While acknowledging the need for face-to-face meetings, business travelers of all ages are embracing the use of virtual technology and other communication tools, according to a study of technology usage among business travelers and travel managers compiled by American Express Business Travel.
“Advancements in video technologies, mobile devises and social media solutions are enhancing collaboration and relationship building through more seamless communication, but the survey showed that they are not replacing business travel travel to the extent that many predicted,” said Christina Degnan Manning, research director, eXpert Insights, American Express Business Travel.
Manning also noted that the use of new technology crosses all generational lines.
“Interestingly, our findings debunk the notion that Generation Y is leading the charge in new technology usage, finding that technology adoption is not age specific,” she said. “The study showed that travelers are willing and ready to use whatever tools and methods meet their personal and corporate objectives regardless of their time or level spent in corporate life.”
Most travel managers and travelers surveyed agreed that new technology communications are now the norm for the majority of internal meetings, particularly those that occur regularly. However, only 22 percent of the respondents said that video conferencing allows them to influence, negotiate and maintain relationships required to conduct revenue generating and client facing activity.
Nearly half of the respondents (48 percent) said that ROI from face-to-face meetings is significantly higher that conducting a meeting via alternative methods.
