Business travel managers have more cash to splash in 2014

More than three quarters of business travel managers will have increased budgets this year, according to research from the Business Travel Show.

The annual business travel buyer survey has revealed 76 per cent of buyers will have more money to spend in 2014, a four per cent increase on 2013 and a third consecutive rise.

Just under half of the 183 respondents said they are being asked to book more trips, while 76 per cent of airline budgets are expected to remain the same or increase, and 74 per cent of accommodation budgets have noted an increase.

“The survey results are great news for buyers, who have faced intense pressure over the last couple of years to cut costs and stretch budgets,” commented David Chapple, Business Travel Show event director.

“The figures in our survey also support the Global Business Travel Association’s (GBTA) own predictions that the UK business travel industry is heading for very strong growth in 2014 and 2015 and, following a trying few years, western Europe’s major markets should see a bounce back over the next five years.”