The National Limousine Association (NLA) show was held in Orlando recently. The event included a fireside chat with Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) CEO Suzanne Neufang, who shared several trends in business travel.
- Business Travel is (Nearly) Back: Neufang shared the organization’s latest data at the conference. Of note: 84 percent of October GBTA survey respondents said their company’s business travel in 2023 has largely or mostly recovered compared to 2019.
- AI is Transforming Ground Transportation: From automated dispatch systems (such as GroundWidgets’ SantaCruz software) that reduce carbon footprint to chatbots (so realistic that clients think they’re human), AI is transforming chauffeured transportation. This results in greater efficiencies and a better customer experience.
- Group Transportation Is Strong: Business travel will continue to come back in 2024, and Neufang reported this will largely be driven by in-person meetings and events. Group transportation will also be very healthy moving forward, as companies realize the importance of in-person meetings to get business done. What’s more, corporate travel budgets will increase next year, with 67 percent of travel buyers reporting an expected increase in budgets.
- Green Travel Is the Future: Sustainability is increasingly top of mind for managed business travel programs. Companies are committing to climate targets. Limo technology companies such as Limo Anywhere easily measure carbon footprint, which is being leveraged across the industry. Meanwhile, the NLA recently announced a new GreenRides initiative to promote and implement environmentally responsible practices across the industry.
- What Matters Most? Risk Management + Wellness: When it comes to business travel, Neufang told attendees there are two lasting components corporations are thinking about: wellness (importance of employees’ state of mind and ease when traveling) and risk management.
For more information, visit www.gbta.org.
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