Travel budgets increasing, but travel policies get stricter

In a survey by the Business Travel and Meetings Show (BTMS) of 1,400 business travel managers, more than a quarter (27%) said their budgets will be increased for 2010 and 35% of buyers plan to book more trips. However, almost half (44%) will be booking lower class airline tickets and 22% lower quality accommodation.

Four in ten buyers will manage the same number of trips, but one quarter will make fewer bookings. Also, travel policies are likely to get stricter despite larger budgets, say the 81% of respondents.

A third of business travel buyers are booking more trips, and more than a quarter have revealed their budgets are on the up. Around half (46%) of respondents said their budgets would remain stable, while 27% of managers will have less money to spend.

Some 46% also plan to increase their use of video conferencing in 2010.

David Chapple, event director, BTMS, said: “The business travel industry has been through a very bumpy ride over the last 18 months, so these survey results are a much needed glimmer of optimism as we enter a new decade: a sign that things are back on track and we are heading in the right direction.”

“The survey also makes clear is that, while budgets and travel plans are stabilising and in some instances growing, managers are still facing huge pressure from the board room to get more for their money,”