Business travel is constantly evolving, and 2023 is shaping up to be a year of significant change in the industry. Here are the top trends to watch out for:
- Virtual meetings on the rise: With the success of virtual meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s expected that many companies will continue to utilize this format even as in-person travel becomes more feasible. Virtual meetings allow for greater flexibility and cost-savings, and they also have a smaller environmental impact.
- Sustainability becoming a top priority: As concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability continue to grow, business travel is facing increased pressure to become more sustainable. This could mean more companies opting for train travel or choosing hotels with environmentally-friendly practices.
- Health and safety protocols: The COVID-19 pandemic has also put a spotlight on the importance of health and safety protocols in business travel. Expect to see an increase in measures such as mandatory mask-wearing, increased cleaning and disinfection, and temperature checks at airports and hotels.
- Changes to loyalty programs: With many people opting to stay closer to home or travel less due to the pandemic, loyalty programs may need to adapt to changing travel patterns. This could mean more options for earning and redeeming points for non-travel related purchases or more flexible redemption policies.
Overall, 2023 is shaping up to be a year of change and innovation in the world of business travel. As the industry adapts to the new normal, these trends will likely continue to shape the way we travel for work.