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A survey of 1,000 business travellers has revealed the magic formula for the
perfect business trip: a direct flight, flat bed, in-flight Blackberry, a
friendly face at the airport, language lessons, online booking, e-tickets,
flying alone, an iPod, high-speed Internet access, a power shower, a spa,
crisp, clean cotton sheets, good hotel food and a concierge with contacts at
all the best places. These are the principal ingredients for happy business
travel in the 21st Century.
Over 1,000 business travellers were surveyed for the recent Business
Travel Show London to find out the essential mix for creating the perfect
business trip in 2005. The show’s sister event, Business Travel Expo
Hong Kong
takes place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in 2005.
62 per cent of respondents said a direct flight would make their journey
more enjoyable. 48 per cent craved to see a chauffeur hold up a card with
their name on at their destination airport. 46 per cent said they wouldn’t
be parted from their Blackberry for the world. 43 per cent longed for the
undeniable luxury of a flat bed on their long-haul flights.
Many travellers also believe that the perfect business trip starts well
before they even step on the plane, with 15 per cent saying that language
lessons would seriously improve their travelling experience, and nearly 75
per cent agreeing that the introduction of online booking and e-tickets have
been the most significant developments in business travel over the last
three years.
It seems business travellers are at one with themselves, as a third would
rather go solo than have to share the journey with a colleague and 15 per
cent believe the flight wouldn’t be the same without their beloved iPod.
At the hotel, business travellers are an equally demanding bunch with 28
per cent requiring high-speed Internet access, 24 per cent asking for good
hotel food, 20 per cent dreaming of stretching their legs out in crisp,
clean, cotton sheets, 15 per cent claiming a power shower and a spa would
refresh and relax them while away on business and 52 per cent wanting a
concierge who knows all the best places in town – and can reserve the best
table at the drop of a hat.
“Business travellers spend on average six weeks out of the office and
away from home and these journeys can be tiring, stressful and lonely,”
explained Paul Robin, Group Event Director at Centaur Exhibitions.
“That’s why it’s really important for travel arrangers to plan trips that
are as comfortable and hassle-free as possible with the given budget, in
order to maximise efficiency during working hours while on the business
trip. The Business Travel Expo is designed to help them with exactly that
issue by introducing them to world-leading business suppliers in an
environment where they can talk business and find a better deal.”
The Business Travel Expo will take place at the Hong Kong Exhibition &
Conference Centre from Tuesday 22 March to Wednesday 23 March. |
