Thursday, December 7, 2023
In a recent survey conducted by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), insights from over 860 global business travel stakeholders reveal emerging trends that are set to reshape corporate travel in 2024. The findings highlight a positive outlook, with nearly three-quarters of respondents expecting an increase or stable travel budget for the coming year.
Despite economic optimism, a key challenge identified is corporate budgets struggling to keep pace with the predicted 8.4% global rise in airfares in 2023, according to the CWT GBTA Global Business Travel Forecast 2024. However, Qatar Airways, the second-largest member of the Oneworld Alliance, stands out as a success story, surpassing pre-pandemic travel volumes.
Mr. Matt Raos, SVP Global Sales at Qatar Airways, emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to travel management in 2024. He identifies three key trends shaping the future of air travel:
Cross-cultural Alliances: As travel patterns evolve, there is a shift in the purpose of business travel. Companies recognize the value of face-to-face interactions for building relationships, especially across cultures. Raos highlights the significance of long-haul, international, and cross-cultural travel for client-facing interactions.
The Fastest Route to New Business: Air connectivity plays a crucial role in a country’s economic growth. Qatar Airways’ rapid expansion of its route network, particularly in the Americas and Africa, proves beneficial for business travel. The airline’s emphasis on new routes not only fosters global connectivity but also contributes to sustainability efforts by reducing emissions on longer routes.
Attracting Top Talent: In the current economic landscape, companies are reevaluating their travel policies with a focus on employee well-being and experiences. Raos notes a shift in the approach to business travel, with some industries, particularly technology, considering travel as an employee benefit. Investing in travel experiences becomes a strategic move to attract and retain top talent.
Lastly, as businesses navigate the evolving landscape of corporate travel, a tailored approach that considers return on investment, employee experiences, and sustainability emerges as a winning strategy. Qatar Airways, with its strategic expansion and commitment to being a reliable business partner, exemplifies the success of such an approach in the post-pandemic era.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
