travellers expecting to travel more in 2025 compared to last year. That compares with 44pc that anticipate no change in their travel schedules, while 13pc expect a decrease.
Corporate travel budgets look set to increase, as 44pc of business travellers were predicting higher spending in 2025. Another 44pc foresee no change, while only 10pc expect a decrease. Senior business travellers (at board level) are significantly more likely to anticipate increased travel opportunities (51pc) and higher spending this year (53pc). Business travellers are expecting to see that increased budget spent on quality of accommodation (39pc) and the amount of business class flights (33pc).
Cost-cutting is still a priority, the Opinium online survey with 500 UK people, who travel for business at least once a year, carried out from February 3 to 10 found. About a third (35pc) are scheduling more meetings to justify their business travel and increasing their one-day trips (33pc). And about a third (35pc) say they will use public transport more frequently. Sustainability is also of interest; some 37pc of business travellers say that they are feeling increased pressure to use the most sustainable form of transport.
What they say
Kate Fitzpatrick, pictured, Regional Security Director EMEA, World Travel Protection said: “It’s encouraging to see business travel growing. Face-to-face meetings remain essential for building strong relationships, closing deals and seeing what’s really happening on the ground. However, it’s important to remember that travel is not without risk and regularly reviewing and updating your organisation’s travel risk management policies is crucial to ensure they remain effective and responsive to changing global challenges.
“At World Travel Protection, our priority is ensuring business travellers remain safe and informed throughout their journeys. We know that each trip carries unique risks, even for seasoned travellers revisiting familiar destinations. A comprehensive travel risk assessment framework helps identify potential hazards associated with each journey. We provide comprehensive pre-travel briefings, real-time security and health alerts via our Travel Assist app, and round-the-clock support to help mitigate risks and keep travellers moving with confidence.”
Visit www.worldtravelprotection.com.
More on overseas travel protection in the April edition of Professional Security Magazine.
