Good news coming from a new report released by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) and sponsored by Uber for Business, the TNC’s arm that focuses on corporate travelers and meal deliveries. The vast majority of US and Canadian business travelers feel (87 percent) that business travel is “essential” or “helpful” to achieving their business objectives. Further, 39 percent say they travel more compared to 2019, with 29 percent noting that it’s on par with pre-pandemic levels.
The report, The Current State of Business Travel: Business Traveler and Travel Manager Priorities, explores the needs of business travelers and travel managers—where they differ and where they are clearly aligned. Business travelers, according to the report, expressed a desire to travel but want it to be as stress-free as possible with a healthy focus on sustainable options. Managers, on the other hand, state that cost is a priority over sustainability (despite many organizations saying that it is a companywide goal in other recent surveys), but both agree on mitigating stress for the traveler.
GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang
“This report showcases the current state of traveling for business – the insightful findings show the connection between business travelers and business travel managers when it comes to employee travel choices,” said GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang. “The report also uncovers opportunities to improve communication on travel policies such as when it comes to reducing the carbon footprint of travel and cost saving measures to achieve a financially responsible business travel program.
The survey also explored the role of rideshares in travel, with 74 percent of travelers reporting using a rideshare provider at least occasionally and 36 percent using them frequently. Once a leg up for chauffeured transportation providers, the gap of risk management and duty of care seems to be closing as travel managers cite improved data and reporting and cost savings as benefits to using rideshares. It’s important to again note that the survey was sponsored by Uber for Business.
“The last few years have taught the business world that the only true constant is change,” said Global Head of Uber for Business and Business Development Susan Anderson. “At Uber for Business, we believe that this change brings about a spirit of progress. This year, we’re seeing employers become increasingly intentional with their business travel policies and decisions, while more business travelers are prioritizing green choices and rideshare options. We look forward to being a critical partner to companies as they navigate ongoing changes and embrace new opportunities, whether that means reaching corporate sustainability goals or giving their business travelers the best experience possible.”
Data collection for two separate online surveys of US and Canadian travel managers and business travelers took place between May and June 2023, with 147 travel managers and 411 business travelers completing each survey, respectively.
GBTA members can download the complete survey findings at GBTA Member Hub, or a PDF is available on the Uber for Business website.
[08.08.23]