What Matters to Business Travelers around the World: A RoomIt Survey

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What Matters to Business Travelers around the World: A RoomIt SurveyThe GBTA Business Travel Sentiment Index, a survey conducted in partnership with RoomIt by CWT, recently revealed the sentiments of consistent business travelers across the globe. Despite the economic challenges faced in some parts of the world, the outlook of business travelers remains positive. The travel experience has the most significant impact on response. Sentiment surrounding trip experiences improved slightly over last quarter overall, growing 0.4 points. For U.S. business travelers, growth was highest, rising 5.7 points.

What’s Impacting Perceptions of the Travel Experience?

Flights were, unsurprisingly, a leading factor in traveler experience, with 54% of travelers experience a mishap while away on travel over the past year. Delayed flights affected 52% of travelers, and 40% experienced a canceled flight. Despite these obstacles and their already action-packed schedules, however, business travelers say they would travel more frequently if given the option, with the vast majority (86%) happy with their overall experience. This seems to be primarily driven by the hotel experience, with traveler satisfaction linked to staying at conveniently located hotels, booking arrangements, the check-in/out process, and payment for travel arrangements.

Key Traveler Considerations

  • Technology

Technology is crucial to traveler satisfaction. In-room internet is relied upon, with 80% travelers spending one-hour per day, and 51% spending at least two hours per day, using it for work. 41% used their own or a company-provided hotspot. Travelers crave not only current technology, such as in-room chargers for mobile devices, ‘smart TVs’ or streaming services, and online/mobile check-in/out services, they are also interested in future technology additions such as smart room controls (temperature, lighting) and occupancy sensors that can save energy. Such technologies keep travelers productive and happier, encouraging more frequent travel.

  • Fitness 
    Some are surprised to find health and wellness a top priority while on the road. For 83% of travelers, proximity to workout facilities or a walkable area plays largely in booking decisions. Half of the travelers note-making time for exercise on most trips, with 23% revealing they work out more while away than at home.

Travel Management Policy Friction

Delivering a positive travel experience lays the foundation for increased compliance in corporate travel policy programs. Amenities such as free breakfast help employees stretch their dining dollars, and travel reward programs employees can use at their own discretion are also a highly coveted travel benefit. Giving travelers more choice in accommodations, locations, and amenities increases savings opportunities for both employer and employee.

About the Survey

2109 survey information was collected online from 2,084 full and part-time business travelers from across the globe who had taken three or more business trips in the past year, including 523 respondents from the U.S., 521 from Europe, 523 from Latin America, and 517 from the Asia-Pacific region. The full report can be downloaded from RoomIt by CWT.

What’s on the mind of your travelers? Ensure an enjoyable, productive trip with the help of the corporate business travel management services of GTI Business Travel today.

Stay Fit When You are Traveling with These Quick Workouts

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Stay Fit When You are Traveling with These Quick WorkoutsMaintaining a regular workout schedule while away for business travel can be tough, even for the disciplined. However, with a little forethought, you can maintain your fitness level, even if the hotel you’ve booked doesn’t have a gym.

No Space? Hotfoot It

If you have minimal time or no space, exploring the local area on foot can offer opportunities for both exercise and sightseeing. If you prefer more of a workout, pack your running shoes, and explore while taking a jog. If you’re not the running type, a brisk walk is also a great form of exercise. Walk through town in your off time, seeing the sights or scheduling an off-the-clock adventure with the help of your business travel planner. If you’re short on time, don’t fret. You can always walk to your destination rather than take the subway or a taxi. If it’s too far, park farther away and walk a few blocks. There are many opportunities to squeeze in your daily exercise routine with a little preplanning and a positive mindset.

Stay Motivated with Online Videos

The best corporate travel companies know Wi-Fi is a must, and you can take advantage of this service at your hotel to stay fit, streaming workout videos. All it takes is a little bit of space and a personal device, and you’ll be on your way to a great workout. This option is excellent for those who are struggling to find the motivation to exercise and who need help to push through, as you’ll be doing less thinking and more moving. New to this genre? There are many free options, from YouTube to Fitness Blender, as well as low-cost subscriptions.

No Equipment? Weight-Free Bodyweight Workout

If you have a small amount of floor space in your room, you can exercise all your major muscle groups with 3 rounds (12 reps) of the following activities:

  • Plank
    • Step it up: Plank jacks
  • Bridge
    • Step it up: 1-leg bridge
  • Squats
    • Step it up: Jump squats
  • Pushups
    • Step it up: 1-leg pushups
  • Crunches
    • Step it up: Star crunches
  • Backward lunge
    • Step it up: Jumping lunges

Squeeze it in with a Short, High-Intensity Workout

If you’re a consistent business traveler and short on time, a high-intensity interval training workout may be just what you’re looking for. Fast and hard, HIIT workouts require you to exert 80% of your maximum effort, which yields a higher caloric burn. Simple exercises, with a focus on endurance, are better here. Skip the advanced maneuvers above, as you’ll burn out just the same. Push yourself for 20 or 30 seconds, alternating with a matching rest interval. Keep your workout in the 4-15 minute range, but do not go beyond to avoid injury.

Don’t sweat business travel. Find enjoyable, affordable solutions with the help of the business travel solutions experts at GTI Business Travel today.