New research commissioned by the SAP Concur organisation in April/May 2021 revealed a shift in priorities for business travelers amid COVID-19.
The data offers powerful insights for organisations to consider as they continue to think about the evolution of their travel programs, suggesting that employees see travel as essential for both professional and personal reasons. Ninety-six percent (96%) of respondents are willing to travel for business over the next 12 months, including 65 percent who are very willing!
The responding 3,850 business travelers across 25 global markets believe that their career success and fulfillment depend on a return to business travel on a personal level.
Notable highlights include:
But COVID-19 has also altered power dynamics in the workplace. Business travelers will consider their options if employers don’t match their expectations.
Travel flexibility is moving to the forefront for business travelers, while safety is taking a back seat.
Additional findings - including how businesses can address travelers’ requirements to rebuild trust and retain talent - will be released and discussed during the SAP Concur Travel Industry Summit on June 17, 2021.
The survey was conducted by Wakefield Research, a leading independent provider of quantitative, qualitative and hybrid market research, among 3,850 business travelers (defined as those who travelled for business three or more times in the past 24 months, and who work in a role that will likely require them to resume business travel when it is safe to do so) from the following markets: US, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, LAC (Colombia, Chile, Peru, Argentina), UK, France, Germany, ANZ region (Australia, New Zealand), SEA region (Singapore, Malaysia), China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, India, Korea, Italy, Spain, Dubai, Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg), South Africa, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland. The survey took place April-May 2021.
Supported by the Union of International Associations (UIA), the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) and the Interel Group, the global public affairs and association management consultancy, Headquarters Magazines serve the needs of international associations organising worldwide congresses.