Global business travel spending is expected to surpass pre-Covid levels in 2024, two years sooner than previously predicted, according to the GBTA. As a key driver of financial growth, that’s good news for businesses facing a new set of challenges in a rapidly evolving landscape.

With more and more employees working from home, the need for a better work-life balance has increased, and consequently, so employees want to enjoy the same freedom when travelling. At the same time, businesses have to contend with increased environmental pressures. Add to this the fact that consumerisation continues to spill over into the travel space, and businesses will have a tough time balancing expectations and the bottom line in 2024.

With that in mind, here are the key trends that will affect business travel in 2024, with some useful insights into you how you can manage these to keep all stakeholders happy.

Employee Wellbeing is of Paramount Importance:

Following the move to work-from-home options to keep things going during the global lockdown, workers are reticent to return to the 9 – 5 grind. Maintaining the undeniable quality-of-life benefits during business trips is a much bigger ask than ever before.

The goal is to minimise disruption and create business trips that closely mimic a normal workday for corporate travellers. That requires flexibility and goodwill from companies, and those that are prepared to offer choice, customisation and recovery time will retain and attract quality personnel.

We help by ensuring that your traveller gets the extra legroom they’re after, that the fitness fundies stay at hotels with gyms and that travellers have access to business lounges so that they are comfortable in their space, wherever that may be.

Sustainability as a Core Focus:

Environmental sustainability remains a crucial aspect of business travel, with two-thirds of travel buyers viewing it as very important. The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, coming into effect this year, will demand greater transparency around emissions, necessitating alignment of travel policies with these new standards. Alongside this, business travellers, particularly the younger generations who are more socially conscious, also want transparency with regard to their impact on the environment, suggesting that the adoption of sustainable practices will be key to keeping up with the evolving demands of modern travel.

We suggest taking the following simple steps to manage your sustainable travel goals, and we’re here to help you make it happen:

1. Select eco-friendly accommodation that decreases the negative impact on the environment and improves your sustainability reporting scores. That means choosing hotels or other accommodation with LEED certification, energy-efficient amenities, and sustainable waste management practices,
2. Plan shorter trips for corporate travellers. This helps you beat the budget constraints and reduces the overall carbon footprint associated with travel.
3. Transition to virtual meetings with the assistance of our online experts, guaranteeing both cost savings and a reduced environmental impact while maintaining high-quality collaboration and securing team consensus.
4. Select direct flights whenever feasible, and prioritise airlines recognised for their eco-friendly initiatives and commitment to sustainable practices, including the use of biofuels.
5. Request eco-friendly reporting from your travel manager to compile sustainability reports showcasing your environmentally responsible practices and efficiency achievements.

Continued growth of “Bleisure” Travel:

The ‘bleisure’ travel trend, combining business and leisure, is gaining traction, facilitated by the rise of remote work. The short version is that this translates to helping you discover resort accommodation for travellers who prefer to bring their families along or finding a serene yoga retreat for those seeking a better work-life balance while on the road. All the while seamlessly blending business with leisure.

Hyper-personalisation for Enhanced Travel Experiences:

Customer-centric experiences are being redefined through hyper-personalisation. Really, all this is is the ability to supercharge the customisation of the traveller experience.

Generative AI offers personalised recommendations, simplifies booking, and improves service quality. For example, AI technology can suggest flights that avoid a commuter rush or the dreaded long layovers – catering to individual preferences and ultimately enhancing the overall travel journey.

But true hyper-personalisation in business travel still heavily relies on human understanding. By truly knowing the traveller and what they want, consultants are able to provide hyper-personalised services by fine-tuning preferences; this can range from pre-booking a favourite window seat or special meal on board to reserving a non-smoking room at a hotel that has an impressive gym, reminding travellers to pack your allergy medication or recommending a local restaurant that suits your taste.

In conclusion, success in navigating the tides of change in 2024 means that travel managers and businesses must remain informed and adaptable to manage these evolving trends successfully, ensuring they strike the right balance between efficiency and interpersonal connections to thrive in the evolving landscape.