Last year, we at Rennies BCD Travel made some ambitious predictions about travel trends and what a rollercoaster it has been! The world economy managed to confound most forecasters, and the recovery of business travel was out of synch across the globe, which resulted in a fascinating mix of trends taking hold and others fading away. 

Trends that Took Hold:

1. The Rise of Bleisure: With remote work becoming increasingly common, the concept of “bleisure” travel – combining business trips with personal leisure time – gained traction. The allure of extending a business trip for personal leisure took on a life of its own, resulting in a surge in bespoke travel products. So, mixing business with a bit of sightseeing truly hit the mark.

2. Virtual and Augmented Reality: Technology played a key role in enhancing the business travel experience. Virtual reality (VR) training sessions and simulations emerged as cost-effective and immersive alternatives to in-person training. Augmented reality (AR) apps assisted travellers with navigation, translations, and cultural information, simplifying their journeys.

3. Sustainability Focus: Environmental concerns became increasingly important for business travelers. Companies prioritised eco-friendly options, such as airlines with carbon offset programs and hotels with sustainable practices. Travellers themselves sought out destinations with responsible tourism policies.

4. Personalisation and Flexibility: Travellers demanded personalised travel experiences tailored to their individual needs and preferences. This led to a rise in flexible booking options, customised itineraries, and mobile travel management tools that empowered travellers to take control of their journeys.

5. Focus on Employee Well-being: Companies recognised the importance of employee well-being during travel. This led to an emphasis on ergonomic workspaces in hotels, healthy meal options, and dedicated wellness facilities, promoting employee health and reducing stress during business trips.

Trends that Faded Away:

1. Frequent Short Business Trips: The trend of taking multiple short business trips throughout the year decreased, with companies opting for longer, more focused trips to reduce travel expenses and environmental impact.

2. Large Conferences and Events: While conferences and event travel has increased, the popularity of massive conferences and events has been replaced with smaller, more purposeful gatherings.

3. Rigid Travel Policies: Inflexibility in travel policies became increasingly impractical as employee expectations for personalised experiences and remote work options grew. Companies adopted more flexible policies to attract and retain talent and accommodate diverse travel needs.

4. Lack of Technology Integration: Although Agile Technology was hailed as a game-changer, not everyone was ready for the pace at which things evolved. Those utilising mobile apps, digital travel platforms, and AI-powered tools gained a significant advantage in efficiency and traveller satisfaction.

As we bid farewell to 2023 and set our sights on 2024, it’s vital to reflect on the year that has passed. Overall, 2023 saw a significant shift in the business travel landscape, with trends emphasising sustainability, personalisation, employee well-being, and the power of technology. Companies that adapt to these evolving trends and prioritise their employees’ needs will be well-positioned for success in the future of business travel.

Rennies BCD Travel remains committed to not just predicting trends but also adapting and evolving as the travel landscape shifts. Strap in; another thrilling journey awaits us this year!