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

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.