MCLEAN, Va.
Embassy Suites Hotels announced the results of its fourth annual Business Travel Survey, which reveals the current state of business travel and what business travelers want more of in 2012. This year’s survey indicates that while the current economic climate is still a factor, one-third of respondents report that they’re traveling more than a year ago to have face-to-face meetings with clients.
It also highlights the ways in which travelers are looking to get the most out of their business trips, from the incidence of “business-turned-leisure” trips to hotel value, and underscores the importance of technology on the road.The Embassy Suites’ survey validates that the current economic climate is still affecting business travel, but to a lesser degree than last year. Fewer business travelers cite cut backs on travel due to the economy (32 percent), down nearly 10 percent from 2011 (41 percent). Rather than sacrifice meetings, people are being more frugal on the road by cutting back on meals and other incidental expenses (19 percent) or looking for hotels that are a good value (22 percent).
“Despite all the great technological advances, there is still no substitute for meeting someone in person,” says Cynthia Good, CEO & founding editor of Little PINK Book, a leading digital platform for businesswomen. “Relationship-building is the best way to grow your business; getting to know someone in person and looking them in the eyes makes all the difference.”
