A study of 580 travel buyers by American Express Global Business Travel showed the top concern is Safety and Security, this overtaking cost control as the number one priority for business travel. Safety was the number two priority for companies in 2013, but has risen 24% in two years.
“Companies should work closely with travel management companies to address their evolving business travel priorities of security, cost control and traveller satisfaction, while introducing technology and innovation,” said Elyes Mrad, MD of EMEA at American Express Global Business Travel.
It also showed 96 % of employers now have safety procedures in place, such as traveller tracking.
With regards to cost control and optimising costs, the study found buyers are more focused on improving processes rather than direct costs. These include: online and expense management tools and more consideration to the nature and purpose of travel before booking trips.
According to the Amex Barometer, the upswing in business travel spending witnessed this year is likely to continue in 2016, with respondents expecting a 1 to 3 % rise in total travel spending over the coming year.
When asked about the aspects which will grow in importance over the coming year, the top four elements cited by respondents were:
Price optimisation – 50%
Security solutions – 41%
Reliability of data – 41%
Quality of overall travel programme management – 40%
Traveller satisfaction is the third top concern for buyers, with 50% now measuring this travel aspect.