Travel Management Priorities for 2012

Travel Management Priorities for 2012

2012: a shifting landscape requiring strong foundations

Travel managers who have faced market turbulence over the last few years should be steeling themselves for another challenging
year that will underline the importance of an effectively managed travel program.
Global economic recovery may be slower than previously anticipated, according to the International Monetary Fund, which has
revised its forecast for GDP growth down to 4% (stable compared to 2011).1 These global figures hide considerable differences
between countries, however, with weak progress in advanced economies contrasting with double-digit growth in China and
India. Although oil prices may be lower than in previous years and air capacity looks set to rise slightly, higher travel costs can
be expected across regions.
In air travel, international traffic looks set to grow in all regions, especially to and from Asia Pacific. Nevertheless, airlines will
maintain a tight capacity environment, and cuts will continue on domestic routes in the United States. In all markets, buyers will
need to manage ancillary fees and high fuel surcharges, while new credit booking charges and the inclusion of airlines in the
European Union's Emissions Trading Scheme will add to the cost of flights to and from E.U. airports.
Hotel occupancy will continue to pose a challenge in many cities, making last-room availability agreements advisable to secure
rooms for travelers. London in particular will require special attention during the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. Increases are
likely to continue in average daily rates, ranging from negligible to double figures, depending on the city.
Ground transportation should bring some new good news for the travel program, with car rental prices possibly falling in some
markets as consolidation and competition intensify. At the same time, high-speed rail networks will continue developing around
the world, notably in China and some European countries. Buyers will have to watch for higher prices though and progress in
intermodal travel remains slow.
In the meetings and events market, buyers can expect more scope for regional contracts in Europe but less flexibility on
cancellation and contrition fees in North America. Average group size and spend will likely increase in North America but
decrease in Europe, where many organizers will favor national over international destinations. Hybrid events combining physically
present and remote attendees will be more common, and companies will increasingly adopt a more strategic, innovative and
technology-driven approach to M&E management while seeking synergies with the transient travel program.
Finally, 2012 promises to bring improvements to the traveler experience as more dedicated travel management apps come
onto the market and social media are used more commonly to share information relevant to business travel.

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Travel & Events

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